September 25, 2025
Can Dogs Have Chicken Broth?
When your dog turns their nose up at dinner or needs something gentle on their stomach, chicken broth might come to mind. But can dogs have chicken broth? And more importantly, is chicken broth good for dogs?
Let’s break it down simply—because choosing what to feed your dog shouldn't be complicated.
Is Chicken Broth Safe for Dogs?
Yes, dogs can have chicken broth—as long as it’s the right kind.
Plain, unsalted chicken broth made from real, simple ingredients can be a tasty add-on to your dog’s meals. It’s hydrating, flavorful, and easy to digest. For picky eaters or dogs recovering from an upset stomach, it can help stimulate appetite while offering a bit of comfort in every slurp.
But not all broths are created equal.
What to Watch Out For
Here’s the thing: most store-bought broths—especially the ones designed for humans—aren’t made with dogs in mind. That means they can contain:
Onions and garlic: Even in small amounts, these ingredients can be toxic to dogs.
Added salt: Too much sodium can lead to dehydration or even sodium poisoning.
Artificial flavors or preservatives: Just unnecessary for your pup’s plate.
If you're going with store-bought, check the ingredient list closely. Better yet? Serve a commercial wet food infused with broth or make your own chicken broth. It’s surprisingly simple, and you’ll know exactly what’s going into it.
How to Make Dog-Friendly Chicken Broth
To make a safe and tasty broth for your dog, simmer:
Chicken meat (preferably with bones, like a carcass)
Water
Optional dog-safe veggies like carrots or celery
Skip the salt, onions, garlic, and seasoning blends. After simmering for several hours, strain the broth and let it cool. Skim off excess fat, and you’re left with a nourishing liquid that’s easy on the tummy and big on flavor.
How to Feed It
Start small. Pour a spoonful or two over your dog’s regular food and see how they react. You can also serve it on its own in a bowl—but watch their portion sizes, especially for small dogs.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them in silicone molds for easy portioning or a fun enrichment option on a hot summer day.
Benefits of Chicken Broth for Dogs
When made simply and safely, chicken broth can offer a few everyday benefits:
Hydration: Helpful for dogs that don’t drink enough water.
Appetite Boost: A splash of broth over kibble can help entice picky eaters.
Joint Health Support: Broth made with bones offers a source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen that can help maintain healthy joints.
Gentle Nutrition: Bone-based broths can offer trace minerals and amino acids and is gentle on sensitive stomachs
Of course, while broth can be beneficial, it’s not a complete meal on its own. Think of it as a topper or supplement—not a replacement for a balanced dog food.
So, Can Dogs Eat Chicken Broth?
Absolutely—but with care. As with anything new in your dog’s diet, introduce it gradually and keep an eye on how they respond. When done right, chicken broth can be a simple, soothing way to support your dog’s wellbeing and healthy hydration—one spoonful at a time.
Jocelyn Lambie
Junior Nutritionist
Jocelyn received both her MSc in Companion Animal Nutrition and her BScH in Animal Biology, with a minor in nutrition & nutraceutical science from the University of Guelph.
