Can Dogs Drink Chicken Broth? Low-Sodium Options and Benefits

Last updated: April 9, 2026

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Broth? The Short Answer

Yes, dogs can drink chicken broth safely, and many veterinarians actually recommend it as a way to encourage hydration in picky drinkers or recovering pups. However, the type of chicken broth matters enormously. Low-sodium, onion-free, garlic-free broth is the only kind you should offer your dog.

Store-bought chicken broth often contains ingredients that are harmful to dogs, including onion powder, garlic, excessive salt, and preservatives. Before you pour a bowl for your pup, you need to know exactly what to look for on the label and how much is appropriate for your dog’s size.

If you are exploring other safe foods for your dog, check out our guide on whether dogs can eat salmon skin for another protein-rich option.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Broth for Dogs

Chicken broth is more than just flavored water. When made correctly, it contains nutrients that can genuinely support your dog’s health. Understanding these benefits helps you decide when and how to use broth as a dietary supplement.

Bone broth, in particular, is rich in collagen, glycine, and glucosamine. These compounds support joint health, which is especially valuable for older dogs or breeds prone to hip dysplasia. The gelatin that forms when bones simmer for hours also helps coat and soothe the digestive tract.

Here are the key nutritional benefits:

• Hydration support: Broth encourages fluid intake in dogs who are reluctant to drink plain water, especially during illness or after surgery.
• Joint health: Glucosamine and chondroitin from bone-in broth may reduce inflammation and support cartilage.
• Digestive comfort: Gelatin in slow-cooked bone broth can help soothe an irritated stomach lining.
• Appetite stimulation: The aroma and flavor of warm broth can entice dogs who have lost interest in their regular food.
• Mineral content: Small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus leach from the bones during cooking.

That said, chicken broth is not a meal replacement. It is a supplement and a flavor enhancer, not a source of complete nutrition. Your dog still needs a balanced diet with appropriate protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratios.

Dangerous Ingredients to Avoid in Store-Bought Broth

The biggest risk with chicken broth for dogs is not the broth itself but the additives that manufacturers include for human taste preferences. Some of these ingredients are genuinely toxic to dogs.

Onion and garlic: These are the most dangerous ingredients commonly found in commercial chicken broth. Both belong to the allium family, and even small amounts consumed regularly can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Onion powder is especially concentrated and dangerous. Always read the ingredient list carefully, as these are present in most standard broths.

Excessive sodium: Regular chicken broth can contain 800 to 900 milligrams of sodium per cup. Dogs need far less sodium than humans, and excessive salt intake can lead to increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and in extreme cases, sodium ion poisoning. Low-sodium options typically contain 100 to 200 milligrams per cup, which is much safer.

Other additives to watch for:

• MSG (monosodium glutamate)
• Xylitol or other artificial sweeteners (rare in broth but always check)
• Heavy spice blends or pepper
• Wine or cooking sherry
• Preservatives like BHA or BHT

When shopping for your dog, look for broth labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added” and verify that the ingredient list contains no onion, garlic, or seasonings beyond basic herbs like parsley or turmeric, which are safe in small amounts.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth for Dogs

Making your own chicken broth is the safest and most cost-effective option. You control every ingredient, and you can make large batches to freeze for later use. It is surprisingly simple.

Basic Dog-Safe Chicken Broth Recipe

1. Place chicken bones, a whole chicken carcass, or bone-in chicken pieces in a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Cover with water by about two inches.
3. Add one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This helps draw minerals out of the bones.
4. Optionally add dog-safe vegetables like carrots, celery (without leaves), or a small amount of turmeric.
5. Simmer on low heat for 12 to 24 hours for bone broth, or 4 to 6 hours for a lighter broth.
6. Strain out all solids, including bones and vegetables. Cooked bones are dangerous and must never be given to dogs.
7. Let the broth cool completely. Skim off the fat layer that forms on top.
8. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze in ice cube trays for convenient single portions.

Do not add salt, onion, garlic, or heavy seasonings. The plain chicken flavor is exactly what your dog wants and needs. If you are concerned about the risks of cooked bones, rest assured that straining them out completely eliminates any splintering hazard from the broth itself.

Frozen broth cubes are a wonderful treat during warm weather. You can also thaw one cube and pour it over dry kibble to make mealtime more exciting for picky eaters.

Safe Portion Sizes by Dog Weight

Like any food supplement, chicken broth should be given in moderation. Too much broth, even the safe kind, can cause loose stools or add unnecessary calories to your dog’s diet.

Here are general portion guidelines for low-sodium, dog-safe chicken broth:

• Small dogs (under 20 pounds): 1 to 2 tablespoons per day, or one small ice cube of frozen broth.
• Medium dogs (20 to 50 pounds): 2 to 4 tablespoons per day, poured over food or served as a drink.
• Large dogs (50 to 90 pounds): Up to one-quarter cup per day.
• Extra-large dogs (over 90 pounds): Up to one-third cup per day.

When introducing broth for the first time, start with a smaller amount and observe your dog for any digestive upset over the next 24 hours. Most dogs tolerate broth well, but every dog is different.

For dogs recovering from illness or surgery, your veterinarian may recommend larger amounts of broth temporarily to maintain hydration. Always follow your vet’s specific guidance in those situations rather than general portion guidelines.

When Chicken Broth Helps: Practical Uses

Beyond being a tasty treat, chicken broth has several practical applications for dog owners. Knowing when to reach for the broth can make a real difference in your dog’s comfort and recovery.

After surgery or during illness: Dogs recovering from procedures often have reduced appetites. Warm (not hot) chicken broth is gentle on the stomach and provides some nutrition while encouraging fluid intake. Many veterinary hospitals use broth as part of post-operative recovery protocols.

For senior dogs with reduced appetite: Older dogs sometimes lose interest in dry kibble. Pouring a bit of warm broth over their food can reignite their enthusiasm at mealtime. The scent of warm broth is particularly appealing to dogs whose sense of smell may be declining with age.

During hot weather: Frozen broth cubes make excellent cooling treats. They keep your dog hydrated and occupied on hot summer days. You can also mix broth with water and freeze it in a Kong toy for extended enrichment.

For picky eaters: If your dog turns up their nose at a new food, mixing in a tablespoon of chicken broth can make the transition smoother. This is especially helpful when transitioning between kibble brands or moving to a prescription diet.

If you are looking for other ways to enhance your dog’s meals, our article on whether dogs can eat egg yolks covers another nutrient-dense food topper.

Signs of Trouble: What to Watch For

While chicken broth is generally safe, problems can arise if your dog consumes broth with toxic ingredients or drinks too much in one sitting. Knowing the warning signs lets you act quickly.

If your dog drank broth containing onion or garlic, watch for:

• Lethargy or weakness
• Pale gums
• Decreased appetite
• Reddish or brown-tinged urine
• Rapid breathing or elevated heart rate
• Vomiting or diarrhea

These symptoms may not appear immediately. Onion and garlic toxicity can take two to five days to manifest fully. If you suspect your dog consumed broth with allium ingredients, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away, even if your dog seems fine initially.

If your dog had too much low-sodium broth: The most common reaction is loose stools or mild diarrhea. This usually resolves on its own within a day. Withhold broth for a few days and return to smaller portions when you reintroduce it.

If your dog consumed high-sodium broth: Excessive salt intake can cause increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. Provide plenty of fresh water and contact your vet if symptoms are severe or persistent.

What to Do If Your Dog Drank Unsafe Broth

Accidents happen. Maybe a family member shared their soup broth without checking the ingredients, or your dog got into a container on the counter. Here is what to do.

First, check the ingredient list on the broth container. Identify whether it contains onion, garlic, excessive sodium, or any other concerning ingredients. Note how much your dog consumed and your dog’s body weight, as these details help your vet assess the risk.

For small amounts of standard store-bought broth (a few tablespoons), most dogs will be fine. Offer fresh water and monitor for digestive upset over the next 24 hours.

For larger amounts or broth with onion and garlic, call your veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional. Your vet may recommend monitoring at home, blood work to check red blood cell counts, or an in-person examination depending on the amount consumed and your dog’s size.

To prevent future incidents, store broth containers out of your dog’s reach and clearly label any homemade dog broth in your refrigerator so household members know which is safe for your pup. For more guidance on keeping your dog healthy and safe, browse our dog care resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can puppies drink chicken broth?

Yes, puppies over eight weeks old can have small amounts of low-sodium, onion-free chicken broth. Start with just a teaspoon mixed into their food and increase gradually. Puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, so moderation is especially important. Always check with your vet first if your puppy is on a specific diet plan.

Is bone broth better than regular chicken broth for dogs?

Bone broth offers more nutritional benefits because the long simmering time extracts collagen, glucosamine, and minerals from the bones. Regular broth made from meat only has fewer of these joint-supporting compounds. For general hydration and appetite stimulation, either works. For joint health benefits, bone broth simmered for 12 or more hours is the better choice.

Can I give my dog chicken broth every day?

Yes, you can offer dog-safe chicken broth daily as long as you stick to appropriate portion sizes for your dog’s weight. Treat it as a supplement, not a meal replacement. If your dog has kidney disease, heart conditions, or is on a sodium-restricted diet, consult your veterinarian before making broth a daily addition.

How can I tell if store-bought broth is safe for my dog?

Read the ingredient list completely. Safe broth should contain chicken, water, and possibly basic herbs. Reject any broth that lists onion, garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, excessive sodium (over 200 mg per serving), MSG, or artificial preservatives. “Low sodium” and “organic” labels are a good starting point, but always verify the full ingredient list.

Can dogs drink the broth from chicken noodle soup?

No. Canned chicken noodle soup broth almost always contains onion, garlic, high sodium levels, and other seasonings that are unsafe for dogs. Even if you strain out the noodles and vegetables, the broth itself has absorbed those harmful ingredients during cooking. Stick to plain, dog-safe broth instead.