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Can Dogs Eat Soup? 4 Ingredients in Soup That Can Harm Dogs

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 1, 2022 • 2 min read

Dogs can eat soup if it is homemade and free of harmful seasonings or added sodium. Canned soups and dry soup mixes are dangerous for dogs, but homemade soups can have health benefits as a source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Learn more about which kinds of soup you can serve your dog and which to avoid.

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Can Dogs Eat Soup?

Dogs can eat homemade soup made with canine-safe ingredients. You should never give your dog premade soups or canned soups as these contain large amounts of sodium and fats that are dangerous for all dog breeds. While homemade soup can be an occasional treat in a balanced diet, your pet should get most of its nutrients from dog food or kibble.

Types of Soup That Dogs Can Eat

You should only feed your dog homemade soups made with pet-safe, organic ingredients. For example, you can make a simple homemade chicken noodle soup with unseasoned cooked chicken meat, egg noodles, carrots, and water—do not add salt or other hazardous ingredients like garlic, chives, or onions. You can also make a simple vegetable soup with sweet potatoes and green beans or a homemade mushroom soup with dog-friendly ingredients.

Types of Soup That Dogs Should Avoid

Dog owners should never feed their pets canned soups or soups made from dry mixes. Most premade soups contain excessive amounts of sodium and preservatives, which are bad for your dog’s health. They may also contain toxic ingredients like chives, onion, or garlic.

4 Ingredients in Soup That Can Harm Dogs

There are many ingredients in premade soups that can be dangerous for your dog. Canned soups can contain:

  1. 1. Dangerous additives: Many varieties of soups contain preservatives and seasonings that lead to an upset stomach in dogs. Ingredients like garlic or onion powder are toxic to dogs; eating these foods can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia, a potentially life-threatening condition.
  2. 2. Fats: The high amount of fat in many soups can result in weight gain and obesity. Too much fat can also lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
  3. 3. MSG: Also known as monosodium glutamate, MSG can damage your dog’s liver and kidneys. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures.
  4. 4. Sodium: Canned soups are full of added salt. Too much salt in your dog’s diet can lead to sodium toxicity with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Before Sharing With Your Pooch

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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