Can Dogs Have Chicken Broth? 3 Benefits of Broth for Dogs

Dogs can have chicken broth as long as it’s a low-sodium broth free of harmful ingredients. Some common broth additives, such as garlic and onions, are toxic to canines. When adding chicken broth to your dog’s diet, select a natural, human-grade broth free of chemical ingredients, preservatives, artificial dyes, onion, and garlic. You can add chicken broth to your dog’s meals as a kibble topper to make dry food more appetizing for picky eaters, but do not add the broth to your dog’s food if they’re allergic to chicken.

Since chicken broth contains various nutrients, it offers several health benefits for canines. Chicken broth:

1. 1. Boosts immune health: Chicken broth is full of vitamins that support your dog’s immune system. It contains healthy minerals and amino acids, including calcium, gelatin, silicon, magnesium, and phosphorus. Adding chicken broth to your dog’s diet is also a great way to boost hydration.
2. 2. Promotes healthy gastrointestinal function: The glycine in chicken broth supports healthy gut function by assisting the digestive system. Since chicken broth is also detoxifying, it soothes an upset stomach, relieving symptoms associated with constipation and diarrhea.
3. 3. Supports joint health: Chicken broth contains collagen, an essential protein for connective tissue health. Collagen plays a key role in supporting a dog's joint health.

Pet owners should consider the health risks associated with chicken stock before adding it to their dog’s diet. The main dangers result from added ingredients and preservatives, which can cause adverse side effects. Too much chicken broth can disrupt your dog’s digestive system, so gradually introduce the broth into your dog’s diet.

Homemade chicken broth is a nutritious treat for your pet. Cooking your own broth ensures the mixture is free of harmful ingredients. Follow these steps to make chicken bone broth:

1. 1. Use chicken bones from unseasoned chicken. Chicken prepared without seasonings is best since too much salt or pepper is not good for your dog’s body. You can use bones from a roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken to make homemade broth. Prepare the bones by removing the meat and skin.
2. 2. Boil the bones. Fill a large pot with water and set it on the stove. Add three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, which draws out the nutrients from the bones. Once the water boils, add in the chicken bones. While you should not add any seasonings to the broth, you can add dog-friendly vegetables for flavor and nutrition, such as carrots and celery. After one hour, turn off the heat and transfer the broth to a slow cooker to let the bones simmer for twelve to twenty-four hours.
3. 3. Refrigerate the broth and remove the fat. Using a colander, strain the broth to remove the bones. Cover the broth and let it cool in the refrigerator for twelve hours. It’s essential to allow the broth to cool so the excess fat floats to the top. Remove the layer of fat with a spoon to make a healthy, low-fat broth for your dog.
4. 4. Check for bone splinters. Strain the broth one more time to remove any small pieces of bone that may have splintered off the main carcass. Tiny bone splinters can damage your dog’s throat and digestive tract.
5. 5. Portion according to your dog’s size. You can feed your dog chicken broth directly or over their dry food. As a standard serving, dogs can consume one ounce of bone broth for every ten pounds of body weight. You can also pour the chicken stock into ice cube trays to freeze the mixture into dog treats.

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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