Limited

Can dogs eat chicken broth?

Dogs can have a small amount of plain unsalted chicken broth with no onion or garlic. Most store cartons and bouillon cubes are too salty and seasoned—homemade strained broth from plain chicken is the only share worth considering.

Not medical advice — general pet-safety info only. Confirm with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.

Updated Aug 8, 2026 Category Nutrition

Alternatives to chicken broth for dogs

Carton broth is often over-seasoned. These chicken options stay predictable.

Chicken dog treats

Chicken treats deliver flavor without guessing broth labels.

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Low-sodium dog treats

Low-salt treats match dogs that need careful sodium.

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Chicken jerky dog treats

Jerky treats cover savory rewards without liquid salt.

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How much is okay?

Use broth as a light meal topper, not a soup bowl.

Small under 20 lb
1–2 teaspoons
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.
Medium 20–50 lb
1–2 tablespoons
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.
Large 50+ lb
2–3 tablespoons max
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.

Rule of thumb: treats of all kinds should stay under ~10% of daily calories.

How to prepare them

  • Simmer plain chicken in water only; strain fat if needed.
  • Read labels—avoid onion, garlic, yeast extract, and high sodium.
  • Skip bone broth with unknown seasonings unless vet-approved.

Risks & exceptions

  • Onion or garlic in broth is toxic, not just flavorful.
  • Sodium loads from cubes and cartons stress kidneys.
  • Hot broth can burn mouths—cool before serving.

Plain low-sodium broth is a small topper; seasoned soup bases are a skip.

If they ate too many

A larger portion or the wrong preparation is most likely to cause trouble.

  • Soft stool if too much fat floats on top
  • Increased thirst after salty store broth

Call your vet / pet poison line if:

  • Vomiting after garlicky broth
  • Weakness days after onion-heavy soup share

FAQ

Can dogs eat bone broth?

Only if you confirm no onion, garlic, or excessive salt.

Are broth cubes okay?

Most are far too salty—plain homemade is safer.

Can puppies have chicken broth?

Tiny plain amounts may help picky eaters if your vet agrees.

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from product links. Safety guidance is editorial and may change — verify with your veterinarian for your dog.