Can Dogs Eat Chicken Broth With Onions?

Because of the aroma and flavor they provide, onions are common ingredients in many different recipes. People use onions in dips, salads, sandwiches, or even as a garnish for snacks. Onions are also very versatile as you can use them baked, boiled, fried, grilled, or roasted. 

Chicken broth is often made by adding a few slices of onions. Aside from the flavor and aroma, onions add moisture to the chicken broth and improve its flavor. And while chicken broth with onions is a tasty meal for humans, you need to think twice before giving any to your dogs. 

Unfortunately, your dogs can’t eat chicken broth with onions. Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a toxic compound that causes a breakdown in your dogs’ red blood cells, leading to anemia. All parts of the onion are toxic to dogs and can cause these symptoms: 

• Diarrhea
• Elevated heart rate
• Excessive salivation
• Lack of coordination
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Signs of abdominal pain 
• Vomiting

What Should You Do When Your Dogs Exhibit These Symptoms?

Once your dogs exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned above, take them to the nearest vet as soon as possible. Your vet will diagnose your dogs’ health condition by checking the symptoms and doing some blood work. The sooner you take your dogs to the vet, the better chances they’ll have in recovering. 

Is There Any Dog-Friendly Chicken Broth?

If you want your dogs to enjoy chicken broth without worrying about their health, prepare one from scratch. This meal is very easy to make and requires ingredients that are usually found in everyone’s kitchen. 

Ingredients

• One whole chicken or 1.5 kilos of chicken bones
• 5.5 liters of water
• 60 ML of apple cider vinegar
• Carrots and turmeric (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients and place everything in a large stovetop pot or slow cooker.
2. Add water and vinegar. Make sure that the liquid covers the bones or chicken. 
3. Leave to boil and simmer for at least 12 hours or until the chicken is soft.
4. Remove the bones or chicken from the broth using a strainer. 
5. Allow the broth to cool down at room temperature or inside the refrigerator. Skim and discard visible layers of fat from the broth. 

What Ingredients Should You Avoid When Cooking Chicken Broth For Your Dogs?

The bodies of dogs and humans are different, so don’t expect that the ingredients you add to your chicken broth are safe for them. Generally, you should avoid the following ingredients when cooking chicken broth for your furry friends:

• All types of powdered seasoning
• Artificial flavoring and coloring 
• Garlic
• Onions

Is Chicken Broth Good For Dogs?

Yes, chicken broth is safe and healthy for your dogs as it provides the following benefits:

Improves Joint Health

Chicken broth is made with cartilage and bones, making it a great source of gelatin and collagen, which can promote joint health in dogs. Adding chicken broth to your dogs’ diets will keep their joints strong even as they age.

Kidney and liver detoxification

The kidney and liver of your dogs are two of the most important organs in their bodies. By giving them chicken broth regularly, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that these organs remain functional. Chicken broth is packed with glycine that can help detoxify the kidneys and livers of your doggos! 

Improves Digestive Health

The glycine content of chicken broth also positively impacts your dogs’ digestive health. Glycine restores your dogs’ intestinal lining and protects them from a leaky gut. 

Boosts Appetite

You can use chicken broth to stimulate the appetite of your dogs. Because of the taste and aroma, adding chicken broth to your dogs’ meals will surely encourage them to start eating again!

How Much Chicken Broth Should You Give To Your Dogs?

It’s recommended to give your dog 30 ML of chicken broth for every 4.5 kilos of weight. You can give them chicken broth up to two servings every day and add it to their daily meals. 

If you’re incorporating chicken broth into your dogs’ diets for the first time, it’s best if you start giving them one serving of the liquid every day and assess if they exhibit any symptoms. If they don’t, you can gradually increase their chicken broth intake. If they do show symptoms, discontinue feeding the broth and take them to the vet immediately. 

Can You Feed Store-Bought Chicken Broth To Your Dogs?

Yes, store-bought chicken broth is harmless for your four-legged friends. Just make sure to read the label and ensure that it doesn’t contain high levels of onions, preservatives, and salt. Organic and non-GMO chicken broths are safer and healthier for your dogs. 

How Can You Serve Chicken Broth To Your Dogs?

Thinking outside the box when it comes to feeding chicken broth to your dogs can make their mealtime more fun and exciting. If you notice your dogs losing appetite, adding chicken broth to their diets might help. 

Here’s how you can serve chicken broth to your furry friends:

Serve The Chicken Broth As Is

Pour a generous amount of chicken broth into your dogs’ bowl. This will increase your dogs’ liquid intake every day, allowing them to stay hydrated. 

Pour The Broth Over Their Kibble

Kibble is already delicious on its own, but do you know that adding chicken broth can improve its taste? Another way to serve chicken broth to your dogs is by pouring it over their kibble. This is a common technique dog owners use, especially for picky eaters. 

Additionally, adding chicken broth into your dogs’ kibble will soften the food, making it easier for your pets to eat and chew them. This will prevent choking hazards or blockages in their intestines. 

Give Your Dogs Chicken Broth Popsicles

Pour some chicken broth into your ice cubes and freeze it overnight. Giving your dogs chicken broth popsicles will keep them cool, especially during humid summer days. 

Make A Chicken Broth Slushie

You can also make some slushies from the frozen chicken broth. Simply blend a few frozen chicken broth cubes until it achieves a slushie consistency. This is a healthy and tasty treat for dogs of all ages! 

How Should You Store Excess Chicken Broth?

If you prepared too much chicken broth and would want to save it for the next few days, make sure to store it properly. Improper food storage can cause bacteria and mold growth, which can adversely affect the health of your dogs.

One of the best ways to store excess chicken broth is to freeze it. You can pour the chicken broth in ice cube trays, zip lock bags, glass jars, or plastic containers and then put it in your freezer. This will extend the lifespan of the chicken broth for up to six months. 

Consult A Vet First

Before adding any type of chicken broth to your dogs’ diet, it’s best to talk to your vet first. This is especially important if your dogs have existing medical conditions or food sensitivities. 

By talking to the vet early, you’ll know what you should and shouldn’t do when feeding chicken broth to your furry friends. This will ensure that you can properly and safely incorporate the food (if allowed) into their diets.