Chicken noodle soup can be a healthy and nutritious meal for dogs when prepared properly. There are some important things to keep in mind when feeding chicken noodle soup to dogs to ensure it is safe and beneficial for them.
Is Chicken Noodle Soup Safe for Dogs?
Plain chicken noodle soup without onions, garlic, or excessive salt is generally safe for dogs to eat. However, there are some precautions to take:
- Avoid soups with onion or garlic powder – these contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs
- Low sodium or no-salt added varieties are best to limit sodium intake
- Do not add extra salt, soy sauce, or other seasonings high in sodium
- Remove cooked bones or skin which can present a choking hazard
- Avoid soups with chives, leeks, or scallions as these are part of the onion family
When in doubt, it is best to stick to plain chicken and noodle or broth with no additional seasonings. Homemade soup where you control the ingredients is ideal.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup offers several beneficial nutrients for dogs including:
- Protein – from the chicken which provides amino acids for muscle, organ, and immune system health
- Vitamins and minerals – chicken contains vitamins A, B, E, and K as well as iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc
- Water content – provides hydration, which is especially helpful if your dog is sick
- Electrolytes – the sodium in chicken broth helps maintain fluid balance
- Carbohydrates – from the noodles which provide energy
This nutrient profile makes chicken noodle soup a well-rounded light meal or supplement, not just an occasional treat.
Potential Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup for Dogs
Here are some of the main ways chicken noodle soup may benefit your canine companion:
Supports digestive health
The broth is easy to digest and contains gelatin which may coat and soothe the stomach lining. The noodles provide carbohydrates for energy. This makes chicken noodle soup a great option if your dog has an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Hydration
The high water content in chicken noodle soup can help dogs stay hydrated. This is especially helpful if your dog is sick, recovering from surgery, or is a finicky drinker.
Supports immune system
Chicken soup may help reduce inflammation associated with illnesses like respiratory infections or kennel cough. Some studies show it may have similar effects as over-the-counter cold medicines for humans.
Appetite stimulation
The aroma and savory flavor of chicken noodle soup may entice picky eaters or dogs who have lost their appetite due to illness. The mild flavors and broth are often more palatable than plain chicken or other bland foods recommended for nausea.
Nutrient absorption
The broth and gelatin in chicken noodle soup contain compounds that support the mucous membranes in the digestive tract. This may improve nutrient absorption in dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
Supplemental nutrition
Chicken noodle soup can provide protein, vitamins, and minerals to supplement commercial dog food if your pet needs additional nutrition after an illness or surgery.
How to Prepare Chicken Noodle Soup for Dogs
When making homemade chicken noodle soup for dogs, follow these tips:
- Use chicken broth or make broth using boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Choose egg noodles or rice noodles instead of pasta
- Add carrots, celery, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or spinach for vitamins
- Avoid onions, garlic, leeks, chives, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and other seasonings
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or reduce sodium by rinsing canned beans or pasta
- Remove chicken bones, skin, and excess fat before serving
- Let the soup cool before serving to your dog
If using canned or store-bought soups, select low-sodium varieties with minimal ingredients. Reduce sodium content by rinsing the noodles and chicken before mixing them back into the broth.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Dogs
This simple recipe is healthy, safe, and flavorful for dogs:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice noodles
- 1⁄4 cup pumpkin puree
Instructions:
- In a pot, add chicken thighs and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove cooked chicken thighs from the broth. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
- Add carrots and noodles to the broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Add shredded chicken and pumpkin puree back into the pot. Heat through.
- Let cool to a safe temperature before serving to your dog. Refrigerate leftovers.
How Much Chicken Noodle Soup Should Dogs Eat?
For a supplemental meal, the following serving sizes of chicken noodle soup are appropriate for dogs:
| Dog Weight | Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 10 lbs | 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup |
| 10 – 25 lbs | 1⁄2 to 1 cup |
| 25 – 50 lbs | 1 to 2 cups |
| Over 50 lbs | 2 to 3 cups |
This soup can be served on its own or poured over your dog’s regular food if they need extra hydration or nutrition. For healthy dogs, limit chicken noodle soup meals to no more than 1-2 times per week.
Precautions When Feeding Dogs Chicken Noodle Soup
While chicken noodle soup can be safe and even beneficial for dogs, there are some precautions to take:
- Avoid overfeeding as too much sodium can cause bloating
- Don’t rely on it as a sole meal replacement for more than 1-2 days
- Introduce new ingredients slowly to check for allergies
- Monitor your dog’s reaction and digestive symptoms
- Consult your vet if your dog has kidney disease, heart disease, or fluid retention issues before feeding high-sodium foods
It’s also important to note that chicken noodle soup should never be given to puppies without first consulting your veterinarian. Puppies have different nutritional needs for growth and development.
Signs Chicken Noodle Soup May Not Be Safe for Your Dog
Stop feeding chicken noodle soup immediately if your dog experiences any of these symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
- Increased thirst or urination
- Skin reactions like itchiness or hives
These could indicate an allergy, intolerance or toxicity to an ingredient in the soup. Seek veterinary advice if adverse reactions continue beyond 24 hours after stopping the soup.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup can provide hydration, supplemental nutrition, and comfort to dogs when prepared properly without onions, garlic, or excessive sodium. It offers protein, vitamins and minerals from chicken, along with electrolytes from the broth. Homemade soup is ideal so you can control the ingredients. Chicken noodle soup may benefit dogs with stomach upsets, poor appetite, respiratory issues, or those recovering from illness. Follow serving guidelines based on your dog’s weight and monitor for any adverse reactions. Check with your veterinarian first if your dog has any health conditions. With proper precautions, chicken noodle soup can be a nutritious and soothing food for dogs.
