Can Dogs Have Chicken Noodle Soup? Homemade vs Store-Bought

If you’ve ever asked yourself if your dog can eat chicken noodle soup, you’re not alone. While dogs can eat homemade chicken noodle soup, it should be free of ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onion, and high levels of salt.

However, it’s best to make a homemade version with your dog in mind and go light on the seasoning, as store-bought versions tend to be high in salt and other harmful ingredients.

We will be diving into studies, veterinary nutrition recommendations, and the nutritional makeup of the ingredients in chicken noodle soup to find out if and how dogs can eat it. In doing so, we hope to find out what a healthy, balanced diet looks like for our dogs, and we will give you the information you need to make the healthiest dietary choices for your pet.

Evaluating the Nutritional Content of Chicken Noodle Soup for Dogs

While chicken noodle soup is a staple in many homes, it’s important to break down the nutritional value of its ingredients when it comes to feeding your dog. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is important for muscle growth and energy. The American Kennel Club notes that cooked, plain chicken is a good option because it contains essential proteins and is low in fat.

Noodles, especially those made from whole grains, are a great source of carbohydrates that can provide dogs with a slow, steady source of energy. Whole grain wheat pasta is a low-glycemic, high-fiber option that is good for active dogs or dogs with diabetes, according to a Canine Nutritionist.

Vegetables like carrots, which the American Kennel Club recommends, are a source of vitamins and fiber for dogs. However, they should be given in moderation to avoid choking and to ensure that a dog’s diet remains well-rounded.

That said, it’s important to remember that while chicken noodle soup can have some positive nutritional value, it should not be the main part of a dog’s diet. The nutritional content of chicken noodle soup is not complete and can lead to deficiencies if a dog’s diet isn’t well-rounded.

Risks of Common Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients for Dogs

While chicken noodle soup is a go-to for people who are feeling under the weather, some of the ingredients can be risky for dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals warns that onions and garlic, both of which are part of the allium family, are poisonous to dogs and can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, which can lead to anemia and even kidney failure.

Meanwhile, the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists points out that many store-bought soups are packed with salt, which can cause salt toxicosis or hypernatremia, which can lead to vomiting, seizures, and dehydration.

In addition, some dogs are sensitive to gluten or specific proteins in wheat, which can cause an allergic reaction to wheat-based noodles. According to Bond Vet, food allergies, which make up just 10% of all dog allergies, can cause skin problems and digestive issues. On top of that, it’s important to steer clear of chicken bones, which can be found in some soups, because they can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.

If you’re making chicken noodle soup for your dog, make sure to use a recipe that doesn’t include any of these dangerous ingredients. Stick to unseasoned, boneless chicken, and consider using noodles that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in your dog. And, as always, make sure to talk to your vet before you add anything new to your dog’s diet to make sure it’s safe for them.

Nutritional Requirements and Chicken Noodle Soup

Balancing a dog’s diet to make sure they get all the nutrients they need involves knowing what the essential nutrients are that help maintain their overall health. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, a balanced dog diet should consist of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water.

Chicken noodle soup can help meet some of these needs. The lean protein in chicken helps build and repair muscles and provides energy, while the carbohydrates in noodles provide energy, especially if you use whole grains.

That said, chicken noodle soup should not be the primary source of food for your dog. The Canine Welfare Science Center at Purdue University notes that the right balance of nutrients is important for preventing diseases and ensuring proper growth.

While chicken noodle soup can be a nice supplement, it does not contain all the vitamins and minerals dogs need. It’s also important to take a dog’s life stage and activity level into account, as puppies and active dogs have different nutritional needs than senior or less active dogs.

Make sure to check with your vet to see if chicken noodle soup can be part of your dog’s diet based on their specific nutritional needs before you start feeding it to them. Make sure to feed it in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet, and make sure to choose ingredients that will help maintain the nutritional value of the soup while minimizing potential downsides.

Making Dog-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup at Home

Make your dog a homemade chicken noodle soup that’s healthy and safe. Start with a basic recipe that includes low-sodium chicken broth and plain cooked chicken, but be sure to remove all bones to avoid a choking hazard. Add dog-safe vegetables like carrots to give the soup an extra nutritional boost.

When choosing ingredients, make sure to pick items that are safe for dogs. As Can I Give My Dog points out, this means staying away from onions and garlic, which can cause anemia. It’s also important to avoid high-sodium broth and MSG, which are often found in store-bought soups.

Cook the ingredients until they’re soft but not overcooked to ensure they retain their nutritional value. It’s also important to watch portion sizes and only give your dog a little bit of soup at a time in addition to their regular meals. You can also adjust the thickness and ingredient amounts based on your dog’s size and dietary needs.

Keep in mind that while this soup can help with hydration and nutrition, it should be a supplement to your dog’s regular meals. It can be a great way to help hydrate and comfort your dog when they’re sick.

Adding Variety to Your Dog’s Diet With Healthy Human Foods

While chicken noodle soup can be adjusted to fit your dog’s dietary needs, there are other human foods that are safe for dogs that you can add to their diet to give them more variety.

The American Kennel Club lists carrots as a healthy option that can help with dental health and provide important vitamins like vitamin A and potassium. However, as with any new food, make sure to introduce them slowly and in small amounts to make sure your dog doesn’t have an adverse reaction.

To make sure your dog’s diet is well-rounded and meets all of their nutritional requirements, you can also add other vegetables like cucumbers and green beans, which are safe and healthy for dogs. The AKC says that these veggies can be used as treats and are a great way to add fiber and vitamins to your dog’s diet.

If you decide to use these options to replace or supplement chicken noodle soup, make sure to wash or peel any new ingredients as needed to remove any pesticides. This will not only help you add variety to your dog’s diet in terms of different tastes and textures, but it will also ensure that you’re meeting their nutritional needs in a way that they’ll find enjoyable and interesting.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Noodle Soup?

In summary, the safety of chicken noodle soup for dogs depends on how it is made and what ingredients are used. As recommended by Can I Give My Dog, homemade soup that is low in sodium and does not contain onions, garlic, or MSG is better than store-bought soup.

The chicken in the soup can provide lean protein as long as it is cooked without any harmful seasonings or flavorings, and some of the vegetables in the soup can provide vitamins and fiber that are good for dogs.

That said, VCA Animal Hospitals points out that a healthy dog diet is well-rounded and includes a variety of nutrients that are not found in chicken noodle soup.

It is important for dog owners to be mindful of their dog’s diet and to make sure that any human food, including chicken noodle soup, is given in addition to a nutritionally complete dog food.

It is also important to remember that everything should be given in moderation, and pet owners are encouraged to work with their veterinarians to create a diet that is tailored to their dog’s individual health, age, and lifestyle.