Can Dogs Eat Chicken Noodle Soup? Is It Dog-Friendly?

Everybody loves a nice bowl of chicken noodle soup to keep them cozy on cold nights or as a remedy for flu.

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If you’re a dog parent, you probably love to give your fido a taste of your chicken noodle soup from time to time, but is it always safe?

So, can dogs eat chicken noodle soup?

Yes.

Dogs can eat chicken noodle soup in moderation if it’s homemade and without toxic ingredients.

This is because processed ones contain sodium and monosodium glutamate (MSG) additives that are dangerous for dogs.

This article will discuss all things chicken noodle soup and dogs.

It will also explain some of the ingredients that make it unsafe for your pup and the signs to look out for.

Is chicken noodle soup bad for your dog?

Canned chicken noodle soup can be bad for your dog as it is highly processed and contains preservatives to maintain its shelf life.

It also contains ingredients, seasonings, and spices such as salt, garlic, and onion powder, which are dangerous for canine consumption.

However, if you feed your dog homemade plain chicken soup, it should be safe for your dog to eat.

Ensure that your dog is not allergic to wheat or gluten before feeding him chicken noodle soup.

Is chicken noodle soup healthy for dogs?

Homemade chicken noodle soup without the toxic ingredients may be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet.

However, canned chicken noodle soup may be a health hazard for your dog because it contains harmful ingredients.

Here are some of the ingredients that make canned chicken noodle soup unsafe for your dog:

Wheat or gluten

The egg noodles in canned chicken noodle soup may contain semolina wheat, wheat flour, and egg, which may not be safe for dogs with gluten or wheat allergies.

If your dog is allergic to wheat or has a gluten intolerance, feeding them canned chicken noodle soup may trigger an allergic reaction.

They may experience diarrhea, itchy skin and paws, dull coat, and inflamed intestines.

Salt

Canned chicken noodle soup contains excess salt, which may be dangerous for your dog.

If your dog overeats canned chicken noodle soup, it may be at risk of salt poisoning.

The signs and symptoms of salt poisoning include dehydration, difficulty in urination, high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, upset stomach, and convulsions.

Excess salt can further lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or kidney problems.

Be sure to provide plenty of water to ensure your dog stays hydrated.

If you suspect your dog has salt poisoning, rush him to the vet immediately as he may require urgent medical attention.

Onion and garlic seasoning

Store-bought chicken noodle soup may contain onion or garlic powder to enhance its flavor.

Onion and garlic in whichever form, including raw, fresh, dried, powdered or cooked, are highly poisonous for dogs.

This is because they can adversely impact your dog’s red blood cells, overwhelming their antioxidant properties.

Some of the symptoms of onion and garlic toxicity include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Fainting
Reddish urine
Loss of appetite
Muscle weakness
Pale or blue gums
Panting
Increased heart rate

If you suspect your dog has garlic or onion toxicity, call your vet immediately for further instructions.

MSG, also known as monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer and preservative for canned foods, including canned chicken noodle soup.

MSG over stimulates the neurological system altering your dog’s nervous system.

Similarly, it is also toxic to your dog’s kidneys, liver, and thymus, causing severe effects on these organs over time.

MSG can also cause seizures in your dog, which may show symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and twitching.

Prolonged exposure to MSG can further lead to obesity, inflammation, dysplasia, and diabetes in your dog.

General signs of MSG poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, and lethargy.

If you see such symptoms in your dog after ingesting canned chicken noodle soup, immediately take him to the vet.

Flavoring

Some ingredients that add flavor to the chicken noodle soup, including stock cubes or stock liquids, can be dangerous for your dog.

This is because they have a high sodium content and may also contain garlic and onion powders which are highly toxic for dogs.

Is chicken noodle soup good for dogs?

Homemade chicken noodle soup, when offered in moderation, is fine for your dog.

This ensures that you control the ingredients in the chicken noodle soup.

If your dog is sick and with a poor appetite, chicken noodle soup is one of the perfect ways to get your dog to eat while keeping him hydrated.

If your dog is allergic to wheat or gluten, you can replace the egg noodles with white rice, butternut squash noodles, or well-done chickpeas to avoid triggering an allergic reaction.

Avoid adding any salt or seasonings to the broth to make it safe for your dog to consume.

Is chicken noodle soup good for sick dogs?

Plain homemade chicken noodle soup is the safest way to ensure your sick dog gets something in their tummy, especially if he has a poor appetite.

It also keeps your dog hydrated until its system adjusts.

How much chicken noodle soup can my dog eat?

The quantity of chicken noodle soup to offer your dog depends on its size and age.

For example, an older dog can eat more homemade chicken noodle soup as it is an excellent source of nutrients that are easy to eat and digest.

However, chicken noodle soup should not form a staple of your dog’s diet. Instead, it should be an extra treat.

A well-balanced meal for your dog should not have more than ⅓ of it in liquid form.

Can a pregnant dog eat chicken noodle soup?

Yes.

You can offer your pregnant dog homemade chicken noodle soup in moderation.

However, you should make sure all the chunky ingredients are chopped up into sizable pieces as they may be more challenging for your dog to digest.

Chicken noodle soup contains essential fatty acids and proteins that help build and repair healthy muscle, bone, skin, and blood cells.

All of which are vital for your pregnant dog.

It’s advisable to feed your dog chicken noodle soup in moderation as too much of it can lead to weight gain, resulting in obesity.

In summary

Homemade chicken noodle soup can be beneficial to your dog, and if tolerated (without causing stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting), should be okay but not as a mainstay diet.

However, as a precaution, you should consult with your vet first before including chicken noodle soup in your dog’s diet.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

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