Recently Barli had a bout of giardia so he spent a couple of days on a bland chicken and rice diet. To make it a little more flavorful, I used homemade chicken broth when cooking the rice–and even had enough left over to create some frozen treats for when he started feeling better a couple of days later.
Homemade chicken broth is super easy to make–and a better choice for your dog than commercial chicken broth, which often contains onion, of course a no-no for dogs.
How to Use Homemade Chicken Broth for Your Dog
You’ll find many ways to use the homemade chicken broth in your dog’s meals including as a way to soften dry food, a “gravy” over your dog’s normal meal, or frozen in a Kong.
Homemade chicken broth is also an excellent addition to chicken and rice, a dish recommended by many veterinarians when your dog is having tummy troubles.
How to Store Homemade Chicken Broth
Homemade chicken broth can be stored in your refrigerator for three or four days but if you have extra broth, ice trays are a handy way to freeze homemade chicken broth.
Once frozen, store cubes in zippered plastic bags for easy use in future recipes–or even as a quick frozen treat by themselves.
Can’t Make Homemade?
Don’t have time for homemade? You can purchase chicken broth for your dog at the store–but take the time to read the label!
Look for preferably unsalted or at least low sodium broth–and don’t buy any broth that contains onions or garlic.
Easy Recipe to Make Your Own Broth
Homemade Chicken Broth for Your Dog
Ingredients
- One 3-pound chicken
- Water
Instructions
- Place chicken in a large stockpot and cover with three inches of water.
- Bring to a boil then simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove chicken from the water and reserve for another recipe.
- Discard all cooked chicken bones because cooked bones are a splintering and choking hazard for dogs.
- Refrigerate broth to skim off fat before freezing.
KRISHNENDU BANERJEE says
Thank you for the recipe… quick question.. can this chicken broth be used to boil rice instead of water?
RANCHLADY6 says
I cook rice in broth. (Usually half broth and half water). My dog loves it. She won’t touch rice if it’s made in water only.
Julie Sutherland says
What to do with the fat once skimmed off
RANCHLADY6 says
Discard fat on top OR heat back up and stir in broth. I think the fat is good for their skin and coat. Dogs love it.
Nadia says
Can I give my dog too much chicken broth. Like once a day??? And how is beef broth??
Chika says
How long can i keep chicken.broth in refrigerator (not freezer)?
Paris Permenter & John Bigley says
Hi Chika, I generally only keep meat products about four days in the refrigerator! Paris
Alfred Audry says
WILL chicken broth aid in stopping my dog from scooting?
My dog has been to the Vet two times in the last two weeks. And he is still scooting (and the Vet has charged me for each visit)…
SOMEONE SAID THEY READY THIS ON LINE. I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO LOCAT THE ARTICLE??
Paris Permenter & John Bigley says
No, I think you first need to figure out why your dog is scooting…if it’s an irritation, an allergy, etc. You can then address that problem to help with the scooting. Here’s a veterinary article on why dogs scoot: https://www.noblesvillevetclinic.com/blog/108091-why-does-my-dog-scoot
Marietha says
Do I put any spice or salt in the broth
Kimber Lewis says
NO NO. don’t add salt, onion or garlic. IT’S Not good for our fur babies.
carol painter says
my dog hasnt eaten for days , been back and forth to the vet, still cant get her to eat , im thinking of making a broth , can i make it with chicken breast
Sam S says
I have the same question.. I’m going with an educated guess as chicken is chicken generally…not including unnatural raising of meat, of course.
Yes! I will use any chicken: Breast or leg, whole or thigh.. as long as it is broth only.
Kimber Lewis says
Boiled chicken and rice will do perfect and just boil the rice in the chicken water. You want your pooch get some food in tummy and this is easy on their tummy. And just sure pooch has fresh water
SCLondon says
Broth or stock is best made with bones and joints / connective tissue. I know it sounds unappealing, but the connective tissue is where more of the nutrients come from that make it silky and nutritious. Try sticking a load of chicken wings or feet into a crockpot with a half cup white vinegar and water to cover the whole lot – boil for 12-24 hours for best results (though it can be a lot less if you don’t have time). Then strain the liquid off. It will smell so good, you will want to try it yourself!
Wakko says
Do you serve the chicken broth cold or do you mildly warm it up for the dog?
How much is too much chicken broth for a dog to have daily?
Kimber Lewis says
1/4 cup is allowed. Make sure u stained the broth, you don’t want bones. Serve room tempt is fine.
*** I only reply to questions fir ones that I experienced myself and have paid those costs and no what to do. Not making any of this up. Just trying to get fur baby better without u having to pay a vet bill. If not eating that firt day please go see your vet or call and they will tell u if pooch need a visit.
Mick Elliott says
The majority of the bones that are left over can be used and not discarded, simply put them in a blender with some water or stock and blitz them this makes a nice liquid to put on your dogs food.
SCLondon says
Thanks for sharing! My dogs love chicken broth – I make it with bones or chicken carcasses. I find that the more cartilage/tendons/joints the better the broth. Chicken wings and chicken feet would be perfect. I stick it all in the slow cooker, with half a cup of white vinegar and leave it for 24 hours – then strain the liquid from the bones. It turns to a jelly in the fridge and my dogs go nuts for their food when it is spooned over the top.
SCLondon says
Should have said – half a cup of white vinegar AND enough water to cover the whole lot!