Chicken Soup for Dogs: Because Your Pup Deserves Gourmet Comfort Food

So, you want to make homemade chicken soup for your dog? Good call. Store-bought dog food is fine and all, but let’s be honest—have you ever smelled it? Yeah, exactly.

Dogs deserve a little homemade love, too. Plus, making your own dog-friendly chicken soup means you control what goes into it.

No weird preservatives, no mystery ingredients—just wholesome, tail-wagging goodness.

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Why Make Chicken Soup for Your Dog?

Because dogs are family—duh. And just like us, they appreciate a warm, comforting meal every now and then.

Not convinced? Here’s why you should absolutely make this for your four-legged bestie:

It’s easy on their tummy – If your pup has an upset stomach or is feeling under the weather, a bowl of homemade chicken soup can be just what the vet (or, well, you) ordered.
Great for picky eaters – Some dogs are weirdly finicky. A homemade meal might just get their tails wagging again.
Hydration boost – Soup = liquid. Liquid = hydration. Hydration = happy, healthy dog.
You know exactly what’s in it – Unlike some of those sketchy commercial dog foods with ingredients you can’t pronounce.

What You’ll Need (AKA: The Good Stuff)

Before you start throwing random things into a pot like some kind of mad scientist, let’s go over what’s actually good for dogs and what should stay far, far away from their bowls.

Dog-Safe Ingredients:

Chicken (duh) – Stick with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. No bones. Repeat: NO BONES. Cooked chicken bones can splinter and do serious damage.
Carrots – Because even dogs need their veggies.
Pumpkin (optional, but highly recommended) – Helps with digestion and makes you feel like an overachiever.
Sweet potatoes – More fiber, more vitamins, more reason to feel good about your life choices.
Rice or pasta (optional) – For extra heartiness, but not necessary.
Low-sodium chicken broth – Because we’re keeping things dog-safe. No unnecessary salt!
Parsley – Fresh breath? Yes, please.
Turmeric (a tiny bit) – Anti-inflammatory benefits, but don’t go overboard.

What to Avoid (No, Seriously, Don’t Use These)

Onions & Garlic – These are toxic for dogs. Even a little can cause serious health issues.
Too much salt – Dogs don’t need the extra sodium.
Seasonings & spices – This isn’t your grandma’s soup. No salt, no pepper, no fancy herbs. Keep it plain and simple.
Dairy – Some dogs are lactose intolerant. No cheese, no butter, no milk.

How to Make the Best Chicken Soup for Dogs (Step-by-Step)

Alright, let’s get cooking. It’s ridiculously easy, and your dog will love you forever. (Not that they don’t already.)

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Add the boneless, skinless chicken and let it cook through (about 15–20 minutes).
Once done, remove and shred into bite-sized pieces. No need to get fancy—your dog doesn’t care about presentation.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the chicken is cooking, chop your carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin into small, dog-friendly pieces.
Throw them into the pot after removing the chicken.
Let them cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until soft.

Step 3: Add the Extras

Stir in low-sodium chicken broth (or use the water you boiled the chicken in—yay, extra flavor!).
Add a sprinkle of parsley and a dash of turmeric.
If using rice or pasta, toss it in now.

Step 4: Combine & Cool

Once everything is soft and cooked through, return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Let the soup cool completely before serving. Seriously, don’t burn your dog’s mouth. They trust you.

Serving & Storing Your Dog’s Soup

How to Serve It:

Serve it lukewarm or room temperature.
You can pour it over their regular kibble for a flavor boost.
Or, serve it alone for a comforting, easy-to-eat meal.

How to Store It:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when needed.

Extra Tips for the Overachievers

Make a big batch and freeze individual portions. Future you will thank you.
Want extra nutrition? Add bone broth instead of regular broth for added joint support.
Sick dog? This is the ultimate go-to meal when your pup isn’t feeling great.
Adjust ingredients based on your dog’s needs – Got a dog with allergies? Skip the ingredients that trigger them. Customization is key.

Final Thoughts: Because Your Dog Deserves the Best

Listen, you don’t have to make homemade chicken soup for your dog. You could just toss them another bowl of kibble and call it a day. But if you want to go the extra mile and treat your dog like the royalty they think they are, this recipe is a game changer.

So go ahead—get cooking. Your pup will love you for it (and let’s be real, they probably already do).

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉

Chicken Soup for Dogs: Because Your Pup Deserves Gourmet Comfort Food