Can Cats Eat Chicken Broth? (Solved & Explained!)

A common question that pet owners have is whether or not it is safe for their cats to eat the chicken broth. The answer to this question is a bit complicated, as there are both pros and cons to giving your cat chicken broth.

In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of letting your cat eat chicken broth and provide some tips on how to make sure your cat gets the most out of this foodstuff.

cat drinking chicken broth from mug

Can Cats Eat Chicken Broth?

Cats can benefit from the chicken broth in a variety of ways. For one, it can help keep them hydrated, especially during hot weather or if they’re not drinking enough water.

Chicken broth is also a good source of protein and other nutrients, which can be helpful for cats who are picky eaters or underweight.

Plus, the Chicken flavor may make it more appealing to drink than just plain water.

Just make sure the chicken broth you’re giving your cat is low in sodium and don’t give too much at once since it can cause an upset stomach.

If your cat seems to like chicken broth and tolerates it well, feel free to give it to them as a treat now and then!

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chicken leg in chicken broth soup with rice for cats

Pros of Chicken Broth for Cats

Some of the pros of chicken broth for cats include that it helps keep them hydrated, aids in digestion detoxifies the liver, boosts the immune system, repairs joint damage, and strengthens bones.

Next, we’ll dive deeper into each of these benefits.

Keeps Cats Hydrated

Dehydration can cause a lot of health problems in cats, so it’s important to make sure they’re getting enough fluids.

Water is the best way to keep your cat hydrated, but sometimes they need a little extra help.

That’s where chicken broth comes in!

Chicken broth is a great way to rehydrate a cat who is dehydrated or at risk of becoming dehydrated.

Helps Digestion

Chicken broth helps digestion because it contains the amino acid glutamine. Glutamine plays a vital role in repairing the mucosal lining of the gut, which is where most absorption of nutrients occurs.

Additionally, chicken broth is high in electrolytes, which can help to restore balance after bouts of diarrhea or vomiting.

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Liver Detox

Chicken broth is high in glycine, which is a useful nutrient for removing poisons from the liver. This makes the chicken broth a great detoxifier for cats who have been exposed to toxins (such as cleaning products) or have liver disease.

Boosts Immunity

Depending on how it’s made, chicken broth is a source of many nutrients that help keep cats healthy, including vitamins A and C, which help bolster immunity.

Additionally, the chicken broth contains amino acids and minerals that are essential for cats’ overall health.

Serving your cat chicken broth regularly can help keep them feeling their best!

Joint Repair

Chicken broth contains collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, all of which are known to help repair cartilage and connective tissues. This helps keep your cat’s joints moving smoothly.

Stronger Bones

Chicken broth is a good source of calcium and collagen, both of which are beneficial for bone health in cats.

The calcium in chicken broth helps to keep bones strong, while the collagen helps to keep joints, ligaments, and tendons healthy and elastic.

Additionally, chicken broth is a good source of other nutrients that support bone health, such as magnesium and potassium.

Magnesium helps make denser bones while potassium neutralizes acids in the blood which can leach calcium from a cat’s bones.

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roast chicken leg on plate with bowl of chicken broth soup

Cons of Chicken Broth for Cats

Like any food, there can be potential downsides to feeding your cat chicken broth. Perhaps the most notable is that chicken broth – like many soups and stocks – can be quite high in sodium.

This might not be a big deal if you only give your cat a little bit of broth now and then, but if you’re making it a regular part of their diet, too much salt can lead to health problems down the road.

Another thing to be aware of is that some recipes for chicken broth call for onions and garlic, which can be toxic to cats (and dogs).

If you’re using store-bought broth, make sure to check the ingredients list to ensure sodium is low and any additional items like garlic, onions, or peppery spices aren’t included.

How to Cook Chicken Broth for Cats

Cooking chicken broth for cats is a simple and easy process that anyone can do at home. All you need is some chicken bones or giblets, water, and some optional vegetables of your choice.

No onions, garlic, or peppers though!

Here are the basic steps to cooking chicken broth for cats:

  1. Start by rinsing the ingredients thoroughly in cold water. You want to make sure all of the dirt and bone fragments are removed before proceeding.
  2. Next, add the rinsed ingredients to a large pot or Dutch oven along with enough water to cover the chicken by 1-2 inches.
  3. Bring to a boil and maintain a rolling boil for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the bones and vegetables.
  5. Shred the chicken and add it back to the broth.
  6. Store refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze in ice cube trays to make individual servings that will last in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Watch this video to see it in action.

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Conclusion

Yes, cats can eat chicken broth! Just be sure to buy low-sodium broth in a box or can, and avoid any broths that contain onion or garlic, which can be toxic to cats. Chicken broth is a great way to keep your cat hydrated and encourage them to eat more dry food. You can even add extra flavors to the broth, like carrots, green beans, and celery, for extra nutrients.

FAQ

Are Chicken Bouillon Cubes Ok for Cats?

No, chicken bouillon cubes are not ok for cats. They contain too much salt which can be harmful, and they also contain onion and garlic which are toxic to cats.

Chicken bouillon cubes almost always contain high salt as a preservative. It’s better to make low-sodium bouillon or use a low-sodium commercial broth from a box or can.

Commercial Chicken Broth vs Homemade – Which Is Better for Cats?

There are pros and cons to both commercial chicken broth and homemade chicken broth for cats.

Commercial chicken broth is usually very high in sodium and made with low-quality ingredients, including fillers, flavors, and preservatives.

Homemade chicken broth is a much healthier option because you can control what goes into it. However, it can be time-consuming to make your chicken broth from scratch.

Overall, homemade chicken broth is the better choice for cats. It’s more nutritious, you control sodium, and it doesn’t contain any harmful additives or chemicals.

If you’re not able to make your chicken broth, then I would recommend choosing a commercially made brand with low sodium (boxes or cans – don’t use cubes) and that doesn’t contain any artificial additives or flavors.

How Often Can I Give My Cat Chicken Broth?

Yes, you can give your cat chicken broth as often as you like! Cats are typically very fond of the taste of the chicken broth, and it can be a great way to entice them to eat more dry food.

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Just be sure to buy only low-sodium broths in cans or boxes and check the ingredients list to make sure the broth doesn’t contain any onion or garlic, which can be toxic to cats.

Can Cats Eat Chicken Broth Every Day?

Yes, cats can eat chicken broth every day. Chicken broth is a great way to keep your cat hydrated, especially if they don’t enjoy drinking water.

Just be sure to check the sodium content of the broth before feeding it to your cat, as too much sodium can be harmful, and avoid onion and garlic-containing broths.

What Added Flavors Are Safe to Add to Chicken Broth for Cats?

There are a few different flavors that you can safely add to chicken broth for your cats. Chicken bones, turkey bones, and chicken giblets all make great additions to the broth.

You can also add carrots, green beans, and celery to the broth for extra flavor, vitamins, and minerals.