Chicken Soup for Dogs Recipe: Because Your Pup Deserves Five-Star Dining Too

Dogs have been giving their owners the puppy dog eyes for table scraps since the dawn of time, but what happens when their human gets sick and starts slurping chicken soup? Turns out, dogs can enjoy their own version of this comfort food too.

This homemade chicken soup recipe gives dogs a nutritious, easy-to-digest meal that’s perfect for sick pups or any dog who deserves a special treat. Many pet owners worry about what to feed their furry friends when store-bought kibble gets boring or when their dog needs something gentle on the stomach.

This guide walks dog owners through making a simple chicken soup that’s safe and healthy for their pets. Readers will learn the basic recipe, feeding amounts for different dog sizes, storage tips, and how to switch up ingredients based on the season.

Homemade Dog Food Disclaimer

Pet parents should talk to their vet before switching to homemade dog food. Dogs need different nutrients than humans do.

This chicken soup recipe is meant as a special treat. It should not replace regular dog food every day.

Important things to remember:

• Dogs can get sick from missing key vitamins
• Some human foods are dangerous for dogs
• Every dog has different needs based on age and health

Puppies, senior dogs, and sick dogs need extra care with their diet. A vet can help figure out what works best.

Dogs with food allergies or health problems should stick to vet-approved meals. Making the wrong choice could lead to tummy troubles or worse.

This recipe uses safe ingredients for most healthy adult dogs. But it does not have all the nutrients dogs need long-term.

Signs to watch for:

• Upset stomach
• Changes in energy
• Different bathroom habits

Commercial dog food is made to give dogs everything they need. Homemade food takes more work to get right.

When in doubt, ask the vet. They know dogs better than most cooking websites do. Plus, they went to school for this stuff while we just watched YouTube videos.

Quick Recipe

This simple chicken soup takes about 45 minutes to make and uses basic ingredients most dog owners have at home. The recipe serves medium to large dogs for 2-3 meals.

Ingredients

Dog owners need just six basic ingredients to whip up this tail-wagging masterpiece. Most of these items are probably lurking in the kitchen already.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup carrots (diced small)
• 1 cup green beans (chopped)
• 1/2 cup white rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

The chicken should be fresh, not the mystery meat that’s been hiding in the freezer since last Christmas. Carrots and green beans can be fresh or frozen.

White rice works better than brown rice because it’s easier on doggy stomachs. Skip the fancy jasmine rice – dogs aren’t food critics.

Steps

Making this soup is easier than teaching a golden retriever to sit. The whole process takes about 45 minutes of actual cooking time.

Cooking Steps:

1. Boil the chicken – Put chicken breasts in a pot with 4 cups of water. Cook for 20 minutes until fully cooked.
2. Shred the meat – Remove chicken and shred into small pieces. Save the cooking water.
3. Cook vegetables – Add carrots and green beans to the chicken water. Cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add rice – Stir in rice and olive oil. Cook for 15 more minutes.
5. Mix everything – Add shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir and let cool completely.

The soup is ready when the rice is soft and the vegetables are tender. Dogs prefer their meals at room temperature, not volcano-hot.

Benefits Of This Recipe

This homemade chicken soup costs less than store-bought dog food and packs fewer calories per serving. Dogs get better nutrition from fresh ingredients that boost their immune system and digestion.

Table – Cost & Calories Per Cup

The numbers don’t lie – this recipe saves money while giving dogs better nutrition. Pet parents can make a week’s worth of meals for what they’d spend on three cans of fancy dog food.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Comparison

Aspect	Homemade Chicken Soup	Wet Dog Food (Store-Bought)
Average Cost per Cup	Under $1.00 (basic grocery ingredients)	$1.50–$2.00 (based on $2–$3 per 13 oz can)
Calories	Generally lower, depends on recipe	Higher, varies by brand
Sodium	Low (no added salt)	Often higher due to preservatives
Protein	Lean chicken breast as main source	Varies by brand, may include by-products

Figures are approximate and will vary depending on the recipe and brand of dog food.

Most commercial wet foods pack extra calories that turn active pups into couch potatoes. This soup keeps dogs satisfied without the extra weight.

Health Advantages

Fresh chicken provides high-quality protein that builds strong muscles. Dogs digest real meat better than the mystery meat found in some kibble.

The carrots give dogs vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin. These vegetables also add fiber that helps with bathroom breaks – no more wondering if Fido will go or not.

Low sodium levels protect dogs’ hearts and kidneys from working overtime. Many store-bought foods contain enough salt to make a pretzel jealous.

The broth keeps dogs hydrated, especially helpful for picky drinkers who think their water bowl is just decoration. Sick dogs often refuse regular food but slurp up this soup like it’s liquid gold.

Feeding Table For Different Sized Dogs & Breeds (2 Meals A Day)

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes. Each size needs different amounts of chicken soup to keep their tails wagging.

Small dogs have small stomachs but big appetites for trouble. Medium dogs think they’re lap dogs but weigh 50 pounds. Large dogs believe they’re still puppies even when they tower over toddlers.

Dog Size	Weight Range	Soup Per Meal	Examples
Toy/Small	2-25 lbs	1/4 to 3/4 cup	Chihuahua, Pug, Beagle
Medium	26-60 lbs	3/4 to 1.5 cups	Border Collie, Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel
Large	61-90 lbs	1.5 to 2.25 cups	Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Labrador
Giant	90+ lbs	2.25 to 3+ cups	Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Mastiff

Active dogs need extra soup because they burn more calories chasing squirrels and stealing socks. Senior dogs might need slightly less since they prefer napping to running marathons.

Puppies under one year need more frequent meals. They should eat three to four times daily instead of twice.

Always split the daily amount into two meals. This prevents dogs from inhaling their food like vacuum cleaners and reduces stomach upset.

Variations

Dog owners can adjust chicken soup recipes based on their pet’s specific needs and health conditions. Simple ingredient swaps and portion changes can make the soup work better for different ages, sizes, and dietary requirements.

Weight Loss

Dogs carrying extra pounds need fewer calories but still deserve tasty meals. Replace regular white rice with cauliflower rice to cut calories in half. This sneaky swap keeps bellies full without expanding waistlines.

Low-Calorie Ingredients:

• Cauliflower rice instead of white rice
• Extra green beans and carrots
• Lean chicken breast only
• No added oils or fats

Skip the chicken skin completely. It’s like giving a dieting human a donut – tempting but not helpful. Add more vegetables like zucchini and spinach to bulk up the soup without adding calories.

Serve smaller portions more frequently. Three small bowls work better than one giant serving. This keeps metabolism happy and prevents the “I’m starving” drama that leads to counter surfing.

Puppies

Puppies need extra protein and calories to fuel their endless energy and growth spurts. They’re basically tiny athletes who also happen to chew everything in sight.

Puppy-Friendly Additions:

• Extra shredded chicken
• Sweet potato for healthy carbs
• Smaller chopped vegetables
• Bone broth for extra nutrients

Chop all ingredients smaller than usual. Puppy mouths are tiny and they haven’t mastered the art of chewing yet. Think pea-sized pieces rather than adult dog chunks.

Add more liquid to make it easier to eat. Puppies sometimes struggle with thick textures. The extra moisture also helps with hydration since these little dynamos often forget to drink water between play sessions.

Serve at room temperature. Puppies have sensitive mouths and hot soup might make them dramatic about dinner time.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs need softer textures and joint-supporting ingredients. Their bodies are like vintage cars – they need premium fuel and gentle handling.

Senior Dog Modifications:

• Cook vegetables until very soft
• Shred chicken into tiny pieces
• Add turmeric for joint health
• Include fish oil if vet approves

Make everything mushier than normal. Senior teeth aren’t what they used to be, and tough chunks can be frustrating. Blend part of the soup if needed to create a smoother texture.

Add glucosamine-rich ingredients like bone broth. These help keep creaky joints moving smoothly. Think of it as WD-40 for dog joints.

Warm the soup slightly before serving. Older dogs often prefer warmer food, and it helps release more appealing aromas.

Common Allergies

Dogs with food allergies need careful ingredient selection. The most common culprits are chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and eggs. Some dogs are pickier than food critics with dietary restrictions.

Allergy-Safe Swaps:

• Turkey or duck instead of chicken
• Sweet potato instead of regular potatoes
• Rice instead of wheat-based ingredients
• Coconut oil instead of other fats

For chicken-allergic dogs, turkey works perfectly. It has similar nutritional benefits without triggering reactions. Duck is another option but might make the soup fancier than necessary.

Always introduce new proteins slowly. Start with small amounts mixed into regular food. Watch for itching, digestive upset, or other signs of trouble.

Keep ingredients simple when dealing with allergies. The fewer ingredients, the easier it is to identify problem foods if reactions occur.

Picky Eaters

Some dogs act like food critics reviewing a five-star restaurant. They need extra flavor encouragement to try new foods.

Flavor Boosters:

• Low-sodium bone broth
• Small amount of parmesan cheese
• Freeze-dried liver powder
• Fresh herbs like parsley

Bone broth makes everything more appealing. It’s like adding bacon to vegetables for humans – suddenly everything tastes better. Choose low-sodium versions to avoid salt overload.

Try adding tiny amounts of smelly cheese. Most dogs find cheese irresistible, but use sparingly to avoid digestive issues.

Warm the soup before serving. Heat releases more aromas, which helps convince suspicious noses that this meal is worth trying.

Digestion

Dogs with sensitive stomachs need gentle, easily digestible ingredients. Their digestive systems can be as delicate as their dramatic personalities.

Gentle Ingredients:

• White rice (easier than brown rice)
• Cooked pumpkin
• Ginger in tiny amounts
• Plenty of liquid

White rice is gentler on upset stomachs than brown rice or other grains. Save the fiber for when digestion improves.

Add plain pumpkin (not pie filling) for fiber and digestive support. It helps with both loose stools and constipation – nature’s digestive regulator.

Keep fat content low. Skip oils and remove chicken skin to prevent digestive upset. Fat can trigger pancreatitis in sensitive dogs.

Joints

Dogs with arthritis or joint pain benefit from anti-inflammatory ingredients. These additions won’t cure joint problems but may provide some comfort.

Joint-Supporting Ingredients:

• Turmeric with black pepper
• Fish oil (omega-3s)
• Bone broth with collagen
• Leafy greens like spinach

Add a pinch of turmeric with a tiny amount of black pepper. The pepper helps absorption of turmeric’s active compounds. Use sparingly – dogs don’t need much.

Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids that support joint health. Add it after cooking to preserve the beneficial oils. Heat destroys the good stuff.

Bone broth contains collagen and other compounds that may support joint health. It also makes the soup taste amazing to most dogs.

Skin & Coat

Dogs with dull coats or skin issues often benefit from specific nutrients. A shiny coat usually reflects good internal health.

Skin-Supporting Additions:

• Fish oil or salmon
• Coconut oil in small amounts
• Zinc-rich ingredients
• Biotin supplements if vet recommends

Add fish oil after cooking to preserve omega-3 fatty acids. These fats support healthy skin and add shine to coats. Start with small amounts to avoid digestive upset.

Include small amounts of coconut oil. It provides medium-chain fatty acids that some dogs’ skin loves. Too much causes loose stools, so start tiny.

Eggs (if no allergies) provide biotin and other nutrients for healthy coats. Scramble them into the soup or hard-boil and chop them up.

Seasonal Switches

Dogs don’t read calendars, but their taste buds know when the weather changes. Smart pet owners can switch up their chicken soup recipes based on what’s fresh and available.

Summer calls for lighter ingredients. Fresh zucchini, green beans, and carrots work great. These veggies won’t make Fido feel like he’s wearing a winter coat in July.

Fall brings heartier options. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are perfect additions. Dogs go crazy for these orange vegetables, and they’re packed with good stuff.

Winter means comfort food for everyone. Adding extra root vegetables like parsnips and turnips helps keep dogs warm. Their bellies will thank them during cold walks.

Spring offers fresh starts. New peas and baby carrots make the soup light again. It’s like giving dogs a fresh haircut after a long winter.

Season	Best Additions	Why Dogs Love It
Summer	Zucchini, green beans	Light and cooling
Fall	Pumpkin, sweet potato	Sweet and filling
Winter	Parsnips, turnips	Warm and hearty
Spring	Fresh peas, baby carrots	Crisp and new

The cooking method stays the same. Only the vegetables change with the seasons. Dogs don’t care about fancy cooking techniques anyway.

Fresh beats frozen every time. Seasonal vegetables taste better and cost less. Dogs have better taste than people give them credit for.

Storage Advice

Dog owners can store chicken soup in the refrigerator for up to three days. The soup needs to go into the fridge within two hours of cooking. Nobody wants their furry friend getting sick from old soup.

Freezer storage works great for longer keeping. The soup stays good for up to three months when frozen. Pet parents should use freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy portions.

Storage Method	Time Limit	Temperature
Refrigerator	3 days	40°F or below
Freezer	3 months	0°F or below

Cool the soup completely before putting it away. Hot soup can warm up the whole fridge. That makes other food spoil faster.

Dog owners should divide the soup into meal-sized portions. This way they only thaw what their pup needs. No waste means more tail wags.

Glass containers work better than plastic ones. They don’t hold smells or stains. Plus they’re easier to clean after storing soupy goodness.

Label everything with the date. Memory isn’t always reliable when it comes to when that soup got made. Dogs deserve fresh food just like people do.

Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. The microwave works too but stir well to avoid hot spots. Nobody wants to burn their dog’s tongue with soup that’s supposed to help them feel better.

Batch Cooking Tips

Making chicken soup for dogs in big batches saves time and keeps pet parents sane. Nobody wants to cook fresh soup every day like they’re running a fancy dog restaurant.

Cook once, feed many times. Make a huge pot that lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. Dogs won’t complain about leftovers like picky humans do.

Smart dog owners use ice cube trays for portion control. Pour cooled soup into trays and freeze. Pop out cubes as needed for perfect serving sizes.

Storage made simple:

• Fridge: 3-4 days maximum
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Ice cube portions: Grab and go convenience

Large slow cookers work great for batch cooking. Toss everything in and let it bubble away while owners binge-watch TV shows guilt-free.

Label containers with dates. Even the most organized pet parent forgets when they made that mystery soup lurking in the back of the freezer.

Batch cooking wins:

• Less kitchen cleanup
• More time for belly rubs
• Happy dogs with ready meals

Divide big batches into meal-sized containers before storing. This prevents the whole batch from going bad when someone opens it for one serving.

Keep some frozen portions as backup. When life gets crazy and the fresh soup runs out, frozen cubes save the day. Dogs think frozen soup treats are pretty cool anyway.

Transitioning Steps

Dogs can be pickier than toddlers at dinner time. They might give their owner the stink eye when new food appears in their bowl.

Start by mixing small amounts of chicken soup with their regular food. Use a 75% old food to 25% soup ratio for the first few days.

Day 1-3: Mix 1/4 cup soup with 3/4 cup regular food
Day 4-6: Mix 1/2 cup soup with 1/2 cup regular food
Day 7-10: Mix 3/4 cup soup with 1/4 cup regular food

Watch for any tummy troubles during this time. Some dogs might get the runs or refuse to eat altogether.

If a dog turns their nose up at the mixture, they’re basically saying “this isn’t what I ordered.” Go back to the previous ratio and try again in a few days.

Never rush this process. A dog’s stomach needs time to adjust to new ingredients and flavors.

Some dogs will gobble up the soup immediately. Others will stare at it like it might bite back. Both reactions are normal.

Keep the soup portions small during transition. Too much too fast can lead to an upset stomach and cleanup duty for the owner.

After 10 days, most dogs should be ready for full soup portions. Their tail wagging usually confirms approval of the menu change.