Vegetable broth for dogs is very healthy, as long as you provide healthy vegetable broth. Most dogs love it – even picky eaters! Learn all about vegetable broth for dogs below and make some of your own for your four-legged friend.
Can Dogs Have Vegetable Broth?
Yes, dogs can have vegetable broth. Most dogs love it and it’s packed full of nutrients. It’s also water-based so your pup gets all of the benefits of that as well.
Why Dogs Like Broth
Humans and dogs love broth because of its flavor. Vegetable broth is the healthiest, but there’s nothing wrong with beef broth or chicken broth. Of course, there are many dogs that prefer beef broth and chicken broth.
Who can blame them? There’s nothing like having an easy-to-eat meal that tastes like your favorite foods!
Concerns About Vegetable Broth for Dogs
Before feeding your dog vegetable broth, be sure to read the following:
NO Onions or Garlic
DO NOT ever feed your dog vegetable broth that has onions or garlic in it. Both of these ingredients can cause an upset stomach and for some dogs, it could be life-threatening.
Onions have a toxic principle called N-propyl disulfide. It causes a breakdown of red blood cells and that can lead to amenia in dogs.
Garlic is also toxic to dogs because it has thiosulfate which is also damaging to red blood cells and can lead to hemolytic anemia.
Reduce Sodium
Vegetable broth (along with bone broth, beef broth, and chicken broth) can have A LOT of sodium if you buy it in the grocery store. Even the low sodium vegetable broth and vegetable stock can be too much.
It’s best to make homemade vegetable broth for dogs at home so additives can be regulated.
Vegetable Broth Health Benefits for Dogs
Vegetable broth is highly beneficial to dogs. It should be a regular part of a dog’s diet.
Low Calorie
Vegetable broth is low calorie and highly nutritious which can be a great way for overweight dogs to lose weight.
Minerals
Vegetable broth is chocked full of minerals from all of the veggies in it, even after cooking it.
Vitamins
Along with the minerals, there are many vitamins in vegetable broth. It has all of the great ones depending on what you decide to include in your broth.
Vegetable broth is a good source of vitamins A, B, C, K, and more.
Digestive Enzymes
Improve your pup’s digestive health with vegetable broth or vegetable soup. Digestive enzymes are responsible for boosting the strength and operation of the digestive tract. With a better operating digestive system, a better immune system is possible.
Want to learn more? Read: Is Fresh Food Better for Dogs?
How to Make Homemade Vegetable Broth for Dogs
Homemade vegetable broth is so easy to make that you’ll want to make it all the time after doing it once. All you need is the following:
- Large Stockpot
- Water
- Vegetables
You can add many different vegetables to your veggie broth.
- Bell Peppers
- Green Beans
- Sweet Potatoes
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Celery
Remember: DO NOT use onions or garlic.
The above is why pierogies aren’t good for dogs, along with other human foods with the possibility of having onions and garlic.
Lean meat, like emu or lamb, is another great addition to veggie broth, although it wouldn’t be traditional veggie broth anymore. You can add the following to give it a meaty flavor:
- Chicken
- Chicken Bones
- Beef
- Beef Bones
- Lamb
- Turkey
Bones are great for joint health, so if that is a concern be sure to add either meat bones or bone broth.
How to Cook Homemade Vegetable Soup for Dogs
Cooking vegetable broth for dogs is super easy. Place water into the large stockpot. Add chopped veggies and any meat you’d like to add for flavor except unhealthy meats like potted meat.
Salt can be added, but not too much.
You may want to add some apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is safe and has health benefits for dogs. It can regular blood sugar levels and help with heart health. It can also help prevent toxic bacteria from starting and growing.
Olive oil can add some healthy omega fatty acid. Vegetable oil isn’t as healthy, so stick with olive oil.
Once everything is in the stockpot, cook it on low heat. It will take an hour or more until everything is soft and the broth is flavorful. Feel free to taste it yourself because if you like it, chances are your four-legged friend will love it. Dogs LOVE human food, as you probably know already.
Making Vegetable Soup for Your Dog
Vegetable soup or vegetable broth is about the same as soup just having more food in it. You can make vegetable soup easily after making broth. Simply add in some additional pieces of vegetables, meat, potatoes, and rice.
With the added substance, you will have a great healthy option for your dog’s food.
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Would you like to learn more about feeding your pup fresh raw dog food? Read these articles:
Health Benefits of Raw Dog Food
As you learn more about giving your dog healthy fresh food, you may be interested in giving your dog apple juice. Read about the health benefits of it here: Is Apple Juice Good for Dogs?
