Can Dogs Have The Cream Of Chicken Soup?

You may be wondering, “can my dog have the cream of chicken soup?”. This soup may be a tasty treat for both humans and dogs, a lot of dogs will leap for joy just by the smell of it.

Due to this many dog owners assume that cream of chicken soup is great for dogs as it has the taste of chicken and smells identically like it. It is reasonable to give your pup a little variation of meals but can a dog eat cream of chicken soup?

No, dogs shouldn’t have the cream of chicken soup. Although they would enjoy this meal, there are a lot of risks involved. However, you can feed them with cream of chicken soup in very little proportion as this is the best way they can have it. 

Canines’ stomach anatomy may be quite similar to that of humans, it is more susceptible to harm from components that make up a typical meal. Even for humans, cream of chicken soup is not entirely a healthy choice.

In this article, we’ll be discussing key ingredients in cream of chicken soup for a clearer picture of why it’s not safe for dogs. 

Key Ingredients In Cream Of Chicken Soup

This treat may be causing a great deal of confusion for dog owners as dogs usually do not reject this meal. However, a lot of cream of chicken soup in stores consists of basically the same ingredients.

Getting familiar with these ingredients will give an in-depth understanding of the reasons why it may not be a great choice for your dog. 

1. Chicken Meat

What is a cream of chicken soup without chicken? Chicken meat is one of the vital components of this meal. It is rich in protein and other nutrients that your dog can benefit from. Chicken meat in cream of chicken soup has been cooked thoroughly thereby eliminating any risk of salmonella.

However, the amount of chicken meat in store-bought cream of chicken soup is not very substantial, but this is not stated on the label. 

2. Chicken Stock

A lot of people mix this up with chicken broth which is not accurate. Chicken stock is made from hours and hours of boiling chicken bones and cartilage. Similarly, it has nutritious contents like proteins, fat, carbs, and minerals and can improve the joints and digestive system of your canine. 

3. Starch

Starch is used as a thickening agent in many meals, starch is usually modified through a lot of chemical treatments. Although it is approved for human consumption, it poses some health risks like diarrhea, cancer, and headaches. 

4. Cream/Milk

Although there’s a moderate amount of cream or milk in cream of chicken soup, it is part of the key ingredients of the soup, cream and milk have a high amount of fat that isn’t favorable for dogs. You also have to take into consideration whether your dog is lactose intolerant or not, before offering it to them. 

5. Wheat Flour

Wheat flour poses little or no threats to dogs, therefore it is completely safe. Only dogs that are allergic to wheat flour might experience unfavorable reactions to it. Wheat flour is used in many dog treats and has very minimal nutritional gain. 

6. Vegetable Oil

This is included in a lot of meals and it is safe for human and canine consumption. However, we can’t overlook the fact that vegetable oil contains a vast amount of fat and is high in calories which can promote weight gain in dogs and pancreatitis as well. 

7. Salt

Commonly known as salt, you’ll find that sodium is largely used in many canned products, especially in cream of chicken soup. The recommended salt intake of an average person per day is 2,300 mg which equates to a teaspoon of salt.

However, cream of chicken soup offers one-fifth of the recommended salt consumption in humans which could be a whole lot for dogs. 

8. Disodium Inosinate

This is usually used in processed foods, it serves as a flavor retainer and can cause health problems like allergies, heart disease, and digestion difficulties. Be sure to avoid this for you and your four-legged companion. 

Why Dogs Can Not Eat Cream Of Chicken Soup

Quite frankly, it is certainly not advisable for you to give cream of chicken soup to your dog irrespective of the fact that your dog enjoys it. It is a high-risk food for canines and can only be given to them with caution and in moderation as this soup contains some toxic ingredients that may be unhealthy for them.

For emphasis, the following are reasons why dog owners should drop the thoughts of feeding their pet this meal;

1. Enormous Weight Gain

Cream of chicken soup has high-fat content thanks to ingredients like vegetable oil and cream and this can cause your dog to gain a lot of weight. 

2. Pancreatitis

This is usually triggered by fatty foods such as cream of chicken soup and others. And it is a severe condition for dogs, during the surge dogs show signs of abdominal pain, fever, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, and on very rare occasions death. 

3. High Blood Pressure 

The high salt content in cream of chicken soup can promote the risk of high blood pressure in dogs which can result in heart attack, heart failure, kidney diseases, and stroke. 

4. Diarrhea

If your dog is lactose intolerant, the cream or milk in this soup can cause diarrhea. More so, the body may find it difficult to digest fatty foods which result in diarrhea especially if your dog is gluten intolerant. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Final Thoughts

Our canine friends do not have an idea of the dangers some foods may expose them to, it is in our place to know what’s best for them and what is not.

On this note, canned foods such as cream of chicken soup should not be offered to dogs only on the conditions that they are given to them in minimal proportions. However, if you feel the need to give your dog soup, homemade soup is a great option.