Can Cats Eat Chicken Broth?

Can Cats Eat Chicken Broth?

If you’ve got a cat at home, you might be wondering if it’s okay to share some chicken broth with your furry friend. Chicken broth can be a yummy treat for cats, but there are some important things to think about to make sure it’s safe and good for them.

Quick Answer

Yes, cats can eat chicken broth, but it should be low in sodium and free from harmful ingredients like onions and garlic. Homemade broth is often the best choice to control what goes into your cat’s treat.

Why Chicken Broth Might Be Good for Your Cat

Helping Cats Drink More

Cats often don’t drink enough water, which can lead to them getting dehydrated and having problems with their pee, especially if they eat mostly dry food. Chicken broth can make cats want to drink more, which helps keep them healthy overall.

Making Cats Want to Eat

For cats that are picky eaters or not feeling well, the smell and taste of chicken broth can make them want to eat their regular food more.

Good Stuff in Chicken Broth

Chicken broth has something called glycine in it, which is good for cats’ joints and helps clean out their bodies. It also has some nutrients that can be a nice extra to what they usually eat.

Things to Watch Out for with Chicken Broth

Too Much Salt

A lot of chicken broth you buy at the store has too much salt in it, which can be bad for cats. It can make them really thirsty and might hurt their kidneys. Always pick broth that says it’s low in salt or has no salt added.

Bad Ingredients

Some broths have onions, garlic, or other spices that can make cats sick. Always check what’s in the broth and don’t give your cat any with these extra things.

How to Make Safe Chicken Broth for Your Cat

Make Your Own Chicken Broth

Here’s an easy way to make chicken broth that’s safe for your cat:

1. Put two chicken legs or other chicken bones in a big pot.
2. Add enough water to cover the bones – about two cups of water for every pound of bones.
3. Put in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for each gallon of water. This helps get good stuff out of the bones.
4. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for about an hour and a half, or until the bones start to fall apart.
5. Pour the broth through a strainer to get rid of any little pieces of bone.
6. Let it cool down all the way before you give it to your cat.

This homemade broth is safe because it doesn’t have any of the bad stuff that might be in store-bought broth.

How to Give Your Cat Chicken Broth

Start by giving your cat just a little bit, like a teaspoon, to see if they like it and if it makes them feel okay. If they enjoy it and don’t have any problems, you can slowly give them a little more. You can also mix the broth with some water to make it have even less salt.

Buying Chicken Broth for Your Cat

If you want to buy broth instead of making it, look for kinds that are made just for pets or that say they’re low in salt and don’t have any extra stuff added. Some good brands to try are Honest Kitchen and Caru, which make bone broth that’s safe for cats.

A Story About My Cat and Chicken Broth

I want to tell you about something that happened with my cat, Whiskers. He got sick once and didn’t want to eat his food. I tried adding a little bit of chicken broth I made at home to his meals. Not only did he love it, but it also made him want to eat his regular food again. This simple trick really helped him get better and drink more water too.

Wrapping It Up

Chicken broth can be a good extra treat for your cat if you make it the right way or choose the right kind to buy. Make sure it doesn’t have too much salt and doesn’t have any ingredients that could make your cat sick, like onions or garlic. Making your own broth at home is often the best way to know exactly what your cat is getting.

Some Questions You Might Have

• Can I give my cat chicken broth every day? While chicken broth can be a healthy treat, it shouldn’t replace your cat’s normal food. It’s best to use it just sometimes as an extra treat.
• Is it okay to give chicken broth to kittens? It’s best not to give broth to kittens under six months old because it might upset their tummies. Always ask your vet before giving new foods to your kitten.
• Can older cats have chicken broth? Yes, older cats can benefit from chicken broth. It can help them drink more water and give them some extra nutrients, especially if they don’t eat as much as they used to.

Remember, every cat is different. What works for one might not work for another. If you’re not sure about giving your cat chicken broth, it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet first. They know your cat’s health best and can give you the best advice.

Do you have any stories about giving your cat chicken broth? Or maybe you have some questions we didn’t answer here? Feel free to share in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!