Before Sharing Broth With a Pet, Check for Onion and Garlic

Check the full ingredient list before sharing a human stock, broth, gravy or seasoned food with a dog or cat. “Low sodium” does not mean onion-free or garlic-free. Cooking also does not make these ingredients safe for pets.

The MSD Veterinary Manual's allium toxicology overview describes poisoning in dogs and cats after raw, cooked, dried or powdered onion and garlic exposure. Red blood cells can be damaged, and signs may be delayed. Avoid using a lack of immediate symptoms as reassurance after a suspected ingestion.

Read beyond the product name

Look for onion, garlic, leek and chive ingredients, including powders and seasoning mixtures. A carton called “chicken broth” may contain more than chicken and water. Keep the full ingredient wording, and ask the manufacturer if an unspecified seasoning makes the contents unclear.

For homemade food, find out what went into the pot. Removing visible onion pieces after cooking does not demonstrate that the liquid is appropriate for pets. If you cannot establish the recipe, do not use it as a topper.

Rehydration does not require a flavorful stock

PARTNER's raw-meal serving directions use room-temperature water. There is no requirement to add human broth to make the preparation valid. Follow the exact food directions and your veterinarian's advice for pets with medical needs.

Our serving and storage guide explains the preparation options. Adding a different liquid introduces ingredients and nutrients that must be assessed separately; it does not simply change taste.

If some has already been eaten

Contact your veterinarian or a veterinary poison service promptly with the food name, ingredient list, approximate amount, timing and your pet's weight. If the amount or recipe is unknown, say so. Do not calculate a supposedly safe spoonful from an online chart.

Save the container or photograph its label. Tell the professional about weakness, unusual breathing, pale gums, vomiting or any other change. A pet with serious signs needs emergency veterinary attention.

Do not induce vomiting or give a home antidote unless a veterinary professional directs you. Cornell's poisoning first-aid guidance explains why the right action depends on the exposure and patient.

Make the kitchen rule easy to follow

Keep pet preparation separate from seasoned family food. Tell visitors and caregivers which foods are off-limits, and store stocks, soup mixes and leftovers securely. A clear rule is easier to repeat than a different exception for every spoonful.

When the goal is simply to add water to an appropriate meal, use the preparation method on that food's label. Flavor is optional; knowing the ingredients is essential.

Published by PARTNER Editorial Team for general education. Your veterinary team can advise on your pet’s individual health and feeding needs.