There are a lot of great benefits of giving your dog chicken broth.

But, can dogs eat chicken broth with onions?

Let’s take a quick look at what you need to know before you offer your dog any kind of broth with onions in it.

Can Dogs eat Chicken Broth With Onions?

No, dogs cannot eat chicken broth with onions.

Although many pet owners do not know this, onions are highly toxic to dogs.

Onions contain N-propyl disulfides well as other sulfur-containing oxidants which are what makes it a toxic vegetable to most animals.

The toxicity is not just in fresh onions, but dried onions as well.

So what happens exactly?

When your dog eats onions, those N-propyl disulfides will adhere to the molecules that carry oxygen in the blood.

This then affects the ability of the red blood cells to transport much needed oxygen.

When this happens the dog’s body will then view those red blood cells as something that should no be there and start to destroy them.

This results in a low red blood cell count which is also called anemia.

Related: Can dogs eat bell peppers?

Signs Of Onion Poisoning In Dogs

If you have fed your dog onions or they accidentally ingested some, you definitely need to keep an eye on your pet.

A typically time to see symptoms is within 1 day, but there have been scenarios were a dog had delayed symptoms for up to a few days.

It’s important to keep an eye on your dog for a few days.

Onion poisoning symptoms can include:

• Blood in urine
• Anemia
• Pale gums
• Weakness
• Panting
• Vomiting
• Excessive drooling

Treatment For Onion Poisoning In Dogs

If you notice right away that your dog has ingested any type of onion, there are treatments that can be done.

Your quick reaction to the ingestion of onion can save your dogs life and prevent severe illness.

Contacting your veterinarian as soon as you realize that they ate any type of onion is super important.

Depending on the level of poisoning and how long ago the dog may have eaten the onion will determine a course of action.

Treatment Within 24 Hours

If ingestion occurred within the last few hours, the vet may induce vomiting.

If that is successful a treatment of activated charcoal may be provided which will decrease the absorption of the toxins in your dog’s system.

Blood work is usually done to take a closer look at the activity of the red blood cells.

This may be done over the course of a few days since in some dogs the cells may not be impacted by the poisons for a few days.

Related: Can dogs eat sardines in tomato sauce?

Treatment After 24 Hours

The treatment administered will be dependent on symptoms your dog is showing.

Some dogs may not be horribly ill after 24 hours, while others may be very ill.

Your veterinarian will help you understand the extent of your dog’s illness.

In the event you did not notice symptoms or that onions were ingested for a few days, there may be a risk of the blood cells already being destructed.

In this scenario you may have to leave your dog at the vet as they may require supplemental oxygen or a blood transfusion.

Return visits to the vet after they have been treated will be needed to monitor your dog.

Can Dogs Have Chicken Broth Without Onions?

Absolutely! Chicken broth that is plain, preferably low sodium can be a great way to give your dog a treat in an otherwise boring diet of kibble.

Making homemade chicken broth is the best option for your dog.

You know every ingredient in it and can control the outcome so that your dog is eating the healthiest broth possible.