Store-bought chicken broth for cats – is it safe?

It’s best to err on the side of caution and only feed your cat chicken broth that have been formulated for animal consumption. That said, there could be moments when it wouldn’t hurt to feed your cat some store-bought chicken broth, especially if you are not in a situation to make a quick trip to the grocery store or pet supply store.

How safe store-bought chicken broth is to cats will depend on the ingredients it contains. Many store-bought chicken broths are unlikely to be safe for cats as they may have been produced using ingredients like onions and garlic, both of which are toxic to cats. Store-bought chicken broths also tend to be high in sodium. An excessive sodium intake can lead to a mix of short-term and long-term health issues in cats, including dehydration, high blood pressure, and kidney problems.

Commercial chicken broths may also contain additives and preservatives which aren’t suitable for a cat’s digestive system. You should only feed your cat chicken broth that uses 100% natural ingredients. There could be allergy problems as well. You must monitor your cat closely anytime you introduce a food that isn’t part of the cat’s regular diet.

Consider store-bought chicken broth as a last resort. As we mentioned before, it would be much safer to either buy pet-specific chicken broth or to make your own natural broth. If you do decide to feed your cat some store-bought chicken broth then start off in small amounts (as long as the broth passes the ingredient safety test). Make sure your cat doesn’t show any concerning symptoms before feeding it more.