Can Dogs Eat Chicken Pot Pies? Answered!
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Pot Pies? Answered!
By: Sarah Hodgson
November 5, 2023
- Posted in Can Dogs EatDogs
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Chicken pot pie is a tasty dish. I wouldn't be surprised if you might want to share that experience with your dog. However, can dogs safely eat chicken pot pies?
In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know starting from what chicken pot pie exactly is to the signs your dog might have eaten it.
Let's dive in!
What Is Chicken Pot Pie?
Before we answer the question you came here for, let's first understand what chicken pot pie is.
Originating from Europe, the chicken pot pie is a savory pie filled with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry.
Chicken pot pie is loved for its rich, hearty flavors and satisfying crunch. The combination of tender chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, and the creamy sauce make for a delightful dish. The pie crust adds an extra layer of indulgence to this dish.
What Ingredients Are Used In Chicken Pot Pie?
Now that we know exactly what chicken pot pie is let's go over the ingredients.
It's difficult to say exactly as each recipe is different however, we'll go over the most popular ingredients used and whether that ingredient is safe for dogs.
- Chicken: Safe for dogs, as long as it's cooked thoroughly without bones and seasoned with dog-safe ingredients.
- Pie Crust: Generally safe for dogs in small amounts, but it's high in fat and should be given sparingly.
- Vegetables: (e.g., carrots, peas, corn, potatoes) Many vegetables are safe for dogs when cooked, but some like onions and garlic should be avoided. Ensure they are not seasoned with harmful ingredients.
- Chicken Broth: Safe for dogs if it's low in sodium and doesn't contain any harmful additives like onion or garlic.
- Flour: (used for thickening) Small amounts in the filling are generally safe for dogs, but large quantities can be hard on their digestive system.
- Butter: Safe for dogs in small amounts, but it's high in fat and should be given sparingly.
- Milk or cream: Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so it may not be safe for all dogs. Use lactose-free options if available.
- Seasonings: (salt, pepper, herbs, etc.) Some seasonings can be toxic to dogs, like nutmeg, while others should be used in moderation. It's best to avoid adding seasonings to your dog's portion.
- Spices: Many spices and seasonings, including salt, can be harmful to dogs in large amounts.
The nutritional information for a typical chicken pot pie (store-bought or homemade) can vary based on the recipe, ingredients, and serving size, but here's a general idea of.
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving
- Total Carbohydrates: About 30-40 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 2-4 grams
- Dietary Fiber: About 2-4 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-25 grams
- Protein: Approximately 10-15 grams
Can Dogs Eat Chicken Pot Pies?
The straightforward answer is no, dogs should not eat chicken pot pies.
No dogs should not eat chicken pot pies. While chicken and some vegetables are safe for dogs, other ingredients in the pie can be harmful or even toxic to them. The high fat and calorie content can also lead to weight gain and other health issues if consumed regularly.
A small bite of chicken pot pie probably won't harm your dog, but it's best to avoid feeding it to them altogether. The largest concern is the high sodium content and the potential for ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Why is Chicken Pot Pie Bad for Dogs?
We now understand dogs should avoid being fed chicken pot pies. But why is it bad for them?
- High Fat Content: Chicken pot pie typically contains a high amount of fat, which can lead to digestive upset and potential pancreatitis in dogs.
- Seasonings: The seasonings and ingredients used in chicken pot pie, such as onions and garlic, can be toxic to dogs and lead to health issues.
- Onions and Garlic: These ingredients are common in savory recipes like chicken pot pie and can cause gastrointestinal distress, anemia, and other health problems in dogs.
- Salt: The high salt content in many prepared chicken pot pies can be harmful to dogs and may lead to sodium ion poisoning.
- Rich and Creamy Filling: The creamy and rich filling often contains dairy products like milk and cream, which can be challenging for some dogs to digest, particularly if they are lactose intolerant.
- Pastry Crust: The pie crust is high in fat and may contain ingredients that aren't safe for dogs, such as butter or other fats.
- Unpredictable Ingredients: The specific recipe and ingredients used can vary widely, making it difficult to ensure the safety of the dish for your dog.
The Risks of Feeding Dogs Chicken Pot Pies
Feeding your dog chicken pot pies does come with several risks. Now as we mentioned a couple of times before the risks depend on the ingredients in the chicken pot pie.
First and foremost, chicken pot pies are typically high in fat, and a dog's digestive system is not well-equipped to handle excessive amounts of fat. High-fat foods can lead to digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, pancreatitis.
Additionally, many recipes for chicken pot pie include seasonings and ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as onions and garlic. These ingredients can lead to gastrointestinal distress and, over time, cause more serious health issues, including anemia.
The salt content in many prepared chicken pot pies is also a concern. Dogs have a much lower tolerance for salt than humans, and consuming foods with high salt levels can lead to sodium ion poisoning, which can result in excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more severe symptoms.
The rich and creamy filling in chicken pot pies often contains dairy products like milk and cream, which can be problematic for dogs, particularly those that are lactose intolerant. These ingredients can lead to digestive discomfort, gas, and diarrhea.
Furthermore, the pastry crust used in chicken pot pies is high in fat and may contain additional ingredients like butter, which are not safe for dogs.
Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Chicken Pot Pie
If your dog has eaten chicken pot pie, they may display symptoms. These symptoms can be signs of salt poisoning, anemia, or pancreatitis, all of which require immediate veterinary attention.
Signs Include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Pancreatitis symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hunched back, reluctance to move)
- Gastrointestinal distress (whining, restlessness, pacing)
What to Do If My Dog Ate Chicken Pot Pie
If your dog has eaten chicken pot pie, the first thing to do is not panic. While it's not recommended for dogs to eat, a small amount may not cause serious harm.
Observe Your Dog: Keep a close eye on your dog for any unusual symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, or changes in behavior. Monitoring your dog's condition can help your veterinarian make an accurate assessment.
Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unless your veterinarian advises you to do so, do not attempt to induce vomiting in your dog. Some substances can be more harmful when regurgitated.
Follow Your Vet's Recommendations: Your veterinarian may recommend various courses of action, which may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or providing supportive care. Follow their advice carefully do not try anything on your own.
Better Alternatives to Chicken Pot Pies For Dogs
There are plenty of healthier alternatives to chicken pot pies for dogs. Boiled or steamed chicken, for example, is a great source of protein for dogs and is much lower in fat and calories.
Vegetables like carrots and peas can also be a healthy snack for dogs. Just make sure to avoid onions and other toxic foods. Dog-friendly treats and chews are also a good option.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it, while chicken pot pie is a delicious comfort food for humans, it is not recommended for dogs. The high fat and calorie content, along with the potential toxicity of onions and garlic, make it a risky choice for your dog.
Ensure we're feeding them the right foods and keeping their tails wagging happily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a dog-safe version of chicken pot pie?
Yes, you can create a dog-friendly version using ingredients like plain cooked chicken, vegetables, and a pie crust without harmful additives. Avoid using onions, garlic, and high-fat components.
Can dogs have a small amount of chicken pot pie as a treat?
It's best to avoid feeding any amount of chicken pot pie to dogs, as the risks associated with this dish outweigh any potential benefits.
How To prevent my dog from accessing food like chicken pot pie?
Store human food out of reach, use pet-proof containers, and educate family members and guests about the importance of not sharing potentially harmful foods with your dog.
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