Egg drop soup is loved by a lot of us especially me. But I have a habit. Whenever my dogs catch me eating something, I can’t resist sharing a little with him. Maybe you’re like me and do the same.

But wait—not all human foods are safe for dogs. That’s why I’m always careful only to share the ones I know won’t harm my furry friends.

So, can dogs eat egg drop soup? In this guide, I’ll break it all down for you. You’ll learn whether egg drop soup is safe for dogs, its potential benefits and risks, and everything else you need to know.

What is Egg Drop Soup?

Egg drop soup, or egg flower soup, is a popular Chinese dish. Its origins date back to at least the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It is known for its simplicity and comforting, warm texture. The soup is made by pouring beaten eggs into hot broth, creating silky, smooth egg ribbons that float throughout the soup. It is often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal and is commonly found in Chinese restaurants worldwide.

Common Ingredients

Eggs

Good for Dogs: Eggs are safe and can be a healthy snack. They give dogs protein, which is good for their muscles and skin. But don’t give your dog too many eggs because it might upset their stomach.

Chicken Broth (with Salt)

Not Good for Dogs: Chicken broth is often used in egg drop soup, but it can have a lot of salt. Too much salt is bad for dogs because it can make them thirsty, hurt their kidneys, or even make them very sick. If you want to give your dog broth, make sure it’s low in salt and doesn’t have any seasonings.

Cornstarch (Thickener)

Not Ideal for Dogs: Cornstarch is sometimes added to make the soup thicker. It’s not toxic to dogs, but it can be hard for them to digest, and too much of it might upset their tummy. It’s better to avoid giving your dog food with cornstarch.

Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, and Spices)

Dangerous for Dogs: Salt, pepper, and spices can hurt dogs. Salt can cause serious health problems, like dehydration or kidney trouble. Pepper and other spices can upset your dog’s stomach. Dogs don’t need seasonings in their food, so it’s best to avoid them.

Garlic and Onion

Very Dangerous for Dogs: Garlic and onion both are very bad for dogs. Even small amounts can cause problems like stomach pain, weakness, and even damage to their blood cells. Never give your dog anything that has garlic or onion in it.

Can Dogs Eat Egg Drop Soup?

Many traditional egg drop soup recipes include ingredients that can harm your dog. The high salt content in chicken broth can cause dehydration, sodium poisoning, kidney strain, and elevated blood pressure. Spices like pepper and thickeners like cornstarch may also upset a dog’s stomach. If garlic or onion are present, the soup becomes too dangerous as these ingredients can damage a dog’s red blood cells.

Related: Can dogs eat chicken pot pies?

Is Homemade Egg Drop Soup Safe

Yes, the homemade version is safe. I also occasionally gave my dog the homemade egg drop soup and saw no issues. Follow the below instructions to make a dog-friendly egg drop soup.

Use Low-Sodium or Unsalted Chicken Broth

Many store-bought broths are loaded with sodium, which can strain a dog’s kidneys and cause dehydration or sodium poisoning. The recommended quantity is:

• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): Use ¼ cup.
• Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs): Use ½ cup.
• Large Dogs (50+ lbs): Use 1 cup.

Skip Harmful Seasonings

Salt, butter, oil, garlic, onions, or spices are toxic to dogs and can cause issues like anemia, digestive upset, or long-term organ damage. Therefore, avoid them and stick to plain broth only.

Use Plain Cooked Egg

Crack one or two eggs, whisk them, and stir them slowly into the hot broth to create the egg ribbons.

Recommended Quantity:

• Small Dogs: Use 1 small egg.
• Medium Dogs: Use 1 medium egg.
• Large Dogs: Use 2 eggs.

Portion Size for Dogs

Safe ingredients don’t mean you can give your dog as much as you want. Because even with safe ingredients, there is a risk of overfeeding or stomach upset when consumed in large quantities.

Here’s how much soup (broth + egg combined) you can serve in total:

• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): Offer ¼ cup of the prepared soup.
• Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs): Serve ½ cup of the prepared soup.
• Large Dogs (50+ lbs): Serve up to 1 cup of the prepared soup.

Potential Benefits of Egg Drop Soup For Dogs

When egg drop soup is prepared without harmful ingredients according to the above instructions it can be a helpful addition to your dog’s diet.

The presence of eggs a high-quality protein source is too beneficial for muscle repair and growth, skin health, and overall energy levels. This is highly beneficial for dogs who are unwell and are not eating regular foods. Eggs add vital nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins to their diet without overwhelming their stomach.

The low-sodium chicken broth can provide hydration, by encouraging your dog to consume more fluids, especially when your dog isn’t drinking enough water, particularly during hot weather or when it is recovering from an illness that causes dehydration.

A simple version of egg drop soup can also be used as a bland diet when your veterinarian recommends it (e.g., due to diarrhea or vomiting). When combined with plain boiled rice or mashed potatoes, it can serve as a temporary, easy-to-digest meal to help your dog recover.

Note: While dog-safe egg drop soup can have benefits, it should only be offered occasionally and not as a replacement for your dog’s regular balanced diet.

Healthier Alternatives to Egg Drop Soup for Dogs

If you’re looking for healthy and safe options to treat your dog, here are some alternatives to egg drop soup that provide nutrition without the risks of harmful ingredients:

Plain Cooked Eggs

Boiled or scrambled eggs (without salt, oil, or seasonings) are an excellent source of protein and are easy to prepare. They are gentle on your dog’s stomach and provide essential nutrients like amino acids and vitamins.

Plain Homemade Broth

Instead of using store-bought broth, make a simple homemade version by boiling plain chicken in water with no added salt, garlic, onion, or spices. This can be used to hydrate your dog or enhance the flavor of their food.

Commercial Dog Soups or Broths

Some pet food brands offer dog-friendly soups or broths specifically formulated for canine health. These products are free from harmful ingredients and are designed to be both nutritious and tasty for dogs.

Conclusion

Egg drop soup, in its traditional form, is not safe for dogs due to harmful ingredients like salt, garlic, onion, and seasonings. These can cause health issues such as dehydration, upset stomach, or even more serious problems like red blood cell damage. However, a homemade, dog-safe version made with plain, low-sodium ingredients may offer hydration and nutrition in certain situations, like when your dog needs a bland, easy-to-digest meal.

Always consult your veterinarian before introducing human foods like egg drop soup into your dog’s diet. Every dog has unique dietary needs, and what’s safe for one may not be for another. Your vet can guide you on the best ways to keep your dog healthy and happy.