Can Dogs Have Stock Cubes? (Oxo, Chicken Stock and Gravy)
Can your dog have a stock cube, an Oxo or a splash of gravy? Here’s why most aren’t a good idea, what to do if your dog ate one, and a safer way to add flavour to their bowl.
In this guide
You’re making dinner, the stock cube’s out, and a pair of eyes is following your every move. Can your dog have a bit?
The short answer: it’s best not to. Stock cubes, Oxo cubes, stock pots and gravy granules are made for people, and two things in them can cause problems for dogs: salt, and onion or garlic.
Why stock cubes aren’t good for dogs
- Salt. A stock cube is made to season a whole pot of food, so it’s very salty. Too much salt can leave dogs very thirsty and unwell, and large amounts can be dangerous.
- Onion and garlic. Many stock cubes, stock pots and gravy granules list onion powder, garlic powder or “flavourings”. Onion and garlic belong to the allium family, which can damage a dog’s red blood cells. Cooking, drying and powdering don’t make them safe.
- Flavour enhancers and additives. They’re there to make food taste good to us. They do nothing for your dog.
Read the label: what to look out for
Before anything goes in your dog’s bowl, turn the pack over. If you see any of these, keep it for your own dinner.
Stock cubes vs bone broth made for pets
| Stock cubes and gravy | Human bone broth | Pets Bone Broth Powder | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Added salt | Lots | Often | None |
| Onion or garlic | Often | Sometimes | Never |
| Ingredients | Long list | Varies | Two: bone broth and chicory root |
| Made for pets | No | No | Yes |
My dog ate a stock cube. What should I do?
Try not to panic, and don’t try to make your dog sick. Then follow these three steps.
Check the ingredients for onion or garlic.
One corner of a cube, a whole cube, or the whole box?
Or Animal PoisonLine if your vet is closed. They’ll tell you whether your dog needs to be seen.
Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, drinking a lot more than usual, tiredness or pale gums. Signs of onion poisoning can take a few days to appear, so keep an eye on your dog even if they seem fine at first.
Questions people ask
Can dogs have Oxo cubes?
It’s best not to. Like most stock cubes, Oxo is made to season food for people, so it’s high in salt, and some varieties list onion or flavourings. If you want to add flavour to your dog’s bowl, use a broth made for pets instead.
Can dogs have chicken stock?
Shop-bought chicken stock usually contains salt, onion or garlic, so it isn’t a good choice. Homemade stock made with nothing but bones and water is fine in small amounts, but it takes hours to make. A bone broth powder made for pets gives you the same thing in seconds.
Can dogs have gravy?
Gravy granules and gravy made from meat juices tend to be salty, fatty and often contain onion, so keep them off your dog’s dinner.
Can cats have stock cubes?
No. Cats are even more sensitive to onion and garlic than dogs, so stock cubes, stock pots and gravy are best kept well away from them. Our guide to bone broth for cats has safer ideas.
Is low-salt stock OK for dogs?
Lower salt is better, but low-salt stocks can still contain onion, garlic or flavourings. Always read the label, or choose a broth that’s made for pets.
A safer way to add flavour
If your dog loves a bit of extra flavour, try Pets Chicken Bone Broth Powder + Prebiotic. It has just two ingredients: chicken bone broth and chicory root, a natural prebiotic. There’s no added salt, no onion and no garlic, and it’s 67% protein.
- Sprinkle it over their usual food
- Mix it with warm water for a broth
- Freeze it into treats for warm days
Each 250g pouch gives you up to 50 servings. Check the pack for how much to give for your dog’s size, and if your dog has a health condition or a special diet, have a quick chat with your vet first.
Shop Pets Chicken Bone Broth Powder →
Our Pets Beef Bone Broth Powder is also available while stocks last.
Related Reading
- Is bone broth good for dogs?
- The best bone broth for dogs and cats in the UK
- Can cats have bone broth?
- My dog won’t drink water: what can I do?
- Homemade frozen dog treats
- Pupsicles
Sources & Further Reading
