If your dog has just broken into the trash or grabbed a plate of leftover food, you want to make sure that whatever he grabbed is perfectly safe, otherwise, a trip to the vet may be imminent. It’s good news that cream of mushroom soup is not toxic to dogs. The bad news is that it can cause some gastrointestinal upset, so your dog really shouldn’t be eating it.
In this article, we want to explain exactly what to expect if your dog has eaten some of your leftover cream of mushroom soup.
Why can’t dogs eat cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of mushroom soup has many attractive ingredients in it that could make it desirable for dogs, which is probably why you’re reading about it. If your dog gets the chance to cook something as delicious as cream of mushroom soup, he will no doubt take advantage of it.
However, like any human food that is heavily processed, cream of mushroom soup has no real benefits for your dog. It can actually be harmful in the short term, potentially causing digestive discomfort and upset stomach.
Ingredients for cream of mushroom soup
If you want to be completely convinced, it’s important to know what the ingredients are in cream of mushroom soup. Be sure to read the individual ingredients of the particular soup your dog has encountered, as recipes can vary widely.
Here are the general common ingredients that can be a problem.
butter
Butter can be a delicious way to caramelize the mushrooms used in Cream of Mushroom Soup, but it’s also high in fat, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your dog. High amounts of fat can also contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Stock
Stock refers to the type of stock. This particular ingredient isn’t necessarily the worst your dog could have when it comes to human food. However, supplies are usually high in salt, and your dog really doesn’t need extra salt in his diet.
Cream
Cream is another canine no-no in the range as it contains lactose, something most dogs have a hard time digesting. Dairy products, such as cream, can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and gas simply because dogs cannot process them properly. It is another ingredient with a very high fat content, which can also contribute to weight gain if consumed regularly.
Spices
Some spices can be toxic to dogs in large enough amounts, especially garlic and onion powder. So if there is garlic or onion powder in the cream of mushroom soup, your dog can get sick.
The Risks of Feeding Your Dog Cream of Mushroom Soup
There are many reasons why you should not feed cream of mushroom soup to your dog; but to put your mind at ease, it probably won’t cause long-term problems from consuming a small amount.
Gastrointestinal disorder
One of the biggest problems with feeding your dog cream of mushroom soup is the likelihood that it will cause gastrointestinal upset. If they eat enough, it can lead to a whirlwind of problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and general discomfort.
Most of the time these problems will improve within a day or two, but severe cases can lead to dehydration that may require veterinary attention.
💛 🐶 Talk to a vet online from the comfort of your couch!
If you need to talk to a vet but can’t get to him, go to PangoVet. It is an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Weight gain
Although a sneaky bite or two is unlikely to have long-term effects, regularly eating foods high in fat and calories can lead to weight gain and obesity. Extra calories can really pile weight on a dog’s frame, potentially increasing the risk of things like diabetes and joint disease.
What to do if your dog eats cream of mushroom soup
If your dog eats a small amount of cream of mushroom soup, he will probably be fine. However, monitor them for signs of an upset stomach or any other unusual behavior. Again, the unpleasant signs should disappear within a few days, but if they don’t or your dog’s signs are severe, see your vet. You’ll also want to check with your vet if your dog is consuming cream of mushroom soup as part of a recipe with other ingredients that could be potentially harmful. The first recipe that comes to mind is Green Bean Casserole because onions could be toxic to your dog.
Conclusion
So now you know that cream of mushroom soup is not something you should knowingly feed your dog, even though it is not considered toxic. However, if your dog does happen to sneak in a lick or two, he may experience some digestive upset that could cause problems for a day or two. Consult your vet if your puppy eats a lot of cream of mushroom soup or if their signs do not go away within a short period of time.
See also:
Featured Images: New Africa, Shutterstock
Social Plugin