If your dog just broke into the trash or snatched a plate of leftovers, you want to make sure that anything they got ahold of is perfectly safe, otherwise, a vet trip may be imminent. The good news is that cream of mushroom soup isn’t toxic to dogs. The bad news is that it can cause some gastrointestinal upset, so your dog really shouldn’t eat it.
In this article, we aim to explain exactly what to expect if your dog helped themselves to some of your leftover cream of mushroom soup.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Cream of mushroom soup has a lot of attractive ingredients in it that could make it desirable for dogs, which is probably why you’re reading about this in the first place. If your dog gets the chance to lap up something as savory as cream of mushroom soup, no doubt they will certainly take advantage.
However, like any other human food that is heavily processed, cream of mushroom soup has no real benefit to your dog. It can actually be harmful for the short term, potentially causing some digestive discomfort and upset.
Ingredients in Cream of Mushroom Soup
If you want to be totally convinced, it’s important to know what the ingredients are in cream of mushroom soup. Make sure to read the individual ingredients of the particular soup your dog encountered, as recipes can be very different.
Here are the general common ingredients that may present a problem.
Butter
Butter may be a tasty way to caramelize the mushrooms used in cream of mushroom soup, but it is also high in fat, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea on your dog’s part. Large amounts of fat can also contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Stock
Stock refers to a type of broth. This particular ingredient isn’t necessarily the worst one your dog could have when it comes to human food. However, stock is usually high in salt, and your dog really doesn’t need any additional salt in their diet.
Cream
Cream is another doggy no-no in the lineup because it contains lactose, something that most dogs have a hard time digesting. Dairy products, such as cream, can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and gas simply because dogs can’t process them properly. It’s another ingredient that’s very high fat, which could contribute to weight gain as well if consumed regularly.
Seasonings
Some seasonings can be toxic to dogs in large enough amounts, especially garlic and onion powder. So if there is any garlic or onion powder in the cream of mushroom soup, it can make your dog sick.
Risks of Feeding Your Dog Cream of Mushroom Soup
There are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t feed your dog cream of mushroom soup; but to ease your mind, it likely won’t cause long-term issues from consumption of a small amount.
Gastrointestinal Upset
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 issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and general discomfort.
Most of the time these issues will get better within a day or two, but severe cases may lead to dehydration that may need veterinary attention.
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Weight Gain
While sneaking a bite or two likely won’t have long-term effects, regularly eating foods with lots of fat and calories in them 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 as well.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Cream of Mushroom Soup
If your dog eats a small amount of cream of mushroom soup, they will likely be fine. However, monitor them for signs of stomach upset or any other unusual behaviors. Again, unpleasant signs should clear up within a couple of days, but if they don’t or your dog’s signs are severe, contact your veterinarian. You’ll also want to consult your vet if your dog consumes 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 as the onions could be toxic to your dog.
Conclusion
So now you know that cream of mushroom soup isn’t something you should knowingly give your dog, even though it isn’t considered toxic. However, if your dog happens to sneak a lick or two, they may experience some digestive upset that could cause issues for a day or two. Consult your veterinarian if your pup eats a lot of cream of mushroom soup or if their signs don’t go away within a short amount of time.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock