Can Dogs Eat Chicken Pot Pie? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Safe Treats

It’s a crisp autumn evening, and the aroma of chicken pot pie fills your kitchen. You slice into the golden crust, steam rising to reveal tender chicken, carrots, and peas swimming in a savory sauce. Beside you, your dog sits—tail thumping, nose twitching, those big, imploring eyes fixed on your plate. “Just a tiny bite won’t hurt,” you think. But before you share, let’s answer the question: Can dogs eat chicken pot pie?

Chicken is a staple in many dog foods, and veggies like carrots and peas are often recommended as healthy snacks. But chicken pot pie isn’t just chicken and veggies—it’s a mix of crust, seasonings, and other ingredients that might pose hidden risks. In this guide, we’ll break down the benefits, risks, and safer alternatives to help you make the best choice for your furry friend.

Table of Contents

1. The Short Answer: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Pot Pie?
2. Potential Benefits of Chicken Pot Pie (When Made Safely)
3. Risks of Feeding Chicken Pot Pie to Dogs
4. Guidelines: How Much (If Any) Is Safe?
5. Healthier Alternatives to Chicken Pot Pie
6. FAQ: Common Questions About Dogs and Chicken Pot Pie
7. Conclusion: Prioritize Safety and Moderation

1. The Short Answer: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Pot Pie?

Yes, but with extreme caution—and only if the pot pie is made with dog-safe ingredients.

Most store-bought or restaurant chicken pot pies contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful to dogs (like onions, garlic, or excessive salt). Even homemade versions can be risky if they include high-fat crusts, dairy, or seasonings. While plain chicken and veggies are generally safe, the combination in pot pie makes it a tricky treat.

The key takeaway: Proceed only if you’ve made a pot pie specifically for your dog, with no toxic ingredients, minimal salt, and a low-fat crust. For store-bought options? It’s better to skip them entirely.

2. Potential Benefits of Chicken Pot Pie (When Made Safely)

If you’re considering sharing a homemade, dog-friendly pot pie (we’ll cover how to make one later!), here are the potential upsides:

Protein from Chicken

Chicken is a lean, high-quality protein source for dogs. It supports muscle growth, immune function, and healthy skin/coat. Plain, unseasoned chicken (without bones) is a staple in many commercial dog foods for good reason!

Fiber and Vitamins from Veggies

Carrots, peas, and celery—common pot pie veggies—offer fiber (aids digestion), vitamin A (supports eye health, from carrots), vitamin K (bone health, from peas), and potassium (regulates blood pressure). These nutrients are great for dogs when served plain and in moderation.

Hydration (If Filling Is Broth-Based)

A broth-based filling (without added salt or onions) can help keep your dog hydrated, especially if they’re picky about drinking water. Just ensure the broth is low-sodium and free of toxic additives.

3. Risks of Feeding Chicken Pot Pie to Dogs

The risks of chicken pot pie far outweigh the benefits for most dogs—especially store-bought versions. Let’s break down the biggest dangers:

Toxic Ingredients: Onions and Garlic

Many pot pies (homemade and store-bought) include onions, garlic, or leeks in the filling. These belong to the Allium family, which is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia (symptoms: weakness, lethargy, pale gums). ASPCA warns that all forms—raw, cooked, powdered—are dangerous.

High-Fat Crust

The flaky crust is a highlight for humans, but it’s a disaster for dogs. Most crusts are made with butter, lard, or shortening—high in saturated fat. Excess fat can trigger pancreatitis, a painful (and potentially fatal) inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Excess Salt and Sodium

Store-bought pot pies are loaded with salt to enhance flavor. Dogs need only 100mg of sodium per kg of body weight daily (e.g., a 10kg/22lb dog needs ~1,000mg/day). A single slice of store-bought pot pie can contain 1,500–2,000mg of sodium—way over the limit! Too much salt causes sodium ion poisoning, with symptoms like excessive thirst, urination, and seizures.

Added Sugar

Some pot pies (especially sweet potato or dessert-like versions) include sugar in the crust or filling. Dogs have no nutritional need for sugar, and it can lead to obesity, dental issues, or even diabetes over time.

Dairy and Lactose Intolerance

Cream, milk, or cheese in the filling can upset your dog’s stomach. Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant—they lack the enzyme to digest lactose, leading to gas, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Choking Hazards

Bones (if present in the chicken), large chunks of crust, or tough vegetable pieces can pose choking risks, especially for small dogs. Even cooked chicken bones splinter easily, which can tear the digestive tract.

4. Guidelines: How Much (If Any) Is Safe?

If you must share a bite (and only if it’s homemade with safe ingredients), follow these rules:

1. Check the Ingredients First

• Safe: Plain chicken (boneless, skinless), carrots, peas, celery, low-sodium broth, and a minimal crust (whole-grain flour, water, and a tiny bit of olive oil—no butter/lard).
• Avoid: Onions, garlic, salt, sugar, dairy, butter, lard, or spices (like sage or nutmeg, which are toxic in large amounts).

2. Portion Control Is Key

Treat chicken pot pie as an occasional snack, not a meal. A good rule:

• Small dogs (under 20lbs): 1–2 teaspoons of filling (no crust).
• Medium dogs (20–50lbs): 1–2 tablespoons of filling (no crust).
• Large dogs (50+lbs): 2–3 tablespoons of filling (no crust).
  Never feed the crust—it’s too high in fat!

3. Monitor for Reactions

After feeding, watch for signs of stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea), lethargy, or pancreatitis (abdominal pain, hunched posture). If you see any, contact your vet immediately.

5. Healthier Alternatives to Chicken Pot Pie

Skip the pot pie drama and opt for these dog-safe, nutrient-packed treats instead:

Homemade Chicken & Veggie Bowl

Ingredients:

• ½ cup boneless, skinless chicken breast (boiled, no salt).
• ¼ cup carrots (steamed, diced).
• ¼ cup peas (steamed).
• 1 tablespoon plain brown rice (cooked).
  How to make: Mix all ingredients and serve warm or cold. Store leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Dehydrated Chicken Strips

Slice chicken breast into thin strips, bake at 200°F for 2–3 hours until crispy, and let cool. These make great training treats!

Steamed Veggie Medley

Carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes (steamed and mashed) are low-calorie, high-fiber snacks. Just avoid onions, garlic, or raw potatoes.

Commercial Dog Treats

Look for brands with simple ingredients (e.g., “chicken and sweet potato” with no additives). Check the label for AAFCO approval to ensure balanced nutrition.

6. FAQ: Common Questions About Dogs and Chicken Pot Pie

Q: Can dogs eat store-bought chicken pot pie?
A: No. Store-bought versions almost always contain onions, garlic, excess salt, or high-fat crusts—all dangerous for dogs.

Q: What if my dog stole a slice of chicken pot pie?
A: Call your vet immediately. If the pie had onions/garlic, your dog may need treatment (like activated charcoal) to prevent anemia. For high-fat crusts, watch for pancreatitis symptoms (vomiting, abdominal pain) and seek help fast.

Q: Is chicken pot pie crust safe for dogs?
A: No. The crust is high in fat (butter, lard) and often contains salt or sugar. Even a small piece can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.

Q: Can puppies eat chicken pot pie?
A: Puppies have sensitive tummies and developing immune systems. Avoid all human foods like pot pie—stick to their puppy food for balanced nutrition.

7. Conclusion: Prioritize Safety and Moderation

Sharing a meal with your dog is one of life’s joys, but when it comes to chicken pot pie, caution is key. While plain chicken and veggies are healthy, the added ingredients in pot pie (onions, garlic, fat, salt) make it a risky choice.

Instead of pot pie, opt for homemade chicken-veggie mixes or dog-safe treats—your pup will love them just as much, and you’ll have peace of mind. When in doubt, always check with your vet before introducing new foods.

After all, a happy dog is a healthy dog—and that’s the best treat of all!

References

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants & Foods. aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
• American Kennel Club (AKC). Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat. akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/
• VCA Hospitals. Pancreatitis in Dogs. vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs