Are you tired of watching your furry friend turn their nose up at dry kibble? I was in the same boat with my picky eater until I discovered the magic of homemade dog gravy! It’s a game-changer that transforms ordinary dog food into a meal your pup will be excited about every single time.
Making gravy for dogs isn’t just about adding flavor—it’s about boosting nutrition and hydration while giving your best friend something to look forward to at mealtime The best part? It’s super easy to make and way more affordable than constantly buying wet food as a topper
Why Make Homemade Dog Gravy?
Before I dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why homemade gravy is such a good idea for your dog:
- Perfect for picky eaters who refuse to eat dry kibble
- Helps dogs with low appetite or seniors who’ve lost interest in food
- More affordable than buying commercial wet food or toppers
- Controls ingredients so you know exactly what your dog is eating
- Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs since you can customize it
- Adds hydration to your dog’s diet (especially important for dogs who don’t drink enough water)
- Makes mealtime special without much extra work
Basic Homemade Dog Gravy Recipe
Let me share my go-to recipe that has my dog literally dancing around the kitchen when I make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (can substitute olive oil)
- 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey, extra lean beef, or chicken liver)
- ¼ cup chopped carrots
- ¼ cup green peas (frozen is fine)
- 3 cups chicken stock (without onions, garlic, or salt)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- ½ cup cold water
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet with lid
- Measuring cups
- Blender or food processor
Instructions:
- Melt coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook until browned and crumbled, breaking it up as you go.
- Add the stock, carrots, and peas to the skillet. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- For chunky gravy (which my dog prefers), take out about a cup of the meat and vegetables and set aside.
- Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
- Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the gravy mixture, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- Add back the reserved meat and vegetables if you set some aside.
- Serve over your dog’s regular food!
Quick and Easy Alternatives
Don’t have time for the full recipe? No worries! Here are some super quick options when you’re in a hurry
1. Just Add Water or Broth
The simplest “gravy” is just pouring warm water or sodium-free broth over your dog’s kibble. Let it sit for a minute to soften the food and release aromas that will entice your pup.
2. Two-Ingredient Gravy
- 2 cups sodium-free stock or broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Bring 1½ cups of the stock to a low boil Mix cornstarch with remaining ½ cup cold stock until no lumps appear, Slowly add this mixture to the boiling stock and stir until thickened Let cool before serving,
3. Pantry Staple Toppers
These simple ingredients from your fridge or pantry can work as “gravy” in a pinch:
- Low-fat plain yogurt
- Cottage cheese (no salt added)
- Applesauce (no sweeteners)
- Cooked egg
Important Safety Notes
When making gravy for your dog, there are some critical safety considerations:
Stock/Broth Caution
Most store-bought chicken or beef stocks contain onions, garlic, and salt—all of which can be harmful to dogs. Look specifically for:
- Swanson Unsalted Chicken Stock (which doesn’t contain onions)
- Dog-specific bone broths sold at pet stores
- Or make your own by boiling chicken or beef in water (my preferred method)
Avoid These Ingredients:
- Onions and garlic (toxic to dogs)
- Salt (bad for dogs in large amounts)
- Artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol, which is deadly to dogs)
- Spices and seasonings
- Excess fat or grease
Storage Tips
Make a big batch and save yourself some time:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Portion control: Pour into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag for easy single servings.
When serving from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed (never hot—it could burn your dog’s mouth).
Serving Size Guidelines
How much gravy should you give your dog? It depends on their size:
- Small dogs: 1-2 tablespoons per meal
- Medium dogs: 2-3 tablespoons per meal
- Large dogs: ¼ cup per meal
Remember, this is a topper, not a complete meal. The goal is to enhance your dog’s regular food, not replace it entirely.
Creative Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, try these variations:
Savory Egg Gravy
Great for dogs who love eggs:
- 2 cups low-sodium stock
- 2 eggs (whisked)
Bring stock to a simmer. Slowly add about half the hot stock to the whisked eggs while stirring. Pour this mixture back into the remaining stock, whisking continuously. Simmer until thickened.
Ground Turkey Gravy
- Use ground turkey instead of chicken
- Add a small sweet potato (cooked and diced)
- Use turkey or beef stock instead of chicken
Beef and Veggie Gravy
- Use extra lean ground beef
- Add dog-safe vegetables like green beans and carrots
- Use beef stock as the base
Testimonials from Dog Parents
Don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what other dog parents say about homemade gravy:
“My husband had it for breakfast this morning…it’s that good!” – Patricia
“I’ve been making this gravy for Osa for three months and I’m very pleased with the results for my picky eater. She has perfect poos and she hasn’t had indigestion which used to cause her to vomit sometimes.” – Patricia
“My 10-year-old American Staffy girl is a massive fuss pot but she just smashed her dry food which she hasn’t done in months!” – Craig
Common Questions About Dog Gravy
Can humans eat this dog gravy?
Absolutely! It would be tasty on mashed potatoes. You’d just want to add salt and pepper for human taste preferences.
Where can I find stock without onions and garlic?
Look for Swanson Unsalted Chicken Stock, or make your own by boiling chicken in water. Many pet stores also sell dog-safe bone broths.
Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?
Yes, all-purpose flour can work as a thickener, though cornstarch gives a smoother consistency.
Can cats eat this gravy too?
While the basic ingredients are generally safe for cats, their nutritional needs differ from dogs. Check with your vet before sharing with your feline friends.
Final Thoughts
Making gravy for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you go all out with the full recipe or just add some warm broth to kibble, your dog will appreciate the extra effort and tastiness!
I’ve been making homemade dog gravy for my furry friend for over a year now, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best things I’ve done for his mealtime enjoyment. Not only does he lick his bowl clean every time, but I love knowing exactly what’s going into his body.
Give it a try—your pup’s wagging tail and excited dance at mealtime will be all the thanks you need!
