Homemade Gravies for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Roman agricultural manuals and medieval records show that dogs were regularly fed barley cakes, bread or grains soaked in meat broth, fat and pot liquor — the leftover juices from boiling meat. This was the earliest precursor to modern gravy.
In the Victorian era, wealthy pet owners actively mixed rich pan gravies into their dogs’ meals. A historic account of Queen Victoria’s Pekingese “Lootie” notes the dog refused standard meals but happily ate rice and chopped chicken mixed with gravy.
Today, pet parents feel that adding gravy to their dog’s meals completes a meal in much the same way it does their own.
Gravy Recipes
What is gravy?
In terms of homemade dog food, gravy is a moisture-rich meal topper or flavour enhancer used to hydrate dry food, entice fussy eaters or to soften food for older dogs.
Health benefits of homemade gravies for dogs
Gravy provides key health benefits including improved hydration, enhanced nutrient delivery and increased meal palatability for fussy eaters or senior dogs.
Key health benefits of homemade gravy for dogs
- Supports hydration: gravy adds substantial moisture to meals. This helps prevent dehydration in dogs that are reluctant to drink sufficient water.
- Protects kidney function: higher fluid intake promotes optimal urinary tract health and kidney filtration.
- Encourages fussy eaters: gravy increases the natural aroma of food. The rich, meaty smell stimulates the appetite of sick, elderly or stubborn pets.
- Aids mechanical digestion: gravy softens hard, dry dog food and chunky homemade ingredients. This makes chewing much easier for senior dogs or pets with dental issues.
- Delivers concentrated nutrients: gravy can serve as a vehicle for delivering essential nutrients in a condensed form.
How much gravy for dogs?
If part of a properly prepared homemade diet, there are no upper or lower limits to the amount of gravy you can feed your dog just as there are no upper or lower limits to the amount of gravy human beings can have.
Feed in moderation — as a general rule, no more than 10 percent of your dog’s homemade diet.
The Dog Chef Guide to Homemade Dog Food
Looking to supercharge your dog's diet with fresh food?
How to make homemade gravy for dogs
You can make a safe, delicious and thick homemade meat gravy for your dog by simmering lean minced meat with stock and thickening it with a cornstarch slurry.
This recipe delivers a classic, thick gravy consistency that is entirely safe for dogs.
Ingredients:
250g lean minced meat (chicken, turkey or beef)
450ml dog-specific bone broth (homemade is best)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
2 tablespoons cold water
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the minced meat in a non-stick pan over medium heat until completely browned, breaking it into very small pieces as it cooks.
2. Strain the cooked meat through a fine-mesh colander and rinse it quickly with warm water to remove excess grease.
3. Return the drained meat to the pan and pour in the stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat
4. In a small cup, vigorously whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until completely smooth.
5. Slowly pour the slurry into the boiling pan while whisking continuously. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the gravy thickens to a rich consistency.
6. Remove from the heat. Let the gravy cool completely to room temperature before pouring over your dog’s regular food.
Storage tips:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the gravy in ice cube trays. Thaw one or two cubes at room temperature whenever you want to dress up a meal.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can I give my dog regular human gravy?
A. No. Human gravy is unsafe for dogs. It can contain dangerous levels of sodium and fat and frequently includes onions which are toxic to dogs.
Q. What can I use to safely thicken homemade gravy for my dog?
A. You can use small amounts of cornstarch, potato flour or rice flour dissolved in cold water to form a slurry. Avoid heavy wheat flours if your dog has a known gluten allergy.
Q. Can I use shop-bought broth as a base?
A. Yes, but only if it is explicitly labelled “sodium-free” or “unsalted” and contains zero onions. Alternatively, use broths specially formulated for pets sold in pet stores.
Q. How long does homemade dog gravy last?
A.
- Refrigerator: Up to 7 days in a sealed container.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months.
Freeze the gravy in ice cube trays. This creates perfect, single-serving portions that you can pop out and thaw as needed.
Q. How much gravy can I serve my dog?
A. There are no upper or lower limits to how much gravy you can feed your dog as part of a freshly made homemade diet.
Q. Is gravy safe for dogs with health issues?
A. By and large, yes. But dogs with heart failure or kidney disease require strict low-sodium diets and should avoid even plain gravies unless cleared by a vet. Rich or fatty gravies can also cause severe flare-ups in dogs prone to pancreatitis.
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