Homemade Dog Gravy Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Topper

If you’ve ever caught your dog staring at your plate of gravy-smothered mashed potatoes, this one’s for you!

After watching my pup longingly eye my Sunday dinners, I figured – why not create a dog-safe version just for her?

This homemade dog gravy turns regular kibble into a gourmet experience (at least in your dog’s eyes). Suddenly, my formerly “meh” eater now licks her bowl clean and does a little happy dance at mealtime.

Best of all? It’s made with simple, healthy ingredients that you can feel good about, unlike that packet gravy we humans use.

Think of it as the secret sauce that makes your dog think they’re dining at a five-star restaurant – minus the fancy collar and tie!

Homemade Dog Gravy Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil: Adds healthy fats and flavor.
• 1 pound ground chicken: A lean protein source that’s easy on your dog’s stomach.
• 1/3 cup chopped carrots: Provides fiber, vitamins, and a slight sweetness.
• 1/3 cup frozen green peas: Adds texture, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• 3 cups chicken stock (ensure it’s free from onions, garlic, or salt): Keeps the gravy flavorful and dog-safe.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the gravy.
• ½ cup cold water: Used to mix with the thickener for a smooth consistency.

Optional Add-Ons:

• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley: A dog-safe herb that can freshen breath.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric: Adds anti-inflammatory properties.
• 1/4 cup cooked sweet potato: Boosts sweetness and provides added nutrients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

#1 Heat the Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to melt completely and spread evenly across the skillet. It should shimmer slightly when it’s ready, but avoid letting it smoke to preserve its nutritional benefits.

#2 Cook the Chicken: Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the preheated skillet. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the chicken into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even browning and to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. Continue cooking for about 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no pink remains.

#3 Add Stock and Veggies: Pour in chicken stock, followed by chopped carrots and peas. Stir everything thoroughly to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will soften the vegetables and infuse the stock with the flavors of the chicken and veggies.

#4 Set Aside for Chunky Gravy (Optional): If your dog enjoys a chunkier texture, scoop out about 1 cup of the cooked chicken and vegetables from the skillet and set them aside in a small bowl. This will be added back later to create a hearty, textured gravy.

#5 Prepare the Thickener: In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) with ¼ cup of cold water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. The cold water ensures the thickener dissolves completely and prevents clumps in the gravy.

#6 Thicken the Gravy: Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the stock and meat mixture. Continue stirring as the gravy simmers for another 2–3 minutes. You’ll notice the liquid start to thicken into a velvety sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to adjust the consistency.

#7 Cool and Blend: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the gravy cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender. Blend on high speed until the gravy reaches your desired smoothness. Be cautious of steam while blending, as it can build up pressure in the container.

#8 Add Back the Chunks: If you reserved the chicken and vegetables for a chunky texture, stir them back into the blended gravy. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chunks are evenly distributed. This creates a balanced gravy with both smoothness and chewable bits for your dog to enjoy.

#9 Serve: Allow the gravy to cool completely to room temperature before serving. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the gravy over your dog’s kibble or homemade meal as a tasty and nutritious topping.

Serving Size

How much gravy should you add to your dog’s food? A good starting point is about ¼ cup, but this can vary based on your dog’s size and dietary needs. For smaller dogs, a tablespoon or two might be plenty, while larger breeds may enjoy a bit more.

If you’re using the gravy to simply enhance the flavor of dry kibble, a light drizzle is often enough. However, if your goal is to soften the food for older dogs or picky eaters, you may want to add a little more until the desired consistency is achieved.

Consider Your Dog’s Size and Caloric Needs:

• Small Dogs: Use a smaller portion, around 1-2 tablespoons, to avoid unnecessary calories.
• Medium to Large Dogs: Larger dogs can handle ¼ cup or more, depending on their meal size.

Always keep your dog’s overall caloric intake in mind to maintain a healthy weight. Overfeeding, even with healthy toppers, can lead to unwanted weight gain. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your dog’s size, breed, and activity level.

Benefits of the Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: A lean source of protein that’s gentle on your dog’s stomach and supports muscle health.
• Carrots: Provide beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins A and K for overall health.
• Green Peas: A good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamin K.
• Coconut Oil/Olive Oil: Healthy fats that support a shiny coat and healthy skin.
• Chicken Stock: Adds flavor and hydration but ensures it’s free from onions, garlic, or salt.
• Cornstarch/Arrowroot Powder: A safe thickener that gives the gravy its smooth texture.
• Optional Parsley: Supports fresh breath and digestion.
• Optional Turmeric: Adds anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Customization Tips

1. Switch the Protein: Use ground turkey, lean beef, or even fish if your dog prefers variety.
2. Add More Veggies: Incorporate dog-safe vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or spinach for added nutrients.
3. Make It Grain-Free: Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder to keep the recipe grain-free.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing: Pour the gravy into ice cube trays and freeze for individual servings. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw before serving.