Are you looking to spice up your furry friend’s meals? Homemade dog gravy is a fantastic way to add flavor and moisture to your dog’s diet, making each mealtime a special occasion. This recipe is not just about making food taste better; it’s about adding nutritional value and ensuring that your dog enjoys its meals to the fullest. Here’s a simple, nutritious recipe for homemade dog gravy that’s sure to get tails wagging.
How to Make Homemade Dog Gravy
So, I have a confession to make: my dog WILL NOT eat any kibble without some sort of topper. Yeah, I know, that’s on me. I started adding toppers to her food back when I bought a big bag of a brand that she just didn’t like. I spent A LOT of money on that food and didn’t want it to go to waste. So, out came the toppings. Ground cooked chicken, Parmesan cheese, store-bought toppers…I’ve tried it all.
We recently switched to gravy, though, because…well, because it’s cheaper, especially with food prices constantly on the rise. The problem with that, though, is that gravy in a jar is loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives. Plus, I’m not even sure if there’s any real meat in it, given that the label says “Turkey Flavor.” I figured I could make something that was just as cheap as jar gravy but without all of the added junk.
This dog gravy recipe is super simple and totally customizable depending on what you have on hand and what your pooch prefers. I mainly use chicken broth because I always have it in the pantry. For the meat, I use ground chicken, although sometimes I just skip it entirely. You could even maybe grind up some veggies to mix in instead of meat. Really, the most important parts are the broth, the water, and the cornstarch. 😀
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted plain chicken broth (look for “low-sodium” on the package)
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or wheat flour (for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped cooked meat (chicken, beef, or turkey)
- A pinch of turmeric (optional for anti-inflammatory benefits)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broth: In a small saucepan, bring the beef or chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. If you’re using homemade broth (such as leftovers from your soups and whatnot), make sure it’s unsalted and free of harmful ingredients like onions and garlic.
- Mix Cornstarch and Water: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until it forms a smooth paste. This mixture will help thicken your gravy.
- Combine Ingredients: Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering broth, stirring constantly. Add the olive oil and continue to stir. The gravy should start to thicken within a few minutes.
- Add the Meat: Once the gravy has thickened, add the finely chopped cooked meat to the saucepan. Stir well to distribute the meat evenly throughout the gravy.
- Seasoning: If you choose, you can add a pinch of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s essential to keep the seasoning simple and dog-friendly.
- Cool Down: Allow the gravy to cool down to room temperature before serving it to your dog. You can pour it over their dry food, mix it with rice, or use it as a special treat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dry Food Enhancer: Pour over your dog’s dry kibble to give it more flavor. This is the main way that I use it with Freya.
- Mixed with Rice: For a simple, digestible meal, mix the gravy with cooked rice and a portion of your dog’s regular food.
- Special Treat: Use the gravy as a reward during training sessions by adding a few tablespoons to a Kong toy.
How to store your dog gravy
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the gravy in ice cube trays for easy portion control and thaw it as needed.
Homemade dog gravy is a simple, nutritious way to make your dog’s meals more exciting and palatable. By preparing your dog’s food with love and attention to their dietary needs, you’re ensuring they’re not only satisfied but also receiving the necessary nutrients for a healthy life. Try this recipe and watch your dog enjoy every bite!
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Easy Homemade Dog Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
Units Scale
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a small saucepan, bring the beef or chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. If you’re using homemade broth (such as leftovers from your soups and whatnot), make sure it’s unsalted and free of harmful ingredients like onions and garlic.
- Mix Cornstarch and Water: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until it forms a smooth paste. This mixture will help thicken your gravy.
- Combine Ingredients: Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering broth, stirring constantly. Add the olive oil and continue to stir. The gravy should start to thicken within a few minutes.
- Add the Meat: Once the gravy has thickened, add the finely chopped cooked meat to the saucepan. Stir well to distribute the meat evenly throughout the gravy.
- Seasoning: If you choose, you can add a pinch of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s essential to keep the seasoning simple and dog-friendly.
- Cool Down: Allow the gravy to cool down to room temperature before serving it to your dog. You can pour it over their dry food, mix it with rice, or use it as a special treat.
Notes
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the gravy in ice cube trays for easy portion control and thaw it as needed.
