- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Whether your dog eats dry kibble, wet food, or homemade meals on the regular, every once in awhile, it’s nice to give her a special treat. And if there is one thing dogs and people agree on about mealtime, it’s the power of rich, savory gravy to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Warm gravy is a luxurious food topper that doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming, or expensive. You might have to expand your definition of what the word gravy means a little bit, but your dog is definitely going to be into this concept in a big way. Plus it’s a sneaky way to make sure your dog stays hydrated.
chendongshan/iStock
4 Quick and Easy Gravy for Dogs Options
No time to cook or go to the store? We’ve got you covered. There may be a perfect meal topper for your dog lurking in your fridge right now! You can heat any of these for added interest, too.
1. Just Add Water (or Broth)
Pour a cup of hot water over your dog’s meal and let it cool. When it’s ready to serve, the hot water will have worked its magic and softened the food, and the heat will unleash the tasty smells of the meal, exciting your dog’s senses and appetite.
2. Homemade Dog Food Gravy
If your dog typically eats dry dog food, keeping a few cans of wet food on hand is a great way to enhance mealtime in a hurry. Just stir in some water and heat it in the microwave before pouring over dry food for maximum effect.
3. Pantry Staples
Check your fridge or pantry for some of these handy staples you can add to your dog’s kibble as a “gravy” topper.
- Low-fat plain yogurt or cottage cheese
- Sodium-free broth, bone broth, or stock
- Dog-friendly baby foods
- Applesauce (no xylitol or artificial sweeteners)
- Cooked egg
Image credit: SolStock | iStock
4. Simple Purees
You can turn any dog-friendly leftovers into a savory gravy using your food processor and a little broth or water. Check your fridge or freezer for some of these ingredients and give ’em a blend. What to avoid: onions, spices, excess grease, or sauces.
- Plain leftover rice or other grain
- Simple proteins like deboned chicken, beef, pork, or fish
- Canned protein like tuna or salmon
- Plain dog-friendly veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, cabbage, peas, and green beans
- Plain cooked root veggies like sweet potato, potato, parsnips, and beets
3 Simple Gravy for Dogs Recipes You Can Make
Want to go that extra mile for your dog? Here are three straightforward recipes for low-fat, healthy gravy for dogs you can make at home. Feel free to toss in any small bites of leftover plain meat or veg you have on hand for a special treat.
1. 2-Ingredient Gravy for Dogs
Ingredients
- 2 cups sodium-free or homemade stock or broth
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch or tapioca flour
In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of stock to a low boil.
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 cup of cold stock until no lumps appear.
When the stock on the stove comes to a low rolling boil, add the cornstarch slurry in a slow drizzle, and bring back to the boil.
Boil until desired thickness, though the gravy will thicken as it cools.
Serve warm over your dog’s regular food.
iStock/Chalabala
2. Ground Chicken Gravy for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground low-fat chicken, turkey, or beef
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch or tapioca flour
- 2 cups sodium-free or homemade stock or broth
Warm your broth in a saucepan to a simmer.
In a skillet, brown the meat, breaking it up as you go.
When cooked through, strain off any fat from the meat.
Sprinkle cornstarch over the meat and stir well to coat.
Pour broth over meat and bring to a low bowl until desired thickness.
Serve warm over your dog’s regular food.
3. Savory Egg Gravy
Ok, this one is going to sound a little tricksy, but if your dog goes gaga for eggs, do give it a try. The worst that can happen is the eggs scramble a bit, and it won’t matter one bit to your pet.
- 2 cups low sodium or homemade stock or broth
- 2 eggs
Bring broth to a simmer.
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly.
Add the hot broth a little bit of time to the egg while stirring, until you’ve added about half the broth.
Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining broth, whisking as you go.
Simmer until desired thickness.
Serve warm over your dog’s regular food.
iStock/OlyaSolodenko
Behold the Gravy Potential of Dog-Friendly Bone Broth!
Bone broth for humans is its own industry—and so is bone broth for dogs!
Make, try, or buy one of the options below for a savory meal add-on that adds a gravy-like texture to your pup’s kibble.
- The Best Dog Bone Broths in Carton, Pouch, Powder, and Food Form
- Turkey Bone Broth for Dogs Couldn’t Be Easier Thanks to the Instant Pot [Recipe]
- How to Make Bone Broth for Your Dog in a Few Easy Steps
- Easy Instant Pot Bone Broth for Dogs [Recipe]
