Some dogs quickly become the family’s food bin, licking plates clean and eating crumbs from the floor. This can lead to family pets turning their noses up at dry kibble in favour of whatever leftovers are on offer. When this happens, dog owners might want to pour gravy or warm water over their pets’ dinners, but can dogs have gravy?
Yes, dogs can have gravy if it is specifically made for them, not humans. Dogs cannot have gravy that is made for human consumption. These products will often contain ingredients that can make dogs unwell. If dog owners want to give their pets gravy, they should cook homemade gravy that is safe for dogs to eat.
Gravy is a sauce that mixes meat fat and juices with butter, flour, and/or seasonings. It’s a staple in roast dinners and other meals, so it is only fair that dog owners question whether it is safe for dogs to eat gravy. A lot of dog owners will assume that gravy is safe as there are gravy-flavoured dog treats and meals available, but this can differ from the gravy used for homemade meals.
Thankfully, this article will provide an answer to “Can dogs eat gravy?” as well as other essential information.
Table of Contents
Can You Put Gravy on Dog Food?
The quick answer is yes; dogs can have gravy. However, this gravy should be specifically made for them. This is better to ensure the gravy is healthy and does not contain ingredients that can harm dogs. For example, some wet food includes gravy, and these gravies will be safe for dogs to consume.
Gravy made for humans should not be put on dog food or fed to dogs. Many gravy granules and instant gravy products contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions (including onion powder), and other members of the allium family. It will also contain too much salt and fat. All of these ingredients can cause digestive problems for dogs.
How to Safely Prepare Gravy for Dogs
Although there are store-bought gravies available to buy, these are not the healthiest options for dogs. A healthy gravy will often be homemade, which allows pet owners to control the ingredients and quantities being used in the recipe.
Homemade gravy recipes for dogs will be low sodium, contain no toxic ingredients, have fewer calories, and can be tailored to suit a dog’s meal, whether that is wet or dry food.
If you want to know how to prepare gravy for your pet dog safely, then the ingredients, recipe, and portions have been outlined below.
Dog Gravy Ingredients to Use
The following ingredients can be selected in different quantities, depending on personal preference:
- Lean meat (beef, ground chicken or turkey, liver, salmon, or tuna)
- Vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, peas, and sweet potato)
- Thickening agents (cornstarch or flour)
- Broths and stocks (beef broth, bone broth, chicken broth, or homemade stock)
Equipment to Make Dog Gravy
- Non-stick frying pan
- Blender or food processor
- Storage box or ice cube tray
Dog Gravy Recipe to Follow
- Cook the meat in the frying pan until it has browned, which should take roughly 30 minutes.
- Once the meat has cooked, add the vegetables.
- Add in the broth or stock and allow to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool before adding it to the blender or food processor; blend the ingredients until it forms a smooth liquid.
- Allow the warm gravy to cool down before serving to your dog.
- Any leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or frozen in an ice cube tray.
Safe Portions of Gravy for Dog Food
Gravy for dogs should be used sparingly; only a light coat is needed. It is recommended that dogs eat no more than 1/4 of a cup of gravy per meal. However, this will vary depending on the gravy recipes used.
Can Dogs Have Gravy: FAQs
Knowing the answer to “Can dogs eat gravy?” is essential for dog parents. Thankfully, gravy is safe for dogs if it is made specifically for them. It can be used as a special treat or a food topper to encourage a good appetite, but too much gravy can cause weight gain.
If you have further questions on feeding gravy to dogs, this section should provide the answers.
How do you make homemade dog gravy?
As shown by the recipe mentioned in this article, you can make homemade gravy for dogs. It is a recipe that is quick to make and contains dog-safe ingredients.
However, if you do not have the time to make your own gravy, you can add hot water to your dog’s meal. This will soak into the food and release a tempting smell, which can help to excite your furry friend’s appetite. Ensure the water and food bowl have cooled down before serving, though.
Can I add gravy to dry dog food?
Yes, you can add gravy to dry dog food; however, this gravy must be made specifically for dogs. The gravy recipe should not include ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, or too much sodium.
How long will a picky dog go without eating?
If your dog is a picky eater, its body will eventually force itself to eat when it is hungry. Making food more appealing will help to encourage a fussy dog to eat, and gravy is a good way to do this.
The maximum amount of time a dog owner should allow their dog not to eat is 48 hours; after this time, it is vital to contact a vet.
To Sum Up
Although dogs can have gravy, it is important to remember that most commercial gravies are unsuitable for canine consumption. This is due to some of the ingredients being harmful to dogs and the products’ high fat and salt contents. For this reason, as most dogs love gravy, it is safer to make a dog-friendly gravy.
Thankfully, making gravy for dogs is simple. It requires a few dog-safe ingredients, some simple pieces of equipment, and a small amount of time to cook and cool. This means that providing your dog will special treats or delicious food is an easy task.