healthy dog food gravy recipe
How to Cook Gravy for Dogs: A Delicious and Nutritious Treat
Cooking for your dog can be a great way to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need. Adding gravy to your dogs meals is a simple way to make their food more appetizing and nutritious. However, not all gravies are safe for dogs to eat, so its important to know how to cook gravy that is healthy and safe for your little friend.
When making gravy for your dog, its important to avoid using ingredients that are harmful to them. For example, onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and can cause anemia. Instead, you can use safe ingredients like chicken or beef broth, tapioca flour, and ground chicken or turkey. By making your own gravy, you can control the ingredients and ensure that your dog is getting a healthy and delicious addition to their meals.
One easy way to make gravy for your dog is to mix water with their regular dog food. Another option is to follow a recipe that uses safe ingredients. There are many recipes available online that are specifically designed for dogs, such as those that use ground chicken or turkey as a base. By cooking your own gravy, you can provide your dog with a tasty and nutritious addition to their meals that will keep them happy and healthy.
Why Cook Gravy for Dogs?
Cooking gravy for your dog is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to their meals. Here are a few reasons why you should consider cooking gravy for your dog:
- Nutrition: Gravy can be a great source of nutrition for dogs. By adding ingredients like lean meats, vegetables, and herbs, you can create a nutritious and balanced meal topper that will provide your dog with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Dog Food Topper: If your dog is a picky eater or gets bored with their regular food, gravy can be a great way to add some variety to their meals. By adding different flavors and textures, you can keep your dog interested in their food and ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.
- Taste: Dogs love the taste of gravy! By adding gravy to their meals, you can make their food more appealing and enjoyable. This can be especially helpful if your dog is recovering from an illness or surgery and needs to be enticed to eat.
When cooking gravy for your dog, its important to use high-quality ingredients and avoid any foods that can be harmful to dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dogs diet.
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Ingredients for Homemade Dog Gravy
To make homemade dog gravy, youll need a few key ingredients. Here are some options to consider:
Meat
Choose lean meats like ground chicken, ground turkey, beef, liver, salmon, or tuna.
Vegetables
Add dog-friendly veggies like carrots, green beans, sweet potato, peas, broccoli, cabbage, or cauliflower.
Thickening Agents
Use arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or flour to thicken the gravy.
Broths and Stocks
Use low-sodium chicken broth, beef broth, bone broth, or homemade stock as the base for your gravy.
To make the gravy, you can use leftovers or prepare fresh ingredients. Blend simple purees in a food processor or blender for added flavor and nutrients. You can also add spices like garlic powder or apple sauce for a twist.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, stick to plain, low-fat gravy without any added spices or oils. Store your homemade dog food gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Before making homemade dog food gravy, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the ingredients youre using are dog-safe. You can also find commercial dog gravy or gravy mixes that are specifically designed for dogs.
Making your own dog gravy is a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your dogs diet. Its perfect for picky eaters or dogs who need a little extra encouragement to eat their dry kibble or wet food. Plus, its a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste.
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How to Cook Gravy for Dogs
Making gravy for your pet is an easy way to add some flavor and nutrition to their meals. Heres a simple recipe to get you started:
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground meat (such as turkey or beef) over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add 1 cup of chopped vegetables (such as carrots, green beans, or peas) to the skillet and cook until tender. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside with the meat.
Step 3: Thicken the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Add Broth or Stock
Add the cooked meat and vegetables back into the skillet, along with 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth or stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serve the gravy over your dogs favorite kibble, or mix it in with their food for a tasty and nutritious meal.
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How to Store Homemade Dog Gravy
When it comes to storing homemade dog gravy, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Proper storage will help ensure that your dogs gravy stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible. Heres what you need to know:
Refrigeration
If you plan to use your dog gravy within a few days, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to let the gravy cool to room temperature before storing it, and keep it in the fridge for no more than four days.
Freezing
If you want to store your dog gravy for a longer period of time, freezing is your best bet. You can freeze homemade dog gravy in an airtight container or in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Make sure to label your containers with the date and contents, and use the gravy within three months for best quality.
Remember that freezing can change the texture of the gravy, so it may be a bit thicker or thinner when you thaw it. You can always add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
Overall, storing homemade dog gravy is easy and straightforward. Just make sure to use an airtight container, keep it in the fridge or freezer as needed, and follow basic food safety guidelines to keep your pup safe and healthy.
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How to Serve Homemade Dog Gravy
Once you have made your homemade dog gravy, its time to serve it to your dog. Here are a few tips on how to serve homemade dog gravy:
1. Add to Dry or Wet Dog Food
Homemade dog gravy can be added to both dry and wet dog food to make it more appetizing for your pup. Simply pour the gravy over the food and mix it in well. This will add flavor and moisture to your dogs meal.
2. Use as a Dog Food Topper
Dog food toppers are becoming increasingly popular, and homemade dog gravy is a great option. You can use it to add extra flavor and nutrition to your dogs meal. Just pour a small amount of gravy on top of your dogs food and mix it in.
3. Freeze for Later Use
If you have made a large batch of homemade dog gravy, you can freeze it for later use. Simply pour the gravy into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Once its frozen, you can pop out a few cubes and thaw them as needed.
4. Store Properly
Homemade dog gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to a week in the fridge. If you have frozen the gravy, it can last for up to three months in the freezer.
In conclusion, homemade dog gravy is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your dogs meal. You can use it as a dog food topper, add it to dry or wet dog food, freeze it for later use, and store it properly. Just remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid any harmful additives.
My Take
If youre looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your dogs meals, then cooking gravy for them is a great option. Not only does it enhance the taste of their kibble, but it can also provide additional nutrients to their diet. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect gravy for your pet.
Firstly, its important to choose the right ingredients for your dogs gravy. Homemade bone broth is a great base, as its packed with vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your dogs health. You can also use commercial, ready-made broth, specially made for dogs. Adding some vegetables like carrots and green beans will also provide some extra nutrients.
When it comes to thickening the gravy, you can use arrowroot or cornstarch. Arrowroot is a great gluten-free option, while cornstarch is more readily available. Be sure to mix the thickening agent with cold water before adding it to the broth to avoid lumps.
One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may have dietary restrictions or allergies, so its important to check with your vet before adding anything new to their diet. Additionally, while gravy can add some extra flavor to their meals, it should not be the main component of their diet.
In conclusion, cooking gravy for your dog can be a fun and easy way to add some extra flavor and nutrients to their meals. Just be sure to choose the right ingredients, thicken the gravy correctly, and check with your vet if your dog has any dietary restrictions.
My name is Danny Jackson and Im the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
Recipe: Homemade Dog Food Gravy
There are a few reasons that youmay want to add gravy to your dog's meals. Perhaps the dog has lost his appetite and you're hoping the gravy will entice him to eat something. Maybe your dog has dental problems and you'd like to add gravy to soften his kibble. Whatever the reason, thishomemade dog food gravy recipeis a healthy option for any dog.
One thing that you should remember is that adding gravy to your dog's food will increase the number of calories in the meal. You should talk to your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist about the number of calories that your Fido should be eating every day. If you are adding gravy to your dog's food, be sure to adjust the meal portion to reduce the calories to a healthy a level.
This homemade dog food gravy recipe should NOT be used as a food substitute. If your dog has dental issues and needs soft food, you need to supply a wet food that is nutritionally balanced to meet your dog's needs.
MORE RECIPES HERE:Homemade Dog Food & Treats Recipes
Homemade Dog Food Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 4 ounces chicken liver
- 1/4 cup raw carrots (chopped)
- 1/4 cup raw green beans (chopped)
- 3 cups water
Directions
In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil. Add the turkey and chicken liver, and cook thoroughly. Once fully cooked, add the carrots, green beans and water. Cover the skillet and allow the ingredients to simmer for 30 minutes.
Allow the homemade dog food gravy recipe to cool completely. Now, blend the mixture in a food processor until creamy. If you don't have a food processor, you could also use a blender.
If you feel that the gravy is too thick, add a little more water to thin it. If you're using the gravy to soften dry kibble, you'll want to add extra water so the kibble will absorb it and soften up.
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can also freeze the gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
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