Can Dogs Eat Gravy? 3 Safe Dog Gravy Recipes

No, dogs cannot eat gravy made for humans. Gravy—a topping consisting of meat drippings and a thickener—has high amounts of sodium and fat and ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, like garlic and onions. If your dog eats gravy, monitor them for signs of illness and consult a veterinarian.

If your pet is a picky eater and you want to add a topping to make dry dog food more palatable, you can buy gravy specifically for your furry friend (“dog gravy”) or prepare a dog-safe homemade gravy in your kitchen.

Any gravy made for human consumption—whether instant gravy or homemade—is unsafe for dogs because it is:

1. 1. Full of salt: Gravy recipes are high in sodium. Too much salt in your dog’s diet leads to dehydration and, in severe cases, kidney damage and sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much sodium in your dog’s diet include excessive thirst, little to no urination, loss of appetite, dry gums, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. 2. High in unhealthy fat: Your dog’s stomach can’t efficiently digest large amounts of fat, so foods high in saturated fats and unhealthy carbohydrates—like gravy—can lead to an upset stomach, bloat, and other digestive problems. Long-term problems include an increased risk of heart disease and pancreatitis, or the swelling of the pancreas.
3. 3. Likely to contain toxic ingredients: Gravy recipes often contain toxic seasonings for dogs, even in small amounts, including onion powder and garlic powder. In addition, many store-bought gravies include high amounts of unhealthy preservatives. Dogs should never eat these foods. If your dog ingests any toxic ingredients, even in small quantities, they can experience significant stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting.

You can make special homemade gravy to serve as a dog food topper to encourage your pet to eat dry kibble. Here are three dog-food gravy recipes you can make at home:

1. 1. Broth gravy: You can make a simple broth gravy out of stock and a thickener. When choosing a stock, it’s crucial to select one that’s low-sodium and free of garlic or onion powder; low-sodium bone broth and chicken broth are viable options. You can also make your own no-sodium homemade broth by simmering bony meat pieces in water for several hours. Once you’ve chosen your broth, bring it to a low boil, whisk in a dog-healthy thickener (like cornstarch, tapioca flour, or eggs), and simmer until it reaches the desired thickness. Let it cool before you offer it to your dog.
2. 2. Meat gravy: Pet parents can use lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef to make gravy for their dog. To make ground-meat gravy, break it up in a nonstick skillet and cook it over medium heat. Strain off the fat, then add in a low-sodium broth and a thickener like cornstarch and simmer until it reaches the desired consistency. Let it cool to room temperature before you add it to pet food.
3. 3. Puréed gravy: The simplest kind of dog gravy is not technically gravy at all, but a puréed mix of dog-safe foods. You can make puréed dog gravy out of many ingredients, including wet dog food, vegetables (like carrots, green beans, or peas), or starches (like sweet potato). Blend the ingredients in a blender or food processor with water until smooth.

Dog-safe gravy can be a special addition to your dog’s meal as an occasional treat. However, dog treats (including homemade gravy), should make up a maximum of ten percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake to avoid weight gain, obesity, or other issues for your dog’s health.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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