The first time I made Turkey Gravy for Dogs was on Thanksgiving. My golden retriever, Daisy, sat by my side giving me those hopeful puppy eyes as I served our family dinner. It didn’t seem fair that only the humans got something special, so I used some leftover turkey broth (free of onions and garlic), whisked in a little cornstarch, and poured it over her kibble. Her tail started wagging nonstop!
That simple idea quickly became one of our favorite ways to make everyday dog meals feel extra special. Now I make this gravy all the time it’s full of dog-safe ingredients like lean ground chicken, carrots, and peas, adding both flavor and nutrients. Once you see how excited your pup gets for dinner, you’ll be making this Turkey Gravy for Dogs again and again too!
The Big Reasons Turkey Gravy Is a Hit With Dogs
There’s nothing better than seeing your dog’s eyes light up when you pour this turkey gravy over their meal it instantly transforms plain kibble into something irresistible. It adds just the right amount of moisture, which is especially helpful for picky eaters or senior dogs who don’t drink enough water. With its mix of ground chicken and veggies, this gravy is packed with protein and nutrients, far fresher and healthier than anything you’d find in a can.
And the aroma? Honestly, it smells so good that even I get hungry watching my dog dig in! It’s also a great way to slip in a few extra veggies like carrots and peas. If your pup is anything like mine, they’ll be licking the bowl spotless every time. Be sure to explore our other homemade dog meal ideas for even more tail wagging goodness!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Turkey Gravy for Dogs
Using the right ingredients is key to making a turkey gravy that’s both tasty and safe for your dog. I like to keep things simple you’ll probably already have most of these in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil – Creates a rich, gentle base that’s easy on sensitive stomachs
- 1 pound ground chicken – You can use turkey as well
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots – Finely grated works best for smooth blending
- 1/4 cup frozen peas – No need to thaw; they’ll cook right in
- 3 cups chicken stock – Be sure it’s free of onions and garlic
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder – Arrowroot is great for pups with sensitivities
- 1/2 cup cold water – Helps form a silky, lump-free slurry
Simple, wholesome ingredients nothing fancy, just dog safe goodness your pup will love. Feel free to adjust the veggies based on your dog’s favorites!
Making Homemade Turkey Gravy for Your Dog
Okay, let’s get cooking! This turkey gravy comes together in just 20 minutes, and I promise it’s easier than you think. Here’s exactly how I make it for Daisy every week:
- Start with the base: Melt that coconut oil in your skillet over medium high heat just until it’s shimmering but not smoking. The coconut smell means you’re on the right track!
- Brown the chicken: Add your ground chicken and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink (about 5 minutes). I like mine with some golden brown bits for extra flavor!
- Simmer the good stuff: Pour in your chicken stock and add the carrots and peas. Cover and let it bubble gently for 10 minutes you’ll know it’s ready when the carrots soften.
4.Customize the Texture
Prefer a chunkier gravy? Before blending, scoop out about 1 cup of the cooked meat and veggies and set it aside. If you want a completely smooth consistency, go ahead and blend the entire mixture.
5.Thicken the Gravy
Whisk the cornstarch with cold water first to prevent lumps, then slowly pour the mixture into the skillet while stirring. Watch as the gravy thickens beautifully!
6.Blend and Combine
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then blend until smooth and creamy. If you reserved any chunks, fold them back in now to create a perfect blend of textures.
Pro Tip for Perfect Gravy Consistency
If you want a thicker gravy, simply add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to your slurry. Too thick? Whisk in a splash of warm water until it reaches your desired consistency. The ideal gravy should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily. Keep in mind it will thicken a bit more as it cools!
Serving and Storing Turkey Gravy for Dogs
Now for the fun part serving this tasty turkey gravy to your pup! I usually drizzle 1–2 tablespoons over Daisy’s kibble, depending on her portion size. A little goes a long way to make an ordinary meal feel special. If your dog is new to homemade gravy, start with smaller amounts to see how they like it.
For leftovers, pour cooled gravy into small mason jars or airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days just give it a quick stir before serving. Want to prep ahead? Freeze individual portions in ice cube trays for up to a month. When it’s time to serve, let it come to room temperature or warm it gently on the stove never microwave, as hot spots could burn your pup’s mouth. Having this gravy ready makes mealtime extra exciting every time!
Turkey Gravy for Dogs: FAQ
Got questions about making this tasty turkey gravy for your pup? Don’t worry had the same ones when I first started making it for Daisy! Here are answers to the questions I get most often:
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! In fact, that’s how my Thanksgiving experiment began. Just make sure to use plain, cooked turkey no seasonings, onions, or garlic. This recipe is super flexible with proteins, so I often switch between chicken and turkey depending on what’s on hand.
Is this gravy safe for puppies?
Yes! Puppies love it just as much as adult dogs. Start slowly, though maybe a teaspoon mixed into their regular food. And always check with your vet before introducing new foods to a growing pup.
How long does homemade turkey gravy last?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. Always give it a sniff before serving if it smells off, toss it. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in ice cube trays; they thaw quickly and make mealtime a breeze.
Will my dog get bored of this gravy?
Not a chance! I like to swap in different dog-safe veggies green beans, sweet potatoes, or peas to keep things interesting. Keeping the base the same while rotating the add-ins keeps Daisy excited every time.
Nutritional Notes
This turkey gravy is packed with wholesome ingredients, but nutritional values can vary depending on what you include. When in doubt, check with your vet—they know your dog’s unique needs best. For extra tips on pet safety, especially around holidays, check out the AVMA’s guide. The most important part? Watching your dog enjoy every delicious, nutritious bite!
Quick & Healthy Turkey Gravy for Dogs: A Flavorful Meal Topper
There’s nothing better than seeing your dog’s eyes light up when you pour this turkey gravy over their meal—it instantly transforms plain kibble into something irresistible. It adds just the right amount of moisture, which is especially helpful for picky eaters or senior dogs who don’t drink enough water. With its mix of ground chicken and veggies, this gravy is packed with protein and nutrients, far fresher and healthier than anything you’d find in a can.
And the aroma? Honestly, it smells so good that even I get hungry watching my dog dig in! It’s also a great way to slip in a few extra veggies like carrots and peas. If your pup is anything like mine, they’ll be licking the bowl spotless every time. Be sure to explore our other homemade dog meal ideas for even more tail-wagging goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup frozen green peas
- 3 cups chicken stock (make sure it’s free of onions, garlic, and salt)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the ground chicken and stir to break it up, cooking until browned and crumbly.
- Add the veggies and stock: Pour in the chicken stock, then stir in the carrots and peas. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Optional texture: If you want chunky gravy, scoop out about a cup of the cooked meat and vegetables and set it aside.
- Make the slurry: Mix the cornstarch or arrowroot powder with cold water until smooth. Slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring, allowing the gravy to thicken.
- Cool slightly: Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Blend the gravy: Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- Combine textures: Stir the reserved meat and vegetables back into the blended gravy.
- Serve: Pour over your dog’s kibble and watch them enjoy!
Notes
This turkey gravy is a delicious way to make your dog’s kibble extra exciting. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.