Picking food for your dog is not the same as picking food for your kids; you can’t ask them what they like, and you can’t try it yourself to see if it’s any good.

“Thank you for coming to us to get our opinion on the hundreds of brands of dog food out there. We hope that our Honest Kitchen dog food reviews will help you make an informed choice and make your dog happy. Thank you again.”

Introduction of Honest Kitchen Dog Food Review

The Honest Kitchen provides a unique and healthy alternative to the traditional dog food options on the market today. Dehydrated, human-grade ingredients are used to create food that is not only convenient and cost-effective but also nutritious and delicious.

The Honest Kitchen provides nutritious meals, supplements, and treats for your pets. Its human-grade dog and cat foods are carefully prepared, dehydrated, and shipped right to your door.

For quite some time now, The Honest Kitchen has been shaking things up. As one of the pioneers of the fresh dog food industry, the company has been celebrated in various pet publications including Tree Hugger, Green Matters, Pet Age, and The Bark.

This food is not for everyone. It is expensive and may not be suitable for people who are used to more conventional kibble. It is targeted at owners who want the best for their pups and are willing to pay the price.

Overview of The Honest Kitchen

In 2002, Lucy Postins began The Honest Kitchen from her beach house kitchen after questioning whether her dog’s diet was the root cause of his skin and ear problems. Upon further investigation, she discovered that his food was made with low-quality, processed ingredients. Determined to improve the situation, she set out to change the pet food market.

For the past 15 years, The Honest Kitchen has been dedicated to developing healthy, human-grade food for dogs and cats. Their foods are free from additives, preservatives, and fillers, and are instead filled with healthy ingredients like chicken and potatoes.

The Honest Kitchen sources the majority of its ingredients, or roughly 84%, from North America. However, it sources natural ingredients from all over the world. You can check the Food Source Map on the company’s website to see exactly where each ingredient comes from. The brand is headquartered in San Diego, Ca.

The Ingredients of Honest Kitchen Dog Food

The foundation of this formula is healthy, dehydrated chicken protein. This is followed by a succession of healthy fruits and vegetables, including flaxseed, sweet potatoes, apples, and even honey.

The ingredient list is impressive for its inclusion of many recognizable and edible items. All of the ingredients could be bought at a grocery store and eaten.

Pumpkins, kelp, cabbage, green beans, and papayas are all healthy foods that are available here. This is an impressive shopping list.

The lack of meat beyond chicken in this food is its biggest issue. This keeps its overall protein at an average level, which is not a huge deal considering that this company clearly believes in well-rounded nutrition rather than stuffing as much meat in as possible.

The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Review

The company’s dog food recipes are packed with nutrition. You have the option to choose from a few different sizes for each of The Honest Kitchen human grade dog food recipes.

The Honest Kitchen produces some of the finest dog food on the market, and their probiotics and supplements are second to none. I’ll be discussing their best-selling products and providing a comprehensive review of each.

How did we evaluate the Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food?

Before we share our top picks, we want to briefly outline our evaluation criteria and selection process. This helps ensure that the food we review is biologically appropriate and healthy for your beloved pet.

• Complying with the “complete and balanced” nutrition guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is essential for optimal animal health.
• To maintain a high level of nutrients, at least 25 percent of your calories should come from protein and 8 to 14 percent from fat. Protein and fat are essential for providing your body with the energy it needs.
• The food in our reviews is sourced from authentic, whole foods. That means that the food doesn’t contain any shady by-meat products (e.g., animal fat). Each ingredient that appears in the food is named for what it is.
• Corn, wheat, and soy are not beneficial for dogs and should not be included in their food. These grains are considered cheap fillers that add little to no nutritional value.

The Honest Kitchen’s products performed excellently in our tests, making it difficult to choose the very best from their range. In the end, we had to rely on our furry friends’ taste buds to make the final decision.

Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Chicken Dog Food

This Grain Free Chicken recipe is a compromise between the two foods above, as it has an equal amount of protein, fat, and fiber. The main difference is that this food includes grains like oats and barley.

As long as your dog is not gluten-intolerant, they should have no problem digesting this food. In fact, it is generally quite easy on their stomachs. However, if they are unable to tolerate gluten, it can cause problems.

Although the protein content is still quite low at 22.5%, the addition of eggs helps to increase the overall amount of protein. We appreciate that they also add extra taurine, as this is excellent for heart health.

The vegetables and fruits in this recipe are just as fresh as those in other recipes, although this one includes cranberries, carrots, and parsley. The greens in this recipe are hard to beat, as they are the same greens used in the other two recipes.

The guaranteed crude protein content is 22.5%, with a crude fat content of 8.5%. The moisture content is 9.5%, with a fibre content of 5.8%. There is no data on the omega 6 fatty acids content.

The food includes easy-to-digest grains and eggs for extra protein, as well as taurine for heart health.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix Dog Food

This food is unique in that it doesn’t contain any meat – you have to add it yourself. Instead, this base provides all the other nutrients your dog needs to be healthy.

Although it may be slightly more inconvenient, we prefer being able to add our own meat as it allows owners to have much more control over the quality of the food. You are able to choose a food your dog enjoys (or change it up!), and you monitor the portion sizes.

The ingredients list for this food is impressive – sweet potatoes are the first ingredient, followed by spinach, coconut, kelp, and peas. This food is clearly designed to be nutritious and flavorful, not just for those who eat meat, but for everyone.

The protein levels are quite high at 8%, and the base provides 10.5% protein before you even add meat. However, the fat levels are quite low, so you might want to consider adding a fattier meat such as beef to balance it out.

This base is free of grains and gluten, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. It requires some extra effort, but it’s a great first step in creating the perfect dog food.

The guaranteed analysis for this food shows that it contains 10.5% crude protein, 8% crude fat, 10% moisture, 8% fibre, and 0.39% omega 6 fatty acids.

The customization options are great for making sure you get the perfect mix of fruits and vegetables. The high quality of the produce is fantastic, and the fiber content is really beneficial. I love that there are no grains or gluten in this product.

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food – Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper

One of their basic recipes is chicken with multiple fruits and veggies. The overall protein level is average at 24%, but this food is designed to offer a broad spectrum of nutrients, not just protein. It has a decent amount of fat at 15%, and the fiber levels are good (6.5%).

This recipe contains a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients, including kelp, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed. These foods are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that help support a healthy immune system and combat inflammation.

The only ingredient we take issue with is the white potatoes. These offer little nutritional value and often give dogs gas.

The primary ingredient in this food is real chicken, providing your pet with high-quality protein. In addition, it is packed with superfoods and boasts a good amount of dietary fiber. Plus, numerous antioxidants help to keep your pet healthy and vibrant.

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Beef Dog Food – Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef dog food is made with real, whole food ingredients like ranch-raised beef, organic oats and apples. These ingredients are gently dehydrated to preserve maximum nutrient content and aid digestion.

This food is specially formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, including adult and senior dogs.

Easy-to-prepare meals are wholesome and delicious. Simply add warm water and serve as a complete meal for maximum nutrition, or use as a topper for your pet’s dry food.

This recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility, so you can be confident you’re feeding your pet the best possible food.

We refuse to use any preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat or soy in our recipes.

This gourmet dog food is made with natural ingredients sourced from the USA and trusted suppliers from around the world.

Indications

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef dog food is made with nutritious ingredients like ranch raised beef, organic oats, carrots & apples. These ingredients are gently dehydrated to preserve nutrients and easy digestion.

Ingredients

All of the ingredients in this food are dehydrated. They include beef, organic oats, organic barley, organic flaxseed, potatoes, carrots, eggs, apples, parsley, cranberries, spinach, tricalcium phosphate, choline chloride, zinc amino acid chelate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, potassium iodide, potassium chloride, and iron amino acid chelate.

All ingredients used are processed in the USA in a human grade food processing facility. They are non genetically modified and free of any chemicals & preservatives. All meat is hormone and antibiotic free.

Directions

This dog food will expand after you add water to it, so a 10 lb box equals 40 lbs of fresh food. To serve, simply add warm water, wait 3 minutes, and serve for a fresh, wholesome and delicious meal!

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Turkey Dog Food – Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Dog Food is made with real whole food ingredients like cage free turkey, organic oats, and apples. These ingredients are gently dehydrated to ensure maximum nutrient retention and digestion. This food provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, including adult and senior dogs.

Add warm water to this mix for a wholesome and delicious meal that can be served alone or as a topper for your dog’s dry food. This meal provides maximum nutrition for your dog.

This recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility, ensuring higher quality ingredients and safety standards.

We refuse to use any preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat or soy in this recipe.

The ingredients in this natural dog food are ones that you would recognize from your own kitchen. It is made in the USA with trusted sources from around the world.

Indications

The Honest Kitchen’s Whole Grain Turkey Dog Food is a healthy and nutritious option for your furry friend, made with free range chicken and dehydrated for maximum nutrition.

Ingredients

All of the ingredients in this food have been dehydrated. These include turkey, organic oats, potatoes, organic flaxseed, carrots, cabbage, organic kelp, apples, honey, garlic, tricalcium phosphate, choline chloride, zinc amino acid chelate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, potassium iodide, potassium chloride, and iron amino acid chelate.

USDA-certified ingredients are processed in a human grade food processing facility in the USA. They are non-GMO and free of any chemicals and preservatives. All meat is hormone- and antibiotic-free.

Directions

This dehydrated dog food will bulk up after you add water to it, so a 10 lb box equals 40 lbs of fresh food. To serve, simply add warm water, wait 3 minutes, and serve for a nutritious and delicious meal!

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Limited Ingredient Fish Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Fish dog food is made with just six whole food ingredients, making it perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Made with wild caught fish, this grain free food is nutritious and delicious, and your dog is sure to love it!

This food is perfect for puppies and adult dogs alike. Complete and balanced nutrition provides everything your dog needs, no matter what stage of life they are in. Just add warm water and serve for a delicious, wholesome meal that your dogs will love.

This recipe is made with human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility. That means it meets higher quality standards and is safer for your pet, just like you would expect from your own food. This recipe contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, or GMOs.

Grain-free, limited ingredient dog food made with wild-caught white fish and dehydrated for maximum nutrition for puppies and adult dogs.

What Is Dehydrated Dog Food?

Dry dog food brands that are produced without cooking are referred to as dehydrated dog food. Dehydration is used in an attempt to preserve as many nutrients as possible, as opposed to cooking the food at high temperatures.

Cooking food at lower temperatures can help to break down its structure, making it more easily digestible than raw meat. At the same time, this cooking method helps to preserve many of the food’s original nutrients.

Benefits of dehydrated dog food

Dehydrated ingredients have a longer shelf life than traditional kibble and wet food because they contain less water. Drying foods also helps to preserve them and eliminates the need for artificial preservatives, making this type of food a healthier option.

Dogs with sensitive tummies may find dehydrated food easier to digest. Dehydrated food starts the digestion process by slightly cooking the food but still retaining the original shape and form to a great extent.

Dehydrated food is a great option for dog owners who are looking for a convenient and space-saving food option. These foods are easy to pack and transport, making them ideal for traveling with your dog.

While they are not cooked in the traditional sense, dehydrated foods are exposed to moderate temperatures that help preserve their nutrients.

Why The Honest Kitchen is One of the Best Dog Food Brands

The Honest Kitchen has a reputation for providing high-quality, healthy food for dogs. Their products are made with wholesome, natural ingredients and are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

The company’s products are complete and do not require additional sources of nutrients. They are also completely natural, with several formulas and recipes to choose from.

This product is extremely safe for dogs that may have food allergies or issues with their digestive health.

The Most Important Ingredients – Good and Bad

The Honest Kitchen’s blends have relatively few ingredients compared to other dog foods. The list mostly consists of good ingredients, but let’s take a closer look. On the positive side, we see:

Beef is always great to see as the first item on a menu. Sweet potatoes are a great choice for their vitamins (A, C, B6), minerals and fiber; they are also a healthier option than regular potatoes. Organic flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Organic coconut is a rich source of medium chain fatty acids and is beneficial for the skin and immune system. Parsley is a source of antioxidants, lycopene and carotenes and is also supposed to be good for the breath.

Chard may contain high levels of oxalates, which can lead to kidney stones. However, in its dehydrated form, it is a good source of vitamins.

Papaya is rich in vitamins (K, E, A, C) and minerals. It may also help with weight loss.

There are a few items that I am not as thrilled about, such as potatoes. While they are an acceptable source of carbs, they are not especially nutritious. Sometimes they are just a substitute for grain filler.

Honey is a nutritious and delicious natural sweetener. However, its nutritional value may be reduced after dehydration. Therefore, foods that already contain sweet potatoes, cranberries and papaya may not need any additional sweetening.

Sodium selenite is a mineral that is essential in small quantities, but can be toxic in large concentrations. Although the amount present in this product is small, there are better ways to provide selenium.

The Honest Kitchen Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

A comprehensive review of Honest Kitchen dog food would not be complete without hearing from customers. So, we took to the web to find helpful reviews from a variety of sources. Below, you’ll find testimonials from the brand’s website, Dog Food Advisor, and Labrador Training HQ, which provide important insights into the company’s products.

After conducting a review of The Honest Kitchen dog food brand, we found that their products have received high ratings from customers. This provides an overview of the brand’s quality and how well their products are received:

• Dehydrated Grain-free Beef Recipe: an average of 4.8/5 stars from 622 ratings
• Instant Bone Broth – Beef & Turmeric: an average of 4.8/5 stars from 129 ratings
• Herbal Digestive Supplement: an average of 4.8/5 stars from 260 ratings
• Whole Food Clusters – Grain Free Chicken: an average of 4.8/4 stars from 293 ratings
• Instant Goat’s Milk with Probiotics: an average of 4.8/5 stars from 309 ratings

Customers have reported that their pup’s health issues have resolved after switching to this food. Allergies have been alleviated and picky appetites have been extinguished. For example: “My pups LOVE this food and can’t wait for me to put it on the floor. One has allergies, and this food made her immediately stop chewing.”

Despite the many positive reviews, some dogs simply don’t seem to enjoy the food. One The Honest Kitchen dog food review reads, “My dogs won’t even touch it, not even if I add chicken.” This is not an uncommon reaction amongst dogs who are transitioning to a human-grade whole food diet.

Another dog food review site, Dog Food Advisor, rates the food highly and awards it a 5/5 star rating. This brand is analyzed based on its ingredients and findings.

According to Dog Food Advisor, the following products received the following scores out of 5 stars:

• Whole Grain Chicken: 5/5 stars
• The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form Limited, Ingredient Chicken: 5/5 stars
• Whole Grain Beef: 4.5/5 stars
• Whole Grain Turkey: 4.5/5 stars

According to the review, the Honest Kitchen Dog Food is a superior product, with a moderate amount of meat. The ingredients appear to be of high quality, and the food appears to be nutritious and filling.

The Honest Kitchen has had to recall five lots of its dog food, which could be a cause for concern for some pet parents. While this dog food review doesn’t mention any specific negatives, other brands have had recalls that have resulted in illness in dogs.

A review of The Honest Kitchen dog food on Labrador Training HQ also looks at the ingredients found in some of the brand’s recipes. The recipes they looked at were: Grain-Free Beef, Whole Grain Chicken, Grain-free Fruit & Veggie Base.

The brand’s use of few ingredients, mostly composed of healthy elements, is commended in the review. It is noted that the clever inclusion of pumpkin can aid in digestion, and that the overallSources of protein, vegetables, and fruit included in the food are suitable and appreciated.

The Honest Kitchen’s ingredients are mostly good for dogs, with a few exceptions. We’re cautious of brands that have had to do recalls, but we understand that it can happen to even the best companies.

The recall was for a batch of parsley that potentially had salmonella. The brand has since begun to steam its veggies and herbs to ensure potential bacteria are killed off.

In general, these reviews demonstrate that both pets and their owners are highly satisfied with the taste, quality, and nutritional value of The Honest Kitchen’s products. Furthermore, the brand takes measures to correct any mistakes that may occur.

What We Love About The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Food For Dogs

• It’s easy to prepare: To prepare your pup’s food, simply scoop out the required amount, add some water, and let it sit for a few minutes. This quick and easy mealtime solution is sure to please both you and your furry friend.
• It’s very yummy: This food is not only convenient for parents, but our dogs were obsessed with the taste. Lupe especially seemed to love it, and it quickly became her favorite food product that we’ve tried so far. And Lupe wasn’t the only one who couldn’t wait for mealtime – Sasha was also a huge fan of her new food.
• It’s boosting our dogs’ energy: The diet of whole foods seems to be giving our dogs more energy. They are digesting this food better and seem to be feeling great. They are more playful and engaged with their toys than usual.
• It doesn’t have a funky smell: This dog food doesn’t have an unpleasant smell, unlike some other brands. This is convenient, as you’ll be standing over it when you prepare it for your pup.
• It’s easy to store: This food is dehydrated and can be stored in cupboards, which is convenient if you’re looking to save space.

FAQ:

This Food Is Dehydrated?

The price may seem high for a small box, but keep in mind that you’ll add water to this food to “fluff it up” before serving.

Each box of Just Add water Dog Food produces about four times its weight in consumable meals. This helps to reduce the cost of the food somewhat. Just add warm water to the food and your dog can have a piping hot, home-cooked meal. This is much better than feeding your dog dry kibble. As a bonus, the extra water will also help to keep your dog hydrated.

Is The Honest Kitchen raw?

The Honest Kitchen uses whole food ingredients in all of its recipes. Dehydrating the meals locks in important nutrients and allows for a longer shelf life and more convenient storage.

The ingredients in this product are steamed meat, eggs, leafy greens, and fish. The starches are flash heated to improve digestibility. Finally, the ingredients are dehydrated, packaged, and shipped to you.

Is The Honest Kitchen organic?

The Honest Kitchen uses organic grains in all of its selections. All meat is hormone and antibiotic-free, and all veggies and fruits are non-GMO. Quinoa is fair trade.

The Honest Kitchen’s website provides detailed information on the brand’s ingredients, sourcing, and usage. This allows consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase.

Do vets recommend The Honest Kitchen?

The Honest Kitchen is a trusted brand among veterinarians and pet-owners alike. Their products are known for being well-balanced and nutritious, making them perfect for dogs and cats. With a wide variety of recipes to choose from, The Honest Kitchen has something for every pet’s unique dietary needs.

Dr. Justine Lee, a veterinarian, recently questioned the trace minerals present in The Honest Kitchen foods on her blog. While she expressed some concern over this aspect, she ultimately only recommended it for healthy adult dogs and cats, not those with health issues or puppies.

The company produces healthy and delicious meals and treats for cats and dogs that are also safe for humans to consume.

Is The Honest Kitchen Worth It?

The Honest Kitchen is a high-quality dog food that we believe is worth the investment. The company is passionate about providing pets with nutritious food and is transparent about the product’s sourcing, preparation, and ingredients. We think The Honest Kitchen is a great choice for pet owners who are looking for a quality dog food.

The Honest Kitchen has a wealth of information available on their website, in the form of press releases, visual maps, and PDFs. This information outlines the specifics of what dogs are fed, as they do not have a choice in the matter. Therefore, it is important that we make the right choices for them to help them feel their best.

It’s amazing what a difference the right diet can make for our pets. We see the negative effects that a poor diet can have on humans, so it makes sense that the same would be true for our furry friends.

If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious food to spoil your fluffy friend, we recommend The Honest Kitchen.

Can you mix The Honest Kitchen with kibble?

Once your dog becomes accustomed to The Honest Kitchen (it may take a few days), you can add kibble to the human-grade dog food. However, the company advises against doing this during the transition period, as it can upset your dog’s stomach.

Does The Honest Kitchen have taurine?

The Honest Kitchen’s dog food products contain meat-based ingredients and added human-grade taurine. This nutrient is essential for a dog’s health and must be present in dog food.

How do I use this food?

You have the option to either use this food as an entire meal or as a topper for your dog’s current kibble. If you choose to use it as a topper, mix half a serving of The Honest Kitchen food with half a serving of your dog’s current food.

How much should I feed my dog?

The feeding guide on the package outlines how much to feed your pup based on two factors: weight and activity level.

Final Thoughts

The Honest Kitchen makes it easy to switch your dog to a dehydrated food diet – simply add water. Its recipes are healthy and made with human-grade ingredients and real, identifiable foods.

Despite its many benefits, the food does have some drawbacks. It is quite expensive, although it is still cheaper than a DIY raw diet. Additionally, many dogs do not take to it immediately and need some time to adjust. Finally, it is lower in protein than some other brands, but this can be remedied by adding additional protein sources.

The Honest Kitchen is an excellent dog food company that offers innovative and healthy foods for dogs. Its products are perfect for supporting a dog’s growth and development.

The Honest Kitchen is a company that genuinely cares about their customers – both dogs and their humans. The quality of their food shows how much they value the future health of our beloved pets. If you’re concerned about only giving your furry friend the best food, The Honest Kitchen is the right choice.