In-Depth Review of The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food – Chicken
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food has gained popularity among dog owners who prioritize high-quality nutrition for their furry companions. This review will explore various aspects of this dog food, considering customer experiences, ingredient quality, and its practicality in day-to-day feeding.
Overview of The Honest Kitchen Dog Food
Product Details
- Model: Whole Grain Dehydrated Dog Food Recipe
- Weight: 10 lbs (makes 40 lbs of food)
- Country of Origin: USA
- Available Since: January 14, 2015
- Item Dimensions: 11.97 x 9.73 x 5.83 inches
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Breed Recommendation: Large Breeds
- Included Components: Dehydrated Dog Food
- Care Instructions: Store in a cool, dry place
Preparation
The preparation of The Honest Kitchen dog food is straightforward. Simply add warm water to the dry mix, wait for three minutes, and serve. This ease of use makes it a convenient option for busy dog owners. The 10 lb box can create up to 40 lbs of fresh food, allowing for an economical feeding option.
Nutritional Value and Ingredients
Human Grade and Wholesome Ingredients
One of the standout features of The Honest Kitchen dog food is its human-grade quality. Made with ingredients like free-range chicken, organic oats, carrots, and bananas, owners can feel confident in the nutritional value they are providing. The absence of preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMOs, corn, wheat, or soy further enhances the appeal, particularly for health-conscious pet owners.
Specific Health Considerations
While many reviews highlight the positive health effects of this dog food—such as improved energy levels and better digestion—some customers reported issues like constipation, particularly in smaller breeds. It’s essential to balance the water-to-food ratio when preparing the meal, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Customer Experiences
Positive Feedback
Numerous reviews praise The Honest Kitchen for its quality and convenience. Many dog owners noted that their pets showed increased enthusiasm at mealtime, often drooling in anticipation as the food was being prepared. The mixability with other food options, such as kibble or raw meat, has been a game-changer for those looking to enhance their dog’s diet.
Diverse Feeding Options
Owners appreciate the versatility of this product. It can serve as a complete meal or a topper for dry food. Many have reported that their dogs respond better to this dehydrated food compared to traditional kibble, showing greater interest and energy levels.
Constructive Criticism
Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, some customers did express concerns about the cost, particularly for families with multiple or larger dogs. The rehydration process can also lead to quicker consumption rates, which may require adjustments in portion control to avoid overfeeding.
Practical Considerations
Storage and Handling
The Honest Kitchen dog food comes in a sealable bag, which ensures freshness and easy storage. It is recommended to keep it in a cool and dry place to maintain its quality.
Cost-Effectiveness
Though the price may be higher than standard kibble, the nutritional quality and convenience may justify the cost for many pet owners. The ability to turn a 10 lb box into 40 lbs of food presents a significant value, particularly for those who prioritize their dog’s health.
Overall Rating
Summary of Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Human-grade, high-quality ingredients
- Simple preparation with just water
- Versatile use as a complete meal or topper
- Positive customer feedback regarding taste and enthusiasm from dogs
Cons:
- Higher cost for larger or multiple dogs
- Potential for digestive issues if not properly prepared
- Some users doubt the claim that it makes 40 lbs of food
Final Thoughts
Taking into account the product’s quality, convenience, and overall positive feedback from customers, we would rate The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food a solid 4.4 out of 5. The benefits of high-quality ingredients and ease of preparation make it a fantastic choice for dog owners looking to provide their pets with nutritious meals. The minor concerns raised by a few users are outweighed by the overall satisfaction and health improvements reported by many. Whether used as a main dish or a topper, this dog food presents a compelling option for pet owners who want the best for their beloved companions.
Delores Marshall –
This human-grade product is incredibly convenient for those who want the best for their dogs with a raw diet that doesn’t require thawing. I personally don’t eat meat often, as I prefer to avoid the mess and unpleasant smells that come with it. This product offers all the benefits of a raw meat diet without any of the hassle. I simply measure out the dehydrated mix (which includes the equivalent of 43.5 chickens in a 10 lb box, along with oats, veggies, and other nutritious ingredients) and add enough water to achieve my dog’s preferred consistency. The result? Small, firm poops and a satisfied pup who isn’t constantly begging for more food. She’s full of energy and vitality at nearly 7 years old, and people often mistake her for a puppy. I attribute her youthful spirit to the quality of her diet, and this product is exactly what I was looking for.
samantha wan –
My dog prefers Honest Kitchen over Grandma Lucy’s by a long shot. I struggled between the two products for about a year with my late Whippet. Now, my new Whippet, who came to us as a puppy and is now a year old, receives a top-notch dry food along with Honest Kitchen. I finished the last of Grandma Lucy’s, but he would only eat it if I mixed in a lot of people food. I feel like dogs don’t get enough water with a dry diet. With Honest Kitchen, I mix in some of our dinner, add the required water, and serve it up—he absolutely loves it. Sometimes, I even warm it up in the microwave. He’s definitely a spoiled puppy! As for the price, I found it here for $20 less than my local pet store, and it arrived the next day. I was truly impressed. Great product… “it’s delicious,” signed Tommy the Whippet.
Alex –
I combine Honest Kitchen dog food with raw meat to provide the best diet for my furry friend. My dog has never been healthier!
STACjustI.Dickie –
I have three chihuahuas and have experimented with numerous dog foods for them. Two of them get bored with the same flavor, while my 12-year-old who isn’t picky needs a high-quality option that’s varied, easy to eat (small dogs = small teeth, and many have been lost to the dentist), and affordable. This brand meets all those criteria. We also use Stella & Chewy and Ziwi (which can be pricey). The variety has made a significant difference. I’ve had to adjust the portions since it’s easy to overfeed them. I refer to it as their “doggie oatmeal” because that’s essentially what it is. We also provide some crunchy food, which I usually crush up a bit for them.
However, I did face an issue with my oldest, Gary, who suffered from severe constipation due to the higher carb content. It was quite unpleasant, and he needed an enema as X-rays revealed he was extremely backed up. Keep in mind, my dogs are only 7 to 8 pounds. After that experience, I started using more water with the mix and added some freeze-dried beef or chicken from Stew & Chew. I also alternated between this doggie oatmeal and Stew & Chew’s digestive food, which has worked wonders. Another game changer was incorporating a green-lipped mussel supplement once a day. Not only has everything improved with his digestion, but he also has more energy than ever. Gary, my little 12-year-old chihuahua, now gets major zoomies! He may tire quickly, but he no longer suffers from pulled muscles or hip pain after playing. Additionally, his sinus issues have improved, as he used to get infections 2-3 times a year but has not had any since making these changes.
My other two dogs are younger, but one, Carl, has some Italian Greyhound in him with long, slender legs, and his knees pop out daily, along with his elbows. He was a rescue, and when we got him two years ago, he had no fur on his chest, rashes on his nose, and was extremely thin. He’s still slim, but now he has some chest hair, albeit very fine, thanks to his Iggy heritage. His knees are less painful, and he also gets quite zoomy. Our youngest, Birdie, is just two years old and is a chipom, so I need to monitor her diet closely due to potential heart issues and diabetes in her breed.
This review is lengthy, but I wanted to share why we adore this brand (along with others). Finding the right food has been challenging; vets often recommend Hill’s or Royal Canin, which aren’t terrible but have questionable nutrition due to fillers like corn. My dogs would rather eat grass they peed on than touch that kibble after a while.
In conclusion, this brand is fantastic! It’s affordable for my three small chihuahuas, and I genuinely believe it will help them lead long, healthy, and happy lives!
Kkshay11 –
This product is a fantastic alternative to fresh or canned dog food. It combines the convenience of canned food without the can and the freshness of home-cooked meals without the hassle of prep and cooking—just add water! Plus, the 10lb box is easy to carry up three flights of stairs, which is a huge bonus.
However, I do have some concerns. I don’t think this is suitable for larger dogs or multiple dogs, as it can become quite pricey quickly. I haven’t measured it precisely, but I doubt it truly yields 40lbs of food. For reference, the amount of time it takes for me to go through 40lbs of dry kibble doesn’t match how quickly this product disappears. My dogs absolutely loved it, but I don’t think I was overfeeding them since none of them gained weight; they remained the same. This makes me question the actual quantity of food produced.
I believe this is better suited for smaller dogs or for those with fewer dogs, or for people with a bigger budget for dog food. Would I recommend it? Yes, but only for the specific groups I mentioned. Would I repurchase? I have, and I will continue to do so, but I’ll use it as a supplement rather than the main part of their diet. The quality is outstanding, and the dogs adore it! It’s definitely fresher than canned food and kibble, and it simplifies the process of feeding your dog.
S. Bennett –
I was initially let down that this didn’t resemble a traditional stew to replace my canned food topper. While it’s more nutritious and convenient for travel, I was hoping for something chunkier like the canned food we were using. I tried another dried product that had no gravy, but the appealing ingredients and scent of Honest Kitchen dog food motivated me to make it work. So, I combined the two (see first picture) and it turned out perfectly! Now, I mix them in a sealable container that lasts a month. Each day, I prepare both morning and evening meals at the same time (second picture), adding our 4Health kibble (third picture) and letting the water create a delicious gravy. By dinner, the kibble is soft, but my pup doesn’t seem to mind. I just add a bit more warm water and stir, and it looks fantastic. My dog loves it, and I feel good knowing he’s getting great nutrition for less than a canned food topper. The large box of Honest Kitchen lasts for three bags of the other dried food when mixed this way. It’s also much easier to pack for travel, with no smelly cans to deal with. Total win!
S. Bennett –
My dogs absolutely adore this food! I can barely get it ready fast enough before there’s drool all over the floor. I appreciate that it’s made with organic ingredients and comes in a resealable bag to maintain freshness. Both of my larger dogs, one around 70 lbs and the other over 100 lbs, love the taste. I usually buy several of the large (10 lb) boxes since they go through it quickly. While it can be a bit pricey for big dogs, it’s definitely worth it. I want to provide my dogs with high-quality food to enhance their health and longevity.
Fortunato1956 –
The price is quite reasonable, and the food is exceptional! My dog Charlie used to despise his kibble, only eating it out of necessity. Then I discovered Honest Kitchen. Whenever I’m preparing his meal, he eagerly jumps up on the counters, scratching in anticipation. He finishes every bit and even licks the bowl clean—something he’s never done before! Since trying Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Chicken Dog Food, this is my third order, and I won’t feed Charlie anything else.
Kkshay11 –
My three greyhounds absolutely loved this food! We add several tablespoons to their kibble, which really enhances the nutritional value and they enjoy the flavor. The quality is excellent, with real ingredients, elevating their meals to a whole new level.
Jane Smith –
My 13-year-old Poodle absolutely loves this food and eagerly eats it without any prompting. While she’s always enjoyed kibbles, they didn’t sit well with her digestion. Since switching to this, there have been no issues with regurgitation.