The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food – Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper – Beef 4 lb (makes 16 lbs)

For the past few months I've been extensively researching for a better food for my 3 small dogs, one is a schnauzer and the other two, yorkies since the the regular dry store bought kibble hadn't been doing my little ones any favors, especially in the weight department. After giving up trying to find something better at the big box stores, I figured I'd have better luck on Amazon. I came across this product while looking at the Sojos brand of freeze dry dog food and figured I'd try this one first since it's cheaper and would probably be better for weight loss and maintenance. One thing I always check is the ingredients and the nutrition panel when comparing different brands and flavors. With this particular food, I noticed that the ingredients on the list were fantastic with all of them free of nasty, harmful GMOs, and many of them being organic which is what I feed the human members of my family. Also worth mentioning, the ingredients are also human grade which is very reassuring so you know it's higher quality and doesn't contain questionable chemicals or ingredients like euthanized shelter animals (crude protein in many cheap-o brands of dog food, seriously. Look it up, it's a real and tragic thing folks). On to the nutrition; If you have a puppy or active dog, this is probably not the best formula, and this company has many to choose from. I would say it's best suited for the less active mature/senior dogs like mine. That said, since they have been eating this food, they've actually had more energy and want to play much more than they used to! The fat content in this particular food is very low in comparison to most other dog foods, the protein content is mostly from the beef and comes in at a moderate, but healthy percentage for omnivores (which I'm sure you know that dogs are omnis and not carnivores such as cats). Dogs absolutely need protein, however, too much protein can burden the liver. This formula also includes a nice panel of vitamins and minerals added in addition to the naturally occurring nutrients from the food's wholesome ingredients. Out of the bag, it's a super green powdery texture with small pieces of what appears to be fruit, oats and veggies. I have to say the first time I measured it out and examined it, I was concerned, especially when I added the hot water. However, once reconstituted and cooled, the product has a lovely thick texture and smell, which is easy for my dogs to eat and digest. For the preparation; Super easy! I just use a large Pyrex jug, fill it will purified water, microwave for a couple minutes then add in the correct amount of measured dry food from the package (which is a plastic resealable bag in a snug cardboard box). I let the food sit to fully absorb the liquid and to cool down, then feed to my anxiously waiting fur babies who are ready to gobble every last drop!! Tip; I personally like to add in some organic Turmeric into the hot water and create a lovely tea base full of antioxidants before adding in the dry mix to add more health promoting benefits. Using hot water creates a much better texture/reconstitution than if you were to add cold or cool water. The best part besides the fact my dogs love the taste and don't waste, feeding time is easy, much more controlled since I am using this to help my dogs achieve a healthier weight, and this seems to last a long time. And, since the box is smaller, it is easier to store than a large bag of dry kibble, or many, many cans of moist dog food. So far the improvements I have seen in all three dogs has been: more energy, weight control/management, better health as per vet checkup since the last. They overall seem to be happier and, as long as this product stays on Amazons subscribe and save program which makes it more cost effective, I'll continue to purchase because the quality I get from this is far better that's what seems to be out there, as for right now. Hope this helps!

My pets did not Take to it .. I added Bone broth and the works… when u put it in a bowl I feel Like your giving your dog oatmeal Cereal Is that is all You see is whole Oats, and Insont think a dog in the while Will Be eating oats. I guess I expected more from The reviews I read. This was money badly spent on my pets.

My dog has pancreatitis and the vet put her on RX Science Diet ID LOW FAT. She was on that for about three years and I felt like something wasn't right with her skin, but wasn't sure what to do. She started scratching all the time, but I was afraid to not follow the Dr.'s orders. I decided to research and, long story short, for her pancreatitis I just needed to make sure she was on a LOW FAT FOOD. I compared the label to what she was on and decided to go with this because of the other reviews from people who had dogs with the same problem. The fat is 8.5% in Verve. The protein was also much higher in this than her RX food. HER SKIN PROBLEMS WENT AWAY. I don't know what or why but this food just seems to be better. Period. Quality food. Also, she has had no bouts of pancreatitis problems and, even better than that, SHE LOVES IT! I am so happy because it's actually cheaper than what she was eating and a whole lot easier to get because of home delivery. The icing on the cake is that I get it on my subscribe and save! So happy. What it's like: Dehydrated powder food with recognizable bits of cranberry, oats, and carrots. Since it's dehydrated, a 4 lb. box is the same as a 16 lb. bag of reg. dog food. I have a Yorkie/Maltese mix dog who weighs 6lbs. and she doesn't quite eat a whole box per month so every couple months, we will just skip a delivery. Every two months wouldn't be enough and every month is just a bit too often for her size if that helps anyone. You figure out what amount to feed your dog based on weight and activity level. She is supposed to get 1/4-1/2 cup OF DRY PER DAY. I don't want her to be hungry, so I went with the 1/2 cup amt. So, twice per day I mix 1/4 cup dry with hot water ( I just eyeball it but it's about 1/3 to 1/2 cup water) It's not an exact science. She eats it however I make it. It starts out being runny and watery, but after about 3 min it thickens up to an oatmeal-like consistency and BAM! IT'S GONE! She inhales it. The only thing that isn't great about this food is that the "free feed" method of feeding your dog will no longer be possible. This is best eaten freshly mixed. I was worried that I would forget to feed her, but she won't let me! LOL She goes into the kitchen and knocks her bowl and then peeks around the corner and looks to make sure I got the message. I am happy that she seems to be healthy and not scratching and she thinks I am feeding her a special treat. ***UPDATE*** we are still very happy with her health after switching to the VERVE, but after we tried another low fat recipe from The Honest Kitchen called ZEAL, she doesn't like this recipe as much. SHE LOVES THE ZEAL. It is fishy and I think it stinks, but SHE LOVES IT EVEN MORE THAN THE VERVE.

Our boy Benny is 8 yrs old and loves all of the different Honest Kitchen mixes. We mix it with a small amount of quality kibble and he gobbles it down.

Why did you pick this product vs others?: My dog started being a picky eater. I tried the farmers dog, fresh pet and high priced kibble, he ate but not much. Then my son told me he was feeding his dog's Honest Kitchen (dehydrated) and they loved it. So I bought the 4lb box in case he didn't like it. I'm now on my third box, he loves it. I'm so happy I tried this, and the ingredients are the best.