The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food: Surprising Expert Advice

I read many Honest Kitchen dog food reviews. At last, I chose to try it. At first, I thought the “human grade” label might be hype. But it felt unlike the normal kibble. My dog has a weak stomach. So I needed food that was soft but still had real nutrition. After some weeks, I saw small changes. That made me think this brand may live up to the talk. Today, I want to share my Honest Kitchen dog food review in simple words. I will show what works, what does not, and what to expect.

The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Review

I have tried many premium foods over the years. But The Honest Kitchen stood out right away. At first, I was not sure if “human grade” was just hype. Then I saw how my dog reacted. I also learned more about the brand. I realized this food really is different. It is not perfect, but it set a new bar in my mind for what dog food could be.

The Honest Kitchen is not your usual kibble. These clusters use cage-free chicken, oats, and other whole foods you know from your own kitchen. They are cold-pressed, roasted, and gently dried. This keeps more taste and nutrients safe compared to the high-heat process used in most dog foods. It feels like a step between home-cooked meals and store-bought kibble. That is why many Honest Kitchen reviews call it a healthier pick.

One thing that stood out was that this was the first human-grade dry dog food. Most brands fall into the “feed grade” group. But this one is held to the same safety rules as our food. That does not just sound good on paper. It gave me peace of mind each time I scooped a meal. My dog seemed to notice the change, too. She is picky, but these clusters passed her sniff test. She even looked forward to meals.

Still, not all reviews are good. Some Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food reviews talk about uneven texture. Some bags came out a bit dusty. I saw this once myself. I get why it can annoy buyers since the price is already high. A few pet parents even said The Honest Kitchen made my dog sick. But in most cases, it seemed linked to food needs or a fast switch without time to adapt.

From my own use, the good was more than the bad. My dog’s digestion got better. Her coat looked brighter. She did not face the stomach issues she had with other brands. The fact that it is free of fillers, GMO items, and fake preservatives only made me trust it more. But I will be honest—this food is costly. For homes with many dogs, it may not fit the budget.

What makes The Honest Kitchen stand out is how it blends ease and quality. You get the scoop-and-serve ease of kibble. But you also get food and rules that feel close to home cooking. For me, it was a bit humbling—almost sad—to see how low the bar is for most dog foods. Once you see what is possible, it is hard to go back.

If you want to try it, I say check the good and bad for your pup. It will not be right for each dog or each wallet. But for those who want clean, simple, and less processed food, it is worth a close look.

My Personal Experience: The Honest Kitchen Dog Food

When I first read Honest Kitchen reviews online, I felt unsure. Some Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food reviews praised the brand. Others said things like, “The Honest Kitchen made my dog sick.” I didn’t want to rely only on mixed opinions. I chose to test it myself. What I found was a mix of good and not-so-perfect surprises. It showed me what makes this food stand out.

From day one, my dog noticed the change. The clusters looked and smelled more like real food than the brown nuggets I had always poured. It almost embarrassed me to see how low the bar has been set in pet food. Still, I won’t hide the flaws. Some bags had extra powder, and the price was high. But for me, the trade-off felt worth it. The quality gave me peace of mind.

Ingredients

The first thing that grabbed my eye was the list of ingredients. No mystery meals. No by-products. Just real foods like chicken, oats, carrots, pumpkin, and apples. Healthy fats come from coconut oil, salmon oil, flaxseed, and chia seeds. These support skin and coat health. I even smiled when I saw extras like turmeric, kale, and probiotics. It felt close to the kind of food I’d make at home.

My personal take? Reading that label humbled me. I realized I had been feeding my dog fillers for years without much thought. Honest Kitchen uses ingredients I could find in my own pantry. That gave me trust in the brand. Still, it’s processed into clusters. So it’s not the same as a true home-cooked meal. But for a busy owner like me, it’s the closest balance of real food and convenience.

Guaranteed Analysis

Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they do help. The Honest Kitchen shows a guaranteed analysis of 24% protein, 14.5% fat, and 5% fiber. It also adds taurine, L-carnitine, and live probiotics. To me, that looked well designed—not only for energy but also for heart, digestion, and wellness.

When I compared this to average kibble, the gap was clear. Many big brands use fillers that weaken protein or add cheap fiber. Honest Kitchen’s mix felt closer to what dogs really need. Within weeks, my dog’s digestion improved. Stools were healthier. Energy was steady. The only drawback? If your dog isn’t very active, the higher fat may be too much. In my case, I just adjusted the serving size. The reward was a dog that looked and felt healthier.

What I Like

When I sat down to write The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Review, I wanted to be honest about what stood out. Many Honest Kitchen reviews highlight the fresh style. After trying it myself, I saw why. These are the things that made me nod in approval—and even feel a little embarrassed for feeding cheap kibble for so long:

• Real ingredients I know – Chicken, pumpkin, and carrots instead of fillers I can’t even say out loud. It feels close to the food I’d cook at home.
• Better digestion – My dog’s stomach used to be touchy. Some reviews said, “The Honest Kitchen made my dog sick.” My own experience was the opposite. Stools got firmer, and gas eased up.
• Energy boost – Within weeks, I saw a more playful dog. The balanced protein and fat really helped.
• Shinier coat, less itching – Thanks to salmon oil and flaxseed, my dog’s coat looked brighter and healthier than it had in years.
• Ethical and open – Many Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food reviews talk about the brand’s values. I like that they use human-grade standards and are clear about where food comes from.

For me, it wasn’t only about the food. It was also about peace of mind. I finally felt I was giving my dog better care.

Feeding Guideline

One thing I learned fast is that food switches take time. Honest Kitchen suggests adding the new clusters slowly. Mix a little with your dog’s old food for 5–7 days. I followed that plan, and it worked. My dog had no tummy upset.

Here’s the basic guide I used. It changes with weight and activity:

• 1–10 lbs: ¼–½ cup (less active), ¼–¾ cup (active)
• 11–20 lbs: ½–1¼ cup (less active), ¾–1½ cup (active)
• 21–30 lbs: 1¼–1½ cup (less active), 1½–2 cups (active)
• 31–40 lbs: 1½–1¾ cup (less active), 2–2¼ cups (active)
• 41–50 lbs: 1¾–2¼ cup (less active), 2¼–2¾ cups (active)
• 51–70 lbs: 2¼–2¾ cup (less active), 2¾–3½ cups (active)
• 71–90 lbs: 2¾–3½ cup (less active), 3½–4¼ cups (active)
• Over 90 lbs: Add ¾ cup for each extra 10 lbs.

I’ll admit—the chart looked hard at first. But once I set portions by weight and energy, it became easy. I also liked the reminder that these are only guides. Every dog is different. Watching your pup’s body shape matters more than numbers on a chart.

What Could Be Better: The Honest Kitchen Dog Food

When I first wrote The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Review, I promised myself I would share both the highs and the things that could be smoother. Honest Kitchen reviews of dog food often bring up small challenges. For me, they did not stop me from loving the brand, but they are worth noting. Think of these as small bumps on an otherwise smooth road.

• Price is higher than kibble – At first, I felt a little guilty for sticking with cheaper bags. Honest Kitchen costs more. But once I saw the changes in my dog’s health, I realized it was more of an investment than just a bag of food.
• Texture takes adjusting – Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food reviews often note that the clusters look and feel different from kibble. My dog paused for a few meals, but once he got used to it, he liked it more.
• Transition period is key – Some pet parents say, “The Honest Kitchen made my dog sick” when they switch too fast. I learned that the slow change is crucial. Once I followed the guide, my dog adjusted well.
• Limited flavors – The chicken recipe worked well for us, but I wished there were more proteins to rotate. Still, the flavors they do have are made with care.

For me, none of these were deal breakers. They reminded me that good things often take patience and a little change. In the end, the gains far outweighed the quirks.

Is the Honest Kitchen og Food Good?

When I first asked myself, “Is the Honest Kitchen Good Dog Food?” I was not sure if it was worth the cost or the praise. After trying it, I can say it surprised me in the best way. It feels different because it uses real, human-grade foods instead of fillers.

From my own use, the answer is yes—The Honest Kitchen is good dog food. It worked well for my adult dog and could work for puppies, too, if introduced slowly. And if you are asking, “Is dehydrated dog food good?” my dog’s better digestion and shiny coat gave me the answer I needed. It may not suit every dog, but in my home, it made a lasting change.

Pros and Cons of the Honest Kitchen Good Dog Food

Every brand has its strengths and quirks, and Honest Kitchen is no different. When I put together this list, I thought back to my own journey—where it impressed me and where it made me pause.

Pros

• Human-grade ingredients you’d actually recognize from your kitchen.
• Gentle on sensitive stomachs—my dog had fewer digestive issues.
• Noticeable improvements in coat shine and overall energy.
• Dehydrated food keeps nutrients intact and feels fresher than kibble.
• Transparent sourcing and made in the USA with trusted standards.

Cons

• Pricier than traditional kibble, though quality offsets the cost.
• Takes time for some dogs to adjust to the different texture.
• Limited flavor variety compared to bigger brands.

For me, the pros carried much more weight than the cons. If you’re asking, “Is Honest Kitchen good for dogs or puppies?”, I’d say yes—just start slow, watch how your dog responds, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with feeding something closer to real food.

Alternative Option: Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw

Over the years, I’ve tested many premium dog food brands to see what works best. While The Honest Kitchen reviews caught my eye first, I also tried Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw. As someone who cares about nutrition and needs both ease and quality, I wanted to see how this raw-style food compares in daily use.

Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food vs. Dehydrated Dog Food

I’ve used both The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated meals and Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried raw. Each has strong points. I learned the differences by rotating them in my dog’s meals.

Quick Take: Honest Kitchen is gentle on digestion. Stella & Chewy’s is ideal for high-protein, raw-style diets.

Stella & Chewy’s Reviews vs. Honest Kitchen Reviews

When I compared real reviews, I noticed a pattern. Honest Kitchen often wins for gentle digestion. Stella & Chewy’s gets praise for energy, coat shine, and helping picky eaters enjoy meals.

Quick Take: If your dog has tummy issues, Honest Kitchen is forgiving. For picky eaters, Stella & Chewy’s is a winner.

Is Stella & Chewy’s a Good Dog Food Compared to Honest Kitchen?

After trying both, I believe yes—Stella & Chewy’s is good food. One concern I had was sodium. Is Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw high in sodium? Yes, it is higher than dehydrated food. But I found it balanced when mixed with Honest Kitchen meals. That way, my dog enjoyed variety without too much of any one nutrient.

Quick Take: Honest Kitchen is a steady choice for daily meals. Stella & Chewy’s is a protein-rich boost, but it shines best when balanced with other foods.

Final Word on Both Brands

Honest Kitchen dog food is great if you want human-grade meals that are gentle and safe for sensitive dogs. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw is perfect if you want raw-style food that excites picky eaters. In my home, rotating both gave my dog the best of both worlds.

My Final Thoughts on The Honest Kitchen Dog Food

If you want to feed your dog whole, human-grade food with simple ingredients, The Honest Kitchen is a strong choice. It works well for dogs with tummy troubles or picky appetites.

If you want raw-style meals or need a budget-friendly option, Stella & Chewy’s is worth a look. For me, The Honest Kitchen gave peace of mind. I knew I was feeding clean food that kept my dog healthy day after day.

FAQs on The Honest Kitchen Dog Food

• Is The Honest Kitchen dog food good for sensitive stomachs?
  Yes. It’s gentle and made with whole foods. Many dogs with tummy issues feel better on it.
• Is The Honest Kitchen good for puppies?
  Yes. Many recipes are safe for puppies. They give balanced nutrition. Some work even better when paired with toppers.
• Is dehydrated dog food good compared to kibble?
  Yes. Dehydrated food, like Honest Kitchen, keeps more nutrients than kibble. It can also be easier for some dogs to digest.
• Is The Honest Kitchen dog food worth the price?
  For many owners, yes. It gives human-grade quality and clear health gains. But it does cost more than standard kibble.
• Has The Honest Kitchen made dogs sick?
  Most reviews are positive. But, as with any food, some dogs need time to adjust. A slow switch often helps.

Where to Buy The Honest Kitchen Dog Food

When I first searched for where to buy The Honest Kitchen dog food, I was surprised by the options. At first, I felt a bit guilty for using cheap store kibble for years. But once I found this brand online and in local shops, the change was easy.

You can buy Honest Kitchen food on their official site, or at Amazon, Chewy, and Petco. Some small pet stores also carry it. I usually order online. It saves me trips and keeps me stocked. The best part is knowing my dog gets human-grade food with no guesswork.

For anyone asking where I buy Honest Kitchen dog food, the truth is—it’s easier to find than you think. And the investment pays off in health.

The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Recall

Like many pet parents, I once asked: Has The Honest Kitchen ever been recalled? It’s a fair worry since recalls can break trust fast.

What gave me peace was how rare recalls have been, and how open the company was when one happened. That honesty made me trust them more.

I remember once wondering if I had made the right choice. But the brand’s focus on safety eased my mind. They make food in human-grade kitchens, not feed-grade plants. That extra care shows.

No brand is perfect. Still, compared to many, The Honest Kitchen stands out for how it puts safety first and keeps owners informed. For me, that trust was as valuable as the food itself.

Taslima Akter Sumaiya

Taslima Akter Sumaiya is a passionate pet mom and founder of PetFoodHubing.com. With real-life experience and insights inspired by USDA-ARS experts like Dr. Jitender P. Dubey, she writes honest, research-backed reviews to help dog and cat parents choose the best food. Trust her to simplify pet nutrition—with love and science. Read More…