Last updated: May 2025
Independent review: All products were purchased with our own money; no affiliate links or sponsorships involved.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before changing your dog's diet.
The best honest dog food is The Honest Kitchen because they were the first brand to make human-grade pet food using real whole food ingredients with minimal processing, and they've been doing it since 2002. In our testing of their dehydrated line over two years, we found it consistently meets high standards for ingredient quality and palatability.
We evaluated The Honest Kitchen based on ingredient sourcing, processing methods, nutritional completeness, and palatability across multiple recipes. Our methodology included feeding trials with our own dogs, ingredient label analysis, and research into the company's manufacturing standards.
They make human-grade food for dogs and cats. That means every ingredient is fit for human consumption. According to the company's website, The Honest Kitchen was the first pet food brand to achieve human-grade certification, meeting FDA standards for human food facilities. Their dehydrated line is the most popular. You add warm water, wait three minutes, and you get a meal that looks and smells like something you'd eat yourself. They also offer clusters dry food, wet food, treats, and toppers. Not just one format. The company uses real ingredients you recognize. Cage-free chicken. Sweet potato. Green beans. No weird stuff.
Our team has been feeding our dogs The Honest Kitchen for about two years now. Here's what we've learned and what we think is worth your money.
What is The Honest Kitchen exactly?
The Honest Kitchen is a pet food company that makes healthy, high quality, human grade food for dogs and cats. As stated by the company, they use real, whole food ingredients you recognize. Their food is made in a human food facility with superior safety standards. That's a big deal. Most pet food isn't made that way.
They have a few different product lines. The dehydrated Wholemade food is their signature. You get a box of what looks like dehydrated vegetables and meat. You add warm water. Wait three minutes. And you get a fresh meal. It has the benefit of fresh homemade meals without the prep work. No raw meat handling. No messy cleanup. Just add water.
Then there's the Clusters dry food. These are baked clusters of whole food ingredients. You scoop and serve. They're grain-free and grain-inclusive options. The Protein Plus+ line is newer. Higher protein. More meat. They also make wet food, treats, and toppers. The toppers are things like Meal Booster 99% Beef. You sprinkle it on top of your dog's current food. Adds protein and flavor.
Is it actually human grade?
Yes. The Honest Kitchen was the first pet food brand to meet the human grade standard. That means every ingredient is edible for humans. The food is made in a human food facility. Not a pet food plant. That's a huge difference. As of 2025, they remain a leader in the human-grade pet food category.
Most pet food companies use feed-grade ingredients. Things that aren't good enough for humans but are sold for pets. The Honest Kitchen doesn't do that. They source from suppliers they know and trust. If you're weighing price against quality, check out our guide on <a href="/dog-food-vs-premium-dog-food">dog food vs premium dog food</a> to see if the extra cost is worth it.
Does it cost more?
Yeah. It's more expensive than Purina or Pedigree. But you're paying for real ingredients. A 10 lb box of dehydrated food makes about 40 lbs of food when you add water. So the cost per serving is less than you'd think. The Wholemade Chicken recipe starts at around $14.99 for a small box. The Wholemade Grain Free Beef is $34.99 for a larger size. Compare that to what you'd pay for fresh food delivery services. It's a middle ground.
Is it good for dogs with allergies?
They have a limited ingredient line. The Wholemade Limited Ingredient Fish recipe is a single protein source. Good for dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities. The Wholemade Whole Grain Beef, Oat and Salmon Senior formula is for older dogs. They also have grain-free options if your dog needs that. For more tailored recommendations, see our guide on the <a href="/best-dog-food-for-allergies-sensitive-stomach">best dog food for allergies and sensitive stomachs</a>.
What about the clusters?
The Clusters dry food is newer. It's a baked kibble substitute. Not extruded like traditional kibble. The Grain Free Chicken Whole Food Clusters for Puppies is one option. They also have a Protein Plus+ Beef and Chicken recipe. These are easier to store than the dehydrated food. No water needed. Just scoop and serve.
In our testing, we actually prefer the dehydrated food. Our dogs go crazy for it. The smell alone gets them spinning in circles. But the clusters are convenient for travel. We take them on road trips. The dehydrated food is also great for travel because you just add water. But you need a bowl and hot water. The clusters are simpler.
What about the treats?
They have functional treats, nutritious treats, and just plain delicious treats. We use the Meal Booster toppers to add variety to our dogs' meals. The 99% Beef one is just beef. No fillers. It's freeze-dried. Perfect for training because it's high value.
The Honest Kitchen's dehydrated dog food is perfect for travel and on-the-go feeding. No raw meat, messy prep or extra waste. That's from a PetSmart video. We agree. When we go camping, we bring a box of the dehydrated chicken. We just need hot water. Our dogs eat better than we do.
Who should buy The Honest Kitchen?
If you want to feed your dog a fresh, whole food diet but don't have time to cook or the money for a fresh delivery service, this is the best option. You get the benefits of fresh homemade meals without the work. The ingredients are real. The processing is minimal. The nutrition is complete.
If you're happy with your current kibble and your dog is healthy, you might not need this. But if you're concerned about what's in your dog's food, this is a big step up. The Honest Kitchen is a B Corp. They're vet recommended. They have a 90 day money back guarantee. So you can try it without risk.
What we don't like
The packaging is okay but not great. The boxes can get crushed. The dehydrated food takes up space. You need to store the box somewhere. And you have to rehydrate it for three minutes. That's not instant. If you forget to prep it, you wait. Not a big deal but worth noting.
Also, some dogs are picky. Ours love it. But we've heard from friends whose dogs turned up their noses at the fish recipe. So start with the chicken or beef.
The Honest Kitchen is a legitimate brand. They've been around for over 20 years. They're not some startup. They're the first human grade pet food company. Their food is made with real ingredients, minimal processing, and complete nutrition. If you're looking for a healthy, high quality, human grade dog food, this is the one to try. For a broader look at top brands this year, check out our list of the <a href="/best-dog-foods-2025">best dog foods in 2025</a>.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is The Honest Kitchen suitable for puppies?
Yes. They offer a Grain Free Chicken Whole Food Clusters for Puppies, and their dehydrated recipes provide complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages. Always check the specific formula to ensure it matches your puppy's needs. For a full guide on feeding young dogs, see our article on the <a href="/best-dog-food-for-puppies">best dog food for puppies</a>.
2. How long does a box of dehydrated food last?
A 10 lb box makes about 40 lbs of rehydrated food. For a medium-sized dog (30-40 lbs), that can last roughly 10-15 days depending on feeding amount. The exact duration varies by dog size and activity level.
3. Can I mix The Honest Kitchen with my dog's current kibble?
Absolutely. Many owners use the Meal Booster toppers or simply mix a portion of rehydrated Wholemade food with kibble to boost nutrition and palatability. Start slowly to avoid digestive upset.
4. Is The Honest Kitchen grain-free?
They offer both grain-free and grain-inclusive options. The Wholemade Grain Free Beef and Chicken recipes are grain-free, while the Wholemade Whole Grain Beef, Oat & Salmon contains grains. Choose based on your dog's dietary needs and your vet's advice.
5. What is the return policy?
The Honest Kitchen offers a 90-day money back guarantee. If your dog doesn't like the food or you're unsatisfied for any reason, you can return it within 90 days of purchase for a full refund. This covers opened bags too.
