I first tried Honest Kitchen when my dog, Cooper, went through a picky phase. He’d turn his nose up at his usual kibble, but the moment I put a bowl of rehydrated Honest Kitchen in front of him, he licked it clean. The texture is like a thick, hearty stew, nothing like the crunchy pellets he used to ignore. Since then, I’ve rotated through a few of their recipes, and I’ve noticed his coat got shinier and his energy levels stayed consistent. Of course, I did leave the food to rehydrate too long once (about 20 minutes instead of the recommended 5–7), and it turned into a mushy paste. Cooper still ate it, but I learned to set a timer.
Now, let’s talk about the cost. Honest Kitchen runs about $60–$80 for a 4-pound box, which rehydrates to about 16 pounds of food. That’s roughly $3.75–$5 per pound of rehydrated food. Compare that to many premium kibbles that cost $2–$4 per pound, and you’re paying a premium for the convenience and quality. But is it worth it? Hell yes, if you can swing it. The ingredient list is clean, there are no preservatives, and the company is transparent about sourcing. They also offer a subscription service that knocks 10% off every order, which makes it more affordable over time. I’ve been on that subscription for six months, and it’s been a no-brainer: no running out, no forgetting to order, and the food arrives at my door before I even need to reorder. If you’re considering a switch, I’d recommend grabbing a sample box first to see if your dog likes the texture. Some dogs are texture-sensitive and might not take to the soft, mushy consistency.
From a nutritional standpoint, Honest Kitchen meets AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it’s suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors. But if you’re looking for specialized options, you might want to explore other brands too. For example, if your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, you’ll find plenty of alternatives in our guide to the best dog food for allergies & sensitive stomach. And if you’re comparing different food types, our dog food vs premium dog food article breaks down whether the extra cost is worth it. For a broader overview of top-rated options, check out our list of 10 best dog foods in 2025, which includes Honest Kitchen alongside other high-quality brands.
One thing I love about Honest Kitchen is that it’s dehydrated, not raw. That means it’s shelf-stable and doesn’t require refrigeration, which is a huge plus for travel or for households with limited freezer space. The dehydration process uses low heat to preserve nutrients, so you’re getting a nutrient-dense meal without the risk of bacterial contamination that comes with raw diets. That said, you do need to store it properly: keep the box in a cool, dry place, and once you open a bag, seal it tightly or transfer it to an airtight container. For more tips on keeping your dog’s food fresh, check out our guide on how to store dog food properly.
Feeding a dehydrated food does require a bit of planning. You need to soak the food for about 5–10 minutes with warm water, so you can’t just pour and go like kibble. But I’ve found that it’s easy to incorporate into a routine: I rehydrate his morning meal while I’m making my coffee, and by the time I’m caffeinated, his breakfast is ready. For the evening meal, I start the soak right when I get home from work. It’s a small adjustment that becomes second nature. If you’re new to feeding routines, our article on how to set up a dog food feeding routine offers practical tips to make the transition smooth.
Overall, Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food is a solid choice for owners who prioritize ingredient quality and convenience. It’s not the cheapest option, but the nutrition and ease of use make it a winner in my book. The only downsides I’ve noticed are the price (no way around it) and the fact that some dogs might not like the texture if they’re used to crunchy kibble. But if you’re considering a switch to a less processed diet, this is a fantastic starting point. Give it a try, your dog might just thank you with a wagging tail and a cleaner bowl.
