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Home Best Dog Foods Best Human-Grade Dog Food

Best Human-Grade Dog Food

By Karan French

Updated: April 17, 2024

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Human grade dog food is a term used to describe pet food products that meet the same quality and safety standards as food intended for human consumption.

This means that the ingredients used in human-grade dog food are sourced, processed, and handled in a manner consistent with the standards set for food products intended for people. The idea is to provide a higher level of quality and safety assurance for pet parents who want the best for their dogs.

Here are some key characteristics of human-grade dog food:

Human-grade dog food typically uses high-quality ingredients, often sourced from the same suppliers that provide ingredients for human food. These can include real meat, poultry and fish such as chicken, beef, turkey and salmon, rather than generic meat by-products.

Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, and barley are also included to provide carbohydrates and fiber. And vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and spinach are often used for their vitamins, minerals, and fiber content.

Sources of healthy fats may include flaxseed, canola oil, and fish oil, which provide essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.

The manufacturing and processing facilities for human-grade dog food are held to strict standards for cleanliness and safety to prevent contamination.

These foods are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs, ensuring they receive a balanced diet.

Human-grade dog food often contains fewer artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, focusing on natural ingredients such as mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) to maintain freshness. Some recipes include natural probiotics too (e.g., lactobacillus) and prebiotics (e.g., chicory root) to support digestive health.

It’s important to read the ingredient list on the packaging of any dog food labeled as “human grade.” Look for a transparent and clear list of ingredients, and avoid products that contain artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives. The goal of human-grade dog food is to provide wholesome, minimally processed ingredients that contribute to your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Remember that the specific ingredients and nutritional profile can vary between brands and product lines, so it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to choose the best option for your dog’s individual dietary needs and preferences.

Companies producing human-grade dog food often prioritize transparency in ingredient sourcing and labeling.

Many human-grade pet food brands conduct safety and quality testing similar to those required for human food products.

A note on human-grade dog food

It’s important to note that the use of the term “human grade” is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other regulatory bodies in the same way as human food. The term is often used by pet food companies as a marketing claim, so it’s essential to do your research and read labels carefully.

On this page… you’ll find The Dog Food Advisor’s best human-grade dog foods.

You might also find this article useful, which answers some common questions dog parents may have about human-grade food.