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10 Best Human-Grade Dog Foods

Written by Jay
BsC (Hons) Animal Behaviour & Welfare graduate with a passion for advocating for misunderstood animals.
Published on
Sunday 27 January 2019
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
human grade dog foods
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Human-grade dog food is made from ingredients that are safe for human consumption and are processed, handled, transported, and stored according to a strict set of regulations.

Here are some things you should pay attention to when choosing human-grade dog food:

  • Check for any recalls. If a brand you’re considering has frequent recalls, it may not be the most trustworthy option for your pet.
  • Avoid dog food that contains excessive fillers.
  • Consider buying organic human-grade dog food.
  • Pay attention to the order of the ingredients on the label.

With the pet industry deceiving dog owners for decades, it is only normal to see new niche pet foods arrive and succeed. Human-grade dog foods are among the most preferred ready-to-eat dog foods currently. Manufacturers must abide by strict regulations the second they claim that all their ingredients and processes are human-grade. In fact, any human could eat such foods safely (if the taste, of course, do not gross them out).

However, other brands have started deceiving pet parents by using a similar-sounding claim: “dog food made with human-grade ingredients”. In other words, not all the ingredients are human-grade, so the end product is not human-grade. In conclusion, this is marketing deception at its finest.

10 Best Human-Grade Dog Foods

Picking the right human-grade food is not as easy as it sounds. Indeed, most pet food brands are overpromising with their marketing claims yet, underdelivering. Human-grade pet foods are still very niche due to their higher costs.

Following is a list of the top 10 best human-grade dog foods you can consider, reviewed in detail.

1. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade

This dehydrated turkey dog food comes from The Honest Kitchen, one of the most reputed brands offering human-grade pet foods. This food pack comprises ingredients wholly made and processed in the USA, using human-grade food processing techniques. Available in various sizes, it contains no by-products, preservatives, or grains whatsoever. The main ingredient is fresh, cage-free dehydrated Turkey. The food is not only packed with nutrition but is also easy to digest for your dog.

This human-grade food has higher calorie content and much fewer carbohydrates. That is why; it is a perfect meal for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Owners of different breeds of dogs and dogs with allergic tendencies and digestive problems believe this food has been a solution to several of these health issues. Needless to say, this human-grade food for your furry one meets the FDA safety standards. It is a safe, healthy, and nutritious formula that also tempts your pooch with a great taste.

Pros

  • Made and processed in the US
  • Contains fresh, dehydrated turkey
  • Promotes healthy digestion

Cons

  • Some customers found some bugs
  • Contains garlic

2. Human Grade Dog Food by Spot Farms

This dog food from Spot Farms boasts safe ingredients for human consumption. Processed food, as a whole, abides by the strict standards and regulations set by the FDA. This grain-free food comes in a dehydrated form and with probiotics for easy digestibility.

Made in the USA with North Carolina-raised, cage-free chicken, this food contains no by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives whatsoever. You can give it to your dog as a complete meal or as toppings or treats to their main meal. Prepare it simply by adding water to the food and stirring it a bit to form a delicious meal for your furry one.

While the food is suitable for all breeds, owners of picky eaters seem to be particularly satisfied with this food. In fact, some owners have observed that dogs with mega-esophagus find it easy to eat this particular food, unlike chunks that have a chance of getting stuck in their throat and causing them subsequent discomfort.

Pros

  • Made with free-range chicken
  • Free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
  • Suitable for all breeds

Cons

  • Contains fewer chunks

3. BESTIES Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

This single-ingredient dog food is one of the tastiest and best human-grade dog foods that you can buy for your pooch. Reward your furry one with these nutritious, tasty treats and they will love you for this. The main ingredient is high-quality microbe-tested chicken. This food’s processing occurs when the meat is fresh and, therefore, more flavorful. There are no GMOs, additives, or preservatives whatsoever. Plus, the absence of raw meat ensures that there is no chance of bacteria or illness affecting your dog. The food abides by FDA standards and is also technically safe for human consumption, unlike paleo diet snacks that are packed with raw ingredients.

Dog owners seem to be quite satisfied with this human-grade dog treat that is high in protein and low in fat. The freeze-dried, nutritious meat locks make for nutritious snacks for your dog. The price is slightly on the higher side, although the 6.72 oz pack contains as many as 500 pieces of the treat on average. Packed and sourced in the USA, it is a food that your dog truly deserves.

Pros

  • Free from GMOs, additives, and preservatives
  • High in protein
  • Low in fat

Cons

  • Have very few reviews

4. Dapper Dog Cuisine Pet Food

As one of the best human-grade dog foods out there, this one comes from a family-owned company named Dapper Dog Cuisine. The primary ingredient is dehydrated turkey, which is processed not just in adherence to the FDA regulations but also in a well-thought manner that lends it a great taste. Devoid of any feed-grade ingredient, gluten, corn, chemical, and preservative whatsoever, the food is wholly made and processed in the US. The food comes in an easy-to-dissolve form, and you need to add water and stir a bit to form a perfectly delicious and mouth-watering meal for your dog.

This human-grade food for dogs has received positive reviews from pet parents, with dogs affected by certain health issues and sensitivities. For instance, the food appeals to dogs with megaesophagus, unable to eat and digest chunky foods. In fact, those with allergic tendencies and digestive problems also find relief and face no such problem, consuming this particular food. Plus, the tempting taste is enough to attract the pickiest eaters of all.

Pros

  • Filler-free
  • Free from artificial preservatives and chemicals
  • Supports healthy digestion

Cons

  • One customer found plastic in the food

5. The Joyful Jerky Treats

These delicious dog treats from a reputable brand are made in the USA using restaurant-quality ingredients. The food is nutritious and has a delicious taste that almost all breeds of dogs love. The primary ingredient is 100% pure beef jerky, and the food is entirely devoid of preservatives, additives, fillers, and sodium whatsoever. This food serves as a perfect meal or treats for different types of dogs, including puppies and training dogs too. The beef that makes up this treat is thinly sliced and dehydrated with immense perfection. As such, your furry one is guaranteed a maximum of 78% protein. The food abides by the highest quality standards and is USDA certified.

There is something special about the recipes that foods of this particular brand have about them. The recipes are actually developed by a veterinary nutritionist, certified by a leading board. This is what makes the treats so tasty and, therefore, loved by the furry ones. Owners who have fed this food to their dogs believe that it ensures the overall well-being of the four-legged creature. The taste is tempting for even those who are otherwise not so food-driven. These are also considered great for long road trips.

With all this information and a list of the most suitable human-grade dog foods, you can now give your dog the best taste, health, and nutrition.

Pros

  • Free from artificial preservatives and additives
  • Contains 78% protein
  • Approved by pet nutritionists and veterinarians

Cons

  • It is expensive
  • Some customers still need to cut it into pieces

6. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food and Puppy Food

Another real food that your dog will love is from JustFoodForDogs, it is human-grade ground turkey and liver. It also contains carrots, broccoli, zucchini, cod liver oil, cranberries, and JFFD’s vet-developed nutrient blend. Every natural ingredient adds up to your dog’s daily nutritional needs.

Moreover, this dog food is free from artificial preservatives, coloring, meat by-products, and flavors. It is also slowly cooked to maximize nutritional value and improve your dog’s immune health. According to Dr, Pizzo, DVM, she noticed that her dog improved its skin, coat, and vitality within weeks.

Pros

  • Ready to serve
  • Cooked in low heat and high pressure
  • Contains high-quality ingredients

Cons

  • It is pricey
  • Not resealable packaging

7. Full Moon Natural Organics Grass Fed Beef Jerky Healthy

Full Moon is a company that focuses on dog treats. But their treats are human-grade, organic, and mouth-watering, making them good toppers. They use USDA-certified, all-natural ingredients that are fit for human consumption.

Its main flavor and ingredient is grass-fed beef raised on a US farm. Each treat bursts with a smokey flavor that your dog will love. It also contains flaxseed and brown rice for additional energy and nutrient sources.

Furthermore, it is free from any preservatives, additives, and fillers. It does not contain any glycerin, soy, wheat, and corn. Additionally, it is simmered to preserve the necessary nutrients that your dog needs.

Pros

  • Contains USDA-certified ingredients
  • Slowly cooked
  • Filler-free

Cons

  • Not for dogs with chicken allergy
  • Too hard for some dogs

8. Caru Daily Dish Beef with Chicken Stew, Natural Adult Wet Dog Food with Added Vitamins & Minerals

Caru Daily Dish is made with 100% human-grade ingredients prepared in the USA. It contains real meat, such as beef and chicken, as its main ingredients. This dog food is also made with a homemade texture, aroma, and taste that your pup will surely love.

Additionally, this dog food is free from animal by-products and GMOs. Therefore, it is safe for your dog to consume. It prevents stomach upset which is usually caused by artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Moreover, this dog food is also rich in fruits and vegetables and added taurine for heart health and healthy eyesight. It has an easy-to-open packaging made from eco-friendly renewable, recyclable, and BPA-free materials.

Pros

  • 100% human-grade ingredients
  • Free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors
  • Contains real beef and chicken

Cons

  • Can cause sickness to some dogs
  • Not for picky eaters

9. Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food

Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe is made without preservatives, rendered meals, and GMO products. It does not contain any meat by-products as well. Additionally, it contains chicken and whole grain to support your dog’s life stage.

It is also rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. Moreover, it helps improve your dog’s digestion and maintain a healthy weight. This dog food can be served as a complete meal or as a topper.

Pros

  • Suitable for all breed sizes
  • Free from GMOs and fillers
  • Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs

Cons

  • Not for dogs with chicken allergies
  • Change in formula

10. The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken & Oat Dry Dog Food

Lastly, we have another food from The Honest Kitchen, which is made from whole grains, chicken, and oats. It is crafted with 100% natural and human-grade ingredients that will provide your dog’s nutritional needs.

Moreover, this dog food suits all life stages and all breed sizes. It provides complete and balanced nutrition for your dog. Additionally, it contains live probiotics which support healthy digestion. It is also free from artificial preservatives, additives, flavors, and colors.

Pros

  • Highly digestible
  • Cooked in small batches to ensure quality
  • Contains live probiotics

Cons

  • Not suitable for dogs with grain and chicken allergies
Human Grade Dog Foods – Reviews, Benefits & FAQ
Human Grade Dog Foods – Reviews, Benefits & FAQ

What Are Human-Grade Dog Foods?

Human-grade dog foods are commercial meals prepared using human-grade ingredients, meant to be consumed by dogs. For any dog food to be labeled as human-grade, each of its ingredients must be edible for humans. The food itself should abide by federal manufacturing and packaging regulations.

Mostly, human-friendly dog foods come in the form of freeze-dried or dehydrated foods. They are usually quite expensive to purchase because of the use of costly ingredients and the high-end manufacturing process. This type of dog food abides by the FDA and USDA food standards that are applicable to foods, manufactured for human consumption.

However, human-grade dog foods are safe for human consumption although it is not advisable to try these foods. The taste might appear weird and certainly not enjoyable for a human.

Are Human Grade Dog Foods Healthier?

Human-grade dog foods are definitely healthier and more nutritious for your dog. The ingredients with which these are prepared are generally organic, holistically formulated, locally sourced, and boast a denser nutritional profile.

Human-friendly dog foods are different from your regular dry kibble. These are made to follow the FDA guidelines, the standard abided by human foods while normal dog food mainly follows the AAFCO regulations only. These are less strict and, therefore, the foods have chances of carrying animal by-products and ingredients that are harmful to your dog.

Human-grade dog foods, on the other hand, are more regulated with their ingredients and nutritional profiles being more strictly inspected by FDA. The meat ingredients are specially approved by the USDA. This meat, as a result, is of the same quality as the ones found in a grocery store, making the dog food safer and healthier too.

What Does Made with Human-Grade Ingredients Mean?

There is a subtle but noteworthy difference between human-grade dog foods and dog foods made with human-grade ingredients. Human-grade dog foods, in their entirety and processed form, can be consumed by humans safely. They are made to go through the same stringent standards that are applied to foods meant for human consumption.

Dog foods made with human-grade ingredients, on the other hand, imply that some ingredients are human-grade while others might not be so. That is why; it is the ingredients that are human-grade but not necessarily the finished product. Hence, these dog foods cannot be eaten by humans safely. The processed food is not human grade as such.

human grade ingredients in dog foods
Only buy human-grade dog foods to ensure the entire end product is safe for human consumption.

Can You Eat Human Grade Pet Food?

Human-grade dog foods comprise ingredients that are safe to be consumed by humans too. So, technically, these dog foods can be consumed by humans. But ideally, human-grade dog foods should not be eaten by humans mainly because of their actual taste. This is because of the recipe that goes into making dog foods.

Although safe, some ingredients, especially in the state where they are used, might not be suitable for the human body. As such, humans might, at times, develop allergies to these foods. Human-grade dog foods are made for dogs and should be consumed by the furry ones only.

Additionally, it is known that some states do not enforce the rules and regulations as they see such facilities as pet foods and therefore do not check them against human-grade standards. It is a loophole used in states like California.

What Ingredients Are Present In Human Grade Pet Foods?

Ingredients of human-grade dog foods range from chicken, salmon, beef, duck, to wheat, rice, and vegetables. Basically, these ingredients are the same as the ones used in regular dog food although some body parts may differ at times.

In fact, the manufacturing process also participates in making human-grade food safe for human consumption. Of course, the foods are devoid of gluten, artificial flavors, and harmful elements, making them healthier for your dog.

Where to Buy Human-Grade Dog Food?

Human-grade dog foods are available online for the most part. You can opt for a monthly subscription wherein you keep buying the particular food regularly or prefer a one-off purchase. Online shopping sites like amazon.com and chewy.com are trusted and popular sellers of human-grade dog foods.

Human-grade pet foods are not quite widely available in stores as such. This is because of the dehydrated and freeze-dried form in which they appear. These foods come with certain storage restrictions and inconvenient shelflife. Lastly, the price is invariably higher, implying very low demand for such products.

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