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In the evolving world of pet nutrition, many dog owners are seeking out superior dietary options for their beloved canine companions. Human-grade dog food has emerged as one of the sought-after choices due to its high-quality standards and use of ingredients deemed suitable for human consumption. This type of food aims to provide a wholesome, nutritious, and more natural dietary alternative for dogs, helping them to enjoy a diet as close as possible to what they would consume in a natural environment. This article will explore some of the best human-grade dog food options available on the market today, delving into their benefits, nutritional content, and why they might be a good choice for your four-legged friend.
#1 – JustFoodForDogs Frozen Fresh Human Grade Dog Food, Fresh Variety Pack, 5.5 Oz (18 Pack)
JustFoodForDogs Frozen Fresh Human Grade Dog Food is a variety pack of nutritious meals made with gently cooked fresh, whole foods. Pet parents have reported improvements in their dog’s health, including better digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, and easier weight management. The meals can be served as a complete meal or a meal topper, and they are made with 100% fresh, human-edible ingredients without any fillers, preservatives, or artificial additives. The brand is highly recommended by veterinarians.
#2 – Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food Pouch: Fresh Dog Food Mixer and Dog Food Topper Multipack Packets
The Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food Pouch offers a convenient and healthy option for dog owners looking for natural, high-quality dog food. Made with all-natural ingredients and certified human-grade meats, this wet food is a great choice for picky or sensitive dogs. The large pouch size makes it easy to serve and store, making it ideal for on-the-go lifestyles. Additionally, the company donates a portion of its profits to animal shelters, adding an ethical aspect to this product.
#3 – The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food – Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper – Chicken 2 lb (makes 8 lbs)
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food is made with high-quality ingredients like free-range chicken and organic grains. It can be used as a complete meal or as a topper for dry food. The recipe is 100% human grade and does not contain any preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy. It is made in the USA with trusted sources from around the world.
#4 – ACANA® Freeze Dried Dog Food & Topper, Grain Free, High Protein, Fresh & Raw Animal Ingredients, Free-Run TurkeyRecipe, Patties, 14oz
ACANA Freeze Dried Dog Food & Topper is a grain-free, high-protein dog food made with fresh and raw animal ingredients, specifically free-run turkey. The food is freeze-dried to preserve its flavor and nutrients, and it comes in bite-sized morsels or breakable patties. It can be fed as a standalone meal or used as a topper on your dog’s regular ACANA kibble. The product is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients and does not contain any artificial preservatives.
#5 – ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free, and Limited Ingredient with Superfoods (Beef, 1.0 lb)
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a high-protein, grain-free dog food made with all-natural ingredients. It features free-range beef, organs, bone, and New Zealand green mussels, providing authentic whole-prey ratios. The food is also low in carbs and does not contain fillers such as grain, potato, or peas, making it ideal for food-sensitive dogs. Additionally, it includes superfood ingredients like cold-washed green tripe, New Zealand green mussels, and organic kelp for added health benefits. ZIWI sources its ingredients ethically and sustainably from New Zealand farms and oceans, ensuring that the meat and seafood are free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished, and wild-caught, and without added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
#6 – Dr. Harvey’s Beef & Garden Veggies Dog Food, Human Grade Whole-Grain Dehydrated Dog Food with Freeze-Dried Beef (5.5 Ounces)
Dr. Harvey’s Beef & Garden Veggies Dog Food is a dehydrated dog food made with human-grade ingredients. It contains real beef, a variety of vegetables and fruits, and organic grains. This trial-size bag makes 1 pound of dog food and is easy to prepare by adding warm water. It is fortified with probiotics for improved gut health and is free from artificial preservatives, colors, fillers, and animal by-products. Dr. Harvey’s is manufactured in the USA to the highest standards of safety, quality, and nutrition.
What Does It Mean When a Dog Food is Human Grade?
“Human grade” in the context of dog food means that every ingredient in the product is safe and fit for human consumption, and the product has been produced in a facility that also meets specific standards for processing human food. The term is governed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Using “human grade” ingredients implies a higher standard of ingredient quality and production compared to standard pet food. It suggests that the food does not contain any by-products, fillers, artificial additives, or potentially harmful ingredients that aren’t considered suitable for humans to eat.
However, it’s important to note that “human grade” does not necessarily mean that the food is nutritionally adequate for your pet. It’s crucial to make sure that any dog food, whether it’s labeled as “human grade” or not, is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs. This can usually be verified by a nutritional adequacy statement from AAFCO on the product’s packaging.
Despite its high quality, “human grade” dog food may not be the best or necessary choice for all dogs. Individual nutritional needs vary, and a diet suitable for one dog may not be appropriate for another. Therefore, it’s always recommended to consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutrition expert before making significant changes to your pet’s diet.
Related: 9 Best Puppy Dog Foods
Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Human-Grade Dog Food
- What is fresh human-grade dog food? Fresh human-grade dog food is made from ingredients that are suitable for human consumption and prepared in facilities that meet human food production standards. These foods are often minimally processed and preserved using refrigeration rather than artificial preservatives.
- How does fresh human-grade dog food differ from regular dog food? Regular dog food often includes rendered meats, by-products, and meals, whereas fresh human-grade dog food contains high-quality, whole-food ingredients that are fit for human consumption. Also, the processing standards in producing human-grade dog food are higher and more strictly regulated.
- Is fresh human-grade dog food better for my dog’s health? Fresh human-grade dog food often contains higher quality ingredients and fewer artificial preservatives and additives, which can contribute to better overall health. However, the “best” food for your dog largely depends on their individual needs, including age, breed, size, and health status.
- Where can I buy fresh human-grade dog food? Fresh human-grade dog food can be purchased from specialty pet food stores, certain grocery stores, online retailers, and sometimes directly from the manufacturer’s website. It’s important to buy from reputable brands to ensure quality and safety.
- How do I transition my dog to fresh human-grade food? Transition your dog to a new food gradually, over a week or two, to avoid upsetting their stomach. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food, and gradually increase the new food’s proportion while decreasing the old food.
- Can all dogs eat fresh human-grade dog food? Most dogs can benefit from high-quality, fresh human-grade dog food. However, some dogs have specific dietary needs due to health conditions, age, or breed-specific factors. Always consult with a vet or a pet nutritionist before switching your dog’s diet.
- Is fresh human-grade dog food more expensive? Generally, fresh human-grade dog food is more expensive than traditional dog food due to the higher quality of ingredients and the stringent manufacturing process. However, many owners believe the potential health benefits justify the cost.
- Does fresh human-grade dog food need to be refrigerated? Yes, because fresh human-grade dog food is minimally processed and doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, it usually needs to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- How do I know if a dog food is truly human-grade? Truly human-grade dog food will be explicitly labeled as such, and the manufacturer should be able to provide proof of their claims, such as details about their production facilities and ingredient sourcing.
- Does AAFCO regulate fresh human-grade dog food? Yes, AAFCO has strict guidelines about using the term “human-grade” on pet food labels. The food must contain ingredients that are edible for humans and be manufactured in a facility that meets human food production standards.
Related: Top 13 Dog Food Brands Without Recalls
Conclusion: Best Human-Grade Dog Foods
In conclusion, human-grade dog food offers a premium alternative to traditional pet foods, boasting higher quality, freshness, and nutritional value. As we’ve explored some of the best human-grade dog foods available, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique, and their nutritional needs can vary based on factors like age, breed, size, and health status. Always consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutrition expert before making significant changes to your dog’s diet. As pet parents, our goal is to provide the best for our furry friends, and feeding them high-quality, nutritious food is a significant step toward ensuring their long-term health and happiness.
What to check out more human-grade dog food options? See our Nom Nom vs Farmer’s Dog Comparison!
iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you.
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