Understanding What 'Human Grade' Means in Dog Food
Choosing the right food for your dog can be overwhelming, especially with terms like "human grade" appearing on packages. But what does human-grade dog food actually entail, and why does it matter for your pet's health?
Definition of Human-Grade Dog Food
Human-grade dog food refers to pet food whose ingredients and processes meet all federal regulations for human food—specifically FDA laws under 21 CFR part 117. This means each component in the food must be individually fit for human consumption, and the entire manufacturing process—including storage and transportation—must adhere to human food handling regulations.
How It Differs from Feed-Grade Dog Food
- Feed-grade dog food is made to standards suitable only for animal consumption.
- It may include by-products, rendered meals, fillers, and ingredients not allowed in human food.
- Feed-grade ingredients might lack traceability and may be processed at high heat, reducing nutrient quality and safety.
Regulations and Oversight
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) regulates labeling and nutritional standards. For a product to be accurately labeled "human-grade," all ingredients and the final product must comply with human food manufacturing standards, not just include human-edible ingredients.
Ingredients in Human-Grade Dog Food
- Whole meats and fish like chicken, beef, or salmon
- Real fruits and vegetables: carrots, peas, apples
- Eggs and grains: brown rice, oats
- No by-products, artificial preservatives, or chemical additives
Benefits of Human-Grade Dog Food
While more expensive, human-grade food offers various advantages:
- Higher digestibility due to less processing
- Improved nutrient retention
- Better skin and coat health
- Lower stool volume
- Fewer unknown or low-quality ingredients
- Less chance of allergic reactions for sensitive pets
Limitations and Considerations
- Not all human-grade foods are complete and balanced for pet nutrition.
- AAFCO's nutritional adequacy statement is essential to ensure nutritional completeness.
- Veterinary consultation is recommended before making dietary changes.
Transition Tips
To introduce your pet to human-grade food safely:
- Start by mixing a small portion with their existing food.
- Gradually increase the ratio over at least 7 days.
- Monitor for digestive issues or allergic reactions.
Brands Offering Human-Grade Dog Food
Popular brands known for their human-grade offerings include:
- The Farmer’s Dog
- The Honest Kitchen
- JustFoodForDogs
- Ollie
- Stella & Chewy’s (select products)
- Soopa Pets (for treats)
Consumers should carefully review labels and company statements to verify human-grade status for individual products.
Cost and Accessibility
Because of the stringent regulations and high-quality sourcing, human-grade dog food is often more expensive than feed-grade alternatives. For budget-conscious pet owners, using it as a meal topper or occasional treat may be more feasible.
In Summary
- Human-grade dog food ensures safety, transparency, and ingredient quality.
- It must meet human food processing and handling standards.
- It may offer digestibility, nutrient, and palatability advantages.
- Nutritional balance should be validated by an AAFCO statement or veterinarian.
Ultimately, pet owners must evaluate whether human-grade dog food aligns with their pet’s needs and their values around sourcing and food safety. Regardless of grade, diets should always prioritize complete, balanced nutrition validated by experts.
