In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the pet-food industry, with owners prioritizing the health of their pets by focusing on improved nutrition. Of the emerging trends, human-grade dog food has grown considerably in popularity among pet owners. But what exactly does “human grade” mean in the context of dog food and what sets it apart from conventional foods?
The term “human grade” refers to pet food that is made both with ingredients and in facilities that meet the same standards as those used for products intended for human consumption. This means that all the ingredients used for human-grade dog food are sourced from suppliers that provide food primarily for human consumption.
Human-Made Dog Food Brands
Human-grade dog food brands typically prioritize premium-quality ingredients that often include real meat, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Unlike conventional pet food, which may be produced in facilities with lower-quality control standards, human-grade dog food is manufactured in facilities that adhere to the strict regulations and safety standards established for producing human food.
When looking at foods that have human-grade claims, it can sometimes be tricky to understand the label. A food is only considered human grade if all the ingredients in the formula are of human-grade quality and the food is also manufactured in a facility that produces human food. Many brands will utilize specific human-grade ingredients to add the “human grade” claim to their packaging but use conventional ingredients and manufacturing practices for the rest of the food. If this is done, you will see the specific human-grade ingredients called out, such as “made with human-grade beef,” but the food itself is not considered human grade.
The Best Human-Grade Dog Food
The best human-grade dog food brands make diets that are complete and balanced formulations that meet American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements of nutritional adequacy for your dog’s intended life stage. Many human-grade dog foods are made with limited, whole, ingredients, which may make them a good choice for dogs suffering from known food allergies and sensitivities. There are many different forms of human-grade dog food on the market to choose from, including fresh, gently cooked, air dried, and freeze dried.
Despite the benefits, there are a few downsides to human-grade foods. Human-grade dog food often comes with a higher price tag compared to conventional pet food. The use of high-quality ingredients and human-grade manufacturing facilities drives up production costs, resulting in a higher retail price for consumers. Human-grade dog food also typically has a shorter shelf life compared to conventional pet foods. Many human-grade formulas lack preservatives and additives, meaning the food may spoil more quickly once opened, or may require specialized storage and handling to maintain its freshness and nutritional integrity.
While these downsides are worth consideration, many pet owners find that the benefits of human-grade dog food outweigh the potential drawbacks. Choosing human-grade dog food provides pet owners with assurance that they are feeding their companions a nutritious diet made with the same care and quality as their own food.
