Can dogs eat human grade meat

What Is Human-Grade Dog Food?

Come feeding time, its safe to say most parents arent tempted to dip a fork into their dogs food and try it for themselves. Given that a great deal of recipes arent strictly edible for humans, this is a good thing.

However, you may have noticed a growing number of human-grade dog foods on the market a claim that is proudly made. Lets face it, it does sound great. But what does it mean and is there any advantage in serving human-grade food to your pet?

To tell explain more, we asked some questions to Brandon Stapleton, a DVM and head veterinarian for 5-star-rated The Farmers Dog.

Whats the definition of human-grade dog food?

Human-grade dog food is made to the same safety and quality standards found in the FDA and USDA regulations for human food.

Its important to note that the standards apply not just to the ingredients, but also to the way in which the food is prepared and the location in which its produced.

For example, The Farmers Dog food is made and tested in USDA-compliant facilities. This means its made alongside food made for humans and subject to the highest safety standards in the pet food industry. Very few pet foods are made to this uncompromising standard.

Can people eat human-grade dog food?

Many of us here at The Farmers Dog have eaten our food! All our recipes are human-grade, so theyre safe to eat. However, the food is ultimately made for dogs.

The reason we make our food to human-grade standards is not because we think people should eat it or that dogs should eat like people. We do it because it allows us, and our customers, to know exactly whats in the food and that its safe and healthy for their dogs to eat. This is especially important when youre making food that is fresh and not heavily processed.

Theres no seasoning, no special cooking techniques, no magic ingredients Its just that its made to human-food safety standards.

Can people eat non-human-grade dog food?

Its not advisable for people to eat traditional pet food thats not made to human-grade standards. Most pet food is made to the standard of animal feed, which means the regulations governing what can find its way into the food are not as stringent. Also, the places in which the food is made are not subject to the same strict oversight.

In fact, the CDC actually advises that you wash your hands after touching pet food and you keep it separate from human food.

Is human-grade food better for dogs?

Not necessarily. Whats really important when it comes to pet food is that its complete and balanced providing all the nutrients dogs need in the right ratios. All of our recipes were developed by veterinary nutritionists to be complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards and safe to feed for all life stages with no supplementation necessary.

However, the fact our food is made to human-food safety and quality standards at every step, from ingredients to cooking and handling, means you know exactly what youre feeding your dog, which is an important factor in a healthy diet.

So what are the advantages?

Many foods that are complete and balanced are also ultra-processed. We took decades of pet nutrition science and worked with top vet nutritionists to create recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs, but in the form of fresh, human-grade food. We avoid the high-heat processing thats used to make kibble and include lightly cooked meat and vegetables instead.

Our food is highly digestible which is another big factor in dogs health when a diet is highly digestible that means that more of the foods nutrients are being delivered to the dogs body. Studies have shown that fresh, minimally processed food is more digestible and dogs eating it produce smaller poops.

Quantity also matters. Our meal plans are pre-portioned for each dogs needs based on factors like age, body condition, and activity level, making it easier to keep your dog at an ideal weight.

This is important because managing your dogs weight is hugely important to their health. Research shows that dogs kept at a healthy weight can actually live longer.

So, taken together, all these things make a fresh, human-grade diet a very healthy choice for dogs.

Is there a difference between human-grade and organic dog food?

Yes, these are very different things. As mentioned, human-grade speaks to the safety and quality standards that apply to all facets of making the food. There are no pet-food-specific regulations for the use of organic on labels.

For now, any dog food claiming to be organic should meet the same requirements as human food doing the same. But just because some ingredients are organic does not mean that the entire product is. To be certified organic, a food would need to contain 95% organic ingredients. A food with a lower proportion could still list certain components as organic.

But its worth considering what a word like organic seems to promise pure, healthy food and the reality of what pet foods labeled organic are actually delivering. Any organic ingredient in kibble is still subject to extreme processing.

Are there any grey areas when it comes to human-grade dog food?

There are companies that claim human-grade ingredients but their food is made in pet-food facilities. This misleads consumers. Truly human-grade pet food is not only made with human-grade ingredients and according to human food safety standards, but done so in a registered human food facility, made alongside human food products.

This means our facilities are regulated and inspected by both the FDA and the USDA. To put that into perspective, in the pet-food world a facility may get a government inspection only once in three to five years. In our facilities, we get inspected daily.

We do all of this because it allows us, and our customers, to know exactly whats in the food, and that its safe and healthy for their dogs to eatbecause its made to the highest safety standards available. With The Farmers Dog whats on the label actually matches whats delivered to your door.

Good Enough to Eat? The Truth About Human Grade Pet Food.

Several years ago a new trend started in pet food. Some pet food companies wanted to advertise that their food is made using "human grade" ingredients. Pet food had always been made with "feed grade" ingredients.

What's the difference? "Human grade" sounds like what it is. Fit for human consumption. Although, technically, there is no legal definition for this term. "Feed grade" means that the food cannot be legally sold as food for humans. Up until this time, dog food was for dogs. Cat food was for cats. And people food was for, well, people.

Your pets are a part of your family. So, you want to feed them the best food possible. You may like the idea of feeding your pet something that you could eat yourself. But when it comes to pet food, what does "human grade" really mean? Does a food labeled "made with human-grade ingredients" mean the food is better? What, if any difference does this mean for the health of your dog and cat?

Food is either fit for human consumption or it is not. In order for a pet food to be labeled human grade, all ingredients in the final product must be approved for people to eat. Very few pet food companies can make this claim.

Human foods and pet foods are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). For a product to be considered human grade it must be made in a USDA inspected facility and pass USDA inspection. So, if a pet food is made using human grade ingredients, but is manufactured in a facility that does not produce food exclusively for people, it is not human grade. Any pet food that labels itself "human grade" but does not meet these standards is guilty of misbranding the product.

What is the difference between human grade and feed grade? Feed grade is used in pet foods. Feed grade means that it cannot legally be sold as human food. One of the reasons is that the finished product may contain by-products.

By-products are parts of a slaughtered animal that are not eaten by people in this country. There has been misinformation surrounding what ingredients by-products can include. By-products are mostly internal organs, which are not only eaten in other countries but are considered delicacies! Despite having received some bad press over the last few years, by-products do not include hair, hooves, horns, hide trimmings, manure, or intestinal contents. By-products also do not include items swept up off the floor.

The quality of by-products varies greatly. Many have more nutritional value than meat. Often, a pet food that uses by-products can be nutritionally superior to one that claims to use"human grade meat". So, it is important to buy pet food from manufacturers that you trust. You should choose one that has very strict quality control standards, and is able to tell you where their ingredients come from.

Very recently the FDA announced that it would no longer verify human grade ingredients in pet food. This is being left up to individual states. It will now be the state's responsibility to verify that claims of human grade ingredients are valid. This is sure to cause more confusion for people who just want to know what is in their pet food. Of course, only time will tell!

People Foods Dogs Can and Cant Eat

Dedicated dog lovers tend to be very kind people. We share our hearts and homes (and for some lucky pups, even the foot of our beds) with our canine pals. Surely there is nothing wrong with sharing our favorite people foods with our dogs too, right? Not necessarily. Many of the foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that people digest just fine can wreak havoc on a dogs body, causing severe health problems. On the other hand, some of the foods people eat can be introduced to a dogs diet just fine, and even provide health benefits such as joint strength, better breath, and allergy immunity.

But before giving your dog foods thatyoucrave, read on and learn which foods are safe, and which can send your dog straight to the emergency vet. And always be mindful that even healthy foods fed in excess can lead to canine obesity, a major health concern for U.S. dogs. Always choose a quality dog food as your dogs main diet.

Human Food Safety for Dogs

Almonds: No, dogs shouldnt eat almonds. Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.

Bread:Yes, dogs can eat bread. Small amounts of plain bread (no spices and definitely no raisins) wont hurt your dog, but it also wont provide any health benefits either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people. Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but its best to avoid it altogether.

Cashews:Yes, dogs can eat cashews. Cashews are OK for dogs, but only a few at a time. Theyve got calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but while these nuts contain less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain and other fat-related conditions. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if theyre unsalted.

Cheese:Yes, dogs can eat cheese in small to moderate quantities. As long as your dog isnt lactose intolerant, which is rare, but still possible in canines, cheese can be a great treat. Many kinds of cheese can be high in fat, so go for lower-fat varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella. Many dogs enjoy their very own dog-specific Himalayan dog chew made of dried cheese (but we dont recommend sharing it).

Chocolate:No, dogs should never eat chocolate. This isnt just an urban legend. Chocolate contains toxic substances called methylxanthines, which are stimulants that stop a dogs metabolic process. Even just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can causediarrheaandvomiting. A large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. Do not have chocolate in an accessible location for your dog. If your dog does ingest chocolate, contact a veterinarian orPet Poison Helplineas soon as possible.

Cinnamon: No, dogs shouldnt eat cinnamon. While cinnamon is not actually toxic to dogs, its probably best to avoid it. Cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. It can lower a dogs blood sugar too much and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased, or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease. If they inhale it in powder form, cinnamon can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking.

Coconut: Yes, coconut is OK for dogs. This funky fruit contains lauric acid, which can help combat bacteria and viruses. It can also help with bad breath and clearing up skin conditions like hot spots, flea allergies, and itchy skin. Coconut milk and coconut oil are safe for dogs too. Just be sure your dog doesnt get its paws on the furry outside of the shell, which can get lodged in the throat.

Corn:Yes, dogs can eat corn. Corn is one of the most common ingredients in most dog foods. However, the cob can be hard for a dog to digest and may cause an intestinal blockage, so if youre sharing some corn, make sure it is off the cob. (Or just opt for a squeaky corn toy instead.)

Eggs: Yes,dogs can eat eggs. Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a wonderful source of protein and can help an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites can contribute to biotin deficiency, so be sure to cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your pet.

Fish:Yes, dogs can eat fish. Fish contains good fats and amino acids, giving your dog a nice health boost. Salmon and sardines are especially beneficial salmon because its loaded with vitamins and protein, and sardines because they have soft, digestible bones for extra calcium. With the exception of sardines, be sure to pick out all the tiny bones, which can be tedious but is definitely necessary. Never feed your dog uncooked or undercooked fish, only fully cooked and cooled, and limit your dogs fish intake to no more than twice a week.

Garlic: No, dogs shouldnt eat garlic. Like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family, and it is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Poisoning from garlic and onions may have delayed symptoms, so if you think your dog may have eaten some, monitor him or her for a few days, not just right after consumption.

Ham: Yes, dogs can eat ham. Ham is OK for dogs to eat, but certainly isnt the healthiest for them. Ham is high in sodium and fat, so while sharing a small piece is all right, it shouldnt be a continuous habit.

Honey: Yes, dogs can eat honey. Honey is packed with countless nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants. Feeding dogs small amounts of honey can help with allergies because it introduces small amounts of pollen to their systems, building up immunity to allergens in your area. In addition to consuming honey, the sticky spread can also be used as a topical treatment for burns and superficial cuts.

Ice cream:No, dogs shouldnt eat ice cream. As refreshing of a treat as ice cream is, it contains lots of sugar so it is best not to share with your dog. Also, some dogs have an intolerance to lactose. To avoid the milk altogether, freeze chunks of strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pineapples to give to your dog as a sweet, icy treat.

Macadamia nuts: No, dogs should never eat macadamia nuts. These are some of the most poisonous foods for dogs. Macadamia nuts, part of the Protaceae family, can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can affect the nervous system. Never feed your dog macadamia nuts.

Milk:Yes, dogs can have milk. But be cautious. Some dogs are lactose-intolerant and dont digest milk well. While it is OK for dogs to have a little milk, owners should be cognizant of the symptoms of lactose-intolerance and might want to stick to giving their dogs water.

Peanut butter: Yes, peanut butter is OK for dogs. Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein for dogs. It contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. Read the label carefully to be sure the peanut butter does not containxylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.

Peanuts:Yes, dogs can eat peanuts. Unlike almonds, peanuts are safe for dogs to eat. Theyre packed with good fats and proteins that can benefit your dog. Just be sure to give peanuts in moderation, as you dont want your dog taking in too much fat, which can lead to pancreas issues. Also, avoid salted peanuts. Too much salt is hard for dogs to process.

Popcorn: Yes, dogs can eat popcorn. Unsalted, unbuttered, air-popped popcorn is OK for your dog in moderation. It contains riboflavin and thiamine, both of which promote eye health and digestion, as well as small amounts of iron and protein. Be sure to pop the kernels all the way before giving them to your dog, as unpopped kernels could become a choking hazard.

Pork: Yes, dogs can eat pork. Pork isa highly digestible protein, packed with amino acids, and it contains more calories per pound than other meats. Pork also may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction in some pets compared to other proteins.

Quinoa:Yes, quinoa is OK for dogs. You can now find quinoa in some high-quality dry dog foods. The strong nutritional profile of quinoa makes it a healthy alternative to corn, wheat, and soy starches that are often used to make kibble.

Salmon:Yes, dogs can eat salmon. As mentioned above, fully cooked salmon is an excellent source of protein, good fats, and amino acids. It promotes joint and brain health and gives dog-immune systems a nice boost. However, raw or undercooked salmon contains parasites that can make dogs very sick, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, even death. Be sure to cook salmon all the way through (the FDA recommends at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit) and the parasites should cook out.

Shrimp:Yes, shrimp is OK for dogs. A few shrimp every now and then is fine for your dog, but only if they are fully cooked and the shell (including the tail, head, and legs) is removed completely. Shrimp are high in antioxidants, vitamin B-12, and phosphorus, but also low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates.

Tuna:Yes, dogs can eat tuna, but only in small amounts. In moderation, cooked, fresh tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes heart and eye health. As for canned tuna, it contains small amounts of mercury and sodium, which should be avoided in excess. A little bit of canned tuna and tuna juice here and there is fine prepared only in water, not oil as long as it doesnt contain any spices.

Turkey:Yes, dogs can eat turkey. Turkey is fine for dogs, but be sure to remove excess fat and skin from the meat. Dont forget to check for bones; poultry bones can splinter during digestion, causing blockage or even tears in the intestines. Any meat with excessive salt, seasonings, onions or garlic should not be fed.

Wheat/grains:Yes, dogs can eat wheat and other grains. Dogs do not have to be grain-free; it is perfectly OK for them to have grains. In fact, grains like wheat and corn are great sources of protein, essential fatty acids, and fiber. If your dog has certain allergies, however, it might be best to avoid grains, but it truly depends on your dog. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Yogurt:Yes, yogurt is OK for dogs. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for dogs. However, some dogs may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your dog can digest it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system with probiotics. Plain yogurt is the best choice. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar, and skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners.