Do vets recommend human grade food for dogs
Is Human-Grade Dog Food Worth It? Vets Weigh in on Their 3 Favorite Brands
Several of our vet sources recommended The Farmers Dog. One reason is this brand went above and beyond the AAFCO standards of nutrition by conducting live feeding trials on actual dogs of all shapes and sizes over a six-year period, according to Dr. Lindsay. Plus, The Farmers Dog can tailor meal plans to a dogs age, weight, breed, health issues, activity level and more.
Working with board-certified veterinary nutritionists, The Farmers Dog formulated recipes using whole ingredients that taste delish to dogs (and humans, apparently). Their site states, Our meals are prepared in USDA kitchens, where each recipe is gently cooked at low temperatures according to USDA-facility standards. They also never use feed-grade ingredients.
Another strong option in the human-grade food department is Ollie, Dr. Lindsay said. This brand offers meals depending on your dogs life stage, plus full ingredient lists are displayed and meals are slow cooked. Ollie offers both grain and grain-free options, too, as some dogs benefit from incorporating more grains into their diets. Plus, the Ollie website says their recipes dont contain by-products, fillers, artificial flavoring, or preservatives, and they used a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who helped us formulate our balanced and complete, human-grade recipes, abiding by the AAFCO standards.
Best Human-Grade Dog Food
Best Human-Grade Dog Food
By Karan French
Updated: April 17, 2024
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Human grade dog food is a term used to describe pet food products that meet the same quality and safety standards as food intended for human consumption.
This means that the ingredients used in human-grade dog food are sourced, processed, and handled in a manner consistent with the standards set for food products intended for people. The idea is to provide a higher level of quality and safety assurance for pet parents who want the best for their dogs.
Here are some key characteristics of human-grade dog food:
Human-grade dog food typically uses high-quality ingredients, often sourced from the same suppliers that provide ingredients for human food. These can include real meat, poultry and fish such as chicken, beef, turkey and salmon, rather than generic meat by-products.
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, and barley are also included to provide carbohydrates and fiber. And vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and spinach are often used for their vitamins, minerals, and fiber content.
Sources of healthy fats may include flaxseed, canola oil, and fish oil, which provide essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.
The manufacturing and processing facilities for human-grade dog food are held to strict standards for cleanliness and safety to prevent contamination.
These foods are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs, ensuring they receive a balanced diet.
Human-grade dog food often contains fewer artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, focusing on natural ingredients such as mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) to maintain freshness. Some recipes include natural probiotics too (e.g., lactobacillus) and prebiotics (e.g., chicory root) to support digestive health.
Its important to read the ingredient list on the packaging of any dog food labeled as human grade. Look for a transparent and clear list of ingredients, and avoid products that contain artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives. The goal of human-grade dog food is to provide wholesome, minimally processed ingredients that contribute to your dogs overall health and well-being.
Remember that the specific ingredients and nutritional profile can vary between brands and product lines, so its a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to choose the best option for your dogs individual dietary needs and preferences.
Companies producing human-grade dog food often prioritize transparency in ingredient sourcing and labeling.
Many human-grade pet food brands conduct safety and quality testing similar to those required for human food products.
A note on human-grade dog food
Its important to note that the use of the term human grade is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other regulatory bodies in the same way as human food. The term is often used by pet food companies as a marketing claim, so its essential to do your research and read labels carefully.
On this page youll find The Dog Food Advisors best human-grade dog foods.
You might also find this article useful, which answers some common questions dog parents may have about human-grade food.
The Farmers Dog Turkey Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of 4 recipes in this product range made by The Farmers Dog.
The Farmers Dog Turkey Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a freshrecipe containing 33.3% protein, 18.8% fat and 39.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Real food made fresh. This food provides dogs with an excellent source of quality protein.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh food
- Simple personalized recipes
- Eco-friendly packaging
Main Ingredients Turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, spinach Type Fresh Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dogs The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Fish recipe received the Dog Food Advisors second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of 8 recipes in this product range made by The Honest Kitchen.
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Fish derives the bulk of its protein from fish.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 35.1% protein, 9.3% fat and 47.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 27%.
Human-grade, whole foods, dehydrated to maintain nutrients.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Grain-free
- Dehydrated to maintain nutrients
- Non-GMO ingredients
Main Ingredients Dehydrated white fish, dehydrated sweet potatoes, dehydrated eggs, dehydrated pumpkin, dried organic coconut, dried bananas Type Dry Protein Percentage 35.1% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheHonestKitchen"This has made such a huge positive difference in my dog! Her coat is shiny and healthy, her skin is less itchy, and overall just seems to have more energy and more playful. I recommend this food all the time!"
A Pup Above Turkey Pawella Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors highest, rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 4 recipes in this product range made by A Pup Above.
A Pup Above Turkey Pawella Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 43.3% protein, 21.9% fat and 26.8% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 51%.
Human-grade food with a single source protein and non-GMO veggies.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh food
- Non-GMO veggies
- Eco-friendly packaging
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey liver, tomatoes, carrots, green peas Type Fresh Protein Percentage 43.3% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Ollie Lamb Dish with Cranberries Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 5 recipes in this product range made by Ollie.
Ollie Lamb Dish with Cranberries recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 38.5% protein, 26.9% fat and 26.6% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 70%.
Natural, healthy and human-grade ingredients
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh food
- Personalized recipes
- No fillers or artificial flavors
Main Ingredients Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale Type Fresh Protein Percentage 38.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at My Ollie"My dog, Falkor, is an incredibly picky eater. He is also allergic to chicken and beef. I ordered Ollie's fresh lamb and, from the first meal, Falkor would eat on his own until it was gone! This was a game-changer for us! I cannot recommend Ollie enough! "
Raised Right Puppy Growth Beef Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 11 recipes in this product range made by Raised Right.
Raised Right Puppy Growth Beef Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 59% protein, 23.1% fat and 9.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 39%.
Human-grade pet food. Home cooked style, limited ingredient recipes that are low in carbs.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh food
- Low carbs
- Limited ingredients
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Fresh Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards Growth & Reproduction Best For Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Females Nom Nom Turkey Fare Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 4 recipes in this product range made by Nom Nom.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 35.7% protein, 17.9% fat and 38.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Made with fresh, whole ingredients.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh food
- Personalized recipes
- Added vitamins & minerals
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Type Fresh Protein Percentage 35.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Nom Nom Now"Most of all I love that I'm giving my pets top-notch food that I hope will contribute to their longevity and overall wellbeing."
Petplate Barkin Beef Entre Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 4 recipes in this product range made by PetPlate.
Petplate Barkin Beef Entre Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 31.2% protein, 21.7% fat and 39% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 70%.
Human-grade, fresh ingredients that are gently cooked.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full PetPlate Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh food
- Simple personalized recipes
- Gently cooked to preserve nutrients
Main Ingredients Ground beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beef liver, carrots Type Fresh Protein Percentage 31.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at PetPlate"Pet Plate is amazing! My dog Lexie absolutely loves this food. Not only that, but she has seen an incredibly increase in her energy and general health."
Spot & Tango Unkibble Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of 3 recipes in this product range made by Spot & Tango.
Spot & Tango Unkibble Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 26% protein, 16.7% fat and 49.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 64%.
Fresh dog food with real, whole ingredients.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Spot and Tango UnKibble Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh food
- Simple personalized recipes
- No artificial ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples Type Dry Protein Percentage 26% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at SpotandTango"Since I switched to this food my dog is feeling better. She used to be very stinky from her old food but that's 100% gone now. I love it comes to my front door."
We Feed Raw Lamb Patty Recipe Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 6 recipes in this product range made by We Feed Raw.
We Feed Raw Lamb Patty Recipe Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from lamb.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 45.6% protein, 31.1% fat and 15.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 68%.
Human-grade, high-quality raw diets.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- High-quality raw diet
- Personalized recipes
- No fillers, preservatives, no artificial colors
Main Ingredients Lamb, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidney, beef necks (with bone) Type Raw Protein Percentage 45.6% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dogs Open Farm Grass Fed Beef Grain-Free Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 21 recipes in this product range made by Open Farm.
Open Farm Grass Fed Beef Grain-Free Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 34.8% protein, 18.5% fat and 38.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 53%.
Certified human-grade, healthy and nutritional foods.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Non-GMO fruits & vegetables
- 100% traceable ingredients
- TerraCycle packaging
Main Ingredients Beef, ocean whitefish meal, peas, sweet potato, beef liver Type Dry Protein Percentage 34.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dogs JustFoodForDogs Fish & Sweet Potato Recipe Recipe received the Dog Food Advisors highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 9 recipes in this product range made by JustFoodForDogs.
JustFoodForDogs Fish & Sweet Potato Recipe Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from fish.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 38.9% protein, 11.1% fat and 42% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 29%.
Gently cooked, whole ingredients & human-grade nutrition.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Dogs (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh Food
- No preservatives
- Ingredient transparency
Main Ingredients Wild Alaska pacific cod, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, broccoli Type Fresh Protein Percentage 38.9% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs
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