Navigating the concept of “human-grade” dog food, often touted as the best human grade dog food, can be perplexing. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), this designation indicates that all ingredients fit human consumption. Essentially, this label implies adherence to distinct federal regulations, including handling and manufacturing processes, alongside minimal processing in USDA kitchens.
Conversely, dog food lacking the “human-grade” label is processed in facilities where ingredients are deemed unfit for human consumption, often containing unspecified by-products and meat meals.
With the surge in popularity of human grade dog food, this article aims to present our top nine reviews for the best options available today. Our goal is to clarify this topic and equip you with the information necessary to make the optimal choice for your furry companion.
Best Human Grade Dog Food
Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog
Discover The Farmer’s Dog: veterinary-approved recipes, convenient delivery, and tailored nutrition.
Customized plans, DIY options, and pre-portioned servings make pet care effortless. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Pros
DIY options
Tailored meal plans
Recipes formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
Cons
Food requires refrigeration
Not available in some regions.
Recipes are only accessible after completing a questionnaire.
Vets highly recommend The Farmer’s Dog, ensuring a top-notch option for your pup. Meals are freshly made, gently cooked, and frozen to preserve freshness until delivery. Their DIY model offers home-cooked recipes supplemented with their Nutrient Mix.
The company guarantees compliance with AAFCO standards and uses USDA-certified proteins. Although you must complete a recipe access questionnaire, the personalized approach tailored to your dog’s life stage and health outweighs this requirement. Pre-portioned meals arrive ready to serve or refrigerate.
I tested The Farmer’s Dog questionnaire for my parent’s 8-year-old Labrador retriever. The results showed $3.58/day (or $25.06/week) with a 50% discount for two weeks, including three unique recipes (beef, pork, and chicken). Subsequent orders cost $7.16/day ($50.12/week).
Ollie
Ollie Dog Food
Experience Ollie: personalized meal plans, budget-friendly options, and quality ingredients.
With diverse recipes, convenient thawing, and pre-portioned servings, feeding your dog has never been easier.
Trust Ollie’s AAFCO-approved human-grade recipes for optimal health and satisfaction. Join satisfied customers today.
Pros
Budget-friendly half-meal plan option
Baked “kibble” option
Cooked in small batches at low heat
Cons
Meals require thawing 24 hours before serving
Not available in some regions
For picky eaters needing some crunch, Ollie offers an excellent alternative to processed dry food.
Alongside their AAFCO-approved human-grade recipes, Ollie provides the option to mix and match with their baked dry food. Sourcing fresh ingredients from U.S. suppliers and crafting meals in small batches at their Minnesota facility ensures quality.
Once refrigerated, meals remain fresh for up to four days, offering convenience without compromising freshness.
Testing Ollie’s site with details for an 8-year-old Labrador retriever, a complete fresh plan was priced at $22/week (with the first-timer discount), while a half-fresh plan was $15.40/week. Customers can choose from beef, turkey, chicken, and lamb recipes, granting greater control over meal selection.
JustFoodForDogs
JustFoodForDogs
Discover JustFoodForDogs: DIY recipes, accessible locations, and cost-effective pricing sourced from human-grade suppliers.
Vet-developed recipes cater to specific health needs, backed by ongoing research for optimal nutrition.
Enjoy convenient ordering online or in-store, with auto shipping available for hassle-free delivery.
Join satisfied customers in providing tailor-made nutrition for your pet’s well-being.
Pros
DIY recipe option
Cost-effective
A la carte ordering without a questionnaire
Cons
All products require freezing or refrigeration
JustFoodForDogs offers control over human-grade ingredients in your dog’s food, with vet-developed recipes targeting specific health needs. Sourcing directly from human-grade suppliers allows for cost savings compared to other brands.
Their commitment to ongoing research ensures optimal nutrition, with food found to be 40% more digestible than regular kibble. Enjoy the flexibility of ordering any recipe without enrolling in a plan.
Testing their site for an 8-year-old Labrador retriever yielded a recommendation for the turkey recipe at $5.87/day ($41.12/week) with autoshipping, providing convenience and savings.
How to Choose the Best Human Grade Dog Food?
Understanding the rising popularity of human-grade food among dog owners leads us to the crucial task of choosing the ideal product for your furry friend.
- Consider your pet’s age, size, and specific health requirements. For instance, puppies may benefit from nutrient-rich options that aid growth, while seniors may require gentler formulas for digestion.
- Prioritize foods by listing high-quality proteins as the primary ingredient, and be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities your pet may have.
- For those seeking affordability without compromising quality, research budget-friendly human-grade brands.
- Consult customer reviews and veterinarians for insights into products offering tangible health benefits, such as improved coat shine or better digestion.
- Whether opting for wet or dry varieties, consider your pet’s preference for texture.
Considering these factors during selection ensures you provide delicious and nutritious meals for your beloved canine companion, supporting their happiness and overall well-being.
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Frequently Ask Question
What is Human Grade Dog Food?
Human grade dog food consists of ingredients that are equivalent in quality to those suitable for human consumption.
Is Human-Grade Food Better?
Yes! Despite the higher cost compared to commercial brands, the superior quality of ingredients justifies the investment. Human grade dog food excludes fillers or low-grade rendered meat meals, offering only fresh, premium ingredients rich in nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
To earn the “human-grade” label, dog food must comply with FDA regulations, including stringent manufacturing, handling, and minimal processing in USDA kitchens. This designation ensures that the food is not processed in facilities where ingredients deemed unsuitable for human consumption are transformed into animal-grade feed.
Why Choose Human-Grade Dog Food for Your Pup?
Human grade dog food offers superior ingredients, increased nutritional value, and improved digestibility for some dogs.
Can Human-Grade Dog Food Come in Dry Form?
Human grade dog food is available in diverse forms, including dry food, wet food, freeze-dried, and dehydrated options.
What are Some Popular Brands of Human-Grade Dog Food?
Popular human grade dog food brands include The Honest Kitchen, JustFoodForDogs, PetPlate, and The Farmer’s Dog.
How Do I Introduce Human-Grade Dog Food to My Pet’s Diet?
It’s advisable to gradually transition your dog to a new food by mixing increasing amounts of the new human-grade food with their current food over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best human grade dog food ensures your furry companion receives the highest quality nutrition. With options like Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and JustFoodForDogs, pet owners can confidently provide their dogs with meals that meet rigorous standards and are crafted with wholesome ingredients.
By choosing the best human-grade dog food, you’re not just investing in your pet’s health but also their overall well-being and happiness.