Best Human-Grade Dog Food Brands: Top 10 List [Reviews & Picks]

ByCanine Bible
best human grade dog food

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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

In the world of pet care, the term “you are what you eat” holds as much weight for our four-legged friends as it does for us. As pet parents increasingly prioritize their dogs’ health and well-being, the demand for high-quality, human-grade dog food has surged. This shift is hardly surprising; after all, who wouldn’t want their beloved pets to enjoy nutritious, wholesome meals that mirror their own? So, What is the best human-grade dog food?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ve done the legwork to bring you unbiased, detailed reviews of the top human-grade dog food brands available today. I’ve meticulously analyzed ingredient quality, nutritional value, sourcing ethics, and customer feedback to ensure that my recommendations stand up to scrutiny and meet the highest standards of pet nutrition. Let’s dive in!

Table of contents
In This Article:
Table of contents
In This Article:

Best Human-Grade Dog Food — At A Glance

Best Overall

The Farmer’s Dog

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Read Review ↆ

Best Dry

The Honest Kitchen

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Read Review ↆ

Best Balanced

Nom Nom

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Read Review ↆ

Best Value

Ollie

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Read Review ↆ

Best Puppy

Raised Right

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Read Review ↆ

Best Sustainable

Open Farm

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Read Review ↆ

Best Organic

Spot & Tango

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Read Review ↆ

Best Wet

Just Food For Dogs

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Read Review ↆ

Highest Protein

A Pup Above

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Read Review ↆ

Best Dehydrated

The Honest Kitchen

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Read Review ↆ

Best Canned

PetPlate

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Read Review ↆ

The Research
Jump to: Full Reviews | Additional Info

Why You Should Trust Us
450+
hours of research
35
companies tested
6
experts & studies consulted
10
human-grade
brands recommended

Canine Bible has tested and rated thousands of dog products, including dog food, to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission. This specific review article was written by the research team at Canine Bible, passionate and experienced dog experts and enthusiasts. All content has been fact-checked and vet-approved by Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM, and our veterinary review board. For more insight on human-grade dog nutrition, our writers and editorial team have used and cited peer-reviewed studies and other thought leaders in the industry.

To generate a list of our top 10 human-grade dog foods, 8 of our testers and their dogs evaluated 35 different dog food brands in The Canine Bible Lab and at home to see how they performed in key areas, including ingredient quality, nutritional value, taste, digestibility, packaging, and overall value (read our product research review methodology for more information on how we test items). We also consulted with specialists for their insights on features to look for.

Here’s how we tested within five performance categories.

Ingredient Quality: The first attribute we tested for was ingredient quality. Testers examined the ingredient list of each dog food brand, noting the presence of high-quality, wholesome, and minimally processed ingredients. We paid particular attention to the sources of protein, grains, and other components, giving dog food a high rating for this attribute if they contained premium, all-natural ingredients without fillers or artificial additives.

Nutritional Value: Nutritional value is essential when choosing the right dog food. To determine the nutritional value of each dog food brand, we analyzed the balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as the inclusion of essential vitamins and minerals. Testers also noted whether the dog food met the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Taste: Our canine participants were given a serving of each dog food brand for the taste test. Testers observed their dogs’ reactions and preferences, noting which foods were eagerly eaten and which were left untouched. Dog foods that were highly palatable to a majority of our dog testers received a high score for this attribute.

Digestibility: Next up was our digestibility test. Our testers fed their dogs each brand of dog food and monitored them for any signs of digestive upset, including changes in stool consistency, gas, or vomiting. Dog foods that were easily digested by a majority of our dog testers without causing any adverse reactions received a high score for this attribute.

Packaging: For packaging, testers evaluated the packaging of each dog food brand for ease of opening, resealing, and storing. We noted eco-friendly packaging options and clear labeling, including feeding instructions and nutritional information. Dog foods with user-friendly, sustainable packaging received a high score for this attribute.

Overall Value: After rating the above attributes, testers were instructed to view the price of each dog food brand and were asked, in terms of cost, if they thought the product was of good value. If testers believed the product worked very nicely for their dogs and would, without reservation, pay the product’s price (or even consider paying more), it received a high score for value.

How We Rated The Best Human-Grade Dog Foods

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best human-grade dog foods we tested. We recommend them without reservation. They excel in ingredient quality, nutritional adequacy, brand transparency, price value, customer feedback, and our personal experience.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These human-grade dog foods are excellent—they might have minor flaws, such as slightly higher prices or less availability, but we still highly recommend them for your pet’s nutritional needs.

4.0 to 4.4 stars: We think these are great human-grade dog foods, but others are better. They meet most of the criteria for high-quality dog food, but they might lack brand transparency or customer feedback in certain areas.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These human-grade dog foods are just average. They fulfill the basic requirements but may have issues like containing some non-human-grade ingredients, less desirable nutritional content, or limited brand transparency.

3.4 and below: We don’t recommend human-grade dog foods with this rating; you won’t find any on our list. They have multiple areas of concern, such as poor ingredient quality, insufficient nutritional adequacy, lack of brand transparency, or negative customer feedback and experiences.

We created this article on the best human-grade dog food to provide dog owners with comprehensive, well-researched, and trustworthy information. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about human-grade dog nutrition and help you discover the best human-grade dog food brands.

What Is Human-Grade Dog Food?

Human-grade dog food refers to pet food made with ingredients that meet the same quality and safety standards required for food produced for human consumption. This means that every ingredient and the resulting product must be stored, handled, processed, and transported in a manner consistent with regulations for good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for human edible foods. These requirements are specified in regulatory guidelines stated by the US 21 CFR 117.[1],[2] For instance, one of the requirements is that the manufacturing facility is licensed to produce and handle human food by the appropriate authority.[3]

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees 21 CFR 110 (GMPs) and follows a similar process in determining whether pet foods can be labeled human-grade. The presence of human-grade on a label on pet food implies a product or ingredients may meet the legally recognized edible standard for human consumption.

Is Human-Grade Better Than Feed-Grade Dog Food?

Human-grade dog food is generally higher quality and healthier than feed-grade pet food (traditional kibble).

Feed-grade pet food is typically filled with fillers, preservatives, meat meals (dead animal meats), by-products, and highly processed ingredients. Additionally, about 95 percent of dry pet diets are manufactured using “extrusion.,” a cooking process that removes the nutritional value of the ingredients.

On the other hand, human-grade dog food adheres to stringent human standards for quality, safety, ingredients, and nutritional profiles, setting a high benchmark for the food’s quality. Unlike other brands, human-grade dog food brands don’t use extrusion to cook their recipes. Instead, they opt for gentle cooking methods and use fresh ingredients, surpassing the minimum standards set by the AAFCO and the FDA.

Why Feed Dogs Human-Grade Food?

Is human-grade food good for dogs?

Yes. Human-grade dog food formulated as part of a balanced diet can significantly impact your dog’s health, wellness, and lifespan.

The most common health benefits of a human-grade dog food diet include

  • Healthier digestions
  • Better skin and coat
  • Helps with food allergies
  • No additives or harmful chemicals
  • Weight management
  • Better stools
  • Cleaner teeth
  • No bad breath
  • Great for picky eaters
  • Energy levels
  • Energy
Feeding your dog human-grade meals may positively impact their life.

Human-Grade Dog Food Research

Research-based reasons also support the benefits of dog formulas made with human-grade ingredients.

  • Longer lifespan. Research shows that dogs eating fresh, human-grade food diets are linked to a 20% longer lifespan than those who don’t. A year-long study of 522 dogs by Lippert and Sapy found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of 13.1 years versus just 10.4 years for dogs fed commercially processed pet food. That’s an extra two and a half years added to your dog’s lifespan.[4]
  • Higher protein absorption. Protein digestibility values for fresh dog food were between 92% and 94% (versus 82% for kibble).
  • Less and better stools. Dogs fed the fresh-cooked foods had significantly lower fecal (poop) frequency and volume than when fed the kibble.[5]
  • Above standard nutrition. While the AFFCO only requires a minimum of 4 blood values to deem dog food safe, researchers measured 49 blood values in dogs eating fresh food. Each dog in the trial received a complete medical exam by Lisa Lippman, DVM, that showed they were all healthy after eating fresh dog food made with human-grade ingredients for six years.[6]
  • Increases macronutrient digestibilities. Human-grade dog food improves protein digestibility, increases amino acid availability values (indicators of protein quality), and reduces fecal output compared to dogs consuming extruded diets (kibble), likely due to ingredient, nutrient, and processing differences.[7] Another study found that the digestibility of dry matter, protein, fat, nitrogen-free extract, and calories was significantly higher in fresh foods than in dry dog food.
  • Nutrient and amino acid digestibility. Human-grade foods had digestibility values greater than 90% compared to extruded dry food and pet-grade food. This is important because highly digestible food provides a higher proportion of absorbed nutrients like vitamins than less digestible food.[8]
  • Healthier coat and skin. A study compared the effects of a mildly cooked human-grade diet to an extruded kibble diet on gene expression. Dogs on the human-grade diet showed improved skin and coat health.[9]

How to Pick The Best Human-Grade Dog Food

USDA certifiedEnsure that the dog food is made in USDA-certified kitchens and that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects the facility. Manufacturers who meet these standards can use the term “human-grade” on pet products.
Human-edible ingredientsDog food should only contain ingredients that are fit for human consumption. Opt for products that use fresh ingredients.
TransparencyThe brand should be transparent about its ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes. Look for any certifications that verify the sourcing of ingredients.
Veterinary nutritionist formulatedOpt for dog food that a veterinary nutritionist has formulated. This ensures that the food is designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of dogs.
Meets your dog’s needsChoose a food that meets your dog’s dietary needs and health conditions. This may include considerations for age, breed, activity level, and any health issues.
AAFCO approvedEnsure the food complies with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) definition of human-grade.
Opt for fresh food recipesFresh food recipes are more nutritious, more palatable, and inherently human-grade
Human-grade labels or websites claimCheck the product packaging or the brand’s website for ” human-grade ” claims. This indicates that the product meets higher standards for quality and safety.
No harmful additivesAvoid dog foods that contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Also, steer clear of products that use fillers or undergo excessive processing.

The Reviews
Jump to: The Research | Additional Info

Best Human-Grade Dog Food Reviews

Meet our picks for the best human-grade dog food brands.

We’ve also ranked our winners by categories in which they excel to help you pick the best food that fits your dog’s unique needs.

1. Best Overall Human-Grade Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog

4.9

★★★★★

The Farmer’s Dog

Who It’s For: Offers the best overall balance of nutrients, highest ingredient quality, price, customer service, and other key characteristics. Their recipes are perfect for most dogs.

VISIT WEBSITE

Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork & chicken

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: For all ages

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade, USDA sourced

Why we picked and recommended it: The Farmer’s Dog wins our best overall human-grade dog food brand because the quality of their food is outstanding. They have tested their food on humans, which speaks volumes about the quality and taste of their recipes. Your dog’s meals are gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your dog gets the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving. The Farmer’s Dog recipes are ready-to-serve and come in biodegradable pouches and eco-friendly packaging delivered to your doorstep.

What sets it apart from competitors: The Farmer’s Dog offers an extensive dog profile and diet customization to meet your dog’s dietary needs, calorie intake, age, size, preferences, health issues (i.e., allergies, cancer, and obesity) and more.

Key Features

  • Vet-designed. Board-certified ACVN veterinary nutritionists make all recipes.
  • Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
  • Excellent ingredient sourcing. They use reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

What We Like (Pros)

  • The level of customization is unmatched
  • Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
  • Non-processed food (zero chemicals)
  • Food is delivered within days of cooking
  • Never use feed-grade ingredients or store them on a shelf for months
  • Compact packaging for easy storage in your fridge or freezer

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • It’s on the expensive side

Our Personal Experience

Bottom line – Our testing team takeaway: “The Farmer’s Dog offers top-notch fresh human-grade dog food that looks homemade and exceeds AAFCO nutrition standards. Our dog tested all the recipes flavors available and he devoured them all without any digestive issues whatsoever. He is more energetic and looks healthier since making the switch.

– Anthony, Head of Product Testing

Our Video Review Experience

Our readers get 50% off their first The Farmer’s Dog order with Canine Bible’s link.

2. Best Human Grade Dry Dog Food: The Honest Kitchen

4.7

★★★★★

The Honest Kitchen

Who It’s For: For those who want to feed the highest quality human-grade dry dog food.

VISIT WEBSITE

Recipes: Turkey, beef, salmon & chicken

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: For all ages

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade, ethically sourced

Why we picked and recommended it: The Honest Kitchen is the pioneer brand of human-grade dog food which was born to help as many pets as possible get on the road to good health. The Honest Kitchen whole food cluster recipes are roasted and dehydrated to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. The Honest Kitchen is a superfood-powered kibble with functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.

What sets it apart from competitors: Their preparation methods and facilities meet safety standards 7x those of feed-grade. Their food is made in a facility that produces human food.

Key Features

  • Vet recommended. Their human-grade dog food kibble is recommended by Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR Director of Integrative & Rehabilitative Medicine, Animal Medical Center, NY, recommends their human-grade dog food kibble.
  • Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring pre and probiotics to help regulate the dog microbiome.
  • FDA human-grade. First pet food company to obtain approval from the FDA to use the term “human grade” on its products.

What We Like (Pros)

  • Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits
  • Exceeds industry standards
  • No artificial flavors, preservatives or by-products
  • Cheaper than fresh dog food
  • Crunchy texture

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.

Our Personal Experience

Bottom line – Our testing team takeaway: “We’ve tried countless dog dry dog foods, but nothing compares to The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters. Our dog used to be lethargic and uninterested in traditional kibble, but now he eagerly awaits feeding time and finishes every last bite. It’s heartwarming to see him so happy and thriving!

– Anthony, Head of Product Testing

Our readers get 30% off their first The Honest Kitchen order with Canine Bible’s link.

3. Best Human-Grade Balanced Formula: Nom Nom

4.8

★★★★★
nom nom human-grade food

Nom Nom

Who It’s For: For those seeking the highest nutrition and ingredient quality level.

VISIT NOM NOM

Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork & Chicken

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: For all ages

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade

Why we picked and recommended it: While all the human-grade dog food brands mentioned in this review offer balanced recipes that meet dogs’ nutritional requirements for life and function, Nom Nom has taken it a step further by developing a proprietary blend of ingredients called “NomNomNutrient Mix” to ensure meals are completely balanced. This mix provides your dog with optimal nutrition and sets Nom Nom apart from other human-grade dog food brands.

What sets it apart from competitors: Nom Nom uses human-grade, restaurant-quality ingredients and is designed by a veterinarian nutritionist.

Key Features

  • Ready to serve. Single-sized portions are pre-measured to your dog’s daily calorie needs.
  • Personalized meals. Plus, all the meals cater to individual dogs’ weight, age, breed, and overall body condition.
  • Sample pack. Offers a variety pack for new customers.

What We Like (Pros)

  • 1% of sales go toward pet nutrition research
  • Grain-free and gluten-free options
  • Full-time veterinary nutritionists oversee all food formulation

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • The frozen packages aren’t uniform or in good shape, making it hard to store them in the freezer. Lacks portability and ease of storage.

Our Personal Experience

Bottom Line – Our testing team takeaway: “Our journey with Nom Nom dog food has been incredible. From the first bite, our dog was hooked. He’s more active, alert, and his coat has never looked better. It’s clear that this isn’t just any dog food—it’s a recipe for a healthier, happier pup”

– Kassie Reid, Caninr Bible Testing Member

Our Video Review Experience

Our readers get 50% off their first Nom Nom order with Canine Bible’s link.

4. Most Affordable Human-Grade Dog Food: Ollie

4.5

★★★★★

Ollie

Who It’s For: For dog parents who are on a budget but want to feed premium quality human-grade dog food.

VISIT OLLIE

Recipes: Beef, chicken, turkey & lamb

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: For all ages

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade

Why we picked and recommended it: Ollie wins the medal for the cheapest human-grade dog food. Ollie is not cheap by any means, but out of all the companies in this review, their prices are slightly lower. However, the quality of their food is equally good or, in some cases, even better. Each order has a storage container and a scoop to keep your opened packages fresh. For those who want to mix fresh dog food with their dog’s current food, Ollie offers topper plans. They also have dry-human-grade food for a cheaper alternative.

What sets it apart from competitors: All the batches are also tested for quality control and passed through a metal detector to scan for foreign materials.

Key Features

  • Vet formulated. Tailored to your dog and designed by canine nutritionists.
  • Highly digestible. Ollie dog food is 95% digestible, while most kibble is in the 80-85% digestibility range. 

What We Like (Pros)

  • Includes reusable dog food container
  • Helpful customer service
  • Provides detailed food instructions, transitioning, freshness tips, feeding guidelines (including tips for picky eaters), and expected results from switching to Ollie

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • Fresh packs are non-recyclable and should be disposed of in the trash

Our Personal Experience

Bottom line – Our testing team takeaway: “In my experience, Ollie stands out in the fresh dog food category for its affordability and value in nutrition and convenience. Since transitioning to Ollie, my dog’s energy, coat shine, and overall health have notably improved. The exceptional quality is evident, the visible pieces of vegetables and meats attest to the food’s freshness. Their recipes resembled “human” food (i.e., I could see the peas, carrots, etc.) and smelled pleasant.”

– Canine Bible, Testing Team

Our readers get 50% off their first Ollie order with Canine Bible’s link.

5. Best Human-Grade For Puppies: Raised Right

4.9

★★★★★

Raised Right

Who It’s For: Human-grade dog food recipes specially made for the growing needs of puppies.

VISIT RAISED RIGHT

Recipes: Turkey, beef, chicken and more

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: Adult and puppies

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade

Why we picked and recommended it: Pet food company Raised Right has a century-old farming and ranching heritage and brings farm-fresh ingredients to its recipes. Raised Right puppy recipes are great to start weaning your puppy into adult food. They have balanced calcium and phosphorus levels, perfect for healthy bone growth in puppies. It’s filled with healthy fats and carbs higher than all other recipes to support the energy requirements of growing puppies. Once your puppy reaches one year, you can start feeding them their adult recipes or another brand of your choice on this review.

What sets it apart from competitors: Raised Right doesn’t use unnecessary high-carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, squash, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat. Their recipes also have roughly double the amount of protein than other human-grade brands.

Key Features

  • Veterinarian formulated. Their recipes are developed by world-renowned veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker and pet-food formulation expert Steve Brown.

What We Like (Pros)

  • Recognized by the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal for the impact their recipes are making in the lives of dogs and cats by being awarded the 2019 Innovation Award for Nutrition
  • Family-owned company
  • Home-cooked style dog food
  • Food is lightly cooked in a human-grade facility

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • Personalization is not as detailed as other brands

Our Personal Experience

Bottom Line – Our testing team takeaway — “Raised Right’s puppy recipe has been a game-changer for our little one. Not only does he lick his bowl clean every time, but we’ve also noticed how vibrant and playful he’s become. It’s comforting to know that as he grows, he’s fueled by the best.”

– Victoria Windsor, Canine Bible Testing Member

Our Video Review Experience

Our readers get 50% off their first Raised Right order with Canine Bible’s link.

6. Premium Human Grade Dog Food: Open Farm

4.7

★★★★★
open farm gently cooked

Open Farm

Who It’s For: This brand is excellent for dog parents seeking human-grade food that uses premium, sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients.

VISIT WEBSITE

Recipes: Turkey, beef, chicken & more

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: For all ages

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade, ethically sourced

Why we picked and recommended it: Open Farm Gently Dog Food takes the medal for best sustainable dog food made with human-grade premium ingredients that are ethically sourced and sustainable. Open Farm only uses human-grade (humanly raised) meats raised without antibiotics and growth hormones on a vegetarian diet with no animal by-products in feed. Their recipes also include non-GMO fruits and vegetables.

What sets it apart from competitors: The company focuses more on the ethical treatment of animals. Everything in every Open Farm bag is only sourced from third-party verified family farms that employ humane farming practices (ethical farms, fisheries, and producers). Each ingredient can be traced back to its origin.

Key Features

  • Fully recyclable. All Open Farm packaging is curb-side recyclable, compostable, or recyclable through a recycling program with TerraCycle.
  • Audited and accredited suppliers. Open Farm’s partner farms are regularly audited to verify humane standards are maintained.

What We Like (Pros)

  • Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
  • 100% humanely raised and antibiotic-free meats
  • Wild-caught and sustainably sourced fish
  • Wide variety of all-natural, humane-grade food products for dogs and cats
  • Transparent about all ingredients on its website

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • Only provide a few single-protein recipes
  • Higher price tag than the average

Our Personal Experience

Bottom Line – Our testing team takeaway: “Open Farm has truly redefined dog food quality. Every time I serve it, I’m reassured by their commitment to premium nutrition, ethical sourcing, humane treatment, sustainability, and transparency. Personally vetting many brands, I found Open Farm’s ingredient sourcing, by far the best out of all brands we’ve reviewed here. Their dedication to only using top-tier proteins like grass-fed beef and pasture-raised lamb sets them apart. As a pet parent, I value their sustainable and ethical approach, and my dog Lilo clearly enjoys every bite. This is the kind of pet food I’m proud to choose.”

– Anna Jones, Canine Bible Testing Associate

Our Video Review Experience

Our readers get 20% off subscription orders with code CANINE20 + an extra 5% off for subscribing with Canine Bible’s link.

7. Best Organic Human Grade Dog Food: Spot & Tango [Limited Ingredient]

4.9

★★★★★

Spot & Tango

Who It’s For: If your dog is picky about texture, flavor, and ingredients in his food, this is the perfect choice for you. Also, it is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

VISIT WEBSITE

Recipes: Beef & millet, turkey & quinoa, lamb & brown rice

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: For all ages

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade, USDA sourced

Why we picked and recommended it: Spot & Tango is our top pick for the best organic human-grade dog food. The ingredients they source and use to cook their recipes are produced without pesticides or fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.

What sets it apart from competitors: It offers a simple ingredient list. Unlike other pet foods with strange-sounding ingredients, their recipes use limited ingredients such as turkey, carrots, and quinoa, making it an excellent alternative for picky-eater dogs or dogs with food sensitivities.

Key Features

  • Organic. Uses USDA organic ingredients are certified for human consumption.
  • Third-party safety test. The company tests each batch for foodborne illnesses like Salmonella and E. Coli.
  • Health-specific options. Caters to 20 specific health concerns, ensuring a tailored diet for dogs with various health issues and dietary needs.

What We Like (Pros)

  • It also offers a revolutionary formula known as Unkibble, or fresh dog food with the convenience of dry dog food.
  • Meals customized for your dog’s weight, breed and activity level
  • GMO and hormone-free
  • Custom plans and scoops

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • No customer telephone number is available – only email

Our Personal Experience

Bottom line – Our testing team takeaway: “Choosing Spot & Tango was a game-changer for our dog’s diet. The organic, limited ingredient recipes ensure he’s getting only the best, without any unnecessary fillers. Every meal feels like a gourmet treat, and we have peace of mind knowing we’re giving him the finest human-grade nutrition.”

– Canine Bible, Testing Team

Our readers get 20% off their first Spot & Tango order with Canine Bible’s link.

8. Best Human-Grade Dog Food For Health-Specific Issues: Just Food For Dogs

4.5

★★★★★

Just Food For Dogs

Who It’s For: Great for dog parents looking to mix things up, ditch the kibble, and get your dog started on fresh, whole-food goodness.

VISIT WEBSITE

Recipes: Over 20+ recipes

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: For all ages

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade

Why we picked and recommended it: JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) offers a wide selection of human-grade dog food recipes. However, their Pantry Fresh wet food recipes are the best in this category. PantryFresh combines fresh human-grade ingredients, convenience, and a mouth-watering taste. They come in eight flavors and have wet and stewy textures dogs crave.

What sets it apart from competitors: Meals are ready-to-eat out of the box and are shelf-stable for up to two years. Once opened, the product needs to be refrigerated.

Key Features

  • Formulated by experts. JFFD relies on over 14 board-certified veterinarians, dermatologists, and nutritionists to oversee their recipes.
  • Fresh ingredients. Use the highest-quality meats and produce, the same ingredients you can find in grocery stores and restaurants offer.

What We Like (Pros)

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • It’s on the expensive side

9. Best Highest Protein Human-Grade Dog Food: A Pup Above

4.6

★★★★★

A Pup Above

Who It’s For: Perfect for highly active dogs that require high levels of protein to support their activities. Also ideal for those who want a lean diet to maintain muscle and optimal weight.

VISIT WEBSITE

Recipes: Beef stew, chicken, porky’s luau, turkey pawella

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: For all ages

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade, non-GMO

Why we picked and recommended it: A Pup Above takes the number one spot for the best human-grade dog food recipe with the highest protein count. According to their site, they offer 50% more protein than competitors. This makes their recipes perfect for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight and want to build healthier lean muscle, skin and joints.

What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike competitors in this category, A Pup Above uses a unique cooking method known as Sous Vide. Sous Vide cooking is a culinary technique that involves cooking food in a controlled water bath at precise and consistent temperatures, which helps retain the ingredients’ maximum nutrition, texture, and natural flavor.

Key Features

  • Eco-friendly packaging. The food comes in BPA-free vacuum-sealed bags that are 100% recyclable packaging.
  • Animal welfare. They source their meats from farmers that have strict animal welfare standards.

What We Like (Pros)

  • Offer innovative dry human-grade dog food known as “Cubies”
  • Grain-inclusive and grain-free
  • Eco-friendly packaging
  • Sample pack available
  • Fortified with natural gravy high in collagen and amino acids

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • Doesn’t provide customization options
  • There are no treat options available from A Pup Above. Most brands in this category also offer human-grade treats

Our Personal Experience

Bottom Line – Our testing team takeaway: “I recently tried A Pup Above for my dog, drawn by their commitment to ingredient safety, transparency, and sustainable practices. Their protein-rich, low-carb meals made from human-grade ingredients and cooked sous-vide with bone broth immediately became my dog’s favorite. The visible health benefits and my dog’s eager anticipation at meal times assured me that A Pup Above is a top-notch choice for pet owners who value both health and taste.”

– Anthony, Head of Product Testing

Our Video Review Experience

Our readers get 25% off subscription orders with code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started.

10. Human-Grade Dehydrated Dog Food: The Honest Kitchen

4.7

★★★★★

The Honest Kitchen

Who It’s For: A great pick for dogs with digestion or chewing problems. The soft and moist texture favors easy digestion and offers optimal flavor. It’s also great for traveling.

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Recipes: Turkey, beef, salmon & chicken

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: Adult and puppy

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade, ethically sourced 

Why we picked and recommended it: The Honest Kitchen human-grade dehydrated dog food takes the first place in this category. Instead of boring chunks of kibble or smelly old pâté, this food is made with dehydrated, human-grade ingredients. Add warm water and wait three minutes for a tasty, homemade meal you and your pets will love.

What sets it apart from competitors: Made using real, whole food ingredients, like free-range chicken, that are gently dehydrated to maintain nutrients and taste.

Key Features

  • Convenient. The packaging and dehydrated nature make it easy to transport and store anywhere, making it ideal for on-the-go dog parents.
  • 100% human grade standards. Use the same whole food ingredients you’d recognize in your kitchen, and make this recipe in a human food facility.

What We Like (Pros)

  • Exceeds industry quality standards
  • Much more affordable than competitors on this list
  • A wide variety of recipes are available
  • Grain-inclusive and grain-free options

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • Not as fresh as some other human-grade dog foods
  • Preparation is required before serving, but it’s not bad at all
  • Re-hydrated leftovers would need to be refrigerated

Our Personal Experience

Bottom Line – Our testing team takeaway — “Who knew that pouring water into The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated mix would feel like a mini cooking show? And the best part? Our dog, sits there, eyes wide, licking his chops in anticipation. It’s not just food; it’s an experience we both look forward to. I love watching our pup do a little ‘dinner dance’ every time I rehydrate his meal, I’m a believer. It’s like I’m whipping up a gourmet dish for him, and judging by his wagging tail, he seems to think so too!”

– Canine Bible, Testing Team

11. Human Grade Canned Dog Food: Pet Plate

4.6

★★★★★

Pet Plate

Who It’s For: For those who want the convenience of easy storage, serving, and avoiding doing extra dishes. Pet Plate plastic container can easily be sealed back and stored within your fridge or freezer for later, saving you time and trouble.

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Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork, lamb, venison & chicken

Nutrition: AAFCO

Life Stage: For all ages

Manufactured: USA

Ingredients: Human-grade, USDA sourced

Why we picked and recommended it: PetPlate is our favorite human-grade canned dog food due to its versatile plastic container. Pet Plate meals come in pre-portioned, easy-to-serve microwavable plastic containers, which you can also use as a bowl if needed. PetPlate appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank back in 2016, and since then, they’ve become one of the most popular human-grade fresh dog food brands.

What sets it apart from competitors: PetPlate is designed to be highly convenient to store and use. The food container can easily be sealed back and stored with the remaining food in your fridge or freezer for later use. 

Key Features

  • Personalization. Each meal plan is customized to suit your dog’s size and age.
  • Long storage. It can be stored in your freezer for up to one year

What We Like (Pros)

  • Crafted in a human-grade kitchen
  • Novel protein recipes
  • Flexible subscriptions
  • Super tasty

What We Don’t Like (Cons)

  • Slightly lower protein content than other, comparable foods

Our readers get 30% off your first box of PetPlate + a 50% discount on treats! Just use this link to get started!

Other Mentions

  • Best human-grade raw dog food. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products offers the best human-grade raw dog food recipes. All formulas are complete and balanced, with the necessary vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. They don’t use hormones, steroids, antibiotics, fillers, by-products, or artificial colors.
  • Best human-grade dog food for large dogs. The Pets Table has a great recipe designed for large dogs, and their low pricing is ideal because larger dogs tend to eat more and cost more.
  • Best human-grade dog food for small dogs. Ollie’s bake recipes are our pick for this category. The size of the kibble is ideal for the small mouths of small breeds.
  • Best bulk human-grade dog food. Even though Evermore is not as popular as The Farmer’s Dog, NomNomNow, Pet Plate, and Ollie, it delivers high-quality, lightly cooked dog food. We love the most about this company because you can buy their food in bulk and save money. You can opt for the 16 or 32-case option. Each case comes with 1lb of food. They also offer a subscription option. 
  • Best human-grade dog food toppers. Portland Pet Food company offers the first-of-its-kind convenient shelf-stable pouch of human-grade fresh dog meals that work as toppers, mixers, or soft treats. 
  • Best health-specific human-grade diets. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your dog has a medical need for a restricted diet.
  • Best holistic human-grade dog food. Chi Dog takes a unique approach to feeding dogs fresh food – their food is based on the Eastern Medicine principle “Food Is Medicine.”
  • Best human-grade dog food in Canada. If you live in Vancouver, Ontario (Toronto), British Columbia, Québec, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Halifax, Kabo offers human-grade dog food for Canadian dog owners. They are Canada’s largest fresh dog food delivery network.
  • Best grain-free human-grade dog food. The Farmer’s Dog is an excellent option if you are looking for a human-grade grain-free formula. Each human-grade recipe uses a generous amount of fresh meat as its primary source and contains no grains. Similarly, all of Nom Nom’s recipes do not contain wheat gluten or processed grain fractions.
  • Best human-grade dog food in the UK. Butternut Box is a UK-based company that provides home-delivered, gently cooked dog food in the UK and Ireland. The company has grown and expanded significantly over the last several years.

Additional Information
Jump to: The Research | Full Reviews 

Other Human-Grade Dog Products

  • Human-grade dog treats. There is no point in feeding human-grade dog food to Fido if you are being counterproductive by providing your dog with low-quality, unhealthy, and nutritious treats. Human-grade dog treats are made under the sample principles as human-grade pet food specified in 21 CFR 117 and conforming to AFFCO, USDA, and FDA guidelines for human-grade pet products. Our favorite human great dog treats include Wag Expedition Human Grade Organic and Spot Farms Chicken Apple Sausage.
  • Human-grade dog supplements. Your dog’s commercial dog food should provide all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients he needs as long it’s described as complete and balanced on the label. Therefore, you do not need a dog supplement unless your vet recommends one. If your dog primarily consumes homemade dog food or a vegan diet, it is possible he may not receive the nutrition he needs. Your veterinarian should help you develop a plan for supplementing your dog’s homemade food diet. Your veterinarian may advise trying out a multivitamin supplement for your dog. If this is the case, human-grade dog supplements can provide the most optimal supplementation for your dog. Our favorite supplements include PetPlate Soothe Operator Soft Chews for digestive support and PetPlate Up to Fluff Soft Chews for skin and coat support.

Human-Grade Dog Food For Allergies

Dogs with food allergies can often find relief by switching to fresh, human-grade diets. Traditional kibble often contains preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, by-products, or other ingredients that might trigger allergies. Since fresh diets minimize processed ingredients and avoid added chemicals, they can be a better choice for dogs with allergies.

We recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test. This will help you identify specific allergens that might cause sensitivities in your pet. With this knowledge, you can choose the safest formula for your dog.

best at home dog allergy test

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Human-Grade Dog Food — Conclusion & Alternatives

Based on our research, human-grade food is among the healthiest options you can feed your dog.

While some contend that “human-grade” is merely a marketing gimmick, we believe the research-backed evidence we’ve provided in this article illuminates the genuine benefits of a human-grade diet for your dog. Consider this: Which is healthier—a bag of kibble that has undergone multiple processes to become edible or fresh ingredients combined in a balanced recipe without the use of chemicals?

By transitioning your dog to a human-grade diet, you can enhance their overall health while offering them food they adore. We hope our reviews simplify your decision-making process, allowing you to choose your pup’s next meal confidently.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. FDA. (2023). Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.
  2. AAFCO. (2017). Human Grade Standards for Pet Products: For Manufacturers of Pet Products Certification through the United States Department of Agriculture Auditing and Verification Programs Division.
  3. New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. (n.d.). Guidelines for “Human Grade” Claim.
  4. Lippert, G., Sapy, B. (2003). Relation between The Domestic Dogs Well-Being and Life Expectancy.
  5. Do, S., Phungviwatnikul, T., de Godoy, M. R. C., & Swanson, K. S. (2021). Nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites in dogs fed human-grade foods. J Anim Sci, 99(2), skab028.
  6. The Farmer’s Dog. (2020). The Farmer’s Dog Announces First Results From Multi-year Feeding Trial. The Farmer’s Dog Digest.
  7. Tanprasertsuk, J., Perry, L. M., Tate, D. E., Honaker, R. W., & Shmalberg, J. (2021). Apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and metabolizable energy estimation in commercial fresh and extruded dry kibble dog foods. Translational Animal Science, 5(3), txab071.
  8. Oba, P. M., Utterback, P. L., Parsons, C. M., & Swanson, K. S. (2020). True nutrient and amino acid digestibility of dog foods made with human-grade ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Transl Anim Sci, 4(1), 442-451.
  9. Geary EL, Oba PM, Applegate CC, Clark LV, Fields CJ, Swanson KS. (2022). Effects of a mildly cooked human-grade dog diet on gene expression, skin and coat health measures, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs. J Anim Sci, 100(10), skac265.
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Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.

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