Best Human-Grade Dog Food Brands [2022] What Is It, Benefits & Reviews

best human grade dog food

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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best human-grade dog food.

As a dog owner, you want your furry friend to get the best possible nutrition. But with so many different brands and types of dog food on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.

Human-grade dog food has been gaining popularity in recent years. But what exactly is human-grade dog food? Is it worth the investment? Is it better than kibble? And, should you feed it to your dog?

Today, we break down every question and concern about feeding dogs human-grade food so you can decide if this diet is a good fit for your four-legged friend.

We also share the best human-grade dog brands and recipes on the market. We’ll also answer some common questions about human-grade pet food so you can decide if it’s right for your four-legged friend.


If you are new to human-grade dog food or looking to learn more, we highly encourage you to read Chapter 1 before other Chapters. Already familiar? Jump straight to Chapter 2, where we’ve reviewed the best human-grade dog food by category and needs. For more in-depth information about this topic, visit Chapter 3.

Top Human Grade Dog Food Brands (Our Picks At A Glance)

Here is a glance at just four of our top picks for human-grade dog food recipes.

You can click this link to go straight to the reviews, but we encourage you to keep reading to learn more about this topic to make a more informed decision about these recipes.

The Farmer’s Dog

Best Overall

Read Review

Nom Nom

Best Balanced

Read Review

Ollie

Best Value

Read Review

Open Farm

Best Premium

Read Review

Chapter 1

Ch 2 | Ch 3

Human-grade dog food 101

What Is Human-Grade Dog Food?

All pet foods fall into two categories, human-grade or feed-grade.

The term “human-grade” doesn’t have a legal definition. But, according to The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the USDA, the most appropriate term that should be used is “human edible.”

“For a product to be human edible, every ingredient and the resulting product must be stored, handled, processed, and transported in a manner that is consistent and compliant with regulations for good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for human edible foods as specified in 21 CFR 117.”1,2

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.

What Does Human Grade Dog Food Mean?

Based on the official definition, when a dog food manufacturer labels their products “human-grade” or claims to use “human-grade ingredients,” it means the following.

  1. Ingredients. Every ingredient, including every supplement, needs to be human edible, which means is suitable for human consumption.

2. Processes. The product must also be manufactured, stored, handled, processed, and transported to comply with existing human foods regulations. Basically, pet food needs to be treated as it were going to be consumed by people.

3. Manufacturing. Their manufacturing facility is licensed to produce human food by the appropriate authority. The pet manufacturer facility will need to have licenses or permits for operating edible food manufacturing facilities or results of most recent inspections issued by local, county, or state public health authorities.3

4. Use. Pet food with human-grade claims must be labeled for its intended use (e.g., dog food).

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certifies manufacturers who meet these standards, allowing them to use the term “human-grade” on products for pets.

Currently, the entities regulating human-grade pet food include:

  • American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

If the above conditions exist, then human-grade claims may be made.

It’s worth noting that human-grade labeling requisites and regulations are complex and vary by state and locality. This may impede some manufacturers from labeling their recipes as human-grade even though they use human-grade ingredients. Another reason they won’t be able to be labeled as human-grade dog food is that somewhere in the manufacturing, packing, and holding process, there was a breach of 21 CFR 110 standards and can’t be titled human grade. Lastly, mixing human-grade ingredients with non-human-grade ingredients makes the final product not human-grade.

NOTE: Pet foods that do not meet full human-grade definitions previously stated are considered feed grade. 

How does feed grade compare to human-grade?

Human Grade vs Feed-Grade Dog Food (Regular Kibble)

Is human-grade dog food better than feed-grade (kibble)? Is human-grade dog food is a better alternative?

According to the FDA, feed grade dog is “material that has been determined to be safe, functional and suitable for its intended use in animal food…” Notice how they use the word “material.”

Feed-grade dog food is only legally allowed to be served to animals because this food contains ingredients proven harmful to humans or how it’s been processed. The AFFCO notes that feed-grade pet food may include by-products, chemicals, animal organs, blood, fat, tendons, bones, fillers, and parts from “4D” meats: animals that are dying, diseased, disabled, or deceased.

This is legally allowed through rendering, a process that subjects the “material” to high heat and pressure to eliminate harmful bacteria. When rendered, meat tissues and by-products are reduced to a gray, fatty mass which is heated until fat and grease float on top. A final step is to dry the sludge to create a powder known as a meat meal. This powder is used to make feed-grade pet food.4,5

Here is a comparison table outlining the most important differences between feed-grade (traditional dog kibble) and human-grade recipes.

CharacteristicsHuman-Grade Dog FoodFeed-Grade
(Kibble)
IngredientsReadily identifiable human-grade ingredients that you may cook for yourself.
Rarely identifiable and not
suitable for human consumption.
AppearanceMost look like fresh dog food (a home-cooked meal). The ingredients (i.e., chicken, fruits & veggies) are visible to the naked eye.
Typically crunchy brown balls.
Ingredients are not visible.
Shelf-stabilityNot shelf-stable. Most human-grade foods must be refrigerated and frozen. However, a few dehydrated and kibble human-grade foods are shelf-stable and require no refrigeration.Kibbles are usually shelf-stable for years.
Health benefitsFresh and high-quality ingredients are associated with better digestion,
stools, skin and coat, longevity and more.
Most kibble is starchy and full of fillers that break down to sugar, which doesn't contribute to good health.
ProcessingMost don't use any preservatives or chemicals. Or are minimally processed.
Heavily processed with preservatives, additives and other chemicals.
HandlingFood is perishable and needs to be treated as real food.
Not perishable.
SourcingIngredients sourced from suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.May source ingredients and supplements from other countries.
ServingNeeds to be thawed. Most packages come pre-portioned and ready-to-serve
Fill your pet's bowl with the desired amount.
Life stagesAvailable for all life stages.Available for all life stages.
CostHigher than average.Most affordable
Manufacturing facilityPrepared in USDA-approved human food kitchens in accordance with the FDA.Pet food manufacturing facility.
RecipesEvery recipe uses clean USDA proteins mixed with fresh produce and balanced with vitamins and minerals.Made up of material (i.e., by-products, meat meal) that has been determined to be safe, functional, and suitable for its intended use in animal food.
AFFCOExceeds AFFCO standardsMeets minimum AFFCO requirements.
Cooking processGently cooked, dehydrated and rawExtrusion

Is Human Grade Dog Food Better?

Yes, human-grade dog food tends to be generally of higher quality than most other types of dog food.

Low-grade pet food (traditional kibble) is typically filled with fillers, preservatives, meat meal (dead animal meats), by-products, and highly processed ingredients. Additionally, about 95 percent of dry pet diets are manufactured using “extrusion.”

Extrusion is the cooking process that turns ingredient mixes into kibble. Research shows that extrusion changes the molecular structure of some ingredients (especially animal protein), affect the digestibility of the food, and destroys the nutritional contents of ingredients, including linolenic (omega-3) and linoleic (omega-6) essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin E and the B-group vitamins in dry food ingredient mixtures.6,7,8

The percentage of vitamin loss during extrusion varies, from a low of 4 percent to a 65 percent loss. Other sources report that the extruding process can remove up to 40% of vitamins and minerals from the food.9

So, why is human-grade dog food?

On the other hand, human-grade pet food is regulated with more stringent standards of quality, ingredients, and nutritional profiles, which sets an immediate high bar for the quality of the ingredients used in the manufacturing process. Human-grade dog food brands use ingredients and processes that far exceed the minimums put forward by AAFCO and the FDA.

Putting your dog on a human-grade diet is also associated with better health because it filters out low-quality ingredients, harmful additives, preservatives and other chemicals from your dog’s diet.

Most human-grade dog food brands do not use extrusion. They rely on more natural cooking processes (gently cooked, raw, and dehydrated) that best preserve the ingredients’ nutritional integrity and allow them to avoid using preservatives and chemicals.

  • Fresh dog food (gently cooked): Zero processing. Offers the purest form of nutrients, proteins and flavor.
  • Raw: (Unprocessed). Another pure source of nutrients and proteins. Similar to fresh.
  • Dehydrated, air-dried or freeze-dried (Minimally processed): Retains similar nutrients, proteins and flavor to raw

Our research considers human-grade dog food better than traditional kibble and advises you to feed it to your dogs rather than cheap, low-grade substitutes. Our recommendation is to feed your pet as much unprocessed, fresh food as you can afford. Feeding your dog highly processed pet food can affect their health over time.

Human Grade Dog Food Benefits

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
  • And much more!

Research-based reasons also support the benefits of dog formulas made with human-grade ingredients. Let’s take a look below!

Human Grade Dog Food Research

A study on macronutrient digestibilities of dogs eating human-grade pet food found that 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, likely due to ingredient, nutrient, and processing differences.10

Further studies on true nutrient and amino acid digestibility of dog foods made with human-grade revealed that 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.11

More scientific evidence and insights come from a study published in the Translational Animal Science Journal that compared the performance of fresh dog foods produced with human-grade ingredients (Nom Nom) to a chicken-based extruded kibble. The results included:

  • Digestibility of dry matter, protein, fat, nitrogen-free extract, and calories were significantly higher in all four fresh foods.
  • Protein digestibility values for the fresh foods were between 92% and 94% (versus 82% for kibble)
  • Dogs fed the fresh-cooked foods had significantly lower fecal (poop) frequency and volumen than when they were fed the kibble.12

The Farmer’s Dog (our top pick for best human-grade food) conducted a six-year trial to prove that its formulas (human-grade made recipes) are complete, balanced, and bioavailable. The Farmer’s Dog tests result far surpassed existing AFFCO standards for various dogs tested, blood values tested, and trial duration to deem a product up to standard and appropriate for dogs. For instance, while the AFFCO only requires a minimum of 4 blood values to deem dog food safe, The Farmer’s Dog measured 49 blood values. 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.13

It’s worth noting that, to carry out these scientific nutritional tests, researchers from the four previous studies we referenced used Just Food For Dogs, Nom Nom and The Farmer’s Dog recipes. These companies are popular fresh dog food brand that uses human-grade ingredients in their formulas. According to our research, Fresh dog food (aka gently cooked dog food) companies offer the best human-grade recipes, as you will see in our reviews in Chapter 2. In fact, Just Food For Dogs, Nom Nom and The Farmer’s Dog are some of our top recommendations for the best human-grade dog food.

Research shows that dogs that eat fresh food diets are linked to a 20% longer lifespan than those who don’t.14 That’s an extra two and a half years added to your dog’s lifespan.

So, yes, feeding your dog human-grade meals can positively impact their life.

How Much Does Human Grade Dog Food Cost?

The price for human-grade dog food recipes varies per company, dog weight (size), formula, and other factors.

According to Statista, a decent mass-market kibble brand, you can expect to pay on average $1.97 per pound of kibble. If you choose a high-end kibble, your daily cost is around $3.45 per pound. Our team calculated the average price per pound for fresh dog food to be approximately $7 to $10 per pound.

Human-Grade Dog Food Price Comparison

To give you more insight on pricing, Nom Nom, a leading human-grade dog food company, created a graphic outlining the cost of their food. We can use this data to give us a reasonably good idea of how much you would pay for similar brands.

Dog SizeDog Weight (lbs)Fresh Food Daily CostFresh Food Weekly Cost (7days/week)
TinyLess than 10 lbs$3 per day$21 per week
Small10 – 20 lbs$4 per day$28 per week
Small/Medium20 – 30 lbs$5 – $6 per day$35 – $42 per week
Medium30 – 40 lbs$7 per day$49 per week
Medium/Large40 – 50 lbs$8 per day$56 per week
Large50 – 70 lbs$10 per day$70 per week

*Prices will fluctuate depending on the brand you choose, but this is what you can expect to pay more or less.

We also calculated the average price for five top human-grade dog food brands.

  • The Farmer’s Dog: $9 per day
  • Nom Nom: $8 per day
  • Ollie: $7 per day
  • Pet Plate: $9 per day
  • Spot & Tango: $8 per day

You can expect to pay eight dollars per day for human-grade dog food on average

How to Pick Human-Grade Dog Food

There are a few things to look out for when choosing truly-made human-grade dog food recipes. 

  • Ensure that the company fully complies with AFFCO’s human grade definition
  • All ingredients must be human-grade (human edible)
  • Made in USDA human kitchens
  • Veterinary nutritionist formulated
  • Company must comfort with federal regulations in 21 CFR 110.
  • Foolow good manufacturing practices
  • Nutritionally balanced (AFFCO approved)
  • Human-grade label or website claim of “human grade” 
  • Ingredient sourcing certification
  • Opt for fresh dog food (gently cooked)
  • Provide ingredients, feeding schedules, and how to keep the food fresh
  • Uses fresh ingredients
  • Avoids fillers, preservatives and processing
  • USDA certified and inspected facility
  • Meets your dog’s dietary needs and health conditions
Chapter 2

Ch 1 | Ch 3

The best human-grade dog food reviewed

Best Human-Grade Dog Food Reviews

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

Our ranking and reviews are based on several factors, including compliance with human-grade labeling regulations, quality and use of only human-grade ingredients, customer service and reviews, our own experience with the product, packaging, pricing, and more.

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.

Whether you are looking for the best human-grade dog food for small dogs, a human-grade dog food delivery service, human-grade dry dog food, or the healthiest human-grade dog food, the following human-grade dog food list will help you find the best human-grade dog food made in the USA.


Best Overall Human-Grade Dog Food (The Farmer’s Dog)

Our choice for the best gently cooked food recipe is The Farmer’s Dog. Why is The Farmer’s Dog our number one pick for the healthiest human-grade dog food?

For one, the quality of their food is outstanding. They have tested their food on humans, which probably says it is all about the quality and taste of their recipes. Their food also comes in human-friendly packaging.

The Farmer’s Dog offers high-quality ingredients, an extensive dog profile and diet customization to various dog health issues, excellent customer service, and compact packaging for easy storage in your fridge or freezer. Veterinarians tailor a plan to fit the needs of each dog, and your dog’s meals are pre-made and pre-portioned to their calorie needs based on the profile you create.

Recipes are ready-to-serve and come in biodegradable pouches delivered to your doorstep. According to the company, no feed-grade ingredients are used in its products, and all ingredients are human-grade and sourced responsibly from local farms. All their food is prepared and cooked in USDA-inspected kitchens, so it is of the highest quality and safe for humans to eat (you don’t have to eat it, though).

These meals are specially prepared to suit your dog’s individual needs, removing the guesswork from issues like allergies, weight management, or other problems your pup may be facing.

Pros
  • Never use fillers or preservatives
  • Exceeds AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines
  • Human-grade ingredients
  • Recipes are developed by board-certified ACVN veterinarian nutritionists
  • Caters to health conditions
  • Pre-portioned and ready to serve meals
  • Fresh food prepared in-house every week
  • Food is delivered within days of cooking
  • Never stored on a shelf for months
  • Never deep-frozen
  • All recipes are gluten-free
  • Made in the USA
  • Eco-friendly packaging
  • Top-notch customer support
  • Personalize plans
Cons

    Our readers have access to save 50% off their first The Farmer’s Dog order. No code is needed, just use this link, and the discount will be applied!

    Read Full Review of The Farmer’s Dog


    Best Human-Grade Balanced Formula (Nom Nom)

    While all the human-grade dog food brands listed in this review provide excellent balanced recipes that meet dogs’ nutritional requirements to support life and function, Nom Nom took it a step further by developing a proprietary blend of ingredients referred to as “NomNomNutrient Mix.” ensure meals are completely balanced.

    NomNomNutrient Mix helps provide your dog with the best nutrition and what differentiates them from your average human-grade dog food.

    Every recipe that you buy from Nom Nom includes this Nutrient Mix, a high-end custom mixture of vitamins and minerals. On top of this, Nom Nom uses human-grade food uses, restaurant-quality ingredients and is designed by a veterinarian nutritionist. Plus, all the meals cater to individual dogs’ weight, age, breed, and overall body condition.

    The Nom Nom team includes a full-time veterinary nutritionist who oversees all food and portion sizes. There are four protein options: chicken, beef, turkey, or pork, and you can choose one or a variety of packs. 

    Nom Nom’s single-sized portions set it apart from its competitors. The pouches are pre-measured, can be stored in the refrigerator, and you don’t have to thaw more than what you need.

    As a bonus, Nom Nom also includes seven backup meals with your second order-a great way to stock your fridge in case of delayed deliveries.

    Pros
    • Exceeds AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines
    • Great variety of recipes
    • Simple, pre-portioned packaging for single-serve meals
    • Fresh food diet prepared in-house every week (never frozen)
    • Grain-free and gluten-free options
    • Human-grade ingredients
    • Made in the USA
    • Good customer support
    • 1% of sales go toward pet nutrition research
    • Never use fillers or preservatives
    Cons

      Our readers have access to save 50% off your first order of Nom Nom. Just use this link to get your dog’s gently cooked recipe.

      Read Full Nom Nom Review


      Most Affordable Human Grade Dog Food (Ollie Human Grade Dog Food)

      Are you looking for the least expensive human-grade dog food?

      Ollie stands out from its competitors as the most affordable, human-grade dog food while providing equally nutritious and high-quality recipes. Their meat is hormone-free, sourced from free-range farms in the United States and Australia. Ollie’s recipes adhere to AAFCO standards. 

      They use human-grade ingredients in their recipes, tailored to your dog and designed by canine nutritionists.

      You can freeze and thaw your pet’s meals as needed. Unopened meals can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Their recipes closely resembled “human” food (i.e., I could see the peas, carrots, etc.) and smelled pleasant.

      We like that Ollie provides detailed food instructions, transitioning, freshness tips, feeding guidelines (including tips for picky eaters), and expected results from switching to Ollie (increased energy, fewer allergies, weight loss, etc. ). Each order comes with a storage container and a scoop for keeping your opened packages fresh.

      For those who want to mix fresh dog food with their dog’s current food, Ollie offers topper plans.

      While there may be other least expensive human-grade dog foods labeled as “human-grade,” we didn’t consider them in our review because most of them are kibble, which is highly processed and full of unknown chemicals and additives. Ollie is fresh dog food, so naturally, it will be higher than most kibbles, but in the fresh dog food human-grade category, they offer the best value for your money.

      Our readers have access to save 50% off their first Ollie order. No code is needed, just use this link, and the discount will be applied!

      Pros
      • Fresh, high-quality food
      • Better for digestion
      • Smaller, firmer, less odorous poops
      • Pre-portioned packets for added convenience
      • Dog food is delivered to your door
      • Includes reusable dog food container
      • Real dog food
      • No by-products or fillers
      • Nutritionally balanced
      • Human-grade ingredients
      • Delivered fresh
      • Helpful customer service
      Cons

        Premium Human Grade Dog Food (Open Farm)

        Open Farm gently dog food takes the medal for best human-grade premium ingredients that are ethically sourced and sustainable.

        This company has the most complete line of premium human-grade products compared to other dog food manufacturers. These including:

        • Dry food
        • Wet food
        • Freeze-dried
        • Fresh food
        • Treats
        • Broth and supplements
        open farms homemade dog food

        Why are Open Farm products premium?

        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.

        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.

        On top of the 10% discount, our readers have access to save 20% off their first Open Farm order. Just use the coupon code CANINE20 at check out. Click this link to get your dog’s first homemade meal.

        Pros
        • 100% humanely raised and antibiotic-free meats
        • Wild-caught and sustainably sourced fish
        • No antibiotics or growth hormones
        • Zero artificial flavors or fillers
        • Wide variety of all-natural humane-grade food products for dogs and cats
        • Ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients
        • Produce is fresh, locally sourced, and non-GMO
        • Transparent about all ingredients on its website
        Cons

          Read Full Open Farm Review


          Human Grade Raw Dog Food

          Darwin’s Natural Pet Products offer 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.

          Darwin’s offers 3 raw dog food formulas:

          • Natural Selections (premium line): Made with pasture-raised, cage-free, and antibiotic-free meat as well as organic vegetables.
          • BioLogics (value line): Made with conventionally grown meats and vegetables.
          • Intelligent Design (veterinary meals, available by prescription only): Specialized meals designed to provide extra support to dogs facing specific health issues.

          Darwin’s Natural Pet Food is a raw dog food delivery service. They let you customize your order to suit your dog’s health needs, tastes, and budget. Once you place an order, you are automatically enrolled in a recurring order, and they will send your boxes on your preferred schedule. There is no contract or commitment. You can change or cancel your order at any time.

          Pros
          • Custom order sizes
          • Service dog discounts
          • Gluten and grain-free
          • Frozen options
          • Made and ingredients sourced in the USA
          • Includes bones and organ meat
          • Free shipping and handling
          • Moderate fat and low carbohydrate
          • Great customer service
          • Meets AAFCO and National Research Council’s nutritional guidelines
          • When you add another pet, you get a 50% discount on an additional 10 lb order. You need to contact them directly
          • Raw treat option
          • Raw cat food option
          Cons

            Our readers have access to the best deal we could find. No code is needed, just use this link, and the discount will be applied!


            Best Human Grade Dry Dog Food Brand (The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dog Food)

            The Honest Kitchen is one of the first companies to pioneer the idea of human-grade dog food to help as many pets as possible get on the road to good health. 

            The Honest Kitchen offers three basic types of human-grade dog food: Dehydrated meals that you add to warm water and serve, the Whole Food Clusters line, a kibble-style product, and wet dog food. 

            Their human-grade dog food kibble is recommended by Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR Director of Integrative & Rehabilitative Medicine, Animal Medical Center, NY.

            Their preparation methods and facilities meet safety standards 7x those of feed-grade ones. They only use human-grade ingredients, so there are no animal by-products, cheap fillers, or other questionable ingredients.

            It is headquartered in San Diego, but its products are made at a factory in Illinois that also produces human food.

            Other human-grade dry dog food brands we like are Tylee’s human-grade dog food and Open Farm’s dry dog kibble. Both also meet AFFCO’s standards for human-edible foods.

            Pros
            • Uses human-grade ingredients
            • Packed with real, identifiable food
            • Made in the USA in a “human-grade” food processing facility
            • Human-grade product line
            • Uses organic ingredients
            • Claims to be the pioneer of “human-grade” dog food
            • Contains no by-products, preservatives of GMO ingredients
            Cons

              Our readers have access to save 50% off their first Ollie order. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!


              Human Grade Canned Dog Food (Pet Plate)

              Our top pick for top human-grade canned dog food brands goes to Pet Plate.

              PetPlate comes in a plastic can in six delicious recipes. These include the following flavor: beef, turkey, chicken, lamb, venison and pork.

              This human-grade canned dog food is made in the USA, and it appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank back in 2016. While they didn’t receive funding, they landed in homes across the country. They’ve become one of the most popular human-grade fresh dog food brands. The company was started in response to a need for a healthier pet food alternative.

              A key aspect of PetPlate is the packaging. The food container can easily be sealed back and stored with the remaining food in your fridge or freezer for later use. 

              Veterinary nutritionists develop PetPlate’s fresh and healthy recipes to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met. You can choose between a full plan – a balanced diet – or a topper plan, which you add to your dog’s regular food. 

              Keep it stored in the freezer. When your dog is ready to eat, remove it and let it thaw in your fridge or your countertop the day before. Once thawed, the food will last for about five days in the refrigerator.

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

              Pros
              • Comes in a can, perfect for storage and traveling
              • Predetermined portion sizes
              • Made with human-grade ingredients
              • Crafted in a human-grade kitchen
              • Delivered on a set schedule
              • Many flavors to offer your dog
              • Flexible subscriptions
              • Super tasty
              • Great for digestion
              Cons

                Best Human Grade Wet Dog Food (Just Food For Dogs Fresh Pantry)

                JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) offers a wide selection of human-grade dog food recipes.

                We named them our best option for human-grade wet dog food because they offer a line of dog food called “Pantry Fresh.”

                PantryFresh combines fresh dog food, effortless convenience, and mouth-watering taste. They come in eight different flavors and have wet and stewy textures dogs crave.  

                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.
                PantryFresh can help you mix things up for your pup, ditch the kibble, and get your dog started on fresh, whole-food goodness.

                They only use the finest fresh ingredients, including the highest-quality meats and produce, the same ingredients you can find in the grocery store and restaurants offer. 

                Aside from custom meals, they have a fantastic array of fresh dog food recipes and custom feeding plans for health problems and a line of vet-prescribed fresh dog food for specific health conditions.

                Our readers have access to the best deal we could find. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!

                Pros
                • Team of over 14 board-certified veterinarians, dermatologists, and nutritionists
                • Only use fresh, whole-food ingredients
                • 100% human-grade
                • Fresh local produce
                • No preservatives
                • Low heat cooking
                • 2-year shelf life
                • 8 bowl-cleaning flavors
                • Nutritionally balanced for long-term feeding
                • Perfect for daily meals
                • Easy for traveling and on-the go meals
                Cons

                  Organic Human Grade Dog Food (Spot & Tango)

                  Spot & Tango is our top pick for the best organic human-grade dog food. This is not your traditional organic kibble. Spot and Tango is fresh dog food made with USDA organic ingredients certified for human consumption.

                  This means 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. Similarly, each ingredient they use is USDA-certified for human consumption (a higher safety standard than most pet foods).

                  Meals are prepared in small batches at low temperatures to ensure nutritional integrity and proper safety. Before packaging, the company tests each batch for foodborne illnesses like Salmonella and E. Coli. 

                  They offer one of the simplest ingredients lists. Unlike other pet foods with strange-sounding ingredients, they use only a handful of ingredients such as turkey, carrots, and quinoa, making it an excellent alternative for picky eater dogs or dogs with food sensitives.

                  It only uses “human-grade” and includes fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains, and excludes additives and preservatives. 

                  All recipes are suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. Spot & Tango foods meet or exceed the AAFCO guidelines.

                  Pros
                  • Made in USDA-certified kitchens
                  • Offers fresh dog food & a revolutionary formula known as Unkibble
                  • 6 recipes to choose from
                  • Human-grade, whole-food ingredients with no preservatives or fillers
                  • Customized meal plans
                  • Free, auto-shipping
                  • Responsive customer service
                  • Made in the USA
                  Cons

                    Our readers have access to save 20% off their first order. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!

                    Read Full Spot & Tango Review


                    Best Human-Grade Highest Protein & Low Carb Dog Food (A Pup Above)

                    Looking for a low-carb human-grade dog food that provides the highest protein count out of them all?

                    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 72% 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.

                    Additionally, it’s slow-cooked via sous vide to lock in as many vitamins and nutrients as possible, making it a top favorite for lots of satisfied customers and us.

                    A Pup Above formulas are strong on flavor and will keep Fido coming back for more. Four high-protein, low-carb recipes are available at A Pup Above, including natural gravy high in collagen and amino acids. 

                    A Pup Above’s food is made from human-grade ingredients sourced locally. It’s crafted by canine nutritionists that meet AFFCO guidelines. The food comes in BPA-free vacuum-sealed bags that are 100% recyclable packaging, making it good for your dog and the environment.

                    Our readers have access to save 25% off their first A Pup Above order when using the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started.

                    Pros
                    • Sample pack available
                    • Best for highest protein count
                    • Low carb food
                    • Fantastic flavor
                    • Relatively affordable
                    • Human-grade ingredient
                    • Eco-friendly packaging
                    • Grain-inclusive and grain-free
                    Cons

                      Human Grade Dehydrated Dog Food

                      There are a few human-grade dehydrated dog food recipes that we love.

                      The first one is The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Dog Food. Instead of boring chunks of kibble or smelly old pâté, this food is made with dehydrated, human-grade ingredients. This recipe makes it easy and affordable to feed humane grade fresh dog food to your dog.

                      Your second equally great option is Dr. Harvey’s Human Grade Dehydrated Dog Food. It’s human-grade dog food packed with real food, including dehydrated vegetables, organic grains (or not) without preservatives, dyes, chemicals, and fillers. It comes in multiple flavors.

                      Our third favorite option is Spot Farms Pet dehydrated human-grade dog food. Chock full of nutrients and bursting with flavor, their recipes are made using only wholesome, human-grade ingredients, resulting in a difference you can see and your dog will taste.

                      s https://spotfarmspet.com/product/grain-free-chicken-recipe/

                      f https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/the-honest-differences


                      Human Grade Dog Food Toppers (Portland Pet Food)

                      Portland Pet Food company offers the first of its kind convenient shelf-stable pouch human-grade fresh dog meals that work as toppers, mixers, or soft treats. 

                      With five varieties, these 100% natural, USA sourced and made, ready-to-eat homestyle dog meals are great for picky eaters and senior dogs. Also great for travel – anywhere you and your furry sidekick are headed!

                      Their fresh, human-grade meat comes from Cascade Natural Meats and Carlton Farms, both based in Oregon. All their meals consist only of whole meat, 100% fit for human consumption from USDA-approved facilities. They contain no meat by-products, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, or supplements.

                      To sever, tear a 1-inch vent at the top on both sides and warm for 15-30 seconds. Let cool and serve and watch your dog enjoy his meals. And the best thing about them is they are shelf-stable for up to 2 years.

                      Here is the best deal we could find at Portland Pet Food. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!


                      Human Grade Dog Food Canada (Kabo)

                      Are you looking for the best human-grade dog food company 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.

                      Kabo makes healthy dog recipes with fresh ingredients sourced from local Canadian sources. Meals are prepared according to your dog’s weight, breed, age, and needs. Kabo is the Canadian version of The Farmer’s Dog and Nom Nom.

                      Your pet’s meals are pre-portioned specifically for his needs to avoid overfeeding, which is one of the best ways to prevent obesity. They have a veterinary toxicologist and a canine nutrition scientist at Kabo that assist them in formulating healthy and safe dog food. Their foods meet all AAFCO standards. They never use artificial flavors, colors, or by-product meals. 

                      For those who want the best human-grade dry dog food in Canada, Open Farm is a Canadian that offers premium human-grade dry dog food.

                      Our readers have access to save 40% off their first Kabo order. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!

                      Grain Free Human Grade Dog Food

                      If you are looking for a human-grade grain-free formula, The Farmer’s Dog is an excellent option. Each human-grade recipe uses a generous amount of fresh named meat as its primary source, and it contains no grains. Similarly, all of Nom Nom’s recipes do not contain wheat gluten or processed grain fractions.

                      Human Grade Dog Food In Stores

                      • Human grade dog food Petco
                      • Human grade dog food Walmart
                      • Human grade dog food Petsmart
                      • Human grade dog food Target
                      • Human grade dog food Chewy

                      Human Grade Dog Food Fish

                      Chapter 3

                      Ch 1 | Ch 2

                      Human-grade dog food tips, FAQs & more

                      Human Grade Dog Food For Puppies

                      Not only do recipes made with fresh human-grade ingredients taste better, but eating fresh is healthier for your puppy. Feeding a new puppy fresh food will establish a great nutritional base for years, says Dr. Katy Nelson, DVM.

                      It is best to feed your new pet the same kind of food they were eating before, for the first week or two after you bring them home. Changes in diet too quickly can upset their stomachs. When you’re ready to switch to a human-grade recipe, gradually increase the new food and decrease the old food over 7-10 days or until 100% of the new food is being consumed.

                      Human Grade Dog Treat

                      There is no point in feeding human-grade dog food to Fido if you are being counterproductive by providing your dog low-quality treats that are not healthy and nutritious. 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. 

                      Below are some of our favorite human-grade dog treats.

                      • Nom Nom Jerky dog treats
                      • Open Farm Dehydrated dog treats
                      • PetPlate Bites dog treats
                      • Portland Pet Food dog treats
                      • Just Food For Dogs dog treats
                      • The Honest Kitchen Peck

                      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. Here are our top favorite ones.

                      • Front of The Pack –
                      • Brutus Bone Broth for Dogs: Glucosamine & Chondroitin for Healthy Joints
                      • Just Food For Dogs – Supplements & Vitamins
                      • Nom Nom Probiotics

                      Human Grade Dog Food Reddit Reviews

                      Here are some of the most popular threads about human-grade dog food on Reddit.

                      “I’ll chime in as I’ve fed, out of necessity, my bully mix and now a Boston terrier farmers dog for 4.5 and 2 years, respectively. We went through a long list of kibble brands/proteins/grain-free and standard versions with several vets. Unfortunately, all caused the bully to have terrible allergic reactions and intense gastritis for an entire year which led me to search for other options. Raw was a bit too much for him to digest with his ultra-sensitive system. So we started with the farmer’s dog on their at-home DIY recipe food and the last two years transitioned to the delivery as it fit the budget. It is costly, but overall costs much less than the previous vet visits monthly. He has not had a flare in about three years, which is great!” – lushbot, r/dogs, 2019

                      “It’s your decision what to feed. This sub is high pro-science-backed brands and those “human grade” is only advertising and most companies that use that aren’t really science-backed and instead of using the money for a professional to formulate the diet they decide do use it for ads.” – carona42, r/dgs, Dec 2021

                      Human Grade Dog Food Allergy

                      Dogs battling food allergies can sometimes find relief in fresh, human-grade-based diets. Typically kibble has preservatives, colors, flavors, by-products, or harmful ingredients that could trigger allergies. Since fresh diets avoid processing ingredients and adding chemicals to your dog’s food, switching to it may help deal with dog allergies.

                      We advise doing an at-home dog food allergy test to help you identify food allergens that can trigger food sensitivities in your pet. Knowing foods will help you pick the safest formula for your dog.

                      Frequently Asked Questions

                      Is Blue Buffalo Human Grade Dog Food?

                      Is Wellness Dog Food Human Grade?

                      Should I Buy Human-Grade Dog Food? Alternatives

                      Based on our research, human-grade dog food manufacturers offer one of the healthiest foods you can feed your dog.

                      If you want something a little less pricey, you can try human-grade dehydrated dog kibble. 

                      Other alternatives of human-grade food include freeze-dried and raw, but these may be similar in pricing as fresh dog food. Our recommendations offer human-grade recipes loaded with high-quality meat, fruits, and veggies. 

                      While some argue that “human-grade” is just a marketing gimmick, we hope the research-based reason we’ve provided in this article has shed light on why human grade can genuinely benefit your dog. 

                      Just think about this for a second. Which is healthier: one bag of kibble that underwent multiple processes to become edible or fresh ingredients put together in a balanced recipe with no help of chemicals?

                      You can boost your dog’s overall health by switching their food to a human-grade diet while still feeding them food they love. We hope that our reviews have made the buying process easier for you to order your pup’s next food with confidence.

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