What’s the difference between human-grade vs feed-grade dog food?
If this is your question, then you are in the right place.
This article helps you distinguish between these two often confusing dog foods.
Knowing the difference will help you make the best choice for your canine friend.
Let’s dive in.
What is Human Grade Dog Food?
For a long time, the term “ Human-grade” was not well defined. However, in 2018, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), defined human-grade as anything edible for people in legally defined terms.
The association further stated that all the ingredients must be manufactured, held, and packed according to federal regulations for any product to be human-grade.
Therefore, human-grade dog food is crafted with human edible ingredients. It also means that the dog food has been produced, packed, and held while adhering to strict federal laws.
What is Feed-Grade Dog Food?
All dog food that does not meet the definition of human-grade dog food is feed-grade dog food. The term “feed-grade dog food” means any product that has been proven to be safe, functional, and suitable for its intended use in pet food, is handled and labeled accordingly, and adheres to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act unless permitted by the appropriate state or federal agency.
Feed-grade dog food can use both the human-grade and feed-grade ingredients in their recipes. Most kibble dog foods are feed-grade manufactured in a pet food facility. Pet food should be manufactured in a human food facility to meet human-grade standards.
How do I get my dog to stop eating human food?
You can stop your dog from eating human food by ensuring they are not near you while you are eating. Put them in a different room or inside a crate.
What does it mean when dog food says human-grade?
When Dog food says human-grade, it means the food is made with human edible ingredients produced, packed, and held according to the federal regulations given in 21 CFR 117.
What is the difference between dog food and human food?
Dog food is food explicitly crafted for dogs, while human food is meant for consumption by humans only. However, dogs can eat human food as most human foods are safe.
What is better for dogs, “dog food”, or “human food”?
Dog food is better for dogs. This is because dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs. Human food may not have the essential nutrients for dogs.
What grade meat is used in dog food?
One category of dog-grade meat is called the 4Ds meats from Dead, Diseased, Dying, and Disabled animals. However, sick or dying animals are not allowed in any human food.
Why should you not feed dogs human food?
You should not feed dogs human food because human food does not have all the essential nutrients for your dog. In addition, human food may contain harmful ingredients like onions.
Why do dogs like human food more than dog food?
Dogs like human food more than dog food for many reasons including not getting enough from their food, desire to act as their human bosses, and underlying medical problems.
What is the healthiest food to feed your dog?
The healthiest food to serve your dog is a balanced diet. It should have lots of proteins for the muscles, fats for the skin, and some carbs for energy.
Read our article on 10 Best Dog Food That Every Dog Owner Should Consider
What meat should dogs avoid?
Dogs should avoid meat that has lots of fats or sodium. These include bacon, bacon grease, ham, and fat trimmed off meat or bones. They cause pancreatitis and stomach upsets.
What pet food is human grade?
Human-grade pet food is made with human edible ingredients. They include Annamaet Original Puppy, Nom Nom Human-grade Fresh Dog Food, Sports Farms Human-grade, and The Honest Kitchen Human-grade.
Read our article on 10 Best Fresh Dog Food
What were dogs fed before kibble?
Before kibble, a regular domesticated dog food consisted of potatoes, cabbage, bread crusts, and bare bones. In the 18th century, farm dogs ate a mix of grains and lard.
Final Thoughts
Human-grade vs feed-grade dog food are hard to distinguish. However, one main difference is that human-grade dog food is crafted with human edible ingredients while feed-grade dog food isn’t.
