You've probably heard the term “human-grade” thrown around when it comes to dog food. Basically, it means the ingredients are good enough for people to eat. But just because your pooch could eat it doesn't mean they should eat your whole dinner!
A lot of dog parents are busy these days and just want the best for their pets. Maybe they're worried about the feed-grade pet food, or maybe they're new to dog ownership and want to make sure they're doing everything right.
You're probably reading this because you're one of them - you've heard about human-grade dog food and want to know if it's a good choice for your pet.
So, can dogs eat human food? Absolutely! But like anything else, it's important to be smart about it. Keep reading as we discuss the benefits of human-grade dog food and some important things to keep in mind when feeding your pet.
What Are the Key Benefits People Have Found with Human-Grade Dog Food?
Human-grade dog food often uses clean, high-quality ingredients, focusing on healthier choices. This can lead to some great benefits for your pet.
But remember, just because something is human-grade doesn't automatically mean it's the best for your dog. There are plenty of human foods that aren't ideal for pets. That's why it's important to look at the whole picture when choosing a brand.
For example, just because a food is human-grade doesn't mean it's natural, healthy, or uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients. It also doesn't mean they're avoiding things like soy, wheat, or corn. These ingredients are okay for humans, but they're not the best choices for dogs and can sometimes be used as fillers.
#1 Digestion Done Right
One of the biggest benefits of human-grade food is how it helps with digestion. These healthy options are made with higher-quality ingredients and often aren't as processed as feed-grade dog food.
Regular feed-grade food sometimes uses a process called rendering, which involves extreme heat to kill bacteria and make it safe. But this process can also break down nutrients and make the food harder to digest.
Human-grade dog foods often use gentler cooking methods, like sous-vide, which helps keep the nutrients intact and easier on your dog's tummy. That means fewer upset stomachs and a healthier pup.
#2 Nutrient Powerhouse
Dogs are naturally meant to eat a diet that's mostly meat, not a lot of starchy stuff. You know, the kind of food that's full of carbohydrates? Those can actually cause inflammation and make it hard for your dog to maintain a healthy weight.
That's where human-grade dog food comes in. It's usually made with recognizable ingredients—meats, vegetables, and fruits that are packed with nutrients, like protein and healthy fats. They're also low in carbs, which is great for your dog's health.
When you switch to human-grade food, you might notice some amazing improvements in your pooch. Their energy might be better, their joints might be stronger, and their skin and coat could even look healthier. It's all thanks to the healthy stuff they're getting from those nutrient-rich ingredients
#3 No More Food Battles
You know those dogs who turn their noses up at just about anything? Well, human-grade dog food is a lifesaver for those picky pups! It's made with clean, delicious ingredients that most dogs just can't resist.
That means you can relax knowing that your pet is enjoying their food and getting all the nutrients they need. No more worrying about them skipping meals and missing out on the good stuff.
#4 Offers High-Quality Protein
Another important benefit of human-grade food is protein. You know how important protein is for us humans, right? It's the same for our pets. They need it to build strong muscles and have lots of energy.
But a lot of feed-grade pet food uses lower-quality protein sources, like grains and legumes. That's not the best choice for our active dogs. Human-grade dog food uses higher-quality protein from real meat, like chicken, lamb, and duck which is much better for them.
Those energetic breeds like border collies and terriers, need a lot of protein to keep up with all their zoomies! If they don't get enough, they can get tired and even lose muscle.
So, if you have an active dog, human-grade dog foods might be the way to go. Healthy Dogma offers plenty of protein, which is great for those energetic dogs. Make sure to discover our human-grade PetMix Collection Here.
Of course, there are some situations where your dog might need different amounts of protein, like if they have kidney problems. Always talk to your vet to make sure you're feeding your dog the right amount.
#5 Healthy Weight
Another great thing about human-grade food is that it can help your dog stay at a healthy weight. You know, the kind of weight that's perfect for their size and breed.
And being at a healthy weight is HUGE for our canine companions. It's one of the best things you can do to keep them healthy and safe.
Being overweight can put a strain on a dog's body. It can increase their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It can also put stress on their bones and joints, making them more likely to get arthritis.
But with human-grade dog food, you can help your dog maintain a healthy weight and avoid all those problems. On top of that, when you know exactly what's in your dog's food, you can have peace of mind knowing they're getting the healthiest nutrition possible.
#6 No More Artificial Preservatives
You'll find that many human-grade dog foods are free of artificial preservatives and other ingredients that can be harmful to your pet. These ingredients are often found in some feed-grade pet food, but they're not something you want your dog to be eating.
For example, ethoxyquin, a common preservative used in fish meal, can cause cancer, kidney damage, and liver problems. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), another common preservative, is on the list of known carcinogens and reproductive toxicants. It can even cause kidney damage in both dogs and humans.
Propylene glycol, which is the main ingredient in antifreeze, has also been found in many commercial dog foods. It can cause serious problems like depression, weakness, muscle tremors, increased urination, and thirst. And even though carrageenan, a thickening agent made from seaweed, is technically “natural” it can cause stomach inflammation in dogs.
What Kind Of Dog Food Is Good?
It's a question many dog owners have. Maybe you're thinking about changing your dog's diet, or maybe your pet isn't as enthusiastic about their food as they used to be. Whatever the reason, you want to make sure your dog is getting the best possible nutrition.
Unfortunately, a lot of dog food out there just isn't healthy. It's often made with low-quality ingredients and doesn't have the nutrients dogs really need. That's why some dogs start turning their noses up at their food - they're just not enjoying what they're getting.
So, what should you be looking for in dog food? Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Clean ingredients are key
Think about the food you eat - you want it to be clean, fresh and healthy, right? The same goes for your dog. Human-grade dog foods made with fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables are easy to digest and offer a variety of nutrients.
- Don't fall for the “raw meat” hype
Some vets might recommend a raw meat diet, but it's not safe. There are too many risks when it comes to bacteria like salmonella, E.coli, and other pathogens. Plus, raw meat is harmful to humans and it just isn't as healthy as other options.
- Look for foods that can help your dog fight off illness
Sometimes, dogs might not eat as much when they aren't feeling well. There are specially formulated dog foods that can boost your dog's immune system and help them get back on their feet.
