Best Human Grade Dog Food in 2023 – Our Top 10 List

Just as it is for humans, consuming a high-quality diet is incredibly important for dogs’ short-term and long-term health. 

As more dog owners have begun to realize the importance of providing their pups with a nutritious and balanced diet made with the highest quality ingredients, human-grade dog food has surged in popularity.

There are now more brands than ever claiming that their dog foods are made to human-grade standards; however, it can be challenging to determine if these claims are simply added to the packaging for marketing purposes or if they reflect the actual quality of the dog food.

This is where we can help! We have reviewed countless types of dog food to come up with our list of the best human-grade dog food on the market today. We will review the best options and explain what types of dog food are considered human-grade and why the distinction is important.

If you are ready to find high-quality dog food suitable for your canine companion, it’s time to get started!

What Is Human Grade Dog Food?

Unfortunately, the fresh pet food industry is littered with hollow marketing terms that exaggerate the quality of various food and treats. 

This is why it is essential to know what you are looking for when shopping for food for your dog. Obviously, you want to avoid overpaying for low-grade food filled with empty calories and harmful, low-grade ingredients.

This takes us to the term “human-grade,” which is becoming increasingly common in dog food packaging. As it stands, there is currently no legal definition in the United States for what constitutes human-grade dog food. With that said, various animal feed associations are developing their own definitions and standards for what the term means.

For example, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has come up with the following standards for what a ‘human-grade’ dog food needs to meet:

• All ingredients within the dog food should be fit for human consumption as well as canine consumption.
• All ingredients must be stored, handled, processed, and transported to standards that meet the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for edible human food. These same standards must also be upheld after the dog food has been prepared and made into its final form.
• The dog food must be made within a facility that meets the licensing requirements for human food production. This means that the manufacturing facility must be inspected and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

While the standards outlined above are not entirely legal requirements, they are the closest to the United States’ official standards for human-grade dog food. This is why it can be worthwhile to check for AAFCO certification on the packaging of any dog food that claims to be human-grade.

Should You Feed Your Dog Human Grade Dog Food?

Now that you know what human-grade dog food is, you may wonder if it is worth spending extra on it for your pup.

The truth is, any fresh dog food that meets the above-mentioned AAFCO standards for human-grade dog food is likely to be extremely high quality. Since the criteria for human food production are much higher than those required for dog food, choosing a brand that voluntarily adheres to human food standards means that the ingredients used in the dog food are far less likely to be spoiled, contaminated, or low-grade.

With that said, it is not enough to simply grab the first bag of human-grade dog food you see on the shelf. You must still ensure that the dog food is life-stage and breed-appropriate for your pup with the appropriate nutritional levels. You also need to ensure that the food is nutritionally balanced and free from potential canine allergens.

This is why we have reviewed a wide range of human-grade dog foods to come up with the best options out there.

The Top 10 Best Human Grade Dog Food Options

When compiling this list, we ensured each dog food was made to human-grade standards and the nutritional levels were balanced and suitable for the canine digestive system.

In other words, we did the research for you so that you can choose the most suitable option for your budget and your pup’s unique needs.

1. The Honest Kitchen – Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dog Food

This unique dog food from The Honest Kitchen comes in a dehydrated form, which means you simply add warm water before serving, and it will expand and rehydrate to a palatable form. 

This helps with storage and helps keep shipping costs to a minimum, which is also part of why this human-grade dog food is available at such a reasonable price point. Aside from the fact it is both human-grade and relatively budget-friendly, what we like about this particular dog food is that it is made from some of the highest-quality ingredients we have ever seen in dog food.

The primary ingredient in this dehydrated dog food is free-range chicken, so your dog will get a high-quality bioavailable protein source. For active breeds and growing dogs, this is vital for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. To ensure the food contains all the other nutrients your dog needs, it is made with organic oats, carrots, and bananas. Since oats provide a highly digestible source of fiber, the food is outstanding for the health of your dog’s digestive system.

What makes this best dog food brand so impressive is what it contains and what it does not. It is 100% free from rendered meals, artificial flavors and preservatives, GMO ingredients, meat by-products, and empty fillers. It is also made without common canine allergens, like corn, wheat, and soy.

Overall, it is an outstanding option for any dog owner looking for high-quality human-grade dog food at a reasonable price point.

2. Just Food for Dogs – Human Quality Natural Beef & Potato Recipe Wet Dog Food

Just Food for Dogs also has a reputation for offering high-quality dog foods made with human-grade ingredients. 

This particular variety is made from ground beef considered safe for human consumption. It also contains other nutritious and hearty ingredients, like russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, fresh carrots, peas, apples, green beans, and cod liver oil. This unique blend of high-quality ingredients means that this natural pet food is incredibly nutritious and ideally suited to the dietary needs of an adult dog. 

Part of the reason this food is so balanced and optimized for canines is that Just Food for Dogs develops recipes with certified veterinarians that know the exact nutrient and caloric requirements healthy dogs need. The food is ideal for digestive health, maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin, and supporting healthy body weight. 

Like the dog food from The Honest Kitchen, this blend from Just Food for Dogs is also free from artificial preservatives and colorings, rendered meats, and other potentially harmful ingredients.

Aside from the fact that it is human-grade and formulated by veterinarians to be highly nutritious, what we like about this blend is that dogs love the flavor and aroma. Simply pour one serving into your dog’s food bowl, and they will devour it! 

3. Whole Life Pet – Bistro Bowl Human Grade Whole Food Dog Food

Bistro Bowl Human Grade Dog Food from Whole Life Pet is an excellent option if you are looking for human-grade dog food that can double as a meal topper. It is dehydrated, so you simply add warm water before serving.

This fresh dog food is human-grade and fully cooked, so freeze-drying helps preserve the food and give it a longer shelf life. The primary ingredient is natural chicken breast, so it is packed with highly digestible protein. It also contains other high-quality ingredients, like brown rice, avocados, and black beans. 

Since it is made with so little processing, it maintains the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients, so dogs love the taste. All Whole Life Pet dog foods are made in their state-of-the-art kitchens in Western Massachusetts, and every ingredient is sourced from their trusted supply network.

We like the flexibility of using it as a meal topper, as it lets you add extra nutrition and flavor to your dog’s existing kibbles. This can be very important if your dog is on a veterinarian-recommended diet for weight loss, allergy management, or to help treat a specific health condition. Overall, it is an excellent option for those looking for human-grade quality in a dog food and dog food topper.

4. Grandma Lucy’s – Artisan Human Grade Freeze Dried Venison Dog Food

While it is a little bit expensive, this human-grade dog food from Grandma Lucy’s is an outstanding option. It is nutritionally balanced and made with the highest quality ingredients, including freeze-dried venison. Venison provides the primary source of protein and is the ideal alternative to chicken for dogs with a poultry allergy.

While it is made from a limited number of ingredients, the ingredients it does contain are all nutritious and balanced for the needs of an adult dog. Since it is freeze-dried, all of the natural flavors and aromas are preserved, so your dog will enjoy eating their meals.

It is also free from all harmful ingredients, as well as common dog allergens. The fact that it is grain-free is also good news for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is another excellent option, particularly for any dog with food allergies.

5. Orijen – High Protein Human Grade Dry Dog Food

Orijen makes their human-grade dog food with extra protein, so it is an excellent option for active breeds, like Australian cattle dogs and Labrador retrievers. The protein is sourced from various healthy fish, like real, wild-caught salmon, herring, and mackerel. This means it is loaded with bioavailable protein and beneficial fatty acids.

All the other ingredients are natural and human-grade, so your dog is getting high-quality sources of vitamins and minerals essential to their long-term health. Many natural soluble and insoluble fiber sources, like quinoa, chia seeds, and oats, are great for promoting digestive health.

The food is made in a human-grade facility in the United States. It is a fantastic option that is perfect if you are looking for human-grade dog food packed with natural sources of omega fatty acids!

6. Canidae – PURE Goodness Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dog Food

Canidae Limited Ingredient Dog Food is made from human-grade ingredients that are perfectly balanced to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs. This real salmon and sweet potato recipe is highly digestible and packed with essential nutrients, like protein and healthy fats.

It is made with just ten ingredients, so it is a good option for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs. It is also formulated with added antioxidants and probiotics, which are beneficial for digestive system health and the strength of your dog’s immune system. Added taurine helps support heart health, while glucosamine helps maintain strong and healthy joints.

Not only are the ingredients human-grade, but they are also sourced from organic farms, so the standards are incredibly high for everything that goes into this food.

7. Weruva – Classic Natural Wet Dog Food

This wet dog food is made with 100% natural ingredients to human-grade standards. A wide variety of flavors are available, so you can find one that works with your dog’s unique preferences, allergies, and nutritional requirements.

The hallmark of this wet food is that each flavor is made with high-quality ingredients that you can trust. For example, the beef and lamb varieties are made with natural grass-fed meat, while the fish variety is made from sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish.

Each can is grain free and made without corn, wheat, and soy, so they are an excellent option for dogs that suffer from food allergies. Every type of wet food Weruva produces is made in its human food facilities that meet the strictest standards for human food preparation.

If you are looking for balanced and complete dog food available in various flavors, look no further than this pack of human-grade wet dog food from Weruva.

8. Nutro Ultra – High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food

This high-protein blend contains real chicken, lamb, and salmon, so your dog gets protein from three distinct sources. It is made with the highest quality ingredients and prepared in a human-grade processing facility.

It is made in a state-of-the-art facility, and the ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers. The manufacturing facility voluntarily submits itself to routine testing from third-party sources, so you know their standards are impeccable.

It is also made without artificial flavors, aromas, colors, preservatives, or common dog allergens, like corn and soy protein, so it is also a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is another excellent choice if you want balanced dog food made to human standards.

9. Solid Gold – Adult & Senior Nutrient Boost Healthy Dog Food

For those looking for natural, human-grade dog food tailored explicitly towards senior dogs’ dietary needs, Solid Gold’s Nutrient Boost Dog Food is an excellent option.

It is made from high-quality ingredients that are easy to digest and absorb, like natural beef and whole grains. It is also loaded with probiotics that help improve the digestive health of senior dogs. It has an increased fiber content compared to other dog foods, which is required for digestive health in seniors.

Other vital nutrients, like omega fatty acids and glucosamine, are also added, as they are crucial for dogs in their senior life stage. Overall, it is an excellent option for older dogs, and it is made in the United States in human-grade facilities.

10. Rachael Ray – Nutrish Premium Natural Wet Dog Food

You may recognize Rachael Ray as a famous cook of human food, but she also has a line of nutritious, human-grade dog food. This blend is available in three distinct flavors, all made with natural ingredients, like chicken and beef.

None of these wet dog foods have by-products, gluten, or unnecessary fillers, so your dog only gets real ingredients that will help provide the nutrients their body needs. It is a wet dog food, so you can use it as a topper on your dog’s usual kibbles or as a meal on its own.

It is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals and 100% free from artificial preservatives and flavors. While it is somewhat expensive, it is another excellent option if you are looking for natural dog food made to human-grade standards.

For More Information

If you want to know more about the best fresh dog food you can feel confident providing to your beloved pooch, we recommend reading The 5 Best Limited Ingredient Dog Foods Reviewed. This informative list highlights some of the best options for dogs that suffer from food allergies and stomach issues. In fact, some of the dog foods highlighted on that list are featured on this list of human-grade options.

If your dog is stubborn when it comes to eating meals, you can also read our list of the Best Dog Foods for Picky Eaters.

Mary Nielsen

I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. There was no choice but to take care of and learn about dog habits and the best animal care practices — otherwise, I’d be clueless about how to go about the creatures I was surrounded by day and night.

As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Although I’m not a professionally trained dog behaviorist, trainer, or veterinarian, all of my knowledge and experience with canines comes from a place of love and a deep-rooted passion for dogs and animals in general.

Seeing as dogs kept me company throughout every stage of my life, I decided to follow a different path in my academic life and obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing Management and Digital Advertising, which ultimately allowed me to combine my professional training and personal experience by creating the ultimate dog lover’s resource website! Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being.