Best Human-Grade Dog Food

Human-grade dog food has become extremely popular in the last decade. Due to pet parents treating their dogs like children, they want to feed them higher-quality food that they would be comfortable eating.

And while we don’t recommend switching to dog food, the best human-grade dog foods on this list may entice you to try!

Our top choice is The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated dog food. 

It starts with real deboned whitefish and includes many organic ingredients, so your dog gets the top quality nutrition they deserve. 

We also have nine other choices, including two raw diets and a canned option for the pickiest pups. 

Our Best Human-Grade Dog Food

1. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food (Best Human-Grade Dog Food Overall)
2. Nom Nom (Best for Puppies)
3. The Farmers Dog  (Best for Seniors)
4. Tylee’s Human-Grade Frozen Dog Food (Best for Small Breeds)
5. Ollie (Best for Large Breeds)
6. Spot & Tango (Best Budget Food)
7. Caru Daily Dish Grain-Free Wet Dog Food (Best Wet Food)
8. Canisource Grand Cru Red Meat Dehydrated Dog Food (Best Premium Food)
9. PetPlate (Best for Allergies)
10. MeatMe Raw Frozen Dog Food (Best High Protein) 

10 Best Human-Grade Dog Food Reviewed 

Each of the formulas below follows the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. Before switching your dog to a new diet, consult your veterinarian first. 

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The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Dehydrated White Fish, Organic Barley, Organic Oats, Dehydrated Eggs, Organic Flaxseed
• Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 5% Fiber, 8.5% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 391 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Human grade and dehydrated dog food made with some organic ingredients

One of the best ways to switch to human-grade dog food is by giving dehydrated dog food a try. Once mixed with water, it resembles wet food.

But, you’ll also get the convenience of dry kibble — since dehydrated food has a long shelf-life. If you’re looking for an option with wholesome ingredients, look no further than The Honest Kitchen. 

Their Whole Grain Fish and Oat formula starts with natural animal proteins and whole foods. The show’s star is white fish — a lean fish with plenty of omega fatty acids for joint support and brain health. It’s added to the recipe raw and is air-dried over low heat. 

The Honest Kitchen also includes organic oats, organic barley, and potatoes. These easy-to-digest carbs offer gentle and soluble fiber for regular digestion. And both rice and potatoes contain vitamins like potassium for solid bones and magnesium for a mood and brain boost.

The best part of this food is that it’s made for all ages, breeds, and sizes. Just remember to follow their feeding instructions based on your dog’s age and weight. 

The Honest Kitchen makes all of its food in a human food facility. It’s free of by-products, preservatives, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, and soy. To serve, add the recommended amount of warm water and wait three minutes before mealtime. 

Pet parents love that their dogs get organic and raw ingredients in their dog food. But they say mixing the food up every mealtime can become a hassle, especially as a busy parent. 

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Nom Nom Turkey Fare Recipe

• First 5 Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Brown Rice, Eggs, Carrots, Spinach
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 10% Crude Protein, 5% Crude Fat, 1% Fiber, 72% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 201 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Fresh dog food that can be customized to fit your dog’s dietary needs

Feeding your young pup human-grade and fresh dog foods is one of the best things you can do for their development.

They’ll get a high protein and high-fat diet that’s crucial for joint health and muscle strength. And, your dog will get plenty of vitamins and minerals, like potassium and phosphorous, for bone growth. 

With a company like Nom Nom, you can also get your pup’s diet customized to them. On their site, you’ll take a 5-minute quiz about your furry friend’s age, height, weight, body type, allergies, and activity level. 

After you submit your answers, they’ll craft a balanced diet for your dog, as well as give you some pointers on the flavors that may work best.

For example, their turkey fare formula starts with real animal proteins like ground turkey and other wholesome ingredients like brown rice and spinach. 

But they also have three other recipes — including pork, beef, and chicken. After making your choice, Nom Nom prepares the food and ships it right to your doorstep based on your delivery schedule. 

As your puppy grows, you can update your quiz answers too — and should. That way, they are always getting the optimal nutrition that they need to thrive. 

Each recipe is made in small batches in a human food facility. And they are evaluated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and veterinarians. 

Dog owners appreciate that this food has real chunks of meats, vegetables, and whole grains. Many have even said the food entices them too!

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The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe

• First 5 Ingredients: USDA Beef, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Carrot, USDA Beef Liver
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 11% Crude Protein, 8% Crude Fat, 1.5% Fiber, 72% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 360 kcal/cup 
• Key Feature: wheat-free fresh dog food with a proprietary blend of vitamins for senior support  

As your pal grows older, they’ll need a bit of additional support. Remember, their bodies are slowing down and their appetite is decreasing.

So now is the time for them to enjoy their golden years. So why not spoil your senior with human-grade dog food that’s made with USDA proteins and fresh vegetables that taste like they’ve just been picked?  

The Farmer’s Dog allows you to personalize the perfect diet for your senior dog and have the convenience of food that’s already portioned out. All you have to do is thaw and feed. That’s it! No measuring, no fuss.  

Just like with Nom Nom, you’ll start with a quiz about your dog. You’ll add in their weight, ideal weight, body type, activity level, age, and any potential health issues they may have.

And, The Farmer’s Dog also asks about their eating habits. This helps them choose a recipe that even the pickiest pups want to eat. 

After taking the quiz, you’ll get your dog’s ideal diet — including calories, how much to feed them, and all of the ingredients that will be included in their food. 

The beef recipe has USDA beef and beef liver, kale, lentils, and sweet potatoes, just to name a few ingredients. And of course, they also include fish oil, which offers essential fatty acids for limber joints. 

Each formula has a proprietary blend of chelated vitamins and minerals to fit your dog’s needs. So senior dogs will have higher concentrations of vitamin D and calcium for bone health and B vitamins for energy. 

There are 3 other recipes besides beef, too — chicken, turkey, and pork. And, you can also choose a combination of recipes as well. 

Senior pet owners say that their dogs now have more energy and play more often than they used to. And some even noticed healthy weight loss and shinier coats. 

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Tylee’s Human-Grade Beef Recipe Frozen Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef Heart, Beef, Beef Liver, Broccoli, Zucchini
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 12% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 3% Fiber, 72% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 171 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: High-protein and grain-free human-grade dog food for small dogs

Human-grade and fresh dog foods can be hard to find right in a pet shop. And many require subscriptions or a delivery schedule if you want to feed your dog their food. 

But Tylee’s Human-Grade Beef Frozen dog food can be found in most pet shops and grocery stores. And it’s the perfect solution for small breed owners who don’t want the hassle of making homemade and healthy dog food.

And, it offers the same high-quality and fresh ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.  

Their beef recipe starts with USDA beef heart and liver. These animal proteins provide iron for a healthy immune system and boost energy. And they also include glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known for protecting joints and helping to rebuild cartilage. 

Real chunks of sweet potatoes, mango, and zucchini provide wheat-free and grain-free carbohydrates. And they provide a healthy dose of fiber for healthy digestion. Salmon oil and cod liver oil offers plenty of omega fatty acids to support brain and heart health. And these essential acids also give your pup a healthier coat and skin. 

This pet food is frozen after being gently cooked in a human facility. To serve, just measure out a portion based on your dog’s nutritional needs and defrost for about 10 minutes. Then, all you have to do is serve. 

Tylee’s Human-Grade Frozen dog food is free of corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals. It also doesn’t include any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.  

Small breed owners love that the defrosted food is easy for their dogs to eat. And, they say they know that the food is real because they can see the mango and zucchini chunks in their dogs bowls. 

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Ollie Lamb Recipe

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Butternut Squash, Lamb Liver, Kale, Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 10% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 2% Fiber, 74% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 225 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Human-grade dog food made with real animal proteins for dogs 70 pounds or more

Do you have a large or giant breed dog? If so, you may be apprehensive about human-grade dog food. This may be due to your thoughts on the cost or if it could offer the same high-quality nutrition that a dog over 70 pounds needs. 

But what if I told you that you could get high-value food without the price tag? Ollie makes it easy to do! Because they create minimally processed dog food for all breeds and sizes, they can make a customized option just for your dog to ensure that their needs are met. 

Just like the other human-grade dog food services, you’ll start with Ollie’s online quiz. This is one of the shortest quizzes and takes less than 3-minutes to complete.

You’ll input your dog’s weight, height, age, breed, and potential allergies. You’ll also talk about their activity level and if they’re spayed or neutered. 

After completing the quiz, Ollie will calculate your pup’s customized diet. And, they’ll let you choose one (or all four) or their recipes — including lamb, beef, chicken, and turkey. 

Their lamb recipe contains real deboned lamb for dogs with sensitivities to specific proteins. And it also includes fresh ingredients like kale, which provides beta carotene for healthy skin and fur, and butternut squash for extra fiber. 

Ollie ships each batch of food within 24 hours of cooking it. They’ll deliver it right to your door based on your schedule — every two weeks or once a month. Each order comes with a feeding guide, storage container,  and scoop to make mealtime and storage easy.

Ollie fans note that their big dogs thrive with this food. And they also say it’s a great option to look into for dogs with food allergies or who have a sensitive stomach.  

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Spot & Tango Turkey & Red Quinoa Recipe

• First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Red Quinoa, Spinach, Carrots, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 13.6% Crude Protein, 5.8% Crude Fat, 1.4% Fiber, 68.5% Moisture
• Caloric Content: Varies based on dog’s age and size
• Key Feature: Budget-friendly and human-grade food in preportioned pouches for convenience  

Want to feed your dog human-grade ingredients but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for it? You don’t have to! It’s possible to get a high-quality option without the price tag. In fact, with Spot & Tango, you can feed your dog for as little as $2 a day! 

First, Spot & Tango offers the same delivery service as some of the other options on this list. After making your dog’s food, they’ll ship it right to your door based on your delivery schedule. 

But where this food shines is its convenience. They ship your pup’s food in individually portioned and frozen pouches. And each air-tight bag follows the nutritional needs of your dog, so all you have to do is open and serve.  

Of course, you’ll want to start with their online quiz. This will help them understand how many calories your dog needs, as well as the number of pouches they need to send based on your delivery schedule.

From there, you can choose between three different recipes — turkey and red quinoa, beef and millet, and lamb and brown rice. 

The turkey and red quinoa option is their most popular choice. It starts with real ground turkey for a high-quality source of protein. And it also provides choline for liver and brain function. And just like quinoa, spinach, peas, and apples also offer soluble fiber and vitamins like vitamin A for eye health. 

Spot & Tango works with local farmers, fishers, and ranchers for US-sourced and made food that’s cooked in their USDA-certified kitchens.

Each dog owner that reviewed this food said their dog would run to gobble up this food during mealtime. However, some wish their were more grain-free options for more sensitive pups. 

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Caru Daily Dish Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Lamb, Chickpeas, Apples
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 5% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 2% Fiber, 82% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 291 kcal/pack
• Key Feature: GMO-free wet dog food made with ingredients safe for human consumption 

While it’s easy to find fresh, dehydrated, and raw dog food that uses human-grade ingredients, it’s harder to find wet food with those qualities.

But, Caru is looking to change that. Their Daily Dish Grain-Free formulas are the perfect option for dogs who need wet food and pet parents that want high-quality ingredients. 

Their Turkey with Lamb Stew Grain-Free Wet dog food starts with real lamb and deboned turkey. These provide plenty of protein and calcium, and phosphorous for strong bones. And turkey offers selenium for thyroid support and iron for heart health. 

Instead of grains, they add chickpeas, pumpkin, and whole-grain flaxseed. These offer gentle prebiotic fiber and beta carotene for eye health and vitamin C for immune system support. 

This formula supplements taurine and vitamins like choline for plenty of heart support and cognitive function. 

This healthy dog food is slow-cooked at low temperatures to preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients. And, it’s cooked in small batches in a USDA-approved human facility. This means they meet stringent requirements — giving you peace of mind about your dog’s safety. 

None of Caru’s recipes include GMOs, preservatives, xanthan, or locust bean gum. And many are grain-free and gluten-free. 

Dog moms and dads admit that this food is highly messy because of the gravy in the can. But, they love the quality of the ingredients, and many say that even their pickiest pups love to eat it. 

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Canisource Grand Cru Red Meat Dehydrated Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Pork, Beef, White Rice, Whole Barley, Rolled Oats
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3% Fiber, 8% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 480 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Premium human-grade dehydrated dog food made with raw animal proteins

What if you could have premium dog food that’s both raw-food diet friendly and made with human-grade ingredients?

That’s exactly what Canisource offers. Their Grand Cru Red Meat Dehydrated dog food is the perfect mix of dehydrated dog food made with raw meat and human-grade vegetables, fruits, and grains. 

First, it’s important to note that while this formula is considered raw, it’s also air-fried and gently dehydrated to remove potentially harmful bacteria. So it’s safer to feed your dog than traditional raw foods. Even you could eat this food (but we don’t suggest it, it may be bland). 

This recipe starts with USDA pork and beef. These both provide high-quality protein and glucosamine for flexible joints. 

White rice, whole barley, and rolled oats are full of fiber to support regular and firm stool. They also have vitamins and nutrients like B vitamins for energy and magnesium for a healthy heart. 

This pet food also includes apples and chicory root extract for antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamins. Probiotics are supplemented for gut health as well. 

Canisource Grand Cru Red Meat Dehydrated dog food is free of by-products, artificial colors, and flavors. Instead, they naturally preserve the food through dehydration and the addition of rosemary extract. 

Pet parents exclaim that this option supports their dogs with sensitive tummies. And many note that while it seems like a small amount of food, it expands to about four times the amount, so you could potentially save money over time. 

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PetPlate Lean & Mean Venison

• First 5 Ingredients: Ground Venison, Pasta, Potatoes, Venison Liver, Apples
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 8% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, .4% Fiber, 72% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 280 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Low-fat and freshly cooked dog food with allergen-friendly proteins

Dogs with certain food allergies or intolerances can’t handle specific proteins, grains, or other ingredients.

If your furry friend needs help avoiding these ingredients or has extreme allergic reactions, you may be looking into a homemade diet to know what goes in whatever you feed them. But before you do that, give PetPlate a try.

PetPlate is a fresh dog food delivery service that provides dog food formulas for dogs with allergies and intolerances. While they offer beef and chicken recipes (for dogs that aren’t sensitive to those), their most popular options are lamb, turkey, and venison formulas. 

And, if your dog doesn’t do well with certain grains or other ingredients, you can request the removal of them so your pup can enjoy their food without the discomfort.  

Another perk of PetPlate? They offer two subscription plans — topper and full. The topper plan is if you’re mixing PetPlate with regular kibble, raw meat, or a homemade diet. Their full plan is to be fed to your dog exclusively. 

To get started with your order, you’ll take a quiz. Along with what they’re allergic to, you’ll also input your dog’s weight, breed, and age. From there, PetPlate will calculate a balanced and nutritious diet just for your pup. Then, you can choose the best recipe for your dog’s needs. 

The Lean & Mean Venison formula starts with ground venison — which includes natural taurine for heart health and chondroitin for muscle support. A

nd a fun ingredient for pups —  brown rice pasta — offers gentle fiber for easier digestion. Plus, it looks like your dog is eating spaghetti and meatballs, but without getting a tummyache! 

This pet food is shipped in ice cream-like tubs. But it’s crucial to remember that these don’t include just one serving of food. For some dogs, these tubs can be two to four meals. So be sure to follow PetPlates feeding guide. 

Dog owners admit that this food takes up a lot of space in their freezer. But many say that it’s worth it to support their best friend’s dietary needs. And, none have noted any adverse reactions from their dogs after switching to PetPlate.

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MeatMe Rabbit Recipe Raw Frozen Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Rabbit with Ground Bone, Rabbit Liver, Organic Pumpkin Seed, Organic Sunflower Seed, Dried Celery
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 16.4% Crude Protein, 9.4% Crude Fat, 1.2% Fiber, 63% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 384 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: High-protein and grain-free dog food made for working or highly active dogs

Are you looking for high-protein dog food for your large breed, working dog, or super active pup? Whatever your needs for high-quality protein, we’ve got you covered.

MeatMe Rabbit Recipe Frozen Dog Food features tasty raw rabbit and a whopping 48% Crude Protein when measured as dry food. 

The rabbits are raised on a small family farm right in the US. After processing the protein, this food is crafted in small batches and flash frozen to retain nutrients. 

Of course, this is considered a raw food diet, so remember to take the proper precautions when preparing it for meal time to avoid cross-contamination. 

This is a limited ingredient diet. Besides the rabbit meat, bones, and organs, there are only 6 other ingredients. These include cod liver oil — which provides essential amino acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin.

And for fiber and prebiotics, it also contains organic pumpkin seeds, organic sunflower seeds, and dried celery. 

Pet parents say this food is worth it for the protein alone. But many also love that it’s an excellent solution for picky eaters that need the calories, protein, and fats to keep up with their daily activities. 

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What To Look For When Buying Human-Grade Dog Food?

Ready to buy human-grade dog food? Here’s what to look for. 

What Does Human-Grade Mean?

So what does human-grade mean exactly? And what food is considered human-grade? Basically, “human-grade” dog food is made with human-grade ingredients and prepared in a USDA-approved kitchen. 

While those are the primary qualifications, it’s important to note that some states don’t recognize kitchens as human-grade if they make dog food.

While this doesn’t mean it’s not, it shows that state laws can vary. So be sure to check with the food manufacturer. 

Also, “human-grade” doesn’t have a legal definition. Instead, be sure to look for the term “human edible,” which means you can consume it too! 

Is Human-Grade Dog Food Better Than Kibble?

It can be. Remember, the “human-grade” term isn’t regulated, so it’s just a gimmick for some manufacturers.

So it’s essential to make sure the food you buy has wholesome and natural ingredients (like animal proteins and fruits and vegetables). 

And usually, human-grade is less processed than dry kibble, so that’s nice as well. 

Our Verdict

If you’re ready to make the switch from kibble to human-grade dog food, now is the best time to do so! Our list of the top 10 options can get you started. 

Of course, our number one choice is The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated dog food. 

It’s suitable to feed all breeds, ages, and sizes. And, it’s simple to prepare, convenient to store, and can last you a long time — just like kibble. 

But if you have specific needs — like an allergy-friendly formula — we’ve got you covered there too. 

FAQ

Do you have some pressing questions about human-grade dog food? Here are the answers you’re looking for.