If you're like us, scrolling Instagram hunting for another cute dog video to watch, you're probably seen ads for 'human-grade dog food' come across your feed. While it seems self-explanatory, what does being human-grade really mean in practice?

At Black Dog Barkery, you already know that we want the best for our pets, and we believe that starts with what we put in their bowls. So let's break down what human-grade pet food means and more Bristol pet parents are making the switch for their dogs.

What is Human-Grade Dog Food?

Definition and Standards

Having a human-grade dog food certification really centers around two things: production and ingredients. 

What this means from a regulation standpoint is that all their ingredients and food production processes have to meet USDA and FDA guidelines.

From a practical standpoint, what this mean is that you are going to get much higher quality ingredients as compared to kibble or dog foods not considered to be safe for humans.

So yes, technically you could grab a spoonful of your dog's cooked human-grade dinner (avoid the raw options and we think it might be a little light on the seasonings, but hey, to each their own, right?).

At Black Dog Barkery, this is the level of commitment that we look for when sourcing products from any new food or treat companies. In fact, some of our top brands have ingredients that are sources entirely from the US. 

Comparison with Traditional Dog Foods

Traditional dog foods, often labeled as feed-grade, can include ingredients not considered suitable for human consumption. While these dog foods must still meet basic nutritional requirements set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the quality and source of ingredients can vary widely.

Many pet food companies use by-products and fillers, whereas human-grade dog food focuses on high-quality, whole human-grade ingredients that are easily digestible and nutritionally superior.

In short, when comparing the two, the ingredients in human-grade foods typically read like a recipe. 

Ingredients Used in Human-Grade Dog Foods

Human-grade dog foods boast a transparent ingredient list, featuring real meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Unlike some commercial pet food companies that rely on processed components, human-grade ingredients ensure your dogs receive a diet rich in essential nutrients.

This commitment to quality extends to avoiding artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, promoting better overall health and well-being for your pet. 

For example, here are the ingredients from Open Farm's Gently Cooked Beef variety:

• Certified Humane Beef

• Carrots

• Kale

• Certified Humane Beef Liver

• Zucchini

• Butternut Squash

• Pumpkin

• Water

• Flaxseed

Benefits of Human-Grade Dog Food

Just as eating a healthy diet with limited processed food is healthy for us, the same goes for our pets, and you'll find a lot of overlap in the benefits:

• Improves overall health and nutrition with real, whole ingredients.

• Supports vitality and well-being, leading to a happier and healthier life.

• Helps maintain a healthy weight due to its filling and nutritionally dense nature.

• Improves digestion and reduces gastrointestinal issues.

• Reduces allergy flare-ups by eliminating common allergens.

• Positively influences behavior with consistent energy levels and improved mood.

Black Dog Barkery Dog Food Options

Finding the right dog food for your furry companion can be daunting, especially if you're dealing with health issues. If you're in that boat, we see you! Know they we're always here to help you determine the best food for your dog.

We offer human-grade pet food options at Black Dog Barkery and prioritize brands that have transparent sourcing and production practices. In short: we do the homework so you don't have to! 

You can find a wide selection of premium food and treat options, no matter why types of dog food you're looking for. Dogs are family too and deserve to be spoiled!

How to Choose the Right Human-Grade Dog Food

There are lots of options out there so how to you go about finding the best fit for your dog? We like to follow these steps:

1. What type of food works best for your lifestyle?

   • Dehydrated? Easy and convenient to feed, best re-hydrated before each meal

   • Fresh or gently cooked? Allow for thawing time and needs proper storage (how big is your freezer?)

   • Raw? Typically comes frozen as well so freezer space and proper sanitation are important considerations

2. Does your dog tolerate certain proteins better than others, and do you need variety to rotate protein sources?

3. Review the ingredients and sourcing to ensure they are both quality

4. Is the food a complete source of nutrition for dogs or are supplements or add-ins expected?

   • Some brands offer protein only options intended as a base for the owner to add to.

Or, or course, you could push the easy button and just come by and ask us!

We even offer a VIP discount for our repeat customers who purchase their dogs food at Black Dog Barkery. 

Transitioning from Traditional Dog Foods

A gradual transition to human-grade dog food is crucial to avoid digestive upset. The general rule is to change your dog's diet by no more than 25% at a time.

Here's what that looks like:

• Week 1: 25% new food, 75% old food

• Week 2: 50% new food, 50% old food

• Week 3: 75% new food, 25% old food

• Week 4: 100% new, delicious food!

A slower transition like this is better, especially if you have an older dog or one with a sensitive stomach.

Should You Switch to Human-Grade Dog Food?

Switching to human-grade dog food can be a significant decision for pet owners who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. With that said, it has to be the right choice for you and your dog. 

Human-grade varieties, as you might expect, are priced higher than their feed-grade counterparts (this is why we offer our VIP program to our repeat food buyers) so that's an important consideration for many Bristol pet owners. 

Due to this, many pet parents choose to supplement their dogs regular food with whole-food based toppers, human-grade options, or simply level up their kibble choices to a higher quality (yes, we have dog kibble options at Black Dog Barkery, too!). 

There's no questioning the benefits of feeding a more natural, healthy dog food option and by choosing to feed your dog a human-grade dog food (in part or fully) is a step toward a more vibrant canine companion. 

Explore Options at Black Dog Barkery

Ready to treat your canine companion to the very best? We encourage you to explore the wide variety of human-grade dog food options available at Black Dog Barkery in Bristol, TN.

Our shelves are stocked with premium food products to cater to every pet's unique needs and preferences. Pop in and we'll help you find the perfect human-grade food that will have your dog's tail wagging with joy, your pet is waiting!