Tag: nutrition

Why It’s Important to Be Human Grade Certified

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Human Grade - Certification

In recent years, “human-grade” pet food has exploded in popularity. This designation refers to pet food that is made from ingredients that meet the standards for human consumption and processed in facilities that follow regulations for human food production.

Many pet foods claim to be human grade, but not all are Human Grade Certified. Here are 10 reasons why that matters.

1. Transparency and Trust

When a pet food product is Human Grade Certified, it shows that the manufacturer is willing to undergo scrutiny and adhere to rigorous standards. This openness fosters a greater level of trust between pet food makers and consumers. Seeing the Human Grade Certification seal on a product assures pet owners that the maker is committed to transparency and accountability in their production process.

2. Enhanced Nutritional Quality

Human Grade Certified pet food is often associated with higher nutritional quality compared to traditional pet food. Ingredients fit for human consumption are generally fresher, less processed, and free from many fillers, additives, and by-products common in conventional pet food. This means pets can get more of the nutrients they need for a healthy life, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, in forms that their bodies can easily absorb and utilize.

3. Safety and Purity

The standards for human food production are stringent, focusing on cleanliness, handling, and processing. These standards are intended to reduce the risk of contamination by pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, which are sometimes concerns in the pet food industry.

By conforming to Human Grade Certified standards, manufacturers can offer pet owners peace of mind about what they are feeding their furry family members.

4. Healthier Outcomes for Pets

Feeding pets with human-grade food can lead to healthier outcomes. Pets fed with high-quality, minimally processed foods can have healthier weights, better digestion, more energy, and shinier coats. Moreover, reducing lower-quality ingredients may decrease the risk of allergies, sensitivities, and certain chronic health issues over time.

5. Ethical Considerations

Choosing human-grade pet food can also reflect a more ethical approach to pet nutrition. It suggests a commitment to not compromising the quality of what we feed our pets, similar to the care we take to select our own food. This philosophy supports the welfare of pets by ensuring they are not exposed to inferior or potentially harmful ingredients.

6. Environmental Impact

Human-grade pet food often sources ingredients more responsibly, focusing on sustainability and reducing environmental impact. By utilizing higher-quality, locally sourced ingredients and adhering to more rigorous production standards, these manufacturers can contribute to less waste and lower carbon footprints.

This consideration is increasingly important to pet owners who are conscious of their environmental impact and seek to support brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices.

7. Support for Special Dietary Needs

Pets with specific health issues or dietary restrictions can benefit significantly from human-grade food options. These foods often offer single-source proteins, grain-free options, and other specialized formulations that can help manage health conditions such as food sensitivities, obesity, diabetes, and kidney issues.

8. Psychological Benefits for Pet Owners

Feeding pets human-grade food can also offer feel-good benefits for pet owners. Knowing they are providing the highest quality food can strengthen the emotional bond between pet and owner, fostering a sense of care and responsibility.

This aspect of pet care can enhance the owner’s well-being, as caring for a pet in such a conscientious manner can be incredibly rewarding and affirming.

9. Innovation and Variety

Human-grade pet food brands often lead the way in innovation, offering a variety of formulations, textures, and flavors that go beyond traditional pet food offerings. This variety can be crucial for picky eaters or pets with specific preferences, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrition without compromise.

The continuous innovation in human-grade pet food also means that pets can enjoy a more diverse diet.

10. Economic Impacts

While the cost of human-grade pet food is generally higher than conventional pet food, the investment can potentially lead to lower veterinary bills over the pet’s lifetime. Pets fed a high-quality diet may be less likely to develop diet-related health issues, which can result in significant savings on medical care.

Human Grade Pet Food Certifications — There are several reasons why Human Grade certified pet feed is worth looking for.

Elevating Pet Health with Human Grade Certification

While human-grade pet food might come at a higher price point, its benefits in terms of nutritional quality, safety, transparency, health outcomes, and ethical considerations make it a compelling choice for pet owners dedicated to providing the best for their pets.

As the pet food industry continues to evolve, the demand for human-grade options is likely to grow, reflecting a broader trend towards more holistic and conscientious pet care practices.

The information provided in this article, including recommendations and insights regarding Human Grade Certified pet food, is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is important for pet owners to understand that each pet is unique, with specific dietary needs and health considerations. Before making any changes to your pet’s diet or if you have concerns about your pet’s nutritional requirements, we strongly advise consulting with a licensed veterinarian or a pet nutrition expert.

What does Human Grade Pet Food Mean?

Posted on August 24, 2021 by Human Grade - Certification

Pet owners want the best for their animal friends and are rightly concerned about the ingredients in pet foods and how they are sourced. Pet owners have become more aware of what and how healthy the food is they feed their animals. To address this trend, pet food makers have taken to labeling their premium products as “human grade.” But what exactly does it mean for pet food to be human grade?

The answer is not as straightforward and may surprise you. This article will delve into what human grade means and the difference between a pet food labeled human grade versus one with a Human Grade Certification Seal.

What is Feed Grade pet food?

Before getting into Human Grade, we should explain what non-human grade pet food is. Most pet food is “feed grade,” which is an FDA standard. Feed grade food is deemed acceptable for pets but not for consumption by humans.

Feed grade food can contain by-products, chemicals, fillers, and animal parts you would not find in human food. Historically, feed grade pet food also contained the dreaded “4Ds”: parts from dying, diseased, disabled, or deceased animals.

In short, regular feed grade pet food — which most pet food on the market is — can contain some unpleasant ingredients that no reasonable person would ever want to put in their diet. It is also manufactured in plants not subject to the same rules and oversight as human food facilities.

What is Human Grade?

“Human grade” is a term that pet food makers have used to indicate that their products are made with the same standards applicable to food for humans. However, there is currently no universal legal definition for what “human grade” actually means. The term “human grade” is also not currently defined in official pet feed regulations.

A product labeled “human grade” implies that the food was made in accordance with the same standards for products made for human consumption. The U.S. Department of Agriculture refers to products fit for people as “edible.”

A product might claim “human grade” because the ingredients were sourced from a USDA meat plant. However, that labeling would potentially be misleading. The meat that leaves a USDA meatpacking plant can be inedible if it doesn’t meet standards for human consumption. It also says nothing about the facility that produced the final product.

To truly claim a pet food is made according to human food standards is a high bar. It means that every ingredient and the food production facility meets federal and state regulatory standards for human food. You should also be wary of products that claim to use “human grade ingredients” because that says nothing about the manufacturing process.

What is the AAFCO Standard for Human Grade?

AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. They are a non-profit organization and voluntary membership association of local, state, and federal agencies. They are highly influential in the pet food industry and propose and set standards for pet foods in the United States.

For some time, AAFCO has been tinkering with a definition of “human grade” that could finally provide a standardized description. However, they have not yet committed to a final definition, and no official human grade standard has been enacted on a federal or state level. There has also been some controversy among pet food advocates in how AAFCO distinguishes human grade pet food from normal feed grade pet food.

What is the Human Grade Certification Seal?

The Human Grade Certification program was developed to clear up the confusion about what human grade means. If you see the Human Grade Certified seal on a product, it means the manufacturer has attested that every ingredient in the product is edible by humans. The product was processed in a facility that meets standards for human food production.

The Human Grade Certified seal also means the product has no added artificial flavorings, colors, or preservatives. A Human Grade Certification is not awarded unless every single requirement is met.

The Human Grade Certification Seal is a convenient way for pet food owners to find the foods they want for their pets on crowded pet food shelves.
Human Grade Pet Food Certifications

Can People Eat Human Grade Pet Food?

Humans should never eat human grade pet food. You may be wondering why since the pet food was made following human food standards. The reason is that pet food has a different nutritional profile than human food, and animals also have very different digestive systems.

A food designed for a pet is not intended for a human. Conversely, not all human foods are good for your pets. For example, foods like chocolate and nuts can be toxic to household pets, but they’re perfectly edible for most humans. Animals can also eat raw foods that humans have a hard time digesting. For these reasons, you should never consume foods intended for pets, even if they meet human grade standards.

What are The Basics of Feline Nutrition?

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Human Grade - Nutrition

Anyone who’s ever watched a cat at play understands that felines are natural hunters. They may live under our roofs, but their bodies still consume nutrients like the hunters from which they’ve evolved. Cats are true carnivores, which means their digestive system only tolerates meat, unlike omnivorous humans and dogs. In other words, cats’ nutritional needs differ from ours. Therefore it’s vital to understand at least the basics of feline nutrition. Two factors play vital roles in the nutritional needs of cats:

Cats are true carnivores (meat-eaters).
Cats evolved from a desert climate.

The History of Felines

To understand feline nutrition, it helps to know their history. Cats’ ancestors are desert animals and eventually became domesticated in the area of Egypt. For thousands of years, cats evolved, living in areas where humans lived but were not tamed. While dogs resided with humans and hunted with humans, cats functioned independently.

Even as humans started agricultural communities, cats resisted domestication. Instead of consuming food provided by people, cats lived off the animals that flocked to agricultural byproducts. Human agrarian societies attracted birds, small animals, rodents, and cats, who preyed on them. DNA comparisons of cats throughout history show few fundamental changes between these wild felines and today’s domesticated house cats. Despite their smaller sizes and more vibrant colors, cats still display feral tendencies and remain carnivorous animals.

Feline Nutrition

Most mammals, like humans and canines, use carbohydrates as their primary source of energy. Protein is used, for the most part, to build and maintain tissue and execute biological reactions. In contrast, cats are carnivores and depend on protein as their source of energy. Only animal tissue (meats) contains the high levels of the right kind of protein that cats need to survive. For example, cats need more essential amino acids than humans or canines and can only obtain them from their meat diet.

Although cats can tolerate some products like cheese and honey, these foods aren’t necessary to their diet and may result in health issues if consumed in large amounts.

As carnivores, cats depend on nutrients found only in animal tissue.
Human Grade, high-quality pet food certification

The nutrients a cat depends on include protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins (niacin, calcium, vitamin A), and minerals. Although some nutrients that cats need are present in plant tissue, they’re not in a form that cats can utilize. For example, vegetables contain fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which help animals develop healthy skin and fur. However, cats can’t metabolize ALA from plants and must obtain it from meat sources.

Felines and Water

Because felines are originally desert animals, cats require less water per day than canines of the same size. Although water is still an essential part of their diet, cats utilize the water in their bodies much more efficiently than humans and canines, and their bodies conserve the water. Cats who consume canned cat food get much of their water from their food and generally drink less water than cats who eat dry food.

A well-fed cat is a happy cat; human-grade pet food offers the best ingredients and production for your feline's little tummy. - Human Grade Pet Food Certification — A well-fed cat is a happy cat; human-grade pet food offers the best ingredients and production for your feline’s little tummy.

Finding the Right Mix

According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, cats also need a dozen or more nutrients besides protein and carbohydrates. Because cats get their vitamins and minerals from their food, extra supplements aren’t necessary as long as cats eat high-quality, well-balanced food specifically for cats.

However, creating homemade cat food is not recommended. Research conducted in 2019 found that most homemade cat foods lacked the proper nutrients and could even contain ingredients toxic to felines (such as garlic, onions, etc.). Commercial cat foods, however, are formulated with the right amount of nutrients.

Commercially available cat foods contain nutrients and calories standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Though the content is the same, it’s the quality of the food that differs the most. The following are some of the different types of cat foods:

1. Dry Cat Food

Dry cat food contains the least amount of water than all the other types of foods (6-10 percent water). Some cats may also find dry food less flavorful than other foods due to the lack of moisture.

2. Semi-Moist Cat Food

Semi-moist cat food consists of about 35 percent moisture. Cats find semi-moist food more appealing than dry food, though the food tends to become less palatable the longer it remains exposed to air.

3. Canned Cat Food

Canned cat food’s moisture content is about 75 percent, which is not only more pleasing to felines but also makes it an excellent water source. Compared to the other types of food, canned cat foods generally contain meats instead of meat byproducts.

4. Human-Grade Cat Food

Human-grade cat food contains the nutrient combination that felines need. In addition, the food is prepared using the same methods and facilities used to cook human meals. The food contents are also human-grade, meaning it’s fit for human consumption, very high-quality, and contains no by-products.

For picky and discerning felines, human-grade cat food may be the most attractive choice.
Human Grade, high-quality pet food certification

Choose High-Quality Feline Food

While the basics of feline nutrition are simple to follow, it’s essential to remember that their nutritional needs are different from humans and canines. As carnivores, their diets consist almost entirely of animal products. Choosing high-quality, nutritionally balanced cat food — the likes of human-grade certified pet food — may appeal to their finicky tastes and is vital to having a healthy and happy cat.

Do I Need to Feed My Dog a Breed-Specific Diet?

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Human Grade - Nutrition

Do I need to feed my dog breed-specific diet? - Human Grade

For thousands of years, humans have bred dogs to meet human needs and preferences. Whether it’s for hunting, herding, or guarding villages, humans have chosen specific dogs to breed together. These efforts have brought us to the variety of dog breeds we have today. Although we don’t necessarily use our Poodles for retrieving ducks or our Cocker spaniels for hunting, as our ancestors did, we still prize particular dog breeds. When you feed your dog, a breed-specific diet may just be secondary; the quality of the dog food is just as essential. Read on below to understand the different factors for providing your dog with a suitable diet.

Do Dog Breeds Have Unique Health Conditions?

Because there are physical traits, temperaments, and agility chosen for each breed, it’s not surprising that specific health conditions also manifest themselves in particular breeds. Below are a few examples of health conditions that are more prevalent in certain breeds.

Chihuahuas frequently have dental issues due to their small jaws.
Dalmatians often have problems with hearing.
Golden retrievers are prone to have hip dysplasia and arthritis problems.
Labradors can gain weight quickly and become obese.
Pomeranians are more likely to have luxating patellas (knees that slip out of place) than other breeds.
Dobermans are prone to genetic cardiomyopathy.

Does Dog Food Need to Be Breed-Specific?

Each breed has different genetic traits that can impact their health, and a breed-specific diet aims to prevent or manage those health issues. Breed-specific diets are formulated with extra nutrients to address the needs of particular breeds.

For example, a breed-specific dog food meant for Dachshunds — who are prone to back and spinal disorders from obesity — may contain low-fat ingredients, keeping a Dachshund’s weight within a healthy range. Though that reasoning may sound logical, health differences between breeds don’t necessarily translate into the need for a breed-specific diet. According to the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, there’s more to keeping a dog healthy than a breed-specific diet.

Why a Breed-Specific Diet is Fine, but Not Necessary

Feeding a dog a breed-specific food may make owners complacent with their dog’s health, putting all their hopes on the breed-specific dog food rather than taking an individualized approach. It’s important to understand that there are no guarantees and that illnesses may occur even if you feed your dog a breed-specific diet.

Each dog is unique. An owner may find themselves with a Dachshund that could benefit from more calories rather than less. Every dog has a mix of internal and environmental factors that make up its health. In short, dogs are much more than their breed.

What Matters is the Quality of the Food

Currently, there are no guidelines for what should be in breed-specific dog food. The formulation for a German Shepherd’s dog food from one company may differ greatly from another company’s dog food for the same breed. All dog food — including breed-specific — must still meet the requirements dictated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). When it comes to “breed-specific,” however, it’s up to each company to decide what ingredients to include to make the food work for a breed. More importantly, there are no current studies that indicate whether or not breed-specific dog food is effective at preventing breed-associated health conditions.

The quality and quantity of food you feed your dog are more important than sticking to a breed-specific diet. - Human Grade Pet Food Certification — The quality and quantity of food you feed your dog are more important than sticking to a breed-specific diet.

All-Breed Dog Food

While breed-specific dog food isn’t better than a universal “all-breed” type of dog food, it’s probably not harmful either. What’s vital is that owners pay attention to their dog’s health and follow their veterinarian’s directions. By changing dog food to align with your dog’s current needs, you can address the health issues head-on as they occur.

Human-Grade Dog Food: Quality Matters

To sum up, you do not need to feed your dog a breed-specific diet; what matters more than breed-specificity in dog food is the actual quality of the food. Dog food may meet the AAFCO nutritional guidelines, but it might not have quality ingredients. Feeding a dog quality food helps to ensure their longevity and promote good health, regardless of their breed. For example, human-grade dog food is made from higher-quality meats, vegetables, and grains than typical dog food. Human-grade dog food is cooked in the same type of kitchens meant for cooking human food and the same guidelines and requirements for human food.

Human-grade dog food is of a higher quality than regular pet food. Despite the general quality control for pet foods, the level still doesn’t come near the quality control used for human food. Human-grade dog food undergoes the same quality controls as human food, ensuring that dogs get the essential nutrients they need. Regardless of dog breed, what matters most is the quality of the food you feed to your pet.