Tag: pets

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.

Human Grade certified pet food guarantees a pet food production that would fit for human consumption. - Human Grade Pet Food Certifications — Human Grade certified pet food guarantees a pet food production that would fit for human consumption.

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.

Your Pets Can Have Food Allergies Too!

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Human Grade - Health

Although pets can have food allergies just like people do, they can’t tell us if they feel itchy or unwell. Pet owners need to be on the lookout for allergic reactions to food and prevent them from happening. Pet foods are often prone to induce allergic reactions as the food production is sub-par to human nutrition and may include ingredients not specified on the label. Thankfully, the Human Grade pet food label can help pet owners identify foods that are made to the highest standards. Owners will know exactly what their pet will be eating, reducing the risk of causing any food allergy.

Why Do Food Allergies Occur?

Although the terms “food intolerance” and “food allergies” are often confused, they stand for two different reactions a digestive system may have to food.

Food intolerance is caused by the inability of the body to digest a particular food. For example, some dogs can’t digest dairy items because of their lack of milk digesting enzyme, called lactase, making them lactose intolerant.
Food allergies are the response of the immune system to a protein from a specific food. Instead of identifying the food as a harmless source of nutrition, an animal’s immune system recognizes the protein as a foreign invader. It initiates an immune response to fight against it. This immune response can range from minor (itchy skin, sneezing, etc.) to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal.

Although some food allergies may appear on the first exposure to a food, most allergies occur after repeatedly consuming a particular food. Each time a pet eats the food item, its body builds an immune response. At some point, the immune response becomes so strong that an allergic reaction develops. However, with pet food, it may be a challenge to isolate what caused the allergy because of the mixed ingredients in regular pet food.

Common Food Allergy Symptoms in Cats and Dogs

Because animals can’t articulate when they’re not feeling well, it’s important to be aware of food allergies’ signs and symptoms. The three most common allergy reactions are:

1. Skin Reactions

Human skin tends to show food allergy reactions more readily than other parts of the body, and the same is true for animals. A food allergy can manifest itself as allergic dermatitis, a common type of allergic reaction in pets. Hives, which are itchy and red raised areas on the skin, typically occur 6–24 hours after a pet consumes the food they are allergic to.

Pets who show food allergy symptoms on their skin will likely scratch, lick, or bite the areas that are bothering them — sometimes to the point of breaking the skin and causing an infection. Allergies can also cause hair loss and bald patches. On short-haired cats or dogs, skin reactions are easy to spot. However, on long-haired animals, owners may have to feel for hives and look closely through their animal’s fur.

2. Digestive Problems

Food allergies in pets are often exhibited through changes in an animal’s digestive system. Cats and dogs may have excessive bowel movements, about three or more a day. These bowel movements may be soft stools or diarrhea. Along with excessive stools, the pets may also vomit or have excessive gas after eating the food they’re allergic to.

3. Swelling

Because food allergies are an immune response, inflammation is a major sign of an allergy. Swelling and redness in an animal’s eyelids, ear flaps, or lips are easy-to-spot signs of an allergy.

Know how to recognize food allergies in your pet and minimize the cause of such symptoms by sticking to human-grade certified pet food. - Human Grade Pet Food Certification — Know how to recognize food allergies in your pet and minimize the cause of such symptoms by sticking to human-grade certified pet food.

What Can You Do to Help Your Pet Fight Allergies?

Unfortunately, there are no treatments for pet food allergies. Avoidance of the food causing the allergy is the only way to keep a food allergy from recurring. Prevention can start with changing the food a pet consumes and paying close attention to the quality thereof.

Human-Grade Pet Food

The more ingredients and additives are in pet foods, the higher the chances for an allergy to develop. Typical pet food products, though generally safe for pets, aren’t regulated for purity or freshness. They are often cooked in huge batches and contain varied ingredients from discarded food parts not appropriate for human consumption.

Controlling pet food for allergic proteins is a challenge because many different ingredients are used, which vary in each new food batch.
Human Grade, high-quality pet food certification

Although quality control exists for pet foods, quality isn’t on par with the level used for humans. The mixed content and quality of regular pet foods can produce food allergies in some animals, leading to itching, digestive problems, and overall poor health.

Human-grade pet food allows for improved control over what a pet consumes. With human-grade pet food, a pet owner can rest assured that their pet’s food is made with ingredients of the same quality as for human consumption. Certified human-grade pet food is minimally processed in facilities that meet the standard for human food production.

Human-grade pet food is formulated nutritionally for pets but made as it would be for humans.
Human Grade, high-quality pet food certification

By feeding your animal human-grade pet food, the chances of your pet developing a food allergy are significantly reduced. Pet food that undergoes the same processing, manufacturing, and USDA inspection guidelines that human food does is less prone to contain products that could cause an allergic reaction. By choosing human-grade pet food, owners know what their pets are eating is human-quality. Pets can have food allergies, too, and human-grade pet food is an excellent option to reduce food allergy-related issues.

Are You Feeding Your Dogs a Proper Diet?

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Human Grade - Nutrition

Are you feeding your dogs the proper diet? - Human Grade

Unlike cats, who are strict carnivores (only consume meat), dogs are omnivores. And although they can tolerate a diet that’s high on meat products, dogs also benefit nutritionally from fruits, vegetables, and grains. A proper balance of vitamins and minerals is necessary to maintain your dog’s growth, health, and longevity. And human-grade certified dog food can further guarantee the food was processed to the quality standards you would expect for human food. To know if you are feeding your dogs a proper diet read the tips below.

Why is a Nutritionally Balanced Diet Important?

Pets are ultimately dependent upon their owners for their food. The health and safety of pets are a priority for pet owners, which is why dog food manufacturers are closely regulated and monitored. The pet food industry utilizes a basic formula for dogs and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that commercial dog food meets that formula. Every ingredient has a purpose. Some dog foods are targeted towards the health or developmental state (puppy, aging, active, etc.), while others target specific health conditions, like diabetes or obesity. Overall, manufacturers make dog foods to keep your dog healthy and strong.

The sign of a healthy dog is thick and shiny fur and a solid body structure. That coat and muscle come from fatty acids and protein in their dog food. The balanced nutrition in dog food also helps maintain a dog’s immune system, promotes digestion, and keeps your dog cognitively engaged. Because of that basic formula and oversight by the FDA, you can rest reassured that the dog food your dog consumes meets minimum requirements. Here are some of the primary nutrients your dog needs:

1. Protein

Dogs require much more protein than humans do. Protein builds your dog’s bones, muscles, hair, nails, and immune system. Dogs can get protein from non-meat sources, but the highest quality protein comes mostly from beef, poultry, and fish. When a dog experiences protein deficiency, you may start to see thinning fur, growth problems, and frequent illness. Too much protein can cause problems in dogs who have kidney or liver issues.

2. Fats

Dogs use fats as an essential source of energy, and it’s the basis for healthy skin, brain, eyes, and organs. When a dog doesn’t consume enough fat, they can become lethargic and lose their fur. However, too much fat can cause obesity and hyperlipidemia (excess fat in the blood).

3. Carbohydrates

Although carbohydrates don’t comprise the bulk of most dog food, it’s still an essential part of a dog’s diet. Carbohydrates like grains and rice often contain vitamins and minerals that dogs need. Although carbohydrates are essential, their consumption should be closely monitored. For example, sedentary dogs require fewer carbohydrates than active dogs, and too many carbohydrates can quickly lead to obesity.

A vital component of carbohydrates is fiber. Just like humans, fiber aids in digestion for dogs. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Both affect the digestive process in different ways:

Soluble fiber helps promote beneficial digestive bacteria and absorbs water, but can produce excessive gas when consumed in large amounts.
Insoluble fiber cleanses the digestive tract and creates regular bowel movements, though too much can lead to loose stools.

Finding a balance between the two keeps bowel movements regular and prevents malnourishment in dogs.

4. Vitamins and Minerals

Like humans, dogs require vitamins and minerals for adequate brain and nerve functioning. These nutrients also help with the processing of fats and carbohydrates for energy. Calcium, magnesium, and iron are all examples of vitamins and minerals that dogs need. (Interestingly, dogs don’t require Vitamin C because their livers create it.) Vitamins and minerals are the most challenging part of a dog’s diet to balance. Dog food manufacturers employ scientists and veterinary nutritionists to evaluate the vitamins and minerals in the food that they develop.

Feeding your dog a proper, balanced diet is important for your dog's health and happiness. - Human Grade Pet Food Certification — Feeding your dog a proper, balanced diet is important for your dog’s health and happiness.

Feeding a Dog Table Food

Because dogs have their own nutrient requirements, feeding a dog table food isn’t the ideal treat to give your dog. A small treat for a human can be a calorie and sodium-laden feast for a dog. And too many of these “small” treats can lead to weight gain and poor nutrition. Also, some seemingly benign table food can be toxic to dogs. Xylitol and chocolate, for instance, may cause seizures and abnormal heart rhythms. If you provide small bits of table food for your dog to eat, it’s necessary to know what foods to avoid.

Home Cooking and Raw Feeding

There’s a current trend of home raw feeding for dogs. Unfortunately, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American College of Veterinary Nutritionists, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all do not support a raw food diet for dogs. For dog owners who wish to feed their dogs a raw or homemade diet, consulting a veterinary nutritionist is recommended. Not only is there a concern regarding establishing a consistent proper diet for dogs, but raw meats pose an infection control issue for humans and animals alike.

Human-Grade Dog Food

For dog owners who have concerns regarding how dog food is processed, human-grade certified dog food ensures that the food made for your dog is manufactured in the same way as for humans.

Human-grade dog food guarantees your dogs will enjoy balanced nutrition which was processed and packaged to the same quality standard human food is handled.
Human Grade, high-quality pet food certification

Although dog food may contain the basic necessary nutrients required, traditional dog food often includes meat and plant ingredients inferior to human-grade food. For example, the correct protein requirements are met, but the content may come from diseased meat or scraps. Human-grade dog food undergoes the same inspection guidelines that human food does, so you can be sure your pet receives the quality you consume.

Balanced Food Meant for Dogs

Despite your best intentions, it’s challenging to obtain the nutritional balance and safety that commercial dog food manufacturers adhere to. Whether you feed your dog kibble or wet dog food, you are providing your dog with the essential nutrients they need. Along with regular exercise and a lot of love, feeding your dogs a proper diet is the recipe for a healthy and happy dog.

How is Human-Grade Certification Different from Natural and Organic Grading?

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Human Grade - Certification

Pet lovers are much more willing to pay top dollar for quality pet food. The longevity of our pets may depend on the food we offer them. Because there are so many pet food options, decisions on the purchase are made more critically and informed. But, the dizzying array of pet foods and labeling can leave the average pet owner feeling overwhelmed. Pet food with a human-grade certification can satisfy even the most discerning pet owners and pets alike.

Pet Food Decisions

To help you make the appropriate food decisions for your pet, animal foods are certified for quality and content. Because we all want the best for our pets, becoming familiar with the main types of pet food grading can help us choose the best food options for our animals.

To help you, we’ll be using the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) definitions to clarify each pet food grading and certification. The AAFCO is an association of federal and state agencies that regulate the manufacturing and distribution of animal feed — which includes pet foods. The AAFCO provides definitions for regulatory laws and establishes regulations to ensure that animal feed is nutritionally adequate and safe.

Organic Certification

According to the AAFCO, organic pet food meets the processing standard of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA’s National Organic Program states that organic products are “produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.”

Organic products undergo stringent audits and investigations. As of yet, the are no organic regulations that pertain specifically to pet food. Currently, pet food certified as organic must meet the USDA National Organic Program definition as it pertains to organic human food regulations. To qualify as “certified organic,” pet food must be made of at least 95% organic ingredients.

Natural Certification

In the past, the term “natural” had ambiguous meanings and didn’t have a solid definition. These days, natural is a definite certification. According to AAFCO definition of natural is:

“A feed or feed ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subject to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur in good manufacturing practices.”

Beware of misleading “certified natural” labels. Many pet foods can be “natural,” but all-natural and 100% natural certifications are very specific. For a pet food product to be 100% natural, it must with every aspect of the AAFCO definition. Products that advertise an item as 100% can’t also have “added vitamins and minerals.”

Human-Grade Certification

The term “human-grade” isn’t currently defined by AAFCO, efforts are being made to establish a guideline to certify pet producers with. A human-grade certification would require unique and specific standards because there are no human-grade guidelines to compare animal feed with. The USDA, however, does define what items are “edible.” For an animal feed to meet human-grade certification, it would have to be fit for human consumption, thus meet the USDA definitions for edible food products.

Human-grade certification ensures that the food made for your pet was made as it would be for humans. Obtaining a human-grade certification for a pet food product would mean passing the same processing, manufacturing, and inspection hurdles that human food does. The USDA guidelines are so stringent and that very few pet food products would be able to make this claim at this time.

Silver and Gold Certification

As the desire for healthier pet food grows, so does the need to develop new certifications for higher grades of pet food. Silver certification is a new designation that combines the edible human-grade definition with other existing pet food regulations for pet safety. Free of artificial flavorings, colors, or preservatives, silver certification contains no rendered meat or by-products.

Gold certification, another new designation, meets all of the silver certification elements and is also minimally processed at a facility that meets the standard for human food production. Not only is it edible for humans, but gold certification is also made with human food processing standards in mind.

Human-grade certification differs from natural and organic grading by focusing on the ingredients and food production that is fit for human consumption, offering your pets grade A food. - Human Grade Pet Food Certifications — Human-grade certification differs from natural and organic grading by focusing on the ingredients and food production that is fit for human consumption, offering your pets grade A food.

Certification Considerations

You may think that your furry friend can consume the same foods you do. After all, what’s good for you should be suitable for man’s best friend, right? Well, the answer isn’t black and white. In general, all pet foods come from animals and plants that humans would consume. For example, humans and animals both eat chicken. The parts of the chicken fed to humans would be the breast and thighs. The organs and back, however, are what may end up in pet food. In theory, the same chicken parts could be consumed by humans, but we typically prefer the more traditional chicken parts! The plants we consume are also the same plants that end up in pet food.

Nutrients are also not a factor when it comes to the term human-grade, natural, or organic. AAFCO uses the same standards for nutrients, regardless of whether the pet food is your typical run-of-the-mill pet food or if it’s the higher-priced organic variety. When it comes to nutrients, human-grade or organic pet food may not be all that different from regular pet food. What is different is how the food was grown, processed, and packaged. Organic dog food, for example, may not have genetically engineered plant ingredients. And human-grade cat food receives the same factory processing as human food does. In the end, the nutritional value may be the same, but pet owners may find other aspects more beneficial than others. It’s up to the preference of the pet owners and the guidance of a veterinarian.

The Truth About Pet Food

What’s important is that pets aren’t routinely fed the same foods that we eat — like table food. Just because a food product is fit for human consumption doesn’t mean that it’s safe for a pet to eat. Chocolate, for example, is a delicious treat for humans. For dogs, however, it can be toxic. Researchers and manufacturers formulate pet foods to have the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and nutrients for the animal it’s made for. Although dogs may enjoy — and perhaps beg for — the same food we have at the dinner table, the food we eat for ourselves may not be what’s best for them in the long run.

An animal’s digestive and nutritional needs are very different from our own, and finding the right formulation requires attention to detail and knowledge of animal health. It’s best to leave it to the professionals! Whether you choose traditional, human-grade, or organic pet food, know that the ingredients and nutrients may not be all that different. The decision always comes down to what’s best for you and safe for your pet.