You’ve probably come across terms like "human grade dog food" and "feed-grade", but what do they actually mean and which one is better for your dog?

In this guide, we’ll unpack the difference between human grade dog food vs feed-grade, explore how each is made, what goes into them, and why more pet parents are making the switch to human grade. 

🥩 What Is Human Grade Dog Food?

Human grade dog food is made from ingredients that are legally fit for human consumption and produced in facilities that meet the same safety standards as human food. That means:

• Ingredients are USDA/FSA-approved for people

• Food is processed in a human food-grade facility

• Recipes are made under strict sanitation, storage, and preparation protocols

You won’t find animal by-products, meat meals, or chemical preservatives here — just clean, whole-food ingredients like chicken, fish, sweet potato, and blueberries.

What Is Feed-Grade Dog Food?

By contrast, feed-grade dog food is made from ingredients only deemed safe for animal consumption. It’s typically processed in pet feed facilities, which follow less strict manufacturing standards. Feed-grade food may include:

• Rendered meats (like meat meal or bone meal)

• Animal by-products (organs, fats, cartilage)

• Fillers like corn, wheat, or soy

• Additives, artificial flavours, and preservatives

This is the category most traditional kibble brands fall into. While feed-grade doesn’t always mean “bad,” it’s generally more heavily processed and less transparent about its sourcing.

Human Grade Dog Food vs Feed-Grade: Key Differences

Let’s break down the differences between human grade dog food vs feed-grade in a clear comparison:

Why More Pet Parents Are Switching to Human Grade

There’s been a huge shift in the pet world — we’re no longer just “owners,” we’re pet parents. That means more people are demanding food that matches their own standards.

Here’s why human grade dog food is gaining ground over traditional kibble and feed-grade alternatives:

1. Better Ingredients = Better Health

Human grade foods are packed with real, recognisable ingredients. Think lean meats, whole vegetables, fruit, and herbs. These provide naturally occurring nutrients, rather than relying on synthetic additives to meet minimum standards.

• Soopa Pets uses human-grade ingredients in all treats — sweet potato, coconut, apple, banana — nothing artificial, nothing hidden.

2. Fewer Allergens & Sensitivities

Many feed-grade foods contain common allergens like wheat, corn, soy, and artificial colours. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin issues often improve when switched to human grade diets that are simpler and more transparent.

3. Higher Digestibility

Fresh and lightly cooked human-grade diets are easier to digest. That means fewer tummy troubles, better nutrient absorption, and yes — smaller poops! Studies show human grade diets can result in up to 66% less stool volume compared to traditional kibble.

4. Safer Manufacturing

Because human-grade foods are made in facilities regulated like human food, the risk of contamination is lower. With feed-grade food, there’s a higher chance of recalls due to salmonella, mold, or foreign material.

Is Kibble Always Feed-Grade?

Yes, in most cases. Kibble — the dry, crunchy dog food found in every supermarket aisle — is almost always feed-grade. While some premium kibble brands use better ingredients, the processing method (extrusion at very high heat) still classifies them as feed-grade.

That said, not all kibble is bad, and not all human-grade food is perfect. Some dogs do well on high-quality kibble. But if you’re looking for a minimally processed, transparent, and nutrient-rich diet, human grade is worth exploring.

How to Identify True Human Grade Dog Food

Here’s what to look for on the label:

• “Made in a human food facility”

• “100% human grade ingredients”

• No meat meals, animal derivatives, or vague terms

• No BHA, BHT, or artificial flavours

• Traceable sourcing, preferably with ingredient origin listed

If the packaging only says “made with human grade ingredients” but not produced in a human facility — it’s not truly human grade.

Soopa Pets, Human Grade Dog Treats

All Soopa Pets treats are made in a human-grade food facility in Ireland, using 100% natural, real ingredients.

Recommended Human Grade Dog Treats

Not ready to commit to full meals just yet? Start small with human grade dog treats that complement your dog’s regular diet.

🥔 Soopa Sweet Potato Chews

Single-ingredient chew made from air-dried sweet potato – high in fibre, low in fat, great for digestion.

🍎🫐 Soopa Apple & Blueberry Dental Sticks

Shop Apple & Blueberry Dog Sticks

Help reduce plaque and freshen breath with natural fruit, coconut oil, and no artificial ingredients.

🍌🥜 Soopa Banana & Peanut Butter Healthy Bites

Shop Banana & Peanut Butter Bites

Perfect for training or daily rewards — only 3 calories each and safe for puppies over 3 months!

These treats are ideal for picky eaters, dogs with sensitivities, or anyone looking to raise the quality of their dog’s treat game.

Final Verdict: Is Human Grade Dog Food Better?

Yes — in most cases, human grade dog food is better than feed-grade, especially when it comes to ingredient quality, safety, digestibility, and transparency. It’s particularly beneficial for:

• Dogs with allergies, digestive issues, or chronic conditions

• Puppies or seniors needing gentle, real ingredients

• Pet parents who want to avoid over-processed kibble and low-quality fillers

However, it’s important to choose nutritionally complete recipes and consult your vet for personalised advice.

💡 Not quite ready to switch meals? Try Soopa Pets human grade dog treats as a healthy upgrade to your treat routine.

Related Reading

• Ultimate Guide to Human Grade Dog Food

• Human Grade Dog Treats: What Pet Owners Need to Know