When it comes to feeding our dogs, more pet parents are doing their homework... reading labels, researching ingredients, and asking: Is this actually good enough for my dog?

One term that’s quickly rising in popularity is human grade dog treats.

But what does that really mean? How are human grade dog treats different from the ones you find in bulk bins or generic pet aisles? And how do you choose the best ones for your pup?

In this guide, we’re breaking it all down — from what human grade dog treats are, to what ingredients to look for, how often to give them, and how Soopa Pets dog treats are leading the pack.

What Are Human Grade Dog Treats?

Human grade dog treats are made using ingredients that are fit for human consumption and processed in a facility that follows human food safety standards. That means no mystery meat, no questionable by-products, and no artificial junk. Just simple, whole-food ingredients you’d recognize from your own kitchen — like sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, blueberries, and peanut butter.

Unlike many feed-grade treats (which may contain rendered meat meals or synthetic fillers), human grade dog treats are designed with your pet’s health and safety in mind. Think of them as the clean-eating version of treats — made with quality, transparency, and trust at the core.

Why Human Grade Dog Treats Matter

Let’s be honest, treats aren’t just about rewards. They’re an expression of love, a way to train and bond, and (ideally) a chance to sneak in some nutritional value.

Here’s why switching to human grade dog treats is a smart move for any pet parent:

• Better ingredient quality: No by-products, artificial preservatives, or mystery meats

• Easier to digest: Especially for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies

• Naturally nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants from real ingredients

• Trust and safety: Made under human food production standards, so you know exactly what’s going in

More and more vets and pet nutritionists are recommending human grade dog treats, especially for dogs with obesity, pancreatitis, diabetes, or skin allergies. It’s all about clean, simple ingredients that support long-term health.

How to Choose the Best Human Grade Dog Treats

With more options than ever, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when shopping for human grade dog treats. Here’s a quick checklist to help you choose the best ones for your pup:

1. Check the Ingredient List

Look for short, simple ingredient lists you can understand. If it’s packed with whole foods like sweet potato, coconut oil, or peanut butter — great! Avoid anything with “animal derivatives,” “meat meal,” “BHA/BHT,” or colours and flavours you can’t pronounce.

Tip: Soopa Pets uses real, plant-based ingredients like banana, apple, coconut, and sweet potato — nothing artificial or hidden.

🛒 Try Soopa Banana & Peanut Butter Healthy Bites – made with 100% human grade, dog-safe ingredients in a handy low-calorie training treat.

2. Look for Specific Claims

Is the treat truly human grade, or just made “with human grade ingredients”? The gold standard is treats made entirely in human food production facilities — like Soopa Pets, which prepares all treats in human-grade, food-safe environments in Ireland.

3. Match Treats to Your Dog’s Needs

Is your dog overweight, diabetic, sensitive to certain proteins, or just a picky eater? Choose human grade treats tailored to their needs:

• For overweight dogs: Low-fat, high-fibre treats like Soopa Sweet Potato Chews

• For dental support: Soopa Apple & Blueberry Dental Sticks

• For training or enrichment: Bite-sized, low-calorie options like Soopa Healthy Bites

Best Ingredients to Look for in Human Grade Dog Treats

If you’re scanning labels and want to get the best bang for your bark, look out for these nutrient-rich, human grade ingredients:

• 🥔 Sweet Potato – High in fibre and beta-carotene, great for digestion

• 🥥 Coconut Oil – Supports skin, coat, and immune health

• 🍌 Banana – Packed with potassium and natural sweetness

• 🫐 Blueberries – Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C

• 🍎 Apple – Great for breath and gentle on the tummy

• 🥜 Peanut Butter – High in protein and a canine favourite (as long as it’s xylitol-free!)

• 🌿 Herbs like Turmeric or Flaxseed – Support anti-inflammatory and joint health

🛒 All of these ingredients appear across the Soopa Pets range — because your dog deserves superfoods, too.

How Many Human Grade Dog Treats Should You Give?

Even the healthiest human grade dog treats should be given in moderation — they’re called treats for a reason. Here’s a general guide:

• Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake

• For small dogs, this might mean 1–2 treats per day

• For medium to large dogs, you can give 2–4 treats daily depending on size and activity

• Always factor in training treats or chew snacks like dental sticks in this total

Keep an eye on the calories per treat. Soopa’s Healthy Bites are just 3 calories per piece, making them perfect for regular rewards or training sessions without risking weight gain.

Are Human Grade Dog Treats Safe for Puppies?

Yes — as long as the treats are soft, safe, and made from gentle ingredients. Always check the label to ensure they’re suitable for puppies over 3 months.

Soopa’s Healthy Bites and Dental Sticks are puppy-safe from 3 months and up, making them ideal for early training and teething. Plus, they’re plant-based and hypoallergenic, which makes them an easy win for sensitive tummies.

Why Choose Soopa Pets for Human Grade Dog Treats?

At Soopa Pets, human grade isn’t just a trend — it’s our foundation. Every treat we make is:

• Made from 100% human-grade ingredients

• Produced in a human-grade food facility

• Free from preservatives, additives, and nasties

• Vegan, hypoallergenic, and grain-free

• Loved by dogs - and trusted by thousands of pet parents worldwide

Whether you’re training, rewarding, or just treating your pup to something special, Soopa’s range of human grade dog treats are as clean and wholesome as it gets.

🛒 Browse the full Soopa Pets Human Grade Dog Treats Collection

Final Thoughts: Are Human Grade Dog Treats Worth It?

If you’re already feeding your dog a high-quality diet, it only makes sense to match that quality in their treats too. Human grade dog treats are a simple way to raise the bar, giving your pet something safe, natural, and downright delicious.

Whether your pup has dietary restrictions, a sensitive tummy, or you just want the best for them, choosing human grade treats like Soopa Pets ensures you’re offering love in the most nutritious form.

And remember, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can also explore our Ultimate Guide to Human Grade Dog Food to understand how full meals and treats work together to support your dog’s lifelong health.