Let’s be honest, we’ve all wondered, “what does dog food taste like?” Or, better yet, “Is that safe to eat?” While some dog food looks tasty, that doesn’t necessarily mean we should try it. Also, there are some dog foods that are not safe or sanitary to consume.
Here’s the scoop when it comes to dog food you could almost eat.
- The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires that all animal foods, like human foods, be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled.
- The cooking process severely affects the taste of kibble.
- A number of pet food companies claim that their products are “human quality”. However, that is not a legally defined term. Only products that are produced in a factory that also produces human foods can be legally be labeled “human grade.”
- Various ingredients used in many poor-quality pet foods are not fit for human consumption at all. They may include by-products, chemicals, fillers and parts from ’4D’ meats (animals which are dying, diseased, disabled or deceased).
- The term “Made with Human-Grade Ingredients” does not mean that a finished product is actually, legally, human-grade either. As an example, an ingredient, let’s say a carrot, may start off being fit for human consumption. But once that carrot has been shipped to a pet food plant and processed in accordance with regulations for feed-grade products, the ‘human-grade’ term can no longer legally be used. By definition, that carrot is now feed-grade (not suitable for human consumption).
When it comes down to it, humans should stay clear of eating traditional dog kibble.
What about dog treats?
Now dog treats are an entirely different story. Several treats made with human-grade ingredients are on the market. Not only can you eat them, but in some cases, they are quite tasty. Dope Dog makes CBD biscuits with subtle, delightful flavors. K9 Granola Soft bakes are another yummy dog treat that humans can eat. Etta Says makes a jerky called Bold Yumm Sticks that we actually ate at SuperZoo as a snack– it tasted just like a SlimJim.
As far as health and quality go, we love brands like Orijen & Acana, Merrick, Weruva, Aussie Naturals, and Himalayan Dog Chews – which is why we give them to our own Fitdogs and sell them in our lobby! Orijen & Acana dry foods are made with fresh, whole foods vs. other leading grain-free brands made with limited meat, bones, and powders.
Whether dealing with traditional dog kibble or with dog treats, always look at the ingredients to make sure the food is safe. If you have any questions about what you’re feeding your pup, feel free to ask us below or talk to any staff member the next time you’re at Fitdog!
