The Health Benefits of Switching to Human-Grade Dog Food

If you’ve been wondering whether human-grade dog food is worth the investment for your pup, you’re not alone. Switching your dog’s diet can feel overwhelming. With dozens of brands claiming to be the best, it’s hard to know what’s actually worth your money. Read on to get the full scoop on human-grade dog food and learn how it can positively impact your pup’s health and happiness.

What Makes Human-Grade Dog Food Different?

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a “human-grade” claim implies the product is “edible” for people under legal standards. In other words, every ingredient must be fit for human consumption, and the final product must be manufactured, processed, and stored according to human food regulations.

At Ollie, our fresh dog food is made with human-grade ingredients in USDA facilities—the same places where your food is prepared. Every recipe is formulated with veterinary nutritionists to ensure your pup gets complete, balanced nutrition tailored to their specific needs.

The Science-Backed Health Benefits

Superior Digestibility and Nutrient Absorption

Human-grade, gently cooked pet foods have been shown to have a higher apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, energy, and acid-hydrolyzed fat than a kibble diet and other fresh diets. Dogs fed human-grade pet foods also had higher apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein, required lower caloric intake (kcal/d), and had lower fecal dry matter (DM) and as-is fecal output than those fed a kibble diet.

Translation? Your dog’s body can actually use more of the nutrients from human-grade food, which means better health outcomes and less waste to clean up in the backyard.

Healthier Skin and Coat

Few things impact your dog’s coat more than their food, which is why it’s vital to ensure that the food you feed them is high in essential fatty acids. True human-grade dog food can have higher quality ingredients with omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed oil, cold water fish (and their oil), and, to a lesser extent, canola, soy, and walnut oils.

When you make the switch to Ollie’s human-grade recipes, you’re likely to notice your dog’s coat becoming shinier and their skin healthier. This happens because we use whole food ingredients rich in the essential fatty acids your pup needs.

Better Digestive Health

In addition to all the wonderful fatty acids that may be available for your pup in human-grade food, these types of foods are also great for your dog’s digestion. Combined with better-quality whole food ingredients, these human-grade foods tend to fare better in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

If your dog struggles with digestive issues, switching to human-grade food could be a game-changer. The gentle processing methods and whole food ingredients are simply easier on their system.

Enhanced Energy and Vitality

The right amount of high-quality protein from an animal source is key to an energetic and happy dog, and this is often found in human-grade dog food.

While every dog is different, many owners report improvements in their pups’ coat shine, skin condition, energy levels, and even breath after switching to a human-grade or fresh food diet.

When your dog gets better nutrition, they feel better. It’s that simple.

The Ollie Advantage: Personalized Human-Grade Nutrition

What sets Ollie apart in the crowded human-grade dog food market is our personalized approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all nutrition because every dog is unique. Our recipes are:

• Formulated with veterinary nutritionists for complete and balanced nutrition
  
• Made with human-grade ingredients in USDA facilities
  
• Customized to your dog’s specific needs based on age, weight, activity level, and health concerns
  
• Delivered fresh to your door on a schedule that works for you
  

Making the Transition: What to Expect

Switching to human-grade dog food isn’t just about opening a different bag or container. It’s about giving your dog the nutrition they deserve to thrive. Here’s what you can expect:

Week 1-2: Digestive Adjustment

Your dog’s system will start adapting to the higher-quality ingredients. You might notice changes in stool consistency—this is normal as their body adjusts.

Week 3-4: Energy Improvements

Many pet parents report seeing increased energy and vitality around this time.

Month 2-3: Visible Changes

This is when you’ll likely see the most dramatic improvements in coat shine, skin health, and overall appearance.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Health

Ready to see what human-grade nutrition can do for your pup? Visit myollie.com to create a personalized meal plan tailored specifically to your dog’s needs. Our recipes are crafted with veterinary nutritionists to deliver all the benefits of human-grade ingredients in perfectly balanced meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is human-grade dog food different from regular dog food? A: Human-grade dog food is made with ingredients that meet the same safety and quality standards as human food. It’s manufactured in facilities that follow human food regulations, ensuring higher quality and safety standards.

Q: Is human-grade dog food worth the extra cost? A: Many pet parents find the investment worthwhile due to improved digestibility, better health outcomes, and fewer vet visits. The higher nutrient density often means you can feed less food while providing better nutrition.

Q: How long does it take to see results after switching to human-grade food? A: Most pet parents notice improvements in energy within 2-4 weeks, with visible changes in coat and skin health appearing after 2-3 months of consistent feeding.

Q: Can all dogs eat human-grade dog food? A: While most dogs can benefit from human-grade nutrition, dogs with specific health conditions should consult with their veterinarian before making dietary changes.

Q: How do I transition my dog to human-grade food? A: Gradually mix increasing amounts of the new food with your current food over 7-10 days to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust comfortably.