5 Best Human-Grade Cat Foods – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks

Are you confused by the list of ingredients on the cat food label? You are not the only one. The marketing of pet foods containing human-grade ingredients is becoming common. This marketing appeals to many pet owners, but it is important to understand that this term has no legal definition and is used primarily for marketing purposes. Indeed, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the term “human-grade” has no definition in any animal feed regulations.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2023 Update)

The 5 Best Human-Grade Cat Foods

1. Smalls Human Grade Fresh Cat Food – Best Overall

Smalls is our top pick for best human-grade cat food, and it’s a home delivery service, convenient for busy people. The recyclable fresh meat packages come in several options (cow, bird, turkey) and are made with fresh ingredients sourced from the United States and Canada. They also use the same chicken in their cat recipes that you buy at the grocery store. The recipes meet AAFCO standards as well.

Cats absolutely love the recipes, and there are different options available depending on your kitty’s favorite protein source (beef, turkey, duck, or chicken).

All in all, we think Smalls is the overall best human-grade cat food available this year.

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2. Caru Free Range Chicken Broth Cat Food – Best Value

While there really isn’t a better-for-the-money option in the expensive world of human-grade cat food, Caru Free Range Chicken Bone Broth is a practical, lower-cost option if you want to give it a try before splurging in the more expensive options. Indeed, this bone broth is to be poured directly on the dry or raw food of your kitty, in order to moisten its food and to enhance its flavor with high-quality ingredients. However, while the label says all cats love the taste, some owners report that their felines don’t really enjoy this bone broth.  

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3. Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Dry Cat Food

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Open Farm is a unique company compromised to offer not only human grade and best quality ingredients, but also to make sure their protein sources are humanely raised in the case of farmed animals or wild-caught in the case of their fish ingredients. That means the turkey in this amazing Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend formula was raised in a free-range environment, having lots of space to express natural behaviors and feed a healthy diet without additional growth hormones or loads of antibiotics. This makes for the very best quality protein; add some pumpkin, carrots, spinach, red lentils, cranberries, garbanzo beans, chicory root, and coconut oil for a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients creating a complete and balanced diet that meets the standards set by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. No grain or potato has been added to this species-appropriate high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet, your kitty will simply thrive.

No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives have been added to this food. Their unique package is resealable it can safely be portioned and refrigerated leftovers after opening. The formulas can be used as a complete meal or as a topper to add flavor and nutrition to dry food.  Something else? You can trace each bag right back to the source instantly by scanning the lot code on it as part of their transparency standard.

However, this high-quality food and service come at a price that might not be affordable for most budgets, let alone if you have multiple small mouths to feed.

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4. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Dry Cat Food

Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Recipe is a dehydrated cat food made with human-grade ingredients. Its short list of ingredients is a good sign, as it contains far fewer preservatives and additives that are commonly found in canned foods. In addition, this food option is high in protein and does not contain grains. Moreover, it meets AAFCO standards, which is a guarantee of complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance, growth, and reproduction of adults, or at all stages of life. However, it is also expensive and contains eggs, which may not be suitable for cats with allergies.

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5. Lotus Just Juicy Venison Stew Wet Cat Food

Lotus Just Juicy Turkey Stew is canned food containing almost 95% meat, which ensures high protein and low carbohydrate content. The list of ingredients is minimal, which limits the addition of grains, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. However, this is an expensive option and the manufacturer seems to have changed its formula recently as a few cat owners have complained about the lower amount of juice.

Related Read: Best Premium Cat Food – Reviews & Top Picks

Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Human-Grade Cat Food

What exactly is human-grade cat food?

Human-grade means that the ingredients used in the manufacture of the food product meet the demanding sanitary rules of human hygiene. It also indicates that the product in question is safe for human consumption. The raw materials that make up pet foods include animal protein. These proteins are suitable for human consumption which are not or little used. For example, we are eating fewer organ meats. We prefer cuts of poultry to whole poultry. The industry makes it possible to promote these excellent quality products which are despised for cultural or seasonal reasons. While the food manufacturing process is rigorously adhered to in our feed chain, it remains less essential in the feed chain. However, food safety is as essential for the health of the animal as it is for that of its owner. Preventing pollution with pathogenic bacteria or any other undesirable substances in foodstuffs helps prevent food poisoning. On the other hand, the only way to manufacture pet food containing ingredients deemed to be “human-edible” is to never let the meat leave the human food chain, to manufacture this food in facilities intended for food suitable for human consumption, and transport it in trucks intended for food for human consumption. Thus, the claim of a product indicating that it contains “ingredients for human consumption” is therefore false if the product is not manufactured in facilities intended for food for human consumption.

• Related Read: What Is Human Grade Cat Food, and Should My Cat Be Eating It?

Should you buy human-grade cat food?

The bottom line is that your cat needs food that is high in protein and several other nutrients for optimal health. Perhaps more importantly, you and your cat need very different nutrients. Just because a particular can of cat food is labeled “human-grade” doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice. In general, if you read reviews or talk to your vet, you can choose a cat food that’s right for your pet and know you’re doing what’s best for your furry friend.

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Bonus: Here are some tips to help you better understand what the ingredient labels say

Conclusion

What you should take away from our human-grade cat food reviews is that there are, indeed, quality choices available on the market right now. Smalls and Open Farm are the more expensive options, but the freshness of the ingredients and especially the fact that the recipes meet AAFCO standards are a guarantee of high quality. Your best bet is to discuss with your vet the best option for your cat, and if he concludes that human-grade food is an appropriate choice, you can come back to our list and satisfy your kitten’s palate!

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Featured Image Credit: correct pictures, Shutterstock