[Bonn1997]

I feed Merrick and it doesn't use meat byproducts. I'm probably asking for reasons other than you anticipated. I would feel a little guilty if animals were being killed so that I could feed my dogs, and I assume that doesn't happen with the lower quality food that uses only meat byproducts.

[bully]

Originally Posted by Bonn1997

I feed Merrick and it doesn't use meat byproducts. I'm probably asking for reasons other than you anticipated. I would feel a little guilty if animals were being killed so that I could feed my dogs, and I assume that doesn't happen with the lower quality food that uses only meat byproducts.

Depends on the definition of "Human Grade" food ? Which I don't think exists. But I'll tell you one thing - you can tour Acana's/Orijens plant plus they list the actual companies that supply the food.

I think the difference is the best kibble is from "animals specifically farmed for food" and the crap companies supply is from the dead, sick, and just "remains" period.

[Spicy1_VV]

It depends, some dog foods use "human grade foods" which are prepped and treated in the same manner. Others don't. There are animals for dog foods. I don't think it is something to feel guilty over.

[Labsnothers]

There is human grade and human grade. I think the FDA used to use labels prime, good, utility, and maybe others. The labels may have changed, but some meat is better than other is. I suspect the higher end dog foods use stuff that wouldn't even be found in the cheapest food stores, but still human grade. Then there are the internal organs. While most of them go in the byproducts barrel, some are saved for sell to those that eat them. Thus fair game for human grade dog food. There are forums with more UK members that talk about feeding their dog tripe from the butcher's shop.

I am sure various companies have different standards. How many premium brands are there? Is Kirkland and Diamond really able to use the same thing as California Natural and Orijen?

[shets114]

There are very, very few food companies out there that acutually use Human Grade products. Once the meat or other ingredient leaves a slaughter facility it must be maintained to USDA standards throughout the entire process.

You can have independent manufacturing processes that equal human grade standards. American Insititute of Bakers and European Union are two.

When your paying top dollar for your food and they claim to have Human Grade Products or manufacturing processes. Ask what certifications they have to qualify. If they won't tell you then they probably don't have it.

[lovemygreys]

MOST dog food is made from the meat that they aren't planning on selling to humans. The trimmings or cuts that they can't sell...dog food IS a byproduct of producing meat for people.

We used to get chicken frames from a chicken processing plant in GA, guess what was LITERALLY right next door....a dog food company. They almost looked like they were the same building they were so close to each other.

It would be massivly expensive to produce entire animals JUST for use in dog food, especially cows which have so many cuts that can be sold for a lot more $$/lb at a grocery store.

[trumpetjock]

Originally Posted by Bonn1997

I feed Merrick and it doesn't use meat byproducts. I'm probably asking for reasons other than you anticipated. I would feel a little guilty if animals were being killed so that I could feed my dogs, and I assume that doesn't happen with the lower quality food that uses only meat byproducts.

Why would you feel bad about animals dying so your dog can eat? That's probably what would happen if you weren't there to feed it in the first place. Sure, it might not be cattle (though I've seen it happen), but squirrels, rabbits, deer, pheasant, and other fowl definitely.

--edit: just saw your dogs are both half pints, cross deer off that list! :P