Human-grade food is safer for dogs to consume compared to feed-grade food. Feed-grade dog food contains mycotoxins that are known to cause damage to the body.
In many cases, your pet's meals and treats have been formulated with ingredients that are considered feed-grade. Unfortunately, feed-grade ingredients have the potential of causing a variety of short and long-term ailments.
Feed-grade ingredients are considered of lower quality given the higher allowable levels of toxins such as mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are produced by mold or better known as a fungal organism or fungi.
These toxins are known to damage the liver, kidneys and digestive tract while also weakening the immune system. They are also known to be carcinogenic which makes them especially harmful to pets already suffering with cancer.
Moldy grains thrive in moist, dark and warm environments, which means your pet's dry food can harbor mycotoxins. Mold can also flourish in your pet's feeding bowl, soil and other household locations.
In addition to mycotoxins, feed-grade ingredients may also contain bacteria, parasites, viruses and chemical agents that can sicken your furry companions, according to Pet MD. Generally, canned dog food is better than dry food since dry food harbors the environment where mycotoxins can grow and spread to your dog through ingestion.
One of the best ways to test for mycotoxins is to run samples tests in the lab by your veterinarian. Pet owners may also buy mycotoxin testers from supply and feed stores to use at home, according to Vet Info.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) claim that a product is of 'human-grade' if the product is edible or safe for people to consume. Human-grade pet food must also be properly manufactured, packed, transported and held in accordance with federal regulations for human food.
Feed-grade products, on the other hand, are deemed unfit for human consumption. Feed-grade products are deemed as is due to the ingredients it contains or due to the facility or manner it was produced.
Even if a company uses human-grade ingredients, it cannot legally claim it sells human-grade food if the product is not made in a human food production facility. Only a number of companies use human-grade ingredients in their pet food and treats mainly due to extremely strict production quality control standards.
