We tested The Honest Kitchen — is ‘human-grade' dog food actually better?

New York Post

16 hours ago

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Pet food used to be something you scooped from a dusty bag, hoped for the best and promptly forgot about. Not anymore. Today, more pet parents want to know if there are options that will help support a long and healthy life.
Some pet foods on the market today offer nutrition more akin to fast food, convenient but not ideal for long-term health. That's where The Honest Kitchen comes in. As one of the first human-grade pet food brands to enter the market, it's helping raise the bar for what our pets eat and how they live.
According to Alexandria Reid, senior brand manager, the California-based company meets three core criteria:
Ingredients sourced from the human food supply chain
Ingredients maintain human-edible status throughout production
Made in a facility licensed to produce human food
'This matters because the human food supply chain is held to much higher standards than
the feed-grade supply chain used by most pet food manufacturers,' said Reid.
We wanted to put this brand to the test with our own picky pooches. Representing the Post step-up team, we had two canine critics: Prince, a discerning Weimaraner owned by Al Murillo, our senior director of commerce partnerships, and my own dog, Lucy — a Mini Sheepadoodle. Though let's be honest, at 55 pounds, she's more of a 'hefty mini.' And yes, I'm probably that overprotective dog mom you hear about from the millennial crowd coddling her dog, but I want the very best food for my dog, and so does Murillo.
Lucy with her Bone Broth Bites.
Nate Williams
Most dog food is classified as feed grade. For instance, feed-grade pet foods are able to use 4-D meats, which are sourced from dying, dead, downed or diseased animals. Although high heat is used to kill pathogens, is that what you want to be feeding your best friend? Not me.
The Honest Kitchen produces less processed, human-grade food to help retain essential nutrients and healthy fats that dogs need, unlike other pet foods, which often lose these vital components during cooking.
Some people wonder if 'human grade' means that foods are designed to meet the nutritional needs of humans.
Although the food is 'human grade,' the brand makes it clear it has been designed for pets. 'Human grade is about quality and safety. However, we recognize the unique nutritional needs of dogs and cats. We work with food scientists and veterinary nutritionists to ensure we're meeting those dietary needs,' said Reid.
Traditional kibble is produced using a method that applies high heat to remove moisture, followed by drying to further reduce moisture content. To improve flavor and make the food more appealing, liquid fats, flavor enhancers, or digest powders are then applied.
On the flip side, Clusters are less processed. They use real ingredients that are cold pressed, roasted and gently dehydrated until golden. Clusters also exclude external sprays and powders that other dog food brands use to boost flavor. Instead, they let the real food do the talking. Lucy did not object to this, nor did Prince.
What I also appreciated about The Honest Kitchen is its natural approach to preserving food without chemicals, using ingredients like vitamin E, mixed tocopherols, and small amounts of rosemary extract to extend shelf life.
How did the review go?
Lucy and Emma's thoughts:
We tested an assortment of treats, toppers, and clusters. What I loved, aside from the fact that my dog practically inhaled every bite, was how excited she got the moment a new routine kicked in.
Topping the gravy-like Functional Pour Over on her Clusters turned every meal into an event.
We used the Skin & Coat recipe that's made with salmon, which didn't have a strong smell. There are other options available, like Immunity made with beef or Hip & Joint made with chicken. I find that toppers or Pour Overs are a great way to boost the nutritional value of your dog's meals, especially if you're on a budget and need to continue using kibble.
Best of all, everything is made with fresh, recognizable ingredients. The Clusters are oven-roasted in small batches and made with cage-free chicken, oats, and veggies you don't need to Google to understand. It's a great alternative to fresh food, which goes bad immediately after opening and takes up lots of fridge and freezer space.
My favorite alternative to ordering fresh food was the dehydrated dog food that comes in many yummy flavors, from beef to duck, and only requires water. It has a great shelf life and uses thoughtfully sourced proteins like AHC-certified cage-free chicken and wild-caught fish while also providing nutrients found in fresh food without spoilage or unwanted kitchen odors. Basically, it was way easier to keep my kitchen clean without any boycotting of food from Lucy. The Bone Broth Bites make great rewards and are apparently super yummy. Lucy enjoyed these savory cookies packed with protein and nutrient-rich ingredients.
Prince & Al's thoughts:
Prince enjoying his meal.
Al Murillo
My 14-year-old Weimaraner, Prince, has been on the same brand of kibble since he officially entered his senior dog years. It's a grain-free blend of chicken and sweet potato that he has enjoyed for the past 3 years without much variation to his diet.
As an older dog, he is prone to getting a bit gassy anytime we introduce new treats. However, when I read the human-grade ingredients of The Honest Kitchen's Beef Recipe, I knew that it would be worth trying out.
At his age, I want Prince to indulge in delicious foods and experience new flavors as much as possible, but without risking the potential for gastrointestinal issues. After 1 week of eating 1 ½ cup servings of the Beef Recipe Clusters for breakfast and dinner, I'm happy to report that there hasn't been any increase in tooting nor any changes in his stool.
In fact, he seems as healthy and active as ever, and I can see the excitement on his face every time I fill up his bowl. I think it's safe to say the trial phase is over, as it looks like The Honest Kitchen is our new go-to food going forward.
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The Honest Kitchen
Pros: The first human-grade dry dog food
Made with real ingredients you recognize like cage-free chicken, oats and broccoli
Minimal processing
Whole grain and grain-free options
Cons: Only comes in three flavors: beef, chicken or turkey
The Honest Kitchen Clusters are vet-crafted and packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, fiber-rich fruits and veggies, and probiotics to help support digestion. Plus, they're made in the USA and crafted without fillers like corn, wheat and soy, GMO ingredients, and artificial preservatives.
This specific recipe is designed for adult and senior dogs, but the brand also offers The Honest Kitchen puppy food
The Honest Kitchen
Pros: Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities
Just 6 whole food ingredients, plus vitamins and minerals, a 10-pound box makes 40 pounds of food
Minimal processing
Lots of flavors to choose from
Cons: Not able to purchase in smaller amounts, making it pricey to order – however, other recipes have smaller size options
If you have a dog with ingredient sensitivities but are looking for a higher-quality food than the traditional limited-ingredient kibble, The Honest Kitchen's limited-ingredient dehydrated food is a great option. Simply add warm water to serve this easy, homemade food, which is 100% human-grade and minimally processed. Made with just 6 whole food ingredients and the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs, it's available in 5 recipes with a variety of protein options and ingredient exclusions (including flaxseed, eggs, white potatoes, and more).
Plus, The Honest Kitchen offers other whole grain and grain-free dehydrated recipes that fit a variety of needs for dogs of all ages. It's great for pet parents who want to serve the quality of real, fresh food, without the hassle or cost.
Additionally, if you are a raw feeder or someone who prefers adding your own protein to your dog's diet, their dehydrated Base Mix recipes are a great option. Simply add warm water and top with your preferred protein for a well-balanced, nutritious meal that's ready in minutes. If you're a raw feeder or someone who prefers to add your own protein, also check out The Honest Kitchen Base Mix. You simply add water and top with your pet's preferred protein to create a well-balanced and nutritious meal.
The Honest Kitchen
Pros: A meal topper that adds taste and health benefits
Made for dogs of all ages
Crafted with a vet nutritionist
Minimal processing
Cons: Only 4% protein per serving in the salmon
This was probably Lucy's absolute favorite item and a great way to dip your toe into high-quality ingredients if you can't afford to buy everything. Drizzle this on top of your dog's kibble or Clusters to help support their skin & coat health. If salmon isn't your thing, especially if you dislike fishy smells (although it wasn't that fishy), there are plenty of other flavors to choose from.
The Honest Kitchen offers several other Pour Over dog food toppers to add human-grade nutrition to your dog's dish and is packed with flavor and nutrients.
The Honest Kitchen
Pros: Packed with probiotics & goat's milk to support digestion
Slow baked
Minimal processing
Cons: Smells like a human cookie; one might accidentally eat it by mistake
Never have I seen a more excited dog, honestly, these looked so yummy that I considered eating it one day as a snack. Plus, it's a healthy probiotic snack, wheat-free and made with goat's milk and juicy blueberries.
The Honest Kitchen
Pros: Apparently extra tasty
Packed with protein
Nutrient-rich ingredients
Cons: No fish options
I brought these treats with us on vacation and Lucy kept her eye on the treat bag almost the entire time. Her hearing improves when these broth bites are involved. They come in beef, chicken, or turkey.
Final Verdict
OK, The Honest Kitchen dog food review is in, and we can say with confidence that we love the end result. The overall excitement levels were off the charts at mealtime, which most certainly surpassed the usual kibble excitement. Even better, we felt great knowing our dogs were not only thrilled but also getting nutritious, well-balanced meals with every bite.
We're always on the search for the best dog food, we've even tested Spot & Tango firsthand and asked the experts what's best for large or small dogs. Basically, the quest feels endless, but as an obsessive dog mom, I feel confident recommending The Honest Kitchen.
The Honest Kitchen cat food is also highly regarded, based on our research and reviews, and we can confidently say that we trust this brand with our pets.
How we tested
Al Murillo
To get a well-rounded perspective, we tested The Honest Kitchen's products on two dogs: a small breed and a large one. Lucy, my 55-pound Mini Sheepadoodle, and Prince, a Weimaraner, gave us feedback on the best way dogs know how — through enthusiastic tail wags, eager mealtime reactions, and spotless bowls.
Over the course of two weeks, we introduced a variety of treats, Whole Food Clusters (kibble), and toppers into their daily routines and, of course, treats. We paid close attention to their excitement at mealtime, digestive responses (and stool samples), energy levels, and overall interest in the food. We also noted ingredient quality, ease of use, and packaging for the humans in the house.
FAQ
Thanks to the help of Alexandria Reid, senior brand manager, we were able to answer pressing questions we often get from our dog community.
How involved is the FDA in dog food?
Reid said, 'While the FDA still has oversight of the pet food industry, pet food labeling and claims are largely handled at the state level, coordinated by AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials),' Reid explained. 'That means brands must substantiate their 'human grade' claims individually within each state.
'When a product is sold on store shelves (like ours), it's scrutinized far more heavily than products sold only online, where regulation tends to be more relaxed. This is a key distinction, especially as more online-only brands enter the space and make human-grade and similar claims without the need to provide documentation.'
Should dogs only eat raw meat?
'While dogs do need animal protein to thrive, they're not strict carnivores,' said Reid. 'They're what's called facultative carnivores, which means they do best on meat-based diets but can also digest and benefit from other types of foods.'
Plant-based foods offer fiber to support gut health, potent compounds such as phytochemicals, and crucial vitamins like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.
What should I look out for when shopping for dog food?
Terms like 'real,' 'premium,' and 'holistic' are used across many pet food brands to indicate quality, but they're not regulated terms, so virtually any food can make these claims. As you research pet food, ensure you're digging into the company's ingredients and practices to see if they align with your definition of these words – some will, and some won't.
The Honest Kitchen stands behind its ingredients, quality, and safety standards and is confident that pet parents will agree that it is a brand that raises the bar in the pet food industry.
This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Reporter. Proud dog mom to a Mini Sheepadoodle named Lucy, Emma routinely tests top-rated pet products with her pup to find the best recommendations for fellow pet owners. In search of the best dog food brands, leashes, harnesses and more, Emma taps veterinarians and experts like Cesar Millan, better known as the 'Dog Whisperer,' for pet health advice, FAQs and training secrets. In addition to her work at the Post, Emma's byline has appeared in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.
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