When I wrote about human-grade dog food, I was determined to give Cat the best: Fresh, simple food made with ingredients most people would eat themselves. But home-cooking every single meal is…a lot. We tested a number of different human-grade brands and

landed on “Sundays.” At $125 for a 4.5lb bag, though, it started adding up quickly, even though the servings are roughly half that of regular dog food (note: we are still definitely keeping it as part of her diet, so I’d recommend trying it, nonetheless; this offer will get you 50% off your first order).

I, therefore, went back through my notes from the notorious “Food Face-off”  in search of a second, little more wallet-friendly option to use as an add-in to her homemade food — something high-quality enough to mix in but realistic enough to maintain. Turns out that Honest Kitchen had captured their taste buds’ attention. It’s a brand that’s human-grade — and while not cheap, it is more affordable. Also, I found they have a dehydrated version you can quickly turn into yummy wet food that looks like something you might even feed a human-baby.

What I’m Using

1. Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters (Whole Grain Beef & Oat)

• A lightly baked, human-grade no-filler “kibble” made in a human food facility.
• Great for crunch, texture, or travel days when I can’t pack cooked food.
• If you just want to try it, here is a link to a 2-pack for $15.98.

2. Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Beef & Oat

• It uses human-grade beef, oats, and produce — no fillers.

  

• It has a nice smell and I like that you can see oats and veggies in it.
• All you do to prepare is add warm water and mix to a consistency of cooked oatmeal. I mix a bigger portion in a mason jar and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 meals. It thickens even more once it’s cools.
• A 2 lb box makes roughly 8 lbs of food once rehydrated (they make larger boxes, too).
  

  

They also make chicken, turkey, and fish options, as well, in addition to senior and puppy food. They also make grain-free, but besides avoiding anything with legumes for all of our dogs, we definitely have to with Cattie because she has dilated cardiomyopathy which can be worsened by legumes (if not caused by them).

Why It Works for Us

Honest Kitchen calls its line “100% human-grade,” meaning every ingredient — and the kitchen it’s produced in — meets FDA human-food standards. They’ve also completed AAFCO feeding trials, which reassures me that the food is nutritionally balanced for daily feeding if I ever need to rely on it more heavily.

It’s not a miracle food. But it bridges the gap between fresh and feasible — giving me time back without compromising what I feed Cat.

A Note on Cost

The dehydrated version stretches far. When rehydrated, a 2-lb box yields about 8-lb of food, making the per-meal cost more manageable than many fresh or freeze-dried competitors. It’s still premium — and sustainable.

I may use a little more, proportionately, when I’m short on time or traveling. That balance keeps costs (and cooking fatigue) in check.

Feeding Tips

• Introduce gradually — mix small amounts into the existing diet over 5-7 days.
• Adjust portions if you’re also using toppers like Honest Kitchen’s Pour Overs (they’re meant as treats or appetite boosters, not full meals).
• Check your dog’s weight and digestion when changing ratios.
• Always clear major dietary changes with your vet, especially for medical diets.