If you’ve browsed premium pet food brands or scrolled through Instagram reels of spoiled cats living their best lives, you’ve likely seen the term “human-grade” popping up more and more.  

It sounds impressive — pet food so high quality that you could eat it. But what does “human-grade” actually mean when it comes to your cat’s food? Is it just marketing, or does it signal something more?  

Let’s unpack what the label really means, how it compares to standard cat food, and why more Aussie cat parents are turning to human-grade options.  

What Does “Human-Grade” Really Mean?  

Put simply, human-grade cat food is made from ingredients that are safe for human consumption and processed in facilities that meet human food production standards.  

That means every ingredient — from the meat to the veggies to the supplements — must be:  

While Australian regulations are still catching up, the best local brands voluntarily adhere to these international standards — and that’s exactly what we do at Pikko.  

Human-Grade vs Feed-Grade Cat Food  

To understand why human-grade matters, let’s compare it with the more common alternative: feed-grade food.  

Most supermarket cat foods are feed-grade. This means:  

• Ingredients must be safe for animal consumption  

• They don’t have to be edible for humans  

• They can include by-product meals, rendered fats, and even parts from animals that died before slaughter  

Sound unappetising? That’s because it is.  

What’s Allowed in Feed-Grade Food?

While not all by-products are harmful (some organ meats are quite nutritious for cats), the feed-grade label allows a much wider range of low-quality ingredients. For instance, feed-grade rules may permit:  

In contrast, human-grade food eliminates those risks. It uses real, recognisable meats — like chicken thigh, beef mince, or salmon — all sourced from the same supply chain that puts food on your plate. And it's cooked in clean, regulated kitchens designed for human food.  

Think of it like this:  

Feed-grade = factory scraps made to meet bare-minimum pet standards  

Human-grade = real food, carefully handled and formulated specifically for your cat  

Why Human-Grade Food Matters  

Your cat isn’t just a pet — they’re family. And when you’re feeding family, quality matters. Here’s why more Australians are switching to human-grade meals:  

✅ Higher-Quality Proteins  

Human-grade diets use muscle meats and organs that are rich in taurine, amino acids, and natural fats. These are essential for feline heart health, strong muscles, and shiny coats.  

✅ No Dodgy Additives  

Forget artificial colours, mystery flavour enhancers, or preservatives like BHA. Human-grade foods tend to be gently cooked and preserved naturally — or frozen — to retain nutrition without the nasties.  

✅ Built-In Safety  

Because the entire process follows human food production rules, you get peace of mind. There are more checks and higher cleanliness standards, which lowers the risk of contamination or poor-quality meat.  

✅ Better Taste and Digestion  

Many cats prefer human-grade food because it actually smells and tastes like real meat. That makes it ideal for picky eaters or cats with sensitive tummies. Early studies have shown that gently cooked diets may improve digestibility, meaning your cat gets more from every bite.  

Is “Human-Grade” the Same as “Complete and Balanced”?  

Not necessarily. Just because something is human-grade doesn’t mean it provides everything your cat needs.  

A raw steak is human-grade, but it’s not a complete cat food.  

Cats need:  

That’s why it’s essential to choose a food that is both human-grade and nutritionally complete. At Pikko, our recipes are formulated by a certified animal nutritionist and approved by vets to meet AAFCO guidelines for cats.  

You can browse all Pikko recipes here.  

Why the Trend Is Growing  

This movement isn’t just about marketing — it reflects how modern pet parents see their cats.  

We don’t want to feed our furry family members the equivalent of fast food. Instead, we’re choosing foods made with integrity, traceability, and love.  

Australia has embraced this change faster than most. Our country is known for premium meat and food quality, and now that same care is being extended to the way we feed our pets.  

Brands like Pikko are leading the way by refusing to compromise — delivering food that mirrors the quality of your own dinner, just tailored to your cat’s needs.  

So, Is Human-Grade Cat Food Worth It?  

We get it — human-grade cat food costs more. But here’s what you’re paying for:  

And when you open a pouch of Pikko, you’ll see and smell the difference.  

If your cat has a sensitive stomach, is a fussy eater, or you just want to upgrade their diet to something truly premium, human-grade is 100% worth exploring.  

The Pikko Promise

At Pikko, we only use 100% human-grade, Aussie-sourced ingredients — like premium beef, lean chicken, fish, and pork — cooked gently in small batches for maximum nutrition and flavour. Every meal is developed to meet your cat’s needs and prepared in kitchens that meet strict human food safety standards.  

We don’t do fillers, byproducts, or artificial anything.  

Ready to see how your cat can thrive on food made with real care?  
🎯 Take our quiz to discover the perfect meal plan — and get 50% off your first box plus free delivery.  

References  

• Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). (2023). Pet food labeling guide. https://www.aafco.org  

• Gross, K. L., Yamka, R. M., & Buffington, C. A. (2010). Nutritional management of feline gastrointestinal disorders. The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice, 40(6), 1209–1225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.07.001  

• Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA). (2023). Nutrition and manufacturing standards. https://www.pfiaa.com.au