Taste of the Wild is a family-owned brand under the Diamond Pet Food label, which was developed in 1970 by brothers-in-law Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter.
The Taste of the Wild brand was founded in 2007 to provide healthy, high-quality dog food based on “wild” ingredients, allowing dogs to enjoy a “taste of the wild” at a reasonable price.
Taste of the Wild was an early adopter of grain-free kibbles, opting for protein-based recipes that were free of corn, soy, and wheat. Furthermore, several of their recipes featured unique proteins like venison and bison, making them appealing options for dogs with food sensitivities.
Due to demand, they have recently added several formulas to their food including grain, puppies and small breed options.
Every recipe takes pride in being easy to digest. They use gentle grains and prebiotic fibers in their grain-inclusive options.
Even if there is a sizable price difference between Taste of the Wild and generic brands, buying it is still much more affordable and practical than trying to gather ingredients on your own. This post will cover Taste of the Wild dog food reviews, as well as a look at the ingredients, company information, recall history, and our honest rating of their dog food.
Taste of the Wild Dog Food Formulas Reviewed
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe
Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie formula is the company’s most popular dry dog food. It’s packed with buffalo, lamb, bison, roasted venison, and an extensive list of other nutritious components. Omega-3 and Omega-6 are present to support healthy skin and fur.
Additionally, it has been enhanced with the K9 Strain probiotics, which the company uses to enhance immunity and improve digestion.
Contains essential minerals as well as natural antioxidants, which combine to deliver full and balanced nourishment. The presence of beef, fish, and egg products can cause allergies in some dogs.
Pros
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Contains probiotics
- Boosts overall immunity
- Features antioxidants, omega fatty acids and minerals
- No grains, artificial additives, or preservatives
Cos
- Can trigger allergies
Ingredient Analysis
Quality Ingredients: Water buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, pea flour, roasted bison, roasted venison, beef, tomato pomace, natural flavor, flaxseed, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, probiotics, vitamins, folic acid.
Potential allergens: egg products, ocean fish meal, chicken fat, salmon oil
2. Taste Of The Wild Ancient Stream Canine Recipe
This recipe uses smoked salmon as the primary ingredient and includes fiber- and protein-rich ancient grains like quinoa, chia seeds, sorghum, and millet. Their adult formulae are intended for all canines at all life stages. There aren’t any senior kibbles available, which is unfortunate given their unique demands. Made with prebiotics to support a healthy immune system, digestive system, and overall health and wellness. Optimal amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids ensure healthy skin and a shiny coat. Unfortunately, some dogs are allergic to fish while others cannot stand its smell.
Pros
- Natural probiotics speed up the digestion process.
- Made with ancient grains
- Fish is the only animal protein source
- Ideal for dogs with protein sensitivities
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs with fish allergies
- Some dogs hate its smell and flavor
Ingredient Analysis
Great Ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, ocean fish meal, grain sorghum, millet, cracked pearled barley, brown rice, smoke-flavored salmon, natural flavor, salmon oil, quinoa, chia seed, prebiotics, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, vitamins and folic acid.
Not-so-great ingredients: canola oil, tomato pomace
3. Taste of the Wild Prey Real Meat High Protein Dog Food
The nutrition provided by this dog food is condensed and made up of fewer ingredients than your dog’s natural diet. Its ingredients are based on what your dog would typically consume in the wild. This recipe simply uses four essential ingredients: pasture-raised Angus beef, lentils, tomato pomace, and chicken fat. Guaranteed probiotics improve digestion, while vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and DHA help make sure your dog receives a balanced diet. Even though there are few components in the product, it nevertheless has enough flavor and nourishment. Chicken fat can cause allergies in some dogs.
Pros
- Promotes digestion and gut health
- Calcium and Potassium harden the bones and make sure the puppy grows as expected.
- Free from preservatives
- Quality protein sources
Cons
- Contains chicken fat
Ingredient Analysis
Quality ingredients: Beef, lentils, tomato pomace, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals.
Not So Great Ingredients: chicken fat, salmon oil
4. Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Real Meat Recipe Premium Wet Canned Stew Dog Food
Since dogs and wolves share DNA, this product appeals to your dog’s inner wolf. Salmon is listed as the first ingredient in this dog food. This guarantees that your dog’s muscles grow strong and lean, which will lower the possibility of an injury during play. There are a total of 5 alternatives for wet food, all of which are based on a gravy recipe (Duck; Pacific Stream Salmon; Sierra Mountain; Southwest Canyon; High Prairie Venison & Bison)
Each product lists the chosen meat source as the first ingredient and is likewise free of grains. In addition, the product is free of fillers, grains, and corn. This dog food is loaded with prebiotic fiber, high in nutrients, and easy to digest.
There are no puppy or senior wet foods, and no small breed wet foods.
Pros
- Grain-free formula.
- Prebiotic fibers for digestion.
- Free of preservatives
- Quality ingredients
Cons
- Contains potential allergens
Ingredient Analysis
Great ingredients: Whitefish, fish broth, turkey broth, turkey, turkey liver, salmon, dried ground peas, potatoes, peas, potato starch, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, blueberries, raspberries, vitamins, minerals, folic acid.
Not So Great Ingredients: dried egg whites, guar gum
5. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
The dog food taste of the wild wetlands is made specifically as a grain-free formula. This makes it ideal for dogs of all ages. Real duck is the primary ingredient in a high-protein source that will assist strengthen bones, joints, and lean, strong muscles. It includes sweet potatoes and peas, which boost your dog’s digestive energy and increase their general level of activity. It contains omegas for healthy shiny skin.
Pros
- Real duck is the first ingredient
- No grains, artificial flavors, or artificial colors
- Contains prebiotics
- Features omega fatty acids
Cons
- Can cause stomach upsets in some dogs
Ingredient Analysis
Great ingredients: Duck, duck meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea flour, ocean fish meal, roasted quail, roasted duck, smoke-flavored turkey, tomato pomace, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, vitamins, prebiotics, minerals.
Not So Great Ingredients: chicken fat, egg product, chicken meal
What Dogs Are Best Suited to Taste of the Wild?
Puppies – Two puppy diets contain substantial levels of protein for active, growing canines. Puppies will benefit from High Prairie Puppy® Formula with Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison or Pacific Stream Puppy® Formula with Smoked Salmon.
Adolescents – Those who aren’t quite pups but aren’t quite adults would benefit from a larger protein content and other nutrients. Wetlands Canine® Formula with Roasted Fowl is an excellent choice.
Adult Dogs, Active and Healthy – Any of the adult formulae will be appropriate for dogs aged one to eight years.
Pregnant or lactating dogs – Pregnant or lactating dogs should eat 15% to 25% more food than usual, with at least 29% protein. Pregnant or nursing dogs would benefit from High Prairie Canine® Formula with Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison or Wetlands Canine® Formula with Roasted Fowl.
Allergies in Dogs – Taste of the Wild has some grain-free options with unique protein sources. They are an excellent solution for dogs who suffer from allergies. Pine Forest® Canine Formula with Venison & Legumes or Pacific Stream Canine® Formula with Smoked Salmon are some of the options.
What Dogs Would Benefit From a Different Brand?
Senior Dogs – Senior dogs may benefit from a formula with glucosamine chondroitin.
Overweight Canines – Overweight dogs require a balanced nutritional composition that includes more protein and less fat.
History of Recalls and Lawsuits
There has only been one official product recall involving Taste of the Wild. 2012 saw the recall of specific lots of dog and cat food due to possible salmonella contamination.
But even without its history of recalls, there has been controversy surrounding the brand.
Taste of the Wild was one of 16 brands identified by the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) in 2019 as being associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. As of this writing, owners of dogs are still waiting for proof that there is a link between grain-free meals and canine heart disease.
Taste of the Wild faced class-action lawsuits over the safety of its products in 2018 and 2019. The complaint from 2018 alleged that B.P.A.s, heavy metals, and other chemicals found in food.
The same was said about excessive iron levels in 2019.
As of right now, Taste of the Wild disputes these allegations, and no rulings in the legal process have been made public.
What Other Customers Said About Taste of The Wild Dog Food
Positive
- Best food for dogs with allergies
- Helps the dog’s coat look healthy and shiny
- Best food for picky eaters
Negative
- Pricey
- Caused gas to some dogs
What We Like About Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Use of Ancient Grains
Ancient grains are a group of grains that have mostly escaped the effects of agricultural advancement and selective breeding.
Ancient grains are a popular trend in human nutrition right now, and it’s excellent that they’re being utilized in some pet meals. Although these ingredients are normally more expensive than ordinary grains, they tend to have more protein, fiber, and other beneficial nutrients.
Quality source of protein
The proteins offered in these recipes are very impressive and range from more unique proteins like trout or venison to more common ones like basic beef or turkey. It’s the ideal brand for people who prefer to alternate proteins for their dogs.
Affordable
Another key selling point of the brand is its affordability, with excellent ingredients providing your dog with the promised “taste of the wild.” Although it is quite pricey, with the assured quality ingredients, it is well worth the price.
Live probiotics
Probiotics for dogs are frequently used to reduce gas and diarrhea. They are frequently suggested for dogs that have different digestive disorders as well. Veterinarians frequently advise dogs to take probiotics after receiving antibiotic therapy. This aids in the replacement of the digestive tract’s beneficial bacteria. Taste of the Wild formulations contains real, dog-approved probiotics.
What We Don’t Like About Taste of the Wild Dog Food
No Formulas for seniors and weight management
There is currently no senior dog food available from Taste of the Wild. They claim that their meal is appropriate for all life phases, even senior dogs who are still active, but it will not be enough for older dogs. They require a lot of nutrients to strengthen their immune systems, which are their strongest barrier against disease. Senior dogs require a high level of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help their aging joints. While many adult dog foods contain these components, the quantity is insufficient to meet the needs of a senior dog. Furthermore, Taste of the Wild does not have any food for smaller breeds. There’s also a notable lack of meals geared toward weight loss.
Is Taste Of The Wild Good Dog Food?
Yes, the Taste of the Wild Dog food is good.
They never add any colors, preservatives, or additives; they only use natural ingredients. They never use meat by-products and their recipes are packed with of defined meat sources. All of their formulations offer a well-balanced diet as well as options with and without grains.
The company has a large selection of goods for various breeds and phases of life. While it does sell some pricey dog foods, it also provides some affordable options.
Conclusion
Taste of the Wild is a high-quality brand with high-quality ingredients. The only issue we have with Taste of the Wild is that they have a limited product selection. Especially in comparison to other well-known brands. Unfortunately, not all dog diets are made equal, since many of them contain substances that might be damaging to their health. However, with Taste of the Wild, which uses only natural ingredients and is free of fillers, grains, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors, you can rest assured that your furry friend is receiving the greatest nutrition possible.
