Taste of the Wild Dog Food Review (2024)

Introduction

Taste of the Wild is a popular dog food brand known for its emphasis on high-quality, ancestral-inspired ingredients, particularly its focus on grain-free options. Given the competitive pet food market, a critical evaluation of the brand is necessary. This review will examine Taste of the Wild’s background, ingredients, nutritional profile, consumer feedback, expert opinions, and its position among comparable brands. We’ll delve into the merits of grain-free diets, address potential concerns, and provide context to help pet owners make informed decisions.

Read More: Top 10 Best Rated Dog Food Brands for 2024 (Updated)

Company Overview

Taste of the Wild is a product line of Diamond Pet Foods, a family-owned company with extensive experience in the pet food industry. Their core philosophy revolves around providing dogs with nutrition that reflects a more ancestral diet – rich in meat, grain-free, and supplemented with fruits, vegetables, and other beneficial ingredients.

To ensure quality and availability, Diamond Pet Foods operates five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across the US. Note that Diamond Pet Foods has faced past recalls, though none have directly involved the Taste of the Wild line. This history may factor into the concerns of some pet owners, highlighting the importance of due diligence when selecting any pet food brand.

Product Line and Ingredients

Taste of the Wild offers both dry and wet food options. Their dry food lines include High Prairie, Pacific Stream, Southwest Canyon, Prey (limited ingredient), and Ancient Prairie (ancient grains). Formulas prioritize real meats as the primary protein source, often featuring novel options such as bison, venison, salmon, and wild boar. Sweet potatoes, legumes, and sometimes ancient grains are used as carbohydrate sources. While their emphasis on whole-food ingredients is commendable, improved transparency in ingredient sourcing and supply chain oversight would further bolster consumer confidence.

• Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Pine Forest Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

5 Varieties of Taste of the Wild Wet Dog Food

• Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Nutritional Content and Benefits

Taste of the Wild formulas generally provide above-average protein and fat levels compared to standard kibble. This aligns with the nutritional needs of more active dogs. Grain-free options appeal to owners focused on potential grain sensitivities in their pets. The addition of prebiotics and probiotics is intended to promote healthy digestion. However, it’s important to recognize that grain-free diets are not universally necessary, and emerging research suggests potential risks associated with some grain substitutes, particularly legumes. Consultation with a veterinarian is vital to determine the best diet for your dog’s individual needs.

Pricing and Availability

Taste of the Wild sits within the mid-tier price range for dog food. It’s generally pricier than basic supermarket brands but less expensive than premium boutique options. Wide availability in major pet supply stores and online retailers adds convenience for consumers. However, smaller independent pet stores may not consistently carry the brand, limiting accessibility for some and highlighting the potential benefits of shopping locally when possible.

Taste of the Wild Most Popular Dog Food Brands Current Best Prices

Testimonials and Consumer Feedback

Customer reviews are largely positive. Owners often cite improved palatability, enhanced coat condition, and reduced stool volume as advantages. However, some criticisms exist, including occasional inconsistencies in kibble size and quality control concerns. Monitoring multi-platform consumer feedback is prudent to detect potential recurring issues and to ensure the company maintains high standards. It’s also valuable to note that individual dog responses to a food can vary widely.

Expert Reviews and Opinions

Veterinarians and pet nutritionists hold mixed views on Taste of the Wild. They may acknowledge the above-average ingredients and grain-free options, but some express reservations about grain-free diets as a blanket necessity for dogs. Further, controversy continues regarding the use of certain ingredients, like legumes, and their potential connection to DCM in dogs. While there’s no direct link to Taste of the Wild, ongoing research underscores the importance of veterinary consultation before making dietary changes and highlights the need for continued monitoring of the science surrounding pet nutrition.

Comparative Analysis

Taste of the Wild’s primary competitors include Blue Buffalo, Wellness, Merrick, and even some lines within Purina Pro Plan. Taste of the Wild generally aligns quality-wise and may sometimes feature fewer controversial ingredients than similar brands. Its price can be competitive depending on the formula. Exploring alternative brands with comparable philosophies could reveal differences in ingredient sourcing or track records, providing further options for consideration and highlighting the value of reading labels closely.

Pros vs. Cons

Pros:

• High-quality proteins, often with novel options
• Grain-free formulas for sensitive dogs
• Generally palatable for most dogs
• Wide availability
• Mid-tier price point

Cons:

• Occasional quality control concerns
• Contains some controversial ingredients
• Might not be necessary for dogs without sensitivities
• Past company recalls (not Taste of the Wild specific)
• Limited availability in some smaller stores

Overall Score

Taste of the Wild Dog Food Overall Score: 7/10 

We’re giving Taste of the Wild dog food a rating of 7 out of 10. This score acknowledges its overall good quality, with above-average nutrition and a diverse range of flavors available. However, there are potential concerns regarding ingredient sourcing and the suitability of grain-free diets for all dogs, which slightly impact the rating. It’s crucial for pet owners to conduct thorough research and consult with veterinarians to ensure Taste of the Wild meets the specific needs of their pets.