Taste of the Wild Dog Food: Complete Analysis and Review

Taste of the wild dog food: a comprehensive review

Choose the right dog food is one of the nigh important decisions pet owners make. With countless options lining store shelves, taste of the wild has emerged as a popular premium brand. But is taste of the wild good dog food? This comprehensive review examine the brand’s ingredients, nutritional value, manufacturing practices, and customer experiences to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your furry friend.

What make taste of the wild unique

Taste of the wild positions itself as a premium pet food brand that create recipes inspire by the natural diet of wild canines. The brand’s philosophy centers around provide high protein formulas with novel protein sources that mimic what dogs might eat in nature.

Key brand features

• Grain free formulations (though they directly offer ancient grain options besides )
• Novel protein sources like bison, venison, and wild boar
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
• Make in the USA
• Family own company (diamond pet foods )

Ingredient quality analysis

The quality of ingredients is paramount when evaluate any dog food. Taste of the wild mostly use high quality ingredients, though there be some considerations worth note.

Protein sources

Most taste of the wild formulas list real meat as the first ingredient — a positive sign of quality dog food. Their protein sources typically include:

• Buffalo / bison
• Lamb
• Venison
• Salmon
• Duck
• Wild boar

These novel proteins can be beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef. Still, it’s worth note that while meat is list foremost, the food besides contain meat meals and plant proteins that contribute to the overall protein content.

Carbohydrate sources

In their grain free formulas, taste of the wild use alternative carbohydrate sources:

• Sweet potatoes
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Lentils
• Chickpeas

Their ancient grains line includes:

• Grain sorghum
• Millet
• Quinoa
• Chia seed

While these ingredients provide necessary energy and fiber, the high legume content in some formulas has raised questions followFDAa investigations into grain free diets and dilate cardiomyopathy( DCM). This is ddiscussedfar in the safety section.

Fats and oils

Taste of the wild include quality fat sources:

• Canola oil
• Salmon oil
• Ocean fish meal (source of omega fatty acids )

These ingredients provide essential fatty acids for skin, coat, and overall health.

Fruits, vegetables, and supplements

The brand include various fruits and vegetables that provide natural antioxidants and nutrients:

• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Tomatoes
• Dried chicory root (prebiotic )

They besides add vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure complete nutrition, along with probiotics for digestive health.

Nutritional analysis

Taste of the wild formulas broadly exceed DAFCO nutritional standards, offering:

Protein content

Most formulas contain between 25 32 % protein (dry matter basis ) which is higher than many mainstream brands. This protein forward approach aligns with the nutritional needs of most dogs, particularly active breeds.

Fat content

Fat levels typically range from 15 20 %, provide adequate energy and support for cellular functions. The inclusion of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids is beneficial for skin, coat, and inflammatory conditions.

Fiber and carbohydrates

Fiber content average 3 5 %, support digestive health. The carbohydrate content varies by formula but mostly fall within an appropriate range for most dogs.

Caloric density

Most formulas provide roughly 340 370 kcal per cup, which is moderate and suitable for nearly adult dogs when decent portion.

Product line overview

Taste of the wild offer a diverse product line to accommodate different life stages and dietary needs:

Grain free formulas

• 
  High prairie
  
  Feature buffalo and venison
• 
  Pacific stream
  
  Salmon base formula
• 
  Sierra mountain
  
  Lamb as the primary protein
• 
  Wetlands
  
  Duck base recipe
• 
  Southwest canyon
  
  Wild boar formula
• 
  Pine forest
  
  Venison and legumes

Ancient grains formulas

• 
  Ancient prairie
  
  Buffalo and ancient grains
• 
  Ancient stream
  
  Salmon and ancient grains
• 
  Ancient mountain
  
  Lamb and ancient grains
• 
  Ancient wetlands
  
  Duck and ancient grains

Life stage and special needs formulas

• Puppy formulas with appropriate calcium / phosphorus ratios
• Small breed formulas with smaller kibble and higher caloric density
• Limited ingredient options for sensitive dogs

Wet food options

For dogs who prefer wet food or need additional moisture in their diet, taste of the wild offer canned versions of many popular recipes.

Manufacturing and quality control

Understand where and how dog food is make provide important context for quality assessment.

Manufacturing facilities

Taste of the wild is manufacture by diamond pet foods, a family own company with five facilities across the United States. All ingredients are source and process in the USA, except for some vitamins and minerals that may come from international suppliers.

Quality control measures

Diamond pet foods implement several quality control protocols:

• On site testing laboratories
• Mycotoxin screening
• Ingredient testing before production
• Finished product testing
• Clean in place systems for production lines

Recall history

Taste of the wild has had one significant recall in 2012 as part of a larger diamond pet foods recall due to potential salmonella contamination. Since so, they’ve iimplementedadditional safety measures, and there have been no further recalls, suggest improve quality control.

Safety considerations

The grain free diet and DCM connection

In 2018, the FDA begin investigate a potential link between grain free diets high in legumes and dilate cardiomyopathy (dDCM)in dogs. Taste of the wild was one of 16 brands mention in the fdFDA report, mainly because of its popularity kinda than an establish causal relationship.

Source: woofwhiskers.com

The scientific community remains divide on this issue, with research ongoing. In response, taste of the wild introduce their ancient grains line, offer options for owners concern about the potentialDCMm link.

Legume content

Some veterinary nutritionists express concern about the high legume content (peas, lentils, chickpeas )in certain grain free formulas. These ingredients may affect taMaurineetabolism or absorption in some dogs. Owners of breeds predispose to dcDCMight consider the ancient grains line or consult their veterinarian about supplement taMaurine

Value assessment

Taste of the wild positions itself as a premium food at a mid-range price point.

Cost analysis

The cost per pound typically range from $1.80 $2.50, make it more expensive than grocery store brands but less costly than super premium or prescription diets. For a 50 pound dog, feed taste of the wild might cost roughly $$4560 per month, depend on the specific formula and your location.

Cost to quality ratio

Consider the quality of ingredients, manufacturing standards, and nutritional profile, taste of the wild broadly offer good value. Many owners report see improvements in their dogs’ coat, energy levels, and digestive health after switch to the brand, suggest the higher cost may be justified by better outcomes.

Real world performance

Palatability

Most dogs find taste of the wild extremely palatable. The use of novel proteins and natural flavor enhancers like salmon oil contribute to its appeal. Regular picky eaters oftentimes transition advantageously to these formulas.

Digestibility

The inclusion of prebiotics, probiotics (k9 strain probiotics ) and quality protein sources mostly support good digestibility. Many owners report reduce gas, firmer stools, and fewer digestive upsets after transition to taste of the wild.

Common benefits report by owners

• Improved coat shine and reduce shed
• Better energy levels
• Reduced allergic reactions in sensitive dogs
• Healthy weight maintenance
• Reduced stool volume compare to lower quality foods

Common concerns

• Some dogs may experience transitional digestive upset if switch excessively rapidly
• The high protein content may not be suitable for dogs with certain kidney issues
• Some formulas may be excessively rich for sensitive stomachs

Veterinary perspectives

Veterinary opinions on taste of the wild vary, as they do with most commercial pet foods.

Supportive views

Many veterinarians appreciate the brand’s:

• Higher protein content from quality sources
• Absence of artificial preservatives and colors
• Inclusion of omega fatty acids and probiotics
• Options for dogs with food sensitivities

Critical views

Some veterinary concerns include:

• The high legume content in grain free formulas and potential DCM concerns
• The marketing emphasis on” wild ” ngredients, which some consider more marketing than nutritional science
• The lack of feed trials for all formulas (though they meet aDAFCOnutrient profiles )

Is taste of the wild right for your dog?

Ideal candidates

Taste of the wild may be peculiarly advantageously suit for:

• Dogs with sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef
• Active dogs that benefit from higher protein levels
• Dogs with mild food allergies or sensitivities
• Owners look for a step up from mainstream brands without the cost of ultra premium options

Dogs that may need alternative options

• Dogs with diagnose kidney disease (due to protein levels )
• Dogs with severe food allergies require prescription diets
• Breeds predispose to DCM (without veterinary monitoring )
• Dogs with specific therapeutic dietary needs

How to transition to taste of the wild

If you decide to try taste of the wild, a proper transition is essential to prevent digestive upset:

1. 
   Days 1 2:
   
   25 % new food, 75 % old food
2. 
   Days 3 4:
   
   50 % new food, 50 % old food
3. 
   Days 5 6:
   
   75 % new food, 25 % old food
4. 
   Day 7:
   
   100 % new food

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, extend this transition period to 10 14 days.

Final verdict: is taste of the wild good dog food?

Base on ingredient quality, nutritional analysis, manufacturing practices, and real world performance, taste of the wild can be considered a good quality dog food for most dogs. Iofferser:

• Above average protein content from name meat sources
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
• Probiotics for digestive health
• Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Multiple protein options for dogs with sensitivities
• Both grain free and ancient grain options

Notwithstanding, no dog food is perfect for every dog. The potential concerns about grain free diets and DCM should be considered, especially for predisposed breeds. As with any dietary choice, consult with your veterinarian about your specific dog’s needs is invariablrecommendednd.

Finally, the best measure of any dog food’s quality is how advantageously your individual dog thrive on it. Many dogs do exceptionally advantageously on taste of the wild, but monitor your pet’s condition after transition to any new food is essential. Look for healthy energy levels, good coat quality, proper weight maintenance, and normal digestive function as indicators that the food is work advantageously for your canine companion.

Source: woofwhiskers.com

For most pet owners seek a higher quality commercial diet without prescription level prices, taste of the wild represent a solid option worth consider.