The least a caring pet owner will do is try to make sure the dog gets a healthy and balanced diet rich in nutrients. Thankfully, there’s no lack of dog food in stores today, and you can easily reach an even wider range of brands by going online and ordering delivery to your home. Many people find it not only more convenient and cost-efficient, but they are glad they can provide their pets with a better alternative to what they’ve been getting so far.
The Taste of the Wild brand is quite popular, so you may have seen it before. What makes it different from others? Well, this dog food producer has a curious approach that many pet owners find very appealing. The company believes that the best diet for a dog should consist of what its ancestors, wolves, in this case, would get in the wild. Therefore, the Taste of the Wild canine formula contains a specific type of meat, for example, bison and venison. That’s not something home animals may be used to.
However, those ingredients alone wouldn’t be enough, and a beast in the wild may not be getting other vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for the best condition. That’s when your house pet is actually in a better position than its distant relatives living in the wild. A food-producing company like TOTW infuses its products with nutritional substances that decrease the risk of various diseases and provide positive effects for various health-related aspects
In our review, we will thoroughly examine what the company has to offer in its grain free high protein recipes range, briefly discuss its other products, and see what the Taste of the Wild dog food rating we end up with.
Who Мakes Taste of the Wild?
It’s a US-based family-owned company that was founded, as one may suggest, by pet owners who decided they wanted to share their idea of the best nutrition plan with as many pet lovers as possible. That’s how TOTW came to be, and it turned out to be quite successful, which is proven by the pace with which it managed to grow.
Besides the alluring idea of the DNA-inspired diet, another reason for the brand’s steady growth is definitely the fact that it was launched under the Diamond Pet food company. Obviously, an entirely new product line benefited from the experience the owners had accumulated in this field since 1970, when they first entered the market.
Originally, the two brothers-in-law Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter, who own Taste of the Wild didn’t have a large radius of operation. They were selling their products in Missouri, mostly focusing on livestock feeding, canine food having a small share from the overall volume.
Currently, TOTW operates on a global scale, and its products come from several manufacturing facilities located in the following states:
- Arkansas;
- California (two locations);
- Missouri;
- South Carolina.
This premium pet food company has been running since 2007, and there has been a single case of the Taste of the Wild dog food recall in 2012. It was related to a salmonella outburst and only concerned dry dog food that was deemed potentially unsafe. As The National Trial Lawyers report, a class-action lawsuit filed against Diamond Pet Foods was settled. Although it wasn’t about the TOTW brand food, it was recalled along with several other product lines that came from the production facility responsible for the outbreak. There have been no further recall cases since, so it seems the manufacturer has taken the necessary measures.
Taste of the Wild Reviews of the Grain-Free Dog Food
The company offers several series of products, namely Grain-Free, Ancient Grains, and Prey Limited Ingredient Recipe. We’ll be reviewing the first category, which is available in both wet and dry options
Some pet owners may choose grain-free products because of allergies to certain grains, but this choice has advantages for dogs in general. First of all, this line of products uses different ingredients to serve as protein sources, like real meat, fish, and fowl that help to keep animals healthy, improve the immune system, and result in a shiny coat, among other things. While getting the necessary protein percentage, your favorite beast will also enjoy the natural taste of his meals
To provide a richer taste and additional healthy elements, the Taste of the Wild grain free products have various vegetables, fruits, and legumes mixed in. Again, peas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and similar ingredients help imitate the wildlife diet leading to a healthy lifestyle.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food
- Roasted bison and venison as the key ingredients
- A version of the recipe specifically for puppies is available
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Formula
- A combination of venison and garbanzo beans for improved digestion
- Kibble is specifically tailored for small breed dogs in size and shape
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Dry Dog Food
- A triple treat of roasted quail, duck, and smoked turkey
- Provides a full package of nutrients for adult dogs
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Dry Dog Food
- Lamb and roasted lamb serve as the natural source of quality protein
- Salmon oil provides DHA, an acid that improves brain and vision development
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dry Dog Food
- Salmon, ocean fish, and smoked salmon provide animal protein and healthful acids
- An egg-free recipe, also available specifically for puppies
Taste of the Wild Pine Forest Dry Dog Food
- Novel proteins derive from venison, and legumes bring fiber and carbs
- Chicory root is a source of prebiotic fiber that fuels proprietary probiotics
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Dry Dog Food
- Beef and lamb are joined by wild boar for a healthier and meatier effect
- Only natural flavors, minerals, and vitamins come from real fruits and vegetables
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
The High Prairie recipe is available for both adult dogs and puppies, providing them with a powerful mixture of buffalo, lamb, bison, roasted venison, and an array of other healthy ingredients.
Your pet will hardly be disappointed by the fact that this food also contains lamb, buffalo, and chicken on the meat spectrum. Of course, if your pup is known to be allergic to any of these, it’s highly important to read the whole list of contents rather than rely on the components the advertising is built around.
The meat parts of the recipe are responsible for the crude protein that reaches no less than 32%. Other additives like legumes, vegetables, and fruits, namely peas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, raspberries, and blueberries, furnish food with antioxidants and useful nutrients.
This Taste of the Wild dog food is also enriched with the company’s proprietary K9 Strain probiotics to improve digestion and have a positive effect on the immune system.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories per cup: 370
- Crude protein: no less than 32%
- Crude fat: no less than 18%
- Moisture: no more than 10%
- Fiber: no more than 4%a
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Contains roasted bison and roasted venison
- Comes in sizes: 28/14/5 pounds
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Well-balanced protein and fat amounts
- A variety of real meat ingredients for the best flavor
- Balanced Omega fatty acids levels
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- May contain potential allergens for some dogs
- The bag size was reduced from 30 to 28 lb.
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Formula
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Here’s an ideal recipe for small breed dogs that lies not only in small kibble pieces that are easier to chew but also in the delicious and healthy meals it provides.
The Appalachian Valley bags are often picked up by pet owners for their large breed puppies, not only smaller breeds. Pups are sure to be satisfied with the taste which venison, ocean fish, duck and lamb meals contribute to. The high protein content is also achieved by including garbanzo beans and egg.
The said beans also have a positive effect on digestive health and provide minerals. Additional fiber comes from dried chicory root that also activates the probiotic bacteria. The probiotics are added to make sure the food comes with live cultures, about 80 million in each pound.
Canola oil is mostly responsible for the fat content in this Taste of the Wild small breed recipe and makes up about 18%. Moisture is kept at about 10%, which is a good number for dry food.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories per cup: 370
- Crude protein: no less than 32%
- Crude fat: no less than 18%
- Moisture: no more than 10%
- Fiber: no more than 4%
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Pasture-raised venison as the key ingredient
- Comes in sizes: 28/14/5 pounds
WHAT WE LOVED:
- A rich crude protein content provided by real meat
- Kibble size is ideal for puppies and small dogs
- Contains species-specific probiotics
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Egg may be an allergen for some pets
- The bag size was reduced from 30 to 28 lb.
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Your dog will surely appreciate this recipe with a tasty mix of fowls, made up of smoked turkey, roasted quail and duck, joined by chicken and fish broth.
If we look into the nutrition information for this food, we’ll find out that it is similar to the previous recipes in terms of protein and fat content, as well as in fiber and moisture percentages. There’s a slight difference in Omega fatty acids, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. They are there to provide additional benefits for your pooch’s health, that’s what matters.
The recipe will be perfect for adult dogs, as it’s designed to provide them with complete nutrition and support them in their healthy condition. Probiotics are, as usual, added to help digestion and enhance the immune system.
There’s also an option of Taste of the Wild canned dog food that offers the same fowl mix along with all the nutritional elements but brings the moisture content up to 82%.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories per cup: 375
- Crude protein: no less than 32%
- Crude fat: no less than 18%
- Moisture: no more than 10%
- Fiber: no more than 4%
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Also available with fowl in gravy in 13.02 oz. cans
- Comes in sizes: 28/14/5 pounds
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Contains several protein sources
- A roasted fowl mix for the best taste
- Dried chicory root provides extra fiber and probiotic bacteria
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Cans are only available in one size
- The bag size was reduced from 30 to 28 lb.
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This formula provides as much lamb as possible in one well-balanced pack with lamb meat, lamb parts that are also rich in protein, and roasted lamb as the icing on this lamb cake.
Although this recipe provides less protein, about 25% against 32% found in other dry dog food, your doggy may still prefer this one to others. It’s also a good nutritional solution for dogs with allergies to other common meat options.
Surely, it’s not all lamb because to provide the necessary antioxidants and enrich your pet’s food, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, egg, peas, lentils, and other items are added into the mix. Fat comes from canola oil and salmon oil, and the latter also results in DHA provision. This is an omega-3 fatty acid that is good for brain activity and proper vision functions, which is something any animal can benefit from at all life stages.
As usual, the Taste of the Wild ingredients list features special probiotics and dried chicory root for better digestion.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories per cup: 338
- Crude protein: no less than 25%
- Crude fat: no less than 15%
- Moisture: no more than 10%
- Fiber: no more than 5%
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Also available with fowl in gravy in 13.02 oz. cans
- Comes in sizes: 28/14/5 pounds
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Three different lamb elements
- Salmon oil provides DHA
- Balanced levels of fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Protein and fat levels aren’t as high as in other recipes
- Cans are only available in one size
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Let your dog feel like a wolf hunting for fish in a mountain stream with this recipe that emanates an irresistible flavor due to multiple types of real salmon in it.
Protein comes from salmon, smoked salmon, salmon meal, and some ocean fish meal to help bring its level to at least 25%. Sure, it’s lower than in other meat-based TOTW recipes, but it’s also egg-free, making it a perfect choice for canines that have issues with egg products.
The Pacific Stream provides a healthy nutrition plan for large breed dogs, so any adult canine will be getting all the necessary vitamins while enjoying this meal. The full list of ingredients is much longer and is not limited to fish only. Certain vegetables, fruits, and legumes are added to provide your pup with antioxidants and deliver zinc, selenium, and other healthy substances in this delicious mix.
Probiotics that have been developed particularly for dogs are always added to the TOTW food afterward to guarantee normal digestion.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories per cup: 360
- Crude protein: no less than 25%
- Crude fat: no less than 15%
- Moisture: no more than 10%
- Fiber: no more than 3%
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Also available with salmon in gravy in 13.02 oz. cans
- Comes in sizes: 28/14/5 pounds
WHAT WE LOVED:
- A rich mix of variously-cooked salmon
- An egg-free recipe is safe for sensitive dogs
- Provides complete and balanced nutrition
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Protein and fat levels aren’t as high as in other recipes
- Cans are only available in one size
Taste of the Wild Pine Forest Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
A simple recipe focused on pasture-raised venison and accompanied by legumes is a great example of dry dog food that is packed with nutrients.
This red meat treat should satisfy any dog’s hunger and fill it with energy (by the way, if your pooch is really into red meat, take a look at the Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef. What’s more important to a pet owner is knowing that the protein levels are good. Those are ensured by additional ingredients like lamb meal, egg product, ocean fish, and garbanzo beans.
As a healthy diet food, the recipe also contains various fruits and vegetables, providing vital elements for a well-conditioned dog. Salmon oil is responsible not only for the fat content but also for an omega-3 fatty acid that is good for a pup’s brain and vision.
Probiotic bacteria supplied according to the company’s unique species-specific formula provide a positive effect on digestion and the immune system.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories per cup: 337
- Crude protein: no less than 28%
- Crude fat: no less than 15%
- Moisture: no more than 10%
- Fiber: no more than 4.5%
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Venison and legumes are the main protein sources
- Comes in sizes: 28/14/5 pounds
WHAT WE LOVED:
- A grain-free dog food formula
- Provides a good amount of probiotics and antioxidants
- DHA makes it beneficial to dogs of all ages
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Fewer calories than in other recipes
- The bag size was reduced from 30 to 28 lb.
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
While the packaging focuses your attention on wild boar, your dog will truly savor the taste achieved by a wonderful mix of beef, lamb, ocean fish, and other nutritional elements.
Besides the rich meaty flavor, this combination of lamb, beef, wild boar, and ocean fish, as well as the addition of eggs, help to increase the crude protein share up to at least 29%. It’s only slightly less than some other TOTW dry dog food recipes, yet it’s enough to provide your pet with a nutritional diet.
Additional protein comes from garbanzo beans that are also a source of fiber, minerals, and other nutrients. Other vitamins and elements a dog’s health will only benefit from include peas, tomatoes, raspberries, and other fruits and vegetables.
Crude fat content is achieved due to canola and salmon oil, and the latter is also responsible for increasing the omega fatty acid level. Dried chicory root combined with custom probiotics guarantees improved digestion and a healthier immune system.
KEY FEATURES:
- Calories per cup: 360
- Crude protein: no less than 29%
- Crude fat: no less than 15%
- Moisture: no more than 10%
- Fiber: no more than 5%
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Also available with beef in gravy in 13.02 oz. cans
- Comes in sizes: 28/14/5 pounds
WHAT WE LOVED:
- A variety of protein-providing meats
- A healthy balance of fat, probiotics, and antioxidants
- Salmon oil is good for vision and brain development
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Cans are only available in one size
- The bag size was reduced from 30 to 28 lb.
Taste of the Wild Wet Dog Food
Most of the dry food recipes listed above also come in cans, so if either you or your four-legged friend prefer wet food over kibble, the formulas and unique tastes of the wild are still available. Some dog owners only use wet dog food as a treat from time to time to provide a more varied diet for their favorite pet or simply because it’s more expensive. Should you decide to make it the most frequent type of food on the feeding chart, go ahead because TOTW made sure that your dog will get all the useful elements from these recipes.
There are, of course, differences in the make-up of these foods depending on whether you get the particular recipe in a bag or a can. On average, protein, fiber, and fat levels are 3-4 times lower in wet food, but that’s to be expected when the moisture percentage is 8 times higher. While in kibble it doesn’t exceed 10%, you get up to 82% when it comes in a can.
The calorie content is slightly lower with the wet option if you compare a 13.02 oz. can that has about 320-350 kcal and a cup of dry food that contains somewhere between 340 to 375 kcal depending on the recipe and the type of meat used as the key component. So, you’ll have to consider that when calculating the feeding plan for your dog, as it will take more wet food in terms of weight to provide the same amount of calories kibble would. There is a feeding guide for healthy weight on the official site.
And here are the options you can get in this line of TOTW recipes:
- High Prairie
- Pacific Stream
- Sierra Mountain
- Southwest Canyon
- Wetlands
Taste of the Wild Ingredient Analysis
This manufacturer stays true to its key concept based on the belief that the best diet for dogs is the one similar to their ancestors, that is, wolves and other canine animals who may have left their traces in dogs’ DNA. That’s why each of their products, whether it’s a grain-free line of canned and kibble food, Ancient Grains, or Taste of the Wild Prey series, contains at least one natural source of protein that is specific to an area mentioned in the title.
So, the company offers a true variety its competitors can hardly keep up with when the most common types of meat your dog would get from them are chicken, beef, and pork. Those can be found in TOTW foods too, but never alone. Like, the Appalachian Valley features a whole array of meat sources that are venison, duck, and lamb. The Pacific Stream will have not only ocean fish but also salmon, and while some of it comes from a farm, there’s also wild-caught salmon in the mix. Or take the Wetlands, which does rely on chicken, but a great share of its taste and protein comes from smoked turkey, roasted quail and duck as well.
Those elements, however, cannot be the only ones to provide a dog with a wholesome nutrition plan, so there are a lot more natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, legumes. Other chemical elements are also added to enrich the food with helpful substances that are difficult to come by in the natural environment yet have a positive effect on animals’ health.
Egg products are a common ingredient, yet there are egg-free foods for pets that are allergic to them. Allergies to beef and chicken may also be the reason you should look towards this company, and your pet will surely be grateful for new tasty meals.
Taste of the Wild Guaranteed Analysis
Whatever the flavor this dog food producer has decided to give each of the products, a responsible pet owner is concerned about the nutritional value. Since your dog cannot always know what’s good for him or her and is guided by the smell, taste, and some subconscious signals, it’s vital that you take care of your friend getting other healthy substances during mealtime or as snacks.
Fortunately, this company has no problems maintaining good levels of useful substances in all their foods. There’s a guaranteed analysis that comes with every food and can be checked beforehand on their official website. It lets you know the limits for things like protein, fat, moisture, fiber, zinc, Omega fatty acids, and other essential stuff. While those numbers may slightly differ for different tastes, they always meet the dog food nutrient profiles set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Now, as many people exclude gluten from their own diets, they would like to have the same opportunity for their pets. That’s when grain-free foods come in, but dogs still need to get their carbohydrates somehow. So, TOTW uses other products instead, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, or pea flour. That way, it’s guaranteed that pups will still get the energy even with this exclusion.
Also, if you simply want to avoid common grains like wheat, corn, or soy, you can go for the Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains series. It has the same guaranteed components as the previously mentioned foods but also uses grains that are believed to have not been altered through the years. So, by adding grains like millet, sorghum, quinoa, and chia seeds, the brand once again brings your dog’s diet closer to that of the ancestral beasts.
What Dogs are Taste of the Wild Suited to?
In the various products of the company there are several groups of dogs that will benefit more from certain choices. The most obvious ones are puppies that get High Prairie and Pacific Stream formulas tailored for them.
These same recipes will also suit smaller breeds, although miniature pups get their own Appalachian Valley formula.
Next come adolescent dogs, and while there’s no recipe specifically made for them with “adolescents” written on the package, they should benefit the most from the Wetlands formula. It offers a higher level of proteins and additional nutritional elements, which is ideal for these growing young dogs.
Large breed adult dogs that have no problems with their health get the best range to choose from since most of the TOTW foods are suitable for them.
Pregnant or nursing dogs require more food, and it’s important for them to get a minimum of 29% of protein content. So, as long as you make sure to check that information and avoid Pacific Stream, Pine Forest, and Sierra Mountain recipes, you should be fine with the rest that we have reviewed above.
Now, if your dog is overweight or has entered its senior years, you may be better off with a different brand that offers formulas specifically meant for those conditions.
Conclusion
So, it’s time to sum up our findings and voice what we think about this brand. We definitely like certain novelty it offers to pet owners who are used to feeding their dogs with food centered on chicken or beef. Not only does Taste of the Wild dry dog food offer new flavors for canines (ironic, since it’s something their ancestors used to survive on), but those are also a source of high-quality proteins.
The variety of recipes may not be the largest among dog food brands, but it’s still impressive enough and is consistent with the company’s focus on wild nature feeding patterns. These foods are also grain-free and rely on alternative energy sources that are less harmful to a pup’s health. The Ancient Grains series is also a great substitute for dog food containing wheat or corn.
As for the reasons why one might choose to avoid this brand, it’s not the cheapest food for your dog, but for the unique recipes it provides, it’s actually quite affordable. Many customers have noticed that the dry food bag weight went down from 30 to 28 pounds without a price reduction. Well, although we understand that companies may have to adapt to stay in business, we all would surely like to pay less for products. Still, it’s a good offer for balanced food rich in vitamins, probiotics, omega fatty acids, etc.
FAQs
Most of the formulas are grain-free and come both as canned food or kibble. The exception is the Ancient Grains series, named after grains that have not been subject to many changes over the years and are beneficial to your pet’s health. These recipes use quinoa, millet, sorghum, and chia seeds to provide pups with the still necessary carbs.
Since it’s an American company, it’s also made at the manufacturing facilities located within the United States. There are currently five of those in total, and they are located in Missouri, California, South Carolina, and Arkansas. Although most of the ingredients come from the same continent, several products have to be supplied from overseas, like lamb, chicory, potato protein, and certain nutrients.
You should be able to find this brand at Walmart. To find out which retail stores offer TOTW products, you can check the brand’s official website and enter your location, zip code, or find your area on a map. This will show you the vetted retailers you can safely purchase dog food from. The page also provides information on trusted stores around the globe.
If we speak of dry food, the calorie content can be between 340 and 400 kcal per cup. Wet food will offer somewhere between 320 and 350 calories per can, although the kcal/kg ratio is obviously lower here since this type of food is heavier. Nevertheless, the calorie content in all TOTW foods still meets the requirements for well-balanced nutrition.
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