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Taste of the Wild is one of the most recognizable names in premium dog food, especially among owners looking for high-protein, grain-free formulas inspired by a more ancestral style of feeding. At the same time, it’s also one of the brands most frequently questioned due to concerns around grain-free diets, legumes, and canine heart health.
This review looks at Taste of the Wild from a practical, decision-focused perspective. It explains what the food is, how it’s made, what’s actually inside the bag, and which dogs tend to do well on it. It also addresses safety concerns, recalls, and how the brand compares to major competitors, so you can decide if it fits your dog’s needs rather than relying on marketing claims alone.
What Taste of the Wild Dog Food Is?
Taste of the Wild is a premium dry and wet dog food brand built around grain-free recipes with higher-than-average protein levels. The formulas use named meats such as bison, venison, salmon, lamb, and wild boar, combined with vegetables, fruits, and added probiotics.
The brand positions itself as offering an “ancestral diet” approach. In practice, this means avoiding grains like wheat, corn, and rice, and instead relying on ingredients such as sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, and chickpeas for carbohydrates.
Taste of the Wild is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, a long-established U.S. pet food producer that owns and operates its own manufacturing facilities rather than outsourcing production.
Who Taste of the Wild Is Designed For?
Taste of the Wild is most commonly chosen by owners who want:
- High-protein dog food for active or working dogs
- Grain-free formulas due to perceived sensitivities
- Novel protein sources for dogs with common meat intolerances
- Mid-range premium pricing without boutique-level costs
Dogs that often do well on Taste of the Wild include highly active adult dogs, many sporting breeds, and dogs that tolerate legumes without digestive issues.
Dogs that may not be ideal candidates include those with diagnosed heart conditions, breeds genetically predisposed to heart disease, or dogs that do better on grain-inclusive diets recommended by their veterinarian.
Ingredient Quality and Sourcing
One of the main reasons Taste of the Wild performs well in reviews is its use of named animal proteins. Most formulas list a real meat or fish as the first ingredient, rather than unnamed meat by-products.
Common protein sources include roasted bison, venison, salmon, lamb, and wild boar. These are considered novel proteins compared to standard chicken or beef, which can be helpful for dogs with food sensitivities.
Carbohydrate sources are primarily plant-based and grain-free. These typically include sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. Fruits and vegetables such as blueberries and raspberries are added in smaller amounts for antioxidants.
The brand also includes proprietary probiotics designed to support digestion and immune health.From an ingredient transparency standpoint, Taste of the Wild performs well. The trade-off is that the formulas are legume-heavy, which is a key point in ongoing grain-free diet discussions.
Nutritional Profile and Standards
Taste of the Wild formulas generally provide protein levels between the mid-20s and low-30s percentage range, which is higher than many mainstream kibbles. Fat levels are moderate to high, supporting energy needs for active dogs.
All recipes are formulated to meet the nutrient profiles established by AAFCO for specific life stages. This means the formulas meet recognized minimum nutritional requirements when fed as directed.
It’s important to note that Taste of the Wild meets these standards through formulation rather than long-term feeding trials. This is common in dry dog food, but some owners prefer brands that also conduct extensive feeding trials.
Taste of the Wild Product Lines Explained
Taste of the Wild does not offer dozens of overlapping formulas. Instead, it focuses on a smaller lineup with distinct protein profiles.High Prairie Canine Formula uses bison and venison and is one of the brand’s highest-calorie options. It’s commonly chosen for very active adult dogs.
Pacific Stream Canine Formula is salmon-based and often selected for dogs with skin sensitivities. It contains no egg protein, which can help some allergy-prone dogs.Sierra Mountain Canine Formula uses lamb as the single primary protein and has a simpler ingredient list. It’s often chosen as a gentler option within the brand.Puppy formulas are designed to support growth, including large-breed puppies, with adjusted calcium levels and added DHA for brain development.
Pros and Cons of Taste of the Wild
Pros
High-quality named animal proteins
Grain-free across the entire product line
Added probiotics for digestive support
Competitive pricing for a premium formula
Wide availability online and in pet stores
Cons
Heavy reliance on legumes
No grain-inclusive options
Not supported by AAFCO feeding trials
Involved in grain-free DCM discussions
May be too calorie-dense for low-activity dogs
Safety, Recalls, and Heart Health Concerns
Taste of the Wild has experienced recalls in the past, primarily related to salmonella contamination. These incidents occurred several years ago, and there have been no widespread recent recalls. While recalls are a concern, they are not uncommon in large-scale pet food manufacturing.
More frequently discussed is the link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy, or Dilated cardiomyopathy. The FDA has investigated potential associations between certain grain-free diets and DCM. Taste of the Wild has appeared in FDA reporting data, though no direct causation has been established.
What matters most is context. Many dogs eat grain-free diets without issue. However, dogs with existing heart conditions or breeds known to be at higher risk should not be placed on grain-free diets without veterinary guidance.
How Veterinarians Typically View Taste of the Wild?
Veterinary opinions on Taste of the Wild vary. Some veterinarians appreciate the ingredient transparency and protein quality, while others express caution due to the lack of feeding trials and the grain-free formulation.
Most veterinary professionals agree on one point. No single dog food is ideal for every dog. Taste of the Wild can be appropriate for some dogs, but it should be selected based on individual health, breed risk, and activity level rather than marketing claims.
Pricing and Availability
Taste of the Wild is positioned in the mid-premium segment. It is generally more expensive than grocery store brands but less expensive than ultra-premium options.
Pricing varies by region and retailer, but larger bags typically offer good value per pound. The brand is widely available through online pet retailers, specialty pet stores, and some veterinary supply outlets.
Searches such as “Taste of the Wild dog food near me” often surface local pet stores rather than brand-owned locations, as the company distributes through third-party retailers.
Taste of the Wild vs Major Competitors
Compared to Orijen, Taste of the Wild is less expensive and slightly lower in protein, with simpler ingredient lists.Compared to Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild offers fewer formulas but stronger consistency in protein quality.
Compared to Purina Pro Plan, Taste of the Wild focuses more on ingredient philosophy, while Purina emphasizes feeding trials and veterinary research.Each option serves a different type of owner. Taste of the Wild appeals most to those prioritizing protein variety and grain-free diets at a moderate premium price.
How to Choose the Right Taste of the Wild Formula?
Start by identifying your dog’s life stage. Puppies should only be fed puppy-specific formulas, especially large-breed puppies.Next, consider activity level. Highly active dogs benefit from higher-calorie formulas, while sedentary dogs may gain weight quickly on them.
Assess protein tolerance. Dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities may do better with salmon or lamb-based recipes.If your dog has any heart-related concerns or belongs to a high-risk breed, consult your veterinarian before choosing a grain-free formula.
Common Feeding and Transition Mistakes
Switching too quickly can cause digestive upset. Transitions should occur over at least 7 to 10 days.Overfeeding is common due to higher calorie density. Portion sizes often need adjustment.
Assuming grain-free is automatically healthier can lead to poor outcomes if it’s not appropriate for your dog.
Conclusion
Taste of the Wild dog food sits in a balanced middle ground within the premium pet food market. It offers high-quality protein sources, clear ingredient labeling, and competitive pricing, making it a solid option for many active, healthy dogs. At the same time, its grain-free, legume-heavy approach means it should be chosen thoughtfully, especially for dogs with heart health concerns or lower activity levels.
The best decision comes from matching the formula to your dog’s specific needs, monitoring their response over time, and staying open to adjustment. Taste of the Wild can be a good choice, but it works best when selected with intention rather than assumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our pet care services.
It can be a good option for healthy, active dogs that tolerate grain-free diets, but it is not ideal for every dog.
Yes, all Taste of the Wild formulas are grain free.
There is no proven causation, but grain-free diets are under investigation for links to DCM in some dogs.
Yes, when using puppy-specific formulas designed for growth.
For protein quality and ingredient transparency, it offers good value within the premium category.
Some veterinarians recommend it for certain dogs, while others prefer feeding-trial-backed brands.
Some dogs benefit from novel protein options, but legume sensitivity should be considered.
