Taste of the Wild Dog Food Review: High Protein at a Fair Price?
Taste of the Wild bridges the gap between premium pricing and quality ingredients. Diamond Pet Foods manufactures this brand. Launched in 2007, it offers high-protein formulas at reasonable prices. Their value proposition includes novel proteins and no corn, wheat, or soy.
Grain-Free vs Ancient Grains
Taste of the Wild built its reputation on grain-free diets. However, a 2018 FDA investigation into dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) forced the brand to evolve. The original grain-free line uses sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes instead of grains. These formulas are high in protein and feature bison, venison, and salmon.
In response to DCM concerns, they introduced the Ancient Grains line. This line replaces legumes with ancient grains like quinoa and millet. It offers the same novel proteins without the legume-heavy ingredients linked to DCM. For owners worried about DCM, this line is a smart compromise.
Protein Variety
A major strength of Taste of the Wild is its protein diversity. Most mid-range brands rely on chicken or salmon. Taste of the Wild offers bison, venison, lamb, duck, and quail. These novel proteins are valuable for dogs with allergies.
If your dog has a chicken intolerance, these formulas provide a great alternative. The protein content ranges from 25% to 32%. Fat levels are robust at 15-18%. This makes them well-suited for active dogs.
Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison Recipes
The High Prairie formula features roasted bison and roasted venison. It is the brand's flagship recipe. Bison is a lean, nutrient-dense protein source rich in iron. Venison provides a unique amino acid profile that supports muscles.
Both are novel proteins. Most dogs have never eaten bison or venison, making this an excellent choice for elimination diets. The roasting process adds palatability. The meat is slow-roasted before being mixed into the kibble.
This creates a flavor profile that dogs love. The formula delivers bison as the first ingredient. Venison, lamb meal, and chicken meal follow. This provides a balanced protein profile.
Ingredient Analysis
Taste of the Wild High Prairie formula (bison & venison):
- First ingredient: Bison (named novelty meat)
- Protein source: Bison, venison, lamb meal, chicken meal
- Carbs: Sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes
- Added extras: Dried chicory root (prebiotic), antioxidants, probiotics
â What's Good
- High protein content (32%)
- Novel proteins good for dogs with allergies
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Affordable for the ingredient quality
â ī¸ What's Not
- Grain-free â FDA DCM investigation concerns
- Some dogs develop loose stools from high protein
- Multiple pea/lentil ingredients (linked to DCM)
- Not all dogs tolerate high protein well
Ingredient Sourcing & Manufacturing
Taste of the Wild is made by Diamond Pet Foods. They operate manufacturing facilities in four US states. Diamond sources ingredients globally. Meats come from the US and New Zealand, while vegetables are grown in the US.
The brand does not use ingredients from China. Diamond's manufacturing quality has faced questions. A 2012 recall due to salmonella contamination affected Taste of the Wild. However, the company has since upgraded quality control.
Taste of the Wild is not WSAVA-compliant. Diamond does not employ a full-time veterinary nutritionist. This is important for owners prioritizing scientific backing.
Pricing & Value
At $9.40/kg, Taste of the Wild is a great premium value. For a 70lb dog, you will pay about $59/month. This is less than Blue Buffalo, Hill's, and Royal Canin. Purina Pro Plan is its closest price competitor.
However, Taste of the Wild offers higher protein (32% vs 26%) and novel proteins. The trade-off is research backing. Purina Pro Plan features AAFCO feeding trials and WSAVA compliance. Taste of the Wild lacks these.
For owners prioritizing ingredient quality, Taste of the Wild delivers exceptional value. For those wanting extensive research, Pro Plan is money well spent.
The Verdict
Should You Buy Taste of the Wild?
Yes, if:
- You want high protein without paying premium prices
- Your active dog needs more protein in their diet
- You prefer grain-free (though evidence says it's unnecessary)
Maybe not if:
- DCM concerns worry you (consider their Ancient Grains line)
- Your dog has a sensitive stomach
- You want the safest, most researched option
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