Introduction to Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Taste of the Wild dog food has emerged as a first-port-of-call option for pet owners in search of high-quality, nutrient-dense diets that replicate the ancestral diets of dogs. Released in 2007 by Diamond Pet Foods, this company focuses on high-quality ingredients, unique proteins, and grain-free or grain-containing formulas that are specifically designed for dogs’ natural appetites. With 66% of U.S. households having pets (American Pet Products Association, 2024) as of 2025, wholesome dog food demand is through the roof, and Taste of the Wild is still a leading contender. This review goes in-depth into the brand’s positives, ingredients, recall record, most popular recipes, and professional opinions, to guide you on whether it suits your dog or not.
What Sets Taste of the Wild Dog Food Apart
Taste of the Wild is distinctive for its emphasis on mirroring the diet of wild wolves, incorporating premium proteins such as bison, venison, and salmon. Schell & Kampeter Inc. is its parent company, with six domestic U.S.-based manufacturing facilities and importing ingredients from all over the world, guaranteeing quality through extreme testing for mycotoxins and nutrients. Every recipe adheres to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements for complete and balanced nutrition for puppy, adult, and all life stages.
The brand has three primary lines:
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Original Grain-Free: Novel proteins and no corn, wheat, or fillers.
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Ancient Grains: Nutrient-dense grains such as quinoa and millet.
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PREY Limited Ingredient: Plain recipes for dogs with sensitivities.
With a 4.5-star average rating by Dog Food Advisor, Taste of the Wild is commended on its high protein level (32–45% dry matter) and value compared to premium brands.
Advantages of Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Taste of the Wild is beneficial to dogs and their owners in the following ways:
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High Protein Level: Formulas contain 32% protein on average in dry food and 44.4% in wet food, which helps develop muscles and meet energy requirements, particularly for high-energy dogs.
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Novel Proteins: Proteins such as bison, venison, and roasted duck are attractive to dogs with allergies to standard proteins like chicken.
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Digestive Health: Probiotics and prebiotics help maintain gut health, and chelated minerals facilitate better nutrient uptake.
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No Artificial Additives: No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, minimizing the risk of negative side effects.
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Affordable Quality: Priced at $13.99 for a 5-pound bag and $48.99 for a 28-pound bag, it’s affordable for high-end food.
X users, such as @Bonusiie, comment on shinier coats and improved digestion in their dogs once they’ve switched to Taste of the Wild.
Key Ingredients in Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Taste of the Wild considers quality ingredients first, with recipes engineered to replicate a feral diet:
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Primary Proteins: Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, and salmon are typical, which supply key amino acids. For instance, High Prairie Canine Formula has buffalo as the leading ingredient, followed by lamb meal, which consists of 300% more protein than fresh lamb.
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Carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes provide fiber and energy. Ancient Grains recipes feature quinoa, millet, and chia seeds for antioxidants and micronutrients.
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Fats: Chicken fat and canola oil supply omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy coats and skin.
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Fruits and Vegetables: Blueberries, raspberries, and tomatoes provide antioxidants and vitamins.
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Probiotics: Canine-specific probiotics aid digestion, although the quantity is not assured in canned items.
There are also controversial ingredients in some recipes, such as pea protein or tomato pomace that might be used as fillers, and unidentified fish proteins that are inferior in quality.
Top Taste of the Wild Recipes 2025
According to Dogster and Dog Food Advisor’s reviews, three top recommendations for 2025 are:
Ancient Mountain with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
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Rating: 4.5 stars
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Key Ingredients: Roasted lamb, quinoa, millet, chia seeds
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Benefits: Balanced protein (30%), fat, and carbs with prebiotics for digestive health. Suitable for all life stages
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Best For: Dogs requiring grain-inclusive diets with maximum nutrient absorption
High Prairie Canine Formula with Roasted Bison and Venison
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Rating: 5 stars
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Key Ingredients: Buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas
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Benefits: High protein (32%) and fat (18%), excellent for high energy dogs. Grain-free
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Best For: Active dogs or those with chicken allergies
PREY Angus Beef Limited Ingredient Recipe
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Rating: 4.5 stars
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Key Ingredients: Angus beef, lentils, tomato pomace
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Benefits: Easy-to-digest formula for dogs with sensitivities. High in micronutrients
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Best For: Allergenic or finicky-eating dogs
Recall History and Safety Concerns
Taste of the Wild’s recall history is fairly clean, featuring just one in 2012 involving salmonella contamination that impacted several Diamond Pet Foods brands. Since then, there have been no recalls, and the company completes weekly mycotoxin and nutritional testing to verify safety.
There have been concerns, however:
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2019 FDA Inquiry: Taste of the Wild was among 16 brands of potentially associated canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in 53 cases, although no concrete association was established, and no recall was performed.
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Lawsuits: Lawsuits in 2018 and 2019 accused Taste of the Wild of containing heavy metals, pesticides, and BPA, and one accused mislabeled “grain-free” foods of actually having grains. Those lawsuits were resolved, but they created doubts.
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Ingredient Sourcing: The majority of the ingredients are U.S.-sourced, but some, such as folic acid and taurine, are sourced from China, which raises concerns among some pet owners.
X users are divided in their opinions, with some appreciating the food quality and others mentioning digestive problems or concerns about DCM. Always consult a veterinarian in the case of dogs with health problems before selecting Taste of the Wild.
Who Should Select Taste of the Wild?
Taste of the Wild is perfect for:
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Active Dogs: High protein and fat content suit high-energy breeds like Huskies or Retrievers
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Dogs with Allergies: Novel proteins like bison or venison help avoid common allergens
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Budget-Conscious Owners: Affordable compared to premium brands like Orijen
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Picky Eaters: Unique flavors like roasted quail or smoked salmon appeal to fussy dogs
It may not suit:
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Dogs with Grain Sensitivities: Grain-free options dominate, with only four grain-inclusive recipes
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Small Breeds: Kibble size could be too large for toy breeds
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Dogs with Specific Health Needs: Call a vet for DCM or sensitive stomachs
How to Transition to Taste of the Wild
Changing dog food has to happen gradually to prevent digestive upset:
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Days 1–3: Mix 25% Taste of the Wild with 75% current food
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Days 4–6: Mix 50% of each
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Days 7–9: Mix 75% Taste of the Wild with 25% current food
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Day 10: Feed 100% Taste of the Wild
Watch for vomiting or diarrhea and taper the transition if problems occur. X users recommend adding raw vegetables to make the transition smoother.
Where to Purchase Taste of the Wild
Where to find it:
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Online Retailers: Chewy, Amazon, and Petco offer subscription discounts
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Pet Stores: PetSmart and neighborhood stores carry different flavors
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X Marketplace: Look for sales from sellers by searching #DogFoodDeals
Prices start at $2.30 per 13.2-ounce can and go all the way up to $48.99 for a 28-pound bag.
Conclusion
Taste of the Wild dog food presents a strong combination of high protein, new ingredients, and value, which keeps it at the top for 2025 among pet owners looking for quality nutrition. Its grain-free and grain-inclusive varieties meet varied needs, while its emphasis on natural ancestral diets calls to dogs’ instincts. Although well-deserving of a 4.5-star rating, red flags from previous lawsuits and DCM associations should raise an eyebrow, particularly for the health-challenged pup. Check with your vet and review feedback at dogfoodadvisor.com or X with #DogFoodReviews before making your informed decision. Feed your dog the wild way with Taste of the Wild!