Top 10 Best Taste of the Wild Dog Food

Top 10 Best Taste of the Wild Dog Food

Dogs have always been known for their hearty appetites, and this is especially true of those that are bred to be active. Today, there is an abundance of different types of dog foods on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Dog owners are spoiled for choice when it comes to dog foods and it can be hard to know which one is right for your pet.

 

The Taste of the Wild dog food line has become one of the most popular brands on the market and in 2022, Taste of the Wild will continue to be a top contender for the best dog foods around. This is due to the fact that their food is high in quality and contains all the necessary nutrients your dog needs.

But which recipe is best for your pooch? To help make the decision easier, we have compiled a list of 7 of the best Taste of the Wild dog foods in 2022. These products are all from a trusted and well-known brand and should suit most dogs’ needs.

The 10 Best Taste of the Wild Dog Foods

Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Dog Food – Best Value

Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Ocean Fish Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet
Protein content: 30% min
Fat content: 15% min
Calories: 413 kcal/cup

It’s hard to pick the best value Taste of the Wild product, because they all come in at around the same price point. However, we chose Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food as the best value dog food, because it contains premium ingredients but is affordable. The food is made with fresh and smoked salmon as well as ancient grains like amaranth and quinoa. This variety of ingredients ensures that your dog gets the right balance of nutrients, and the ancient grains add an extra layer of flavorful and complex carbohydrates.

Like all varieties of Taste of the Wild, it contains high-quality ingredients that provide dogs with the nutrition they need to thrive. The food is made with real fish, fruits, and vegetables, and it doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. In addition, the food is fortified with probiotics and essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and wellness, but the fish smell and flavor are not for all dogs.

Cons
  • The fish smell and flavor might not appeal to all dogs
Pros
  • Contains probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics
  • Made without artificial coloring or flavors
  • High in protein
  • High-quality ingredients at an affordable price

Taste of the Wild Ancient Mountain Dog Food – Best Overall

Taste of the Wild Ancient Mountain with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet, Cracked Pearled Barley
Protein content: 25% min
Fat content: 15% min
Calories: 411 kcal/cup

Taste of the Wild’s Ancient Mountain with Ancient Grains formula is our best choice for overall dry dog food. The food contains a balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as a host of beneficial vitamins and minerals. It also features prebiotics and probiotics to promote gut health and is supplemented with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. The complex blend of healthy ingredients includes real roasted lamb, fruits, and vegetables, and it also includes ancient grains like spelt and quinoa which provide essential micronutrients. The food is also fortified with omega fatty acids to support digestive health and healthy skin and coat.

The recipe is made with whole grains such as quinoa, millet, chia seeds, and sorghum to support your buddy’s wellness. It contains no corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, however, it seems that not all dogs are going to love this flavor.

Cons
  • Some dogs don’t enjoy the lamb flavor
Pros
  • Lamb is the top ingredient
  • High in protein to help support healthy bones, joints, and muscles
  • Made without artificial flavors or colors
  • Great balance of nutrients
  • Includes probiotics and omegas

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Food – Best for Puppies

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Pea Protein
Protein content: 28% min
Fat content: 17% min
Calories: 415 kcal/cup

Generally, the key difference between adult and puppy dog food formulas is the number of nutrients they contain. Puppy food should contain more calories than adult food to compensate for the amount of energy puppies expend during growth—because puppies are growing, their bodies require more protein. The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is designed for puppies and contains all of the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. The food is made with high-quality ingredients, including premium proteins and nutritious fats, and it is free of grains, filler ingredients, and artificial additives.

Some owners find that the high protein in this food leads to extra gassy dogs. However, most feel that the nutritional profile makes this a great choice for puppies with food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive problems. Additionally, the kibble is small and easy to chew, making it ideal for puppies’ smaller mouths.

Cons
  • High protein content seems to give some puppies gas
Pros
  • Contains buffalo and bison proteins
  • Recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes for highly digestible energy
  • Real fruits and vegetables provide natural antioxidants

Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef Dog Food – Premium Choice

Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef Recipe Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Beef, Lentils, Tomato Pomace, Sunflower Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor
Protein content: 27% min
Fat content: 15% min
Calories: 412 kcal/cup

The PREY range from Taste of the Wild is slightly more expensive, and dispensed in a 25lb rather than 28lb bag. That is why Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef Recipe Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food is our premium choice. This is a wonderful product for dog owners who are looking for a nutritious and delicious diet for their furry friends. This food is made with only high-quality ingredients, including real Angus beef, and it does not contain any artificial additives or fillers. The result is a meal that is both healthy and tasty for dogs of all ages.

With a limited list of ingredients, the recipe is based around red meat, which is a nutrient-rich protein source. The PREY range is a bit more pricey but is rich in micronutrients and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Cons
  • Comparatively expensive
Pros
  • Contains protein-rich Angus beef
  • Only four key ingredients
  • Rich in omega fatty acids and micronutrients

Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain

6Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

We’re fans of feeding our dogs a diverse blend of healthy, whole-food ingredients; especially when it comes to protein sources. That’s one of the reasons we expected to like the Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Dog Food recipe. It lists beef as the main ingredient but also packs in a variety of other protein sources including lamb, wild boar, and ocean fish.

While we love the diverse protein sources on paper, it’s really our canines’ opinions who count the most. Unfortunately, they weren’t as thrilled about the protein sources as we were. In fact, many of our dogs flat-out refused to eat this food at all! Even when hungry, they’d barely pick at it, mostly just spilling the kibble onto the floor.

Of the dogs that ate this blend, several got gas and a few got diarrhea. This is just as unpleasant for us as for our pups, which is why this recipe didn’t earn a high position on our list. Still, we do like the ingredients and nutrient-profile of this formula, but none of that matters if the dogs vote no.

Pros
  • Full of vital nutrients
  • High protein content from diverse sources
Cons
  • Many of our pooches rejected this flavor
  • Gave many of our dogs got gas or diarrhea

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food – Vet’s Choice

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
Protein content: 32% min
Fat content: 18% min
Calories: 422 kcal/cup

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a dry dog food that is grain-free and has a high protein content. It is made with ingredients that are sourced from nature, such as water buffalo, roasted bison, and lamb meal. This food is designed to meet the needs of dogs who require a high-protein diet, such as those who are active or who have a sensitive stomach. This is our vet’s choice because it is designed to provide your dog with all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

The food is made with complex carbohydrates and proteins, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals, to help support your dog’s overall health. The food is also grain-free, which can be beneficial for dogs who are sensitive to grains. That being said, check with your vet if grain-free food is necessary for your dog, as the inclusion of grains is beneficial to most dogs.

Cons
  • Not every dog does well on grain-free food
Pros
  • Real meat is the first ingredient
  • High protein content
  • Real fruits, superfoods, and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Probiotics and antioxidants to support digestion and immunity

Taste of the Wild Pine Forest Grain

7Pine Forest Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

We get the feeling that many dogs eating the Pine Forest Grain-Free Dog Food from Taste of the Wild are eating much better than their humans. One look at the ingredients list proves it; venison is listed as the main ingredient! But it also provides several other protein sources such as lamb and ocean fish.

But you’ll find a lot more than healthy protein sources in this blend. It’s made with loads of whole foods to provide your dog with precisely the nutrition it needs. But our dogs seemed completely oblivious to this since almost all of them rejected this food. They wouldn’t eat it, even if we added broth to it! They weren’t fooled. Despite the quality sources of protein and whole foods used in this blend, the dogs have decided it’s not up to their standard.

But some of our dogs did eat it, even if they didn’t seem too excited. Their stools all got very soft and runny afterward, indicating that perhaps the other pooches were right to stay away from this recipe.

Pros
  • Uses high-quality protein sources
  • Loaded with essential nutrients for a healthy dog
Cons
  • Our dogs just don’t like it
  • Gave the dogs that ate it soft stools

Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
Protein content: 32% min
Fat content: 18% min
Calories: 425 kcal/cup

The Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a high-quality, all-natural product that is designed to provide your dog with the best possible nutrition. The food is made with real duck and venison, which helps to ensure that your dog receives plenty of protein and other essential nutrients. Additionally, the food is grain-free, ensuring that it is easy for your dog to digest. This food is designed to provide dogs with the nutrition they need to thrive and is made with complex carbohydrates and limited simple carbohydrates, providing dogs with the energy they need without putting strain on their digestive system.

The food also contains a blend of probiotics and prebiotics to promote gut health, as well as omega fatty acids to promote a healthy coat. Some owners say that their dogs don’t rush to the bowl for this but will eventually eat it, and again, the grain-free recipe may not be the best option for your pooch unless they have an allergy of some kind.

Cons
  • Grain-free recipe not ideal for all dogs
Pros
  • High in protein
  • Grain-free for dogs with sensitive digestion
  • Blend of probiotics and prebiotics for healthy bodies

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Grain

8Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

The Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food from Taste of the Wild follows the same formula as their other quality dry dog foods. It’s made with real, whole-food ingredients and packed with plenty of protein from diverse sources including venison, lamb, duck, and ocean fish. You’ll also find plenty of fruits and vegetables inside to provide your dog with much-needed vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other nutrients.

But despite all the positive benefits we expected, we were disappointed with this blend. It made quite a few of our dogs itchy. If it had happened to just one dog, we would have thought it was a fluke. But several of our dogs exhibited the same symptoms.

We also weren’t happy with the kibble size. This food is marketed for small breeds, but many of our small dogs had a hard time with these kibble pieces. They’re larger than the pieces in many other small breed formulas, making them a better choice for mid-sized breeds instead.

Pros
  • Plenty of protein from diverse sources
Cons
  • Made some of our dogs itchy
  • Kibble is too large for small breeds

Taste of the Wild PREY Trout Formula Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild PREY Trout Formula Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Trout, Lentils, Tomato Pomace, Sunflower Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor
Protein content: 27% min
Fat content: 15% min
Calories: 407 kcal/cup

Taste of the Wild PREY Trout Formula Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food is designed to provide your canine companion with a balanced diet that is rich in high-quality proteins and limited in fillers. The recipe is based on trout, which is known for its lean, healthy meat. The food is made with premium-quality ingredients including peas, potatoes, and tomatoes to help support your dog’s health and vitality. This food provides your dog with essential nutrients such as minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.

The limited ingredient recipe also helps to minimize the risk of your dog developing food allergies or sensitivities. Some owners say that in addition to the kibble smelling strongly of fish, their dogs won’t eat this food unless it has a topper such as meat or broth added. That’s why we’ve ranked this formulation a little lower on our list.

Pros
  • High-quality proteins
  • Essential vitamins, minerals, and omegas
  • Great for dogs with sensitivities and allergies
Cons
  • Kibble smells fishy
  • You may have to add a topper to entice your dog to eat it

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Taste of the Wild Dog Foods

If you want to take the fastest route, you could follow our recommendations and be certain that you’re feeding your dog quality nutrition. But what if you want to choose yourself? What traits should you be comparing and how do you tell which is best?

In this short buyer’s guide, we’re going to share the most important factors to keep in mind when picking a new food for your dog. If you prioritize these elements, you’ll be sure to pick the right food for your pooch every time.

Protein Sources

  • But total protein isn’t the whole picture. You also have to look at the protein sources that were used. Low-quality protein sources make low-quality food.
  • You want to find a food that uses real, whole-food ingredients. Look for a blend with a whole protein source listed as the main ingredient. Examples include roast duck, deboned beef, venison, buffalo, and more.

Protein Content

  • Dogs need a lot of protein. Unlike humans, dogs’ bodies aren’t built to run on carbohydrates, so they need substantially more protein than us.
  • Look for a recipe that has a minimum protein content of 28% or higher. We’ve seen plenty of blends with 32% minimum protein, and this is one case where more is better. We generally opt for the blend with the highest protein levels for our dogs.

Essential Nutrients

  • Growing dogs need a lot more than just protein though. That’s why we always look for blends that are packed with other essential nutrients to boost our dogs’ health.
  • Look for nutrients like DHA that boost brain health or omega fatty acids that keep your dogs’ skin and coat healthy. You’ll also want to see things like prebiotics for digestive health and antioxidants to keep their immune systems in top shape.

The Canine Test

Of course, none of that matters if your dog won’t eat the food, which is why the canine test is the most important factor when picking a new food for your dog. You won’t be eating it, they will!

Try feeding some of it to your dog mixed in with their current food. If they seem to reject it, you’ll need to pick a different formula. But if they seem receptive, then you’ll want to repeat the process the next day using more of the new food.

Regardless of how many healthy nutrients are packed into any dog food, they don’t do any good unless they make it into your dog’s stomach!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the best Taste of the Wild dog foods in 2022 are those that contain high-quality, protein-rich ingredients. Our top choice is Taste of the Wild Ancient Mountain with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food for its balanced and appealing recipe. We think Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is the best value in this range, as it contains high-value salmon at a reasonable price. Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef Recipe Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food is our premium choice pick, although it is only very slightly more expensive than other offerings in this product line.

Whichever dog food you select, be aware that not all dogs like all foods. However, any owners who choose these dog foods can feel confident that they are providing their pet with the best possible diet.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.