Taste of the Wild Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Published: March 26, 2022
© Sbolotova/Shutterstock.com

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If you want to feed your dog or cat the best of the best, Taste of the Wild should definitely be on your radar. This high-quality dry pet food uses natural ingredients that your pup or kitty might eat out in the wild. Taste of the Wild is known for being a high-protein food, perfect for active dogs, puppies, and kittens. Even if your dog or cat lives a life of leisure indoors, the nutrient blend in Taste of the Wild can be a great way to keep their immune system healthy.

There are options for puppies and kittens, adult dogs and cats, and senior animals. Choosing the best one will often come down to the age and needs of your dog or cat as well as their tastes. Fortunately, Taste of the Wild foods all uses high-quality protein sources, such as bison, chicken, or salmon, as their first ingredients. Dogs and cats love the taste and many reviewers said that even the pickiest pets went to their dish full of Taste of the Wild right away.

The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free dry dog food is one of the most popular foods that they make. Pet owners love this dry kibble for its high nutrition. It is 32% protein, one of the highest on the market. The protein in the High Prairie dog food comes from bison and lamb, the first two ingredients in the recipe. Venison and beef add additional protein and nutrients and antioxidants come from sweet potatoes, raspberries, and blueberries.

This is a grain-free option so it’s perfect for dogs with a food sensitivity to grain or for those who just prefer something with more protein. It does come in a version with ancient grains, which include sorghum, millet, quinoa, and chia seeds for added nutrition.

One of the reasons that so many pet owners love this Taste of the Wild food is that it comes in a puppy kibble and adult dog kibble. You can start your littlest pups on the smaller kibble option that is easier for them to eat and digest. When they are ready for adult dog food, dogs transition easily because their tastes and digestive systems know the Taste of the Wild High Prairie formula.

Dogs love the taste of the High Prairie recipe. It has plenty of proteins that provide the meaty flavor dogs look for in their kibble. Extra taste comes from broken-down chicken protein, called hydrolyzed chicken on the ingredients list, rather than MSG.

Other popular foods include:

Key Features

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Mimics a wild diet
  • High in protein
  • A family-owned brand
  • Made in the USA

What type of animals/breeds is Taste of the Wild best suited for?

While there are options for both dogs and cats, all Taste of the Wild pet food has a few things in common that make it great for active pets. Let’s look at the standout features that pet owners and their pups and cats love.

Grain-free

Taste of the Wild has plenty of grain-free options for both dogs and cats. If your pet has a grain sensitivity, you will still find a variety of flavors and ingredients that will work with their digestive system.

High in protein

Dogs that are active benefit from a high protein diet that provides them with the nutrition that they need. Taste of the Wild dog foods has real meat as their #1 ingredient.

Pets with health needs

Taste of the Wild dog and cat food also includes antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics. This means that it is a bit pricier than other options but that it will help your pet maintain optimal health. If you are worried about your pet’s immune system or other health concerns, a kibble that uses natural ingredients helps them stay healthy.

Taste of the Wild: Where to Buy

You will likely need to look for Taste of the Wild at a pet supply store or online at a pet retailer, such as Chewy or Amazon.

  1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy
    • Contains water buffalo and lamb
    • Supports your puppy's necessary growth
    • Includes chicory root for extra fiber and healthy digestion
    • Added chelated minerals
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
    • Grain-free
    • Includes novel proteins such as venison and smoked salmon
    • Contains antioxidants from real fruits and veggies
    • Added probiotics for your cat's gut health
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free
    • Uses lamb meat as its #1 ingredient
    • Contains energy-giving vitamins
    • Crafted with prebiotics for a healthy immune system
    • No grains, artificial flavors, or artificial colors
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
    • Protein and meaty flavor come from wild boar, beef, and lamb
    • Contains peas and garbanzo beans for extra fiber
    • High-protein food
    • Added prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed
    • Affordable option
    • Grain-free
    • High protein and fat content
    • Contains real meat as the first ingredient
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Taste of the Wild: Recalls & Controversies

As of March 16, 2022, none of the food featured here has been recalled according to the FDA recall database.

Amazon Reviews

After purchasing Taste of the Wild pet food, one of the most common sentiments is how much their dog or cat loves the taste. One reviewer even said “I would eat this myself!! It smells lovely and my dog was such a fussy eater..NO MORE!! he loves it and I understand why.” Even many normally picky pets devour Taste of the Wild food.

Some pet owners had trouble with expired food when purchased from retailers that carry a large inventory. Be wary if the food has an unusual color or odor, both signs of expired food. One reviewer had to replace the entire bag after noticing that his dog was having trouble digesting the first bag he purchased. “I quickly went to my local Petco and purchased a new bag,” he wrote. “Wow!! The shape, color, texture, and smell were all different!!!”

The best way to ensure that you are getting genuine Taste of the Wild dog or cat food is to purchase from a reputable vendor that has excellent customer service.

Bottom Line

Taste of the Wild is a great food for active animals, puppies and kittens, and senior pets. With high-quality ingredients that mirror what your pet would hunt for in nature, you can be sure that feeding them Taste of the Wild will support their overall health. There are plenty of reputable retailers like Chewy that carry the most popular flavors, including High Prairie for dogs and Rocky Mountain for cats.

Products For This Review

About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

Taste of the Wild Guide: Everything You Need to Know FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is Taste of the Wild good for dogs?

Yes, this is one of the best dry dog foods that you can feed your dog. It is frequently at the top of our recommended Best Food for Dogs lists for its superior nutrition and dog-approved taste.

Has Taste of the Wild ever had a recall?

Yes, Taste of the Wild was recalled once in 2012 due to salmonella contamination. Recalled batches included those produced between December 9, 2011, and April 7, 2012. There are no current recalls for Taste of the Wild products.

Where is Taste of the Wild dog food made?

All Taste of the Wild dog and cat food is made in the United States. There are manufacturing facilities in California, Missouri, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Kansas.

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