Taste of the Wild Salmon: Reviewed – Pros, Cons, and Recalls

Written by Kristin Hitchcock
Updated: October 20, 2022
© O_Lypa/Shutterstock.com

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Taste of the Wild Salmon is crafted with real fish as the first ingredient. A high protein content ensures that your canine’s muscles are supported. Plus, super-foods and omega-fatty acids help support your dog’s health. This formula even contains quality probiotics.

Taste of the Wild Salmon features a ton of salmon and ocean fish meal. Plus, it includes zero grains and tons of veggies. Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at its complete ingredient list and the food’s overall safety. We’ll also share whether or not there are any current Taste of the Wild recalls. To find out if this food is suitable for your dog, keep reading.

Taste of the Wild Salmon Benefits and Features

  • Grain-free and chicken-free
  • Smoked salmon is the first ingredient
  • Made with a variety of veggies and super-foods
  • Contains K9 probiotics
  • Made in the U.S.A.

Taste of the Wild Salmon: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Includes high levels of fish
  • Probiotics added for digestive health
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • No grains, corn, or wheat

Cons:

  • Grain-free

Where is Taste of the Wild Salmon Made?

Taste of the Wild is owned by Diamon Pet Foods, which owns manufacturing facilities across the United States. Taste of the Wild is made in these facilities, though we do not know which products are made at which locations.

These factories are in South Carolina, Arkansas, California, and Missouri.

Taste of the Wild Salmon Ingredients

This formula features salmon and ocean fish meal as the first two ingredients. These fish have high omega fatty acids contents, supporting your dog’s coat and skin health. Plus, because there is no chicken in this dog food, many consider it hypoallergenic.

(Of course, your dog can be allergic to fish. In this case, we wouldn’t recommend this food to these dogs. However, fish allergies are much rarer than chicken and beef allergies.)

After the fish, this food contains sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. These veggies include a surprisingly high amount of protein (something to keep in mind when looking at the protein content of the food). They also include a variety of nutrients that your dog needs.

Taste of the Wild Salmon also includes a variety of other quality ingredients. For instance, it includes probiotics. You’ll find Yucca Schidigera Extract lower on the list, which can help improve stool quality.

Which Types of Dog is Taste of the Wild Salmon Best Suited For?

Just about any dog can thrive on Taste of the Wild Salmon. However, this formula does suit some dogs more than others.

Because it contains fish, we recommend this food for dogs with skin and coat problems. You can find high levels of omega-fatty acids in fish. These acids may improve skin and coat health.

Plus, as a chicken-free recipe, dogs sensitive to chicken or beef can eat this food. Finding chicken-free recipes can be a challenge.

Due to the added probiotics, we also recommend this formula for dogs with digestive problems. Many vets recommend probiotics for dogs with digestive issues. Feeding your dog probiotics is much easier if they are already in their food than being in a supplement.

Taste of the Wild Recalls

As far as Taste of the Wild recalls go, there has only been a single one, and it was for the salmon recipe. Potential salmonella contamination caused the recall, though there were no reports of dogs dying because of the contamination.

Because of potential contamination, there was a Taste of the Wild recall on all sizes. Some of these sizes included Taste of the Wild Salmon, though only specific production codes were affected.

Since then, there have been no other Taste of the Wild recalls. Plus, that recall took place in 2012, literally a decade ago.

Taste of the Wild Salmon: Where to Buy

Finding Taste of the Wild Salmon is straightforward and convenient. Here are some places you can purchase from either of the retailers below and have it delivered directly to your home.

Best for Large Dogs
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

•Nutritional, high protein food for large breed dogs

•Real protein as #1 ingredient

•Fruits & superfoods for vitamins & minerals

•Antioxidants, omega fatty acids, prebiotics

Check Chewy Check Amazon

Taste of the Wild Salmon Specs

Price

Taste of the Wild is a premium brand. Therefore, their dog foods tend to be a bit more expensive, including their salmon recipe. However, you’re paying for the large amount of meat they use in their products and the low level of controversial ingredients.

Grain-Free

Taste of the Wild Salmon does not contain grain, which can be a significant downside. The FDA is currently investigating grain-free diets connected with DCM, a severe heart condition in dogs.

While nothing is certain yet, that is something to keep in mind when choosing this food.

Hypoallergenic

One of the main reasons people choose Taste of the Wild salmon for their dogs is because it is hypoallergenic. Dogs can technically be allergic to anything. However, most dogs are heavily exposed to chicken, beef, and grains, which become allergens.

This formula contains none of these things. Therefore, many dogs with allergies can eat it safely.

Calories

Taste of the Wild Salmon contains 360 kcal/cup. This calorie amount is a bit higher than average. Therefore, you may have to feed your dog less, saving you more money.

However, you should also beware of weight gain. The high-calorie count also makes this food suitable for very active dogs.

Taste of the Wild Salmon vs. Gentle Giants Salmon Dry Dog Food

While both of these dog foods are similar, they have some serious points of difference. Gentle Giants is much cheaper than Taste of the Wild. Therefore, it may be a better budget-friendly option.

Gentle Giants also includes only salmon, while Taste of the Wild includes other fish. Both recipes include peas and potatoes as their primary carbohydrate source. Each company also adds probiotics to its food.

Bottom Line

Taste of the Wild Salmon contains a high amount of fish. This ingredient may improve your dog’s skin and coat due to the high omega fatty acids content. Plus, this formula does not contain common allergens. Therefore, dogs with allergies can often consume this food without complaint.

About the Author

Kristin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering dogs, cats, fish, and other pets. She has been an animal writer for seven years, writing for top publications on everything from chinchilla cancer to the rise of designer dogs. She currently lives in Tennessee with her cat, dogs, and two children. When she isn't writing about pets, she enjoys hiking and crocheting.

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