Welcome to our review of Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food.

Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food Review

Name: Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food Review
Item: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe
Rating: 4.84
Author: Samuel James

Disclosure: As a Chewy affiliate, we earn commissions for qualifying purchases.

List of products

TOTW Grain Free Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Recipe	5	Maintenance
→ High Prairie Canine Recipe	5	Maintenance
→ High Prairie Puppy Recipe	4.6	All Life Stages
→ Pacific Stream Canine Recipe	5	Maintenance
→ Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe	4.8	All Life Stages
→ Pine Forest Canine Recipe	4.8	All Life Stages
→ Sierra Mountain Canine Recipe	4.7	All Life Stages
→ Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe	4.7	All Life Stages
→ Wetlands Canine Recipe	5	Maintenance

This dog food line has 9 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of High Prairie Canine Recipe shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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Ingredients

Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea flour, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), egg product, roasted bison, roasted venison, beef, natural flavor, dried tomato pomace, fish meal, salt, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid.

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this review of Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food.

Primary Ingredients

→ Water buffalo is a lean, nutrient-rich protein that’s gaining popularity in dog food. It’s lower in fat than beef, highly digestible, and packed with essential amino acids, iron, and B vitamins to support muscle health and energy.

As a novel protein, it’s also a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to common meats like chicken or beef.

Each 100 g of raw water buffalo meat (game meat) contains approximately 20.4 g of protein and 1.37 g of fat.

→ Lamb meal is rendered lamb tissues (muscle, bone, organs), cleaned, dried, and ground into a nutrient-dense powder. It offers a highly digestible protein concentrate (typically 60-65%), delivering essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fatty acids to support muscle development and provide energy.

→ Chicken meal is rendered chicken meat that has been dried and ground, and it typically includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.

It has a higher protein concentration—approximately 65%—compared to deboned chicken, making it beneficial for muscle development.

Additionally, chicken meal is a natural source of glucosamine, a key component in supporting cartilage and joint health.

→ Sweet potatoes are a starchy, nutrient-dense root vegetable prized for their sweet flavor and versatility. They provide fiber and steady energy, support eye and immune health with beta-carotene, and are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Each 100 g of raw sweet potatoes (without skin) contains approximately 17.3 g of carbohydrates and 4.44 g of fiber.

→ Peas are a common part of commercial pet foods. They provide fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (iron, manganese, phosphorus), and antioxidants.

Raw green peas have 5.42 g of protein and 14.4 g of carbohydrates in each 100-gram serving.

Secondary Ingredients

The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this review of Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food.

→ Pea flour is made from dried, ground peas and serves as a plant-based source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. It is used as a grain-free alternative and as a binder in kibble and treats. It is produced by removing the hull and pod before roasting or milling the peas, and it retains much of the nutritional profile of whole peas.

→ Chicken fat is the fat separated from chicken tissues during rendering. It is commonly used in dog food as a concentrated energy source and flavor enhancer.

It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, and is often preserved with mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness.

→ Dried egg product refers to dehydrated eggs, typically sourced from whole eggs, yolks, or whites. They serve as a concentrated source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, enhancing the nutritional profile, taste, and texture of foods.

Other Ingredients

→ Roasted bison is bison meat cooked at high temperatures, which enhances flavor and slightly reduces moisture. While some heat-sensitive nutrients may decrease, it retains most of its protein, iron, and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense, flavorful option for dog foods.

→ Roasted venison is venison meat prepared at high temperatures, which intensifies its flavor and firms its texture. While certain heat-sensitive nutrients may be reduced, it remains rich in protein, iron, and minerals, offering a wholesome and flavorful ingredient for dog foods.

→ Beef is a common source of protein in dog foods. It contains a lot of protein, antioxidants, and amino acids that help build strong muscles, support a healthy immune system, and provide energy.
It also contains glucosamine, which supports joint health and mobility.

However, some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to beef, as it is a common allergen for them.

The High Prairie Canine Recipe includes other beneficial ingredients further down the list to support your dog’s health. However, we won’t explore them in detail here due to the scope of this Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food review.

Nutrient Sources - Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Pea Flour, Egg Product, Roasted Bison, Roasted venison, Beef, Dried Tomato Pomace, Fish meal
Fat	Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Egg Product, Roasted Bison, Roasted venison, Beef, Dried Tomato Pomace, Fish meal
Carbohydrate	Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Pea Flour, Dried Tomato Pomace, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries
Fiber	Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Pea Flour, Dried Tomato Pomace, Tomatoes

Vitamins

This recipe provides a comprehensive spectrum of essential vitamins, including A, D3, E, and B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12). Vitamin K is not listed but is derived from ingredients and synthesized by dogs.

Most vitamins are added as stable synthetic supplements to ensure consistent potency and prevent degradation, leaving no significant adequacy gaps.

Minerals

This formula provides a complete mineral profile. Key minerals like iron, zinc, copper, and manganese are chelated (proteinate) for highly bioavailable absorption. While sulfates, iodide, and selenite are less bioavailable, they ensure adequacy.

Crucially, calcium and phosphorus are supplied by the meat meals, making this a balanced and effective mineral blend for canine health.

Ingredient Concerns

A significant concern is ingredient splitting: peas and pea flour are likely the same legume listed separately. If combined, they could potentially outweigh the first meat ingredient, highlighting a high legume content associated with dietary DCM.

The vague term “natural flavor” is a catch-all additive that lacks transparency regarding its source and purpose.

The numerous protein sources, while premium, could be problematic for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

This review highlights both the strengths and potential concerns in the formulation, giving pet owners a clearer picture of what to expect from this popular dry dog food line.

Nutrient Analysis

Moisture=10% Max

Method of Analysis	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber
→ Guaranteed Analysis	32%	18%	28%	4%
→ Dry Matter Basis	35.6%	20%	31.1%	4.4%
→ Calorie Content Basis	30.9%	42.1%	27%	NA

Normal dog food typically contains (18-35)% protein, (30–50)% carbohydrates and (9–25)% fat on a dry matter basis.

However, High Prairie Canine Recipe contains 35.6% protein, 20.0% fat, and approximately 31.1% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

This makes it High in protein, Moderately High in fat, and Moderately Low in carbohydrates.

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The High Prairie Canine Recipe contains 35.6% protein and 20.0% fat on a dry matter basis.

These levels exceed the minimum requirements for adult maintenance set by AAFCO and FEDIAF standards, ensuring the food provides sufficient protein and fat to support your dog’s overall health.

Every recipe in Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.”

The statement means the recipe’s nutrient levels were tested in a lab but not through actual feeding trials with dogs.

Both methods ensure nutritional adequacy, though feeding trials provide practical validation.

Cost Analysis

Cost Metrics	5-lb bag	14-lb bag	28-lb bag
→ Cost per Unit	$19.99	$38.99	$58.99
→ Cost per Pound	$4.00	$2.79	$2.11
→ Cost per Serving	$1.04	$0.73	$0.55

When evaluating the cost metrics for the High Prairie Canine Recipe, the financial advantage of purchasing larger bags becomes immediately clear.

While the 5-lb bag offers the lowest upfront cost, its price per pound and per serving are significantly higher. The 28-lb bag, despite its higher initial price, provides the most substantial long-term savings, with the cost per serving nearly half that of the smallest bag.

Therefore, for owners seeking the best overall value for a premium, grain-free diet, the 28-lb bag is clearly the most cost-effective option.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off (up to $20) on your first order. For a 28-lb bag, the cost is $58.99, but on Autoship, it drops to $38.99, saving $20.

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Note: Prices are subject to change based on retailer, location, and availability.

Pros and Cons - Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food

Pros

Multiple High-Quality Animal Protein Sources
Grain-Free Recipe
Contains Probiotics
Added Taurine for Heart Health
Includes Omega Fatty Acids for Skin and Coat Health

Cons

High Legume Content
Ingredient Splitting

Recalls and Safety

Taste of the Wild issued a voluntary recall in 2012 over concerns of possible contamination. However, later testing confirmed that none of their products were actually affected.

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Our Rating

Our dog food rating system rated the High Prairie Canine Recipe at 5.0 out of 5, while the Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.84 out of 5.

Final Verdict

This article gives a basic look at dog food ingredients, but you should always ask your vet for specific advice. Your dog may have different needs, and an expert’s help is important.