Taste of the Wild Cat Food Review
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One of the fastest growing pet food brands on the market, Taste of the Wild is known for their protein-rich recipes made with unique animal proteins.
Every recipe is packed with flavor and the kind of nutrition nature intended. Their formulas are complete and balanced, fortified with essential nutrients to ensure optimal nutrition and healthy digestion.
This brand doesn’t offer quite as much variety as other brands on the market, but their cat food recipes are well-liked, and the company receives excellent reviews as a whole. Read on to see what we think of the brand and its cat food products.
- Offers high-quality nutrition for pets
- Affordably priced
- Numerous sources of real animal protein
- Limited selection of cat food products
- Brand has been involved in an investigation of grain-free diets and a potential link to heart disease
- Offers high-quality nutrition for pets
- Affordably priced
- Numerous sources of real animal protein
- Limited selection of cat food products
- Brand has been involved in an investigation of grain-free diets and a potential link to heart disease
How We Review Cat Food Brands
When we review popular cat food brands, we only recommend brands that we would feel confident feeding our own cats.
We understand the nutritional needs of cats and hold each brand we review to those standards.
Cats require a balanced diet like any animal, but their nutritional needs are very specific. Cats are obligate carnivores which means that they have a biological need for a high-protein diet and most of that protein should come from animal-based sources.
The best food for cats is high in protein with moderate fat content and low carbohydrate content.
The more natural, whole-food ingredients, the better, and it should be complete and balanced with vitamin and mineral supplements. We also try to avoid recipes that contain low-quality fillers and by-products.
Here are some of the other things we look for in a good cat food brand:
- High-quality animal protein as the first ingredient
- Rich in healthy animal fats (ex: chicken fat or salmon oil)
- Few to no carbohydrate ingredients (especially within the top 5)
- Limited number of main ingredients plus supplements
- No low-quality fillers, grains, or by-products
In addition to these requirements, we also look for cat food brands that offer a variety of different recipes for customers to choose from.
Cats can be picky eaters, so we think it is important for a cat food brand to offer a variety of products – having variety gives you more to choose from.
The brand’s recall history is a good way to gauge quality and safety as a whole while customer reviews provide insight into the brand’s quality and popularity.
Overview of the Taste of the Wild Brand
The Taste of the Wild brand is and always has been owned and operated by a single family. The founders are pet owners themselves and saw an opportunity to create a high-quality but affordable pet food option.
Inspired by the DNA of cats and dogs, Taste of the Wild offers complete nutrition the way nature intended in flavors any dog or cat would crave at prices pet parents love.
Taste of the Wild is one of the fastest-growing pet food brands in the world but they still hold true to their original philosophy: that every pet deserves the best nutrition and every pet parent deserves fair value.
Taste of the Wild offers affordable pet foods based on the natural diets of dogs and cats. Each recipe starts with a real meat, fish, or fowl ingredient such as wild boar, smoked trout, fresh bison, roasted duck, and Angus beef to ensure optimal protein content and maximum flavor.
The brand offers “balanced diet the way nature intended,” so all of their products are rich in protein and other natural ingredients to ensure digestibility and balanced nutrition. They offer both grain-free and ancient grains formulas as well as some limited ingredient recipes.
One thing you should know about Taste of the Wild is that the brand is one of 16 pet food brands involved in an FDA investigation of grain-free pet foods potentially being linked to heart disease. After receiving complaints about pets developing dilated cardiomyopathy on grain-free diets, the FDA started an investigation and found that 16 brands were the most commonly used.
The FDA’s investigation is ongoing and no products have been recalled to date, but consumers are still cautioned to choose their pet’s food carefully to ensure that it is a good fit for their pet.
What Kind of Cat Food Products Do They Offer?
All of Taste of the Wild’s products are made in state-of-the-art facilities located in the United States.
Their ingredients come from carefully vetted sources, some of which are global. The brand currently offers two different lines of products, the original Taste of the Wild lineup and the Prey line of limited ingredient diets.
When it comes to the original Taste of the Wild line, there are two dry food and two canned food options to choose from, each made with premium sources of animal protein.
In the Prey line, there are two recipes, one featuring Angus beef and the other turkey. The only recipes currently available on Chewy for cat food belong to the original Taste of the Wild product line.
Products Included in This Review |
||||
| Name | Type | Protein % | Fat % | Top 5 Ingredients |
| Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | 42% | 18% | Chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, chicken fat, pea protein |
| Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Canned Cat Food | Wet | 8% | 3% | Salmon, fish broth, chicken broth, chicken liver, chicken |
| Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | 32% | 16% | Trout, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pea protein |
Compare Taste Of the Wild Cat Food
|
Type of Food
Dry |
Type of Food
Wet |
Type of Food
Dry |
|
First 5 Ingredients
Chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, chicken fat, pea protein |
First 5 Ingredients
Salmon, fish broth, chicken broth, chicken liver, chicken |
First 5 Ingredients
Trout, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pea protein |
|
Guaranteed Analysis
42% protein, 18% fat, 3% fiber, 10% moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis
8% protein, 3% fat, 1.5% fiber, 82% moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis
32% protein, 16% fat, 3% fiber, 10% moisture |
|
Calories per Cup
390 calories/cup |
Calories per Cup
149 calories/5.5-ounce can |
Calories per Cup
350 calories/cup |
|
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$2.21 per pound |
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$0.25/ounce |
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$2.21 per pound |
TASTE OF THE WILD Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Type of Food: Dry
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, chicken fat, pea protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 42% protein, 18% fat, 3% fiber, 10% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 390 calories/cup
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $2.21 per pound
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Roasted Venison, Smoked Salmon, Natural Flavor, Ocean Fish Meal, Dl-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentaion Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, etc…
Nourish your cat with the balanced diet nature intended using this Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain dry food. It is a protein-rich, nutritionally balanced diet made with real roasted venison and smoke salmon as some of the main ingredients.
This all-natural recipe contains antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies which help provide natural sources for key vitamins and minerals. It also contains a rich blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Chicken meal is the first ingredient and a concentrated source of animal protein, but the next two sources of protein are plant-based (pea and potato protein). Chicken fat provides a nutritious source of essential fatty acids, balanced with the omega-3 content of the fish ingredients. This recipe also contains dried fermentation products and digestive enzymes to ensure healthy and regular digestion with optimal nutrient absorption.
TASTE OF THE WILD Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Type of Food: Wet
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, fish broth, chicken broth, chicken liver, chicken
- Guaranteed Analysis: 8% protein, 3% fat, 1.5% fiber, 82% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 149 calories/5.5-ounce can
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $0.25/ounce
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Salmon, Fish Broth, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Dried Egg Whites, Potato Starch, Pea Flour, Smoked Salmon, Roasted Venison, Peas, Ocean Fish, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Inulin, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, etc…
If your cat prefers canned food, this recipe is a great option.
It features real salmon as the first ingredient with supplemental protein from chicken liver, fresh chicken, smoked salmon, roasted venison, and ocean fish.
Sunflower oil provides a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids to balance out the omega-3s from the fish ingredients to support your cat’s healthy skin and coat.
It is also a fairly low-carbohydrate option with only peas, a few starches, and fresh berries as the primary plant-based ingredients.
This recipe is rich in antioxidants and contains vitamin and chelated mineral supplements to ensure optimal nutrition. Plus, with its high moisture and low carbohydrate content, this recipe is very easily digestible and highly palatable for even the pickiest of cats.
TASTE OF THE WILD Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Type of Food: Dry
- First 5 Ingredients: Trout, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pea protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% protein, 16% fat, 3% fiber, 10% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 350 calories/cup
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $2.21 per pound
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Trout, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Canola Oil, Smoked Salmon, Natural Flavor, Dl-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, 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, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, etc…
This grain-free dry food features real trout as the main ingredient with other supplemental proteins like ocean fish meal and smoked salmon.
Sweet potatoes and potatoes are the primary carbohydrates, both digestible grain-free options, though there are fresh fruits and veggies as well.
These antioxidant-rich ingredients provide natural sources for key vitamins and minerals with the help of supplements to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
There are two plant proteins (pea and potato protein) included in this recipe, which is somewhat concerning, especially considering the protein content is only 32%.
The first fat ingredient is also plant-based (canola oil). Overall, however, the recipe appears to be complete and balanced, plus it contains probiotics for healthy digestion.
What Do Customers Think of Whole Earth Farms Cat Food?
Customers love Taste of the Wild, for the most part, and the majority of their products receive 4-star ratings or higher on Chewy. Many customers comment on the high-quality ingredients and the rich flavor of the recipes, though some cats simply don’t like it. That will always be the case, however, because cats tend to be picky eaters.
Positive Customer Reviews
“My cats are doing really well on this food. I had them on Purina One before and one of my cat’s fur always looked greasy. Since switching her coat looks much better. I’ve also noticed fewer hairballs. I switch between flavors to give them a little change but I’m going to stay with Taste of the Wild.”– River, reviewing Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
“Taste of the Wild salmon flavor is a big hit with my Ragdoll. It has all the vitamins he needs to keep him healthy. It is not pate but is filled with little square chunks in a sauce. My cat likes this texture over pate or shredded canned food. Besides this he also eats dry food.” – Debra19, reviewing Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
“I have two cats allergic to chicken and one diabetic cat that requires a low calorie count with 6 cats overall, all who have to like the taste of the food in order to use it. I love that it has probiotics and offsets one of the other foods that has only prebiotics. All the cats absolutely love the taste of this product!” – PHawke, reviewing Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Negative Customer Reviews
“I’ve been trying to get my cats to eat this food. It’s been almost a month now and they still don’t like it. I didn’t have money to buy different food until now. They only eat a little bit every 2 or so days (they have been very upset with me). I’ve used this food before and they have liked it but now I cannot get them to eat it. I guess I’ll just throw it away when I get a different food.” – Jess, reviewing Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
“My cats aren’t that picky but they always just lick the gravy and leave the meat behind when I try to feed them this product. They never come back to finish it either. Our outdoor kitty also wants nothing to do with it. I’m giving it 2 stars since at least they do eat the gravy.” – Katie, reviewing Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
“I liked the ingredients on this product, but my cats have turned their noses up at it. They will eat it if nothing else is available but as soon as I give them another choice, they choose that one over this item. I’ve started mixing it with others and they will eat it that way a little better.” – Linfrommn, reviewing Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Product Recall History
Pet food recalls are issued for pet food products when there is a problem with the product itself or with the packaging. The FDA will issue a recall if they receive customer complaints about the product or notice an issue during independent product testing.
The company itself may also issue a voluntary recall for the product itself before it comes to that.
A product recall or two does not necessarily mean the brand isn’t trustworthy, especially considering that many manufacturers produce pet food in mass quantities, so mistakes happen.
Taste of the Wild has one recall in its history that occurred in 2012. All dry dog and cat food products with a certain production code were recalled due to concerns of salmonella contamination. There have been no recalls since.
How Much Does Taste of the Wild Cat Food Cost?
The Taste of the Wild brand was designed to offer pet parents an affordable option in quality nutrition for their pets.
This brand uses high-quality animal proteins with digestible grain-free carbohydrates and beneficial supplements in every recipe. Despite using quality ingredients, the brand is actually very affordable.
Both of their dry cat food recipes are priced at $2.21 per pound and their canned food products only cost $0.25 per ounce. This is very affordable for a high-quality product.
To give you a better idea how Taste of the Wild stacks up against other cat food brands, here is a quick chart to show you some average prices:
| Brand/Recipe | Type | Quality | Price/Ounce | Price/Pound |
| Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Food | Dry | Low | X | $0.90/pound |
| Friskies Classic Pate Mixed Grill Canned Food | Wet | Low | $0.07/ounce | $1.16/pound |
| Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Chicken & Brown Rice Adult Dry Cat Food | Dry | Moderate | X | $2.53/pound |
| Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Real Chicken Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food | Wet | Moderate | $0.36/ounce | X |
| Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken | Dry | High | X | $3.45/pound |
| Ziwi Peak New Zealand Venison Recipe Canned Cat Food | Wet | High | $1.21/ounce | X |
Where Can You Buy Taste of the Wild Cat Food?
Taste of the Wild offers a more limited selection of cat food products than many brands, so you may not be able to find it everywhere.
On the company website, they have a statement about purchasing only from authorized retailers to ensure the quality and freshness of the product.
You can find Taste of the Wild products in most Petco stores as well as some local and regional chains and specialty pet food stores.
If you prefer shopping online, look for Taste of the Wild cat food on Petco’s website or from Amazon and Chewy. You can also purchase it from Tractor Supply Co. in-store and online.
Our Final Thoughts: Is Taste of the Wild a Good Brand?
Taste of the Wild is a very popular brand that offers high-quality nutrition for pets at affordable prices. As an affordable cat food brand, we weren’t surprised to see a number of plant-based proteins and more moderate protein content overall.
We were pleased, however, that most recipes did contain numerous sources of real animal protein, many of which were unique sources.
There is some concern that this brand has been involved in an investigation of grain-free diets and a potential link to heart disease, but the issue seems more common in dogs than in cats.
Overall, we like Taste of the Wild if you are looking for an affordable brand of cat food that delivers plenty of real animal protein and excellent flavor.
