Taste of the Wild Review 2026: Grain-Free Value Leader
GetPetPros Score: 7.8/10
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient Quality | 8.0/10 |
| Nutritional Completeness | 8.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.0/10 |
| Formula Variety | 8.0/10 |
| Palatability | 8.5/10 |
| Recall History | 6.0/10 |
Quick verdict: Taste of the Wild offers grain-free, high-protein kibble at a price point significantly below Orijen or Acana — roughly $45–$55 for a 28-lb bag. It uses novel protein sources (bison, venison, wild boar) that appeal to raw-diet-curious owners and are useful for elimination diets. However, a 2012 class action lawsuit and multiple recall-adjacent incidents have created lasting questions about quality consistency.
Best for: Budget-conscious owners who want grain-free/high-protein kibble, dogs needing novel protein sources, owners wanting diverse protein rotation at accessible price.
Not ideal for: Dogs with confirmed legume sensitivities, owners prioritizing pristine recall history, dogs with known grain-free/DCM risk factors.
Check Price“>Shop Taste of the Wild →
Company Overview
Taste of the Wild is produced by Diamond Pet Foods, a family-owned pet food manufacturer based in Meta, Missouri. Diamond also produces Diamond Naturals, Diamond Pro89, and manufactures several private-label and third-party brands. The brand was launched in 2007 to capitalize on the emerging grain-free, ancestral diet movement in pet food. It has grown to become one of the top-selling grain-free dog food brands in the United States, primarily due to its competitive pricing relative to other grain-free options.
Key differentiators:
- Novel protein sources not commonly found in mainstream kibble (bison, venison, roasted fowl, smoked salmon)
- Grain-free across all formulas with sweet potato and peas as carbohydrate sources
- Probiotic supplementation (dried lactobacillus strains added post-extrusion)
- One of the most affordable grain-free premium kibbles
- AAFCO compliant; formulated to meet nutritional profiles
Product Lineup
High Prairie (Bison)
Bison, venison, lamb meal, egg product, sweet potatoes, peas
Protein: 32% | Fat: 18% | ~$50/28 lb
Pacific Stream (Salmon)
Smoked salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes
Protein: 25% | Fat: 15% | ~$48/28 lb
Sierra Mountain (Lamb)
Roasted lamb, lamb meal, chickpeas, lentils, sweet potatoes
Protein: 25% | Fat: 15% | ~$48/28 lb
Roasted Wild Boar (Ancient Grains)
Wild boar, roasted bison, ancient grains (sorghum, millet, chia seeds)
Protein: 32% | Fat: 18% | ~$52/28 lb
Prey (Limited Ingredient)
Turkey, catfish, or angus beef limited-ingredient formulas — single protein, minimal other ingredients.
Ingredient Analysis
High Prairie formula:
Key ingredients: Buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, roasted bison, roasted venison, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, egg product, dried chicory root
Positives:
- Named novel proteins (buffalo, bison, venison) — useful for allergy management
- Sweet potatoes as primary carbohydrate — more whole-food than standard corn/wheat
- Egg product for digestible protein
- Dried chicory root (prebiotic inulin)
- Fruits and tomatoes for antioxidants
Concerns:
- Peas, lentils, and chickpeas feature in most formulas — FDA DCM investigation context
- “Lamb meal” is rendered ingredient — nutritionally fine but less transparent
- Diamond Pet Foods has had multiple manufacturing issues (see recall history)
Pricing Breakdown
| Dog Size | Daily Cost |
|———-|———–|
| Small (15 lbs) | $0.90–$1.10 |
| Medium (40 lbs) | $1.80–$2.20 |
| Large (70 lbs) | $2.90–$3.60 |
Taste of the Wild is roughly 20–30% less expensive per pound than Orijen or Acana, making it a strong value proposition for grain-free enthusiasts.
Pros
- Very competitive price for grain-free, high-protein kibble
- Novel protein options useful for rotation or elimination diets
- Good palatability across formulas
- Ancient Grains line available for those avoiding legumes
- Probiotics added post-extrusion
Cons
- Diamond Pet Foods recall history is concerning
- High legume content in standard formulas (FDA DCM context)
- Third-party quality control questions given Diamond’s co-manufacturing relationships
- Not backed by the scientific research investment of Purina or Hill’s
Who Is Taste of the Wild Best For?
Taste of the Wild is best for owners who want grain-free, novel-protein kibble without paying Orijen prices. It’s particularly useful as a rotation protein source — feeding bison one month, then salmon — which some owners believe reduces sensitivity risk. The Ancient Grains line is worth considering for owners who want to reduce legume content while maintaining a grain-inclusive feel.
Alternatives
- Check Price“>Orijen — Premium step up; superior ingredient quality
- Taste Of The Wild Vs Orijen
- Check Price“>Merrick — Similar positioning, generally stronger recall record
- Taste Of The Wild Vs Merrick
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has Taste of the Wild been recalled?
A: Diamond Pet Foods (Taste of the Wild’s manufacturer) had a significant salmonella recall in 2012 affecting multiple brands including Taste of the Wild. There have been smaller issues since. The 2012 recall affected hundreds of lots and was widely reported. No major recalls of Taste of the Wild specifically since 2012, but the manufacturing risk profile at Diamond is something buyers should research.
Q: Is Taste of the Wild good for dogs with allergies?
A: The novel proteins (bison, venison, wild boar) can be useful for managing dogs suspected of chicken or beef allergies. The Prey limited ingredient line is even better suited for elimination diets. Note that “novel” protein benefit only exists if the dog hasn’t been previously exposed — if they’ve eaten multiple brands with chicken, beef, and lamb, only the truly novel sources will help.
Q: What is the Ancient Grains line?
A: The Ancient Grains line replaces peas and lentils with whole grains including sorghum, millet, quinoa, and chia seeds. This addresses the FDA DCM investigation concern about legume-heavy grain-free formulas. For dogs where DCM risk is a consideration, Ancient Grains is a better choice than standard Taste of the Wild.
GetPetPros.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.