Taste of the Wild cat food makes a bold claim about what they have to offer our feline friends—the “balanced diet nature intended.” All of Taste of the Wild’s all natural and high protein wet and dry foods are inspired by our domesticated kitties wild ancestral diets. Centered around highly digestible meats like duck, quail, and turkey Taste of the Wild is fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients like taurine, making it a complete and balanced food for cats of all ages and life stages.
Taste of the Wild’s Story
Taste of the Wild hit shelves in 2007 as demand for high quality and grain free cat and dog foods reached a fever pitch. While Taste of the Wild began as a “wolf” diet for dogs, cats were quickly welcomed into the Taste of the Wild fold and given as many wet and dry food options as their canine counterparts.
A family-owned and run company, Taste of the Wild is owned by larger parent company Diamond Pet Foods.
Who makes Taste of the Wild cat food?
Diamond Pet Foods was created in 1970 by a pair of brother-in-laws, Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter. The family-owned, privately-held company, is still managed by the Schell and Kampeter family, and is one of the most successful pet food companies in the industry.
Raking in $1.5 billion in global sales every year, Pet Food Industry reports that Diamond Pet Foods is ranked the world’s #5 pet food company.
Diamond Pet Foods also manufactures many other mainstream and private label cat and dog food brands including: Solid Gold, CostCo’s Kirkland Signature, Nutra-Nuggets, Diamond Natures, and more.
Where is Taste of the Wild manufactured?
Taste of the Wild cat food is manufactured in the United States in factories based in California, Missouri, South Carolina, and Arkansas.
All of the meats used in Taste of the Wild come from sustainably raised animals (think: pasture-fed deer and cage-free ducks) and are USDA certified and contain no antibiotics.
Taste of the Wild’s ingredients are domestically and globally sourced. While the chicken, bison, and beef come from the U.S. other animal ingredients like lamb, venison, and duck meal are sourced from New Zealand, Austria, and France, respectively. Other ingredients that come from other countries include chicory root from Belgium, potato protein from Germany. Some essential nutrients like folic acid and taurine come from China.
Has Taste of the Wild had any recalls?
Taste of the Wild had a massive recall back in May 2012.
Thousands of units of Taste of the Wild dry cat food and dog food were found contaminated with salmonella. The tainted food led to a “multi-state outbreak” in the U.S. that sickened “countless” cats and dogs.
Taste of the Wild also faced three lawsuits related to contaminants found in their dog food.
Is Taste of the Wild grain free?
Yes. All Taste of the Wild dry cat food and wet cat food flavors are grain free.
It’s important to emphasize that grain free doesn’t necessarily equal “healthier” food. Nor does it mean it’s low carb. Grain free cat food like Taste of the Wild often add starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and plant proteins like lentils and peas to their cat food to make up for the absence of commonly used grains like oats, brown rice, and barley.
It’s also worth noting that not all cats do well on grain free diets. Some cats may have difficulty digesting grain free cat food and may experience vomiting, diarrhea, loose stool, or digestive upset. We recommend checking in with your vet before making any significant changes to your kitty’s diet.
Is Taste of the Wild cat food good for indoor cats? Is it low carb?
Taste of the Wild has high protein, moderate carbohydrate, and relatively low fat levels in comparison to other natural and holistic cat foods on the market. Taste of the Wild is not considered a low carb food. For the most part Taste of the Wild’s nutritional profile makes it a decent choice for indoor cats, who may be less active than outdoor, or free roaming cats.
If you have senior kitties, cats who are overweight, or cats who are total couch potatoes, you’d do better to seek out alternative high protein and grain free options that are considerably low carb and low fat. Dr. Elsey’s Clean Protein, Tiki Cat, and Crave are all options that are specifically formulated to keep those numbers low.
Is Taste of the Wild a good cat food, is it healthy?
Taste of the Wild is crafted from many traditionally healthy ingredients. Highly digestible and species-appropriate lean meats make up the top ingredients in all of Taste of the Wild’s wet and dry cat foods. All seven of Taste of the Wild’s cat food products contain probiotics for an extra nutritional boost and are enhanced with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. There are also some vegetable and fruit ingredients that supply extra antioxidants and vitamins.
Some cat parents express concern over the small amounts of vegetable and fruit ingredients that appear in Taste of the Wild wet and dry cat food as sweet potatoes and blueberries aren’t exactly a mainstay in cats’ wild ancestral diets.
However, these ingredients are typically not difficult for cats to digest and are necessary to help the cat food, particularly the hard and dry kibble, keep its shape without needing grains or fillers.
As a whole Taste of the Wild cat food never contains any grains, corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors or colors, or any preservatives.
What kind of cat food does Taste of the Wild make?
Taste of the Wild makes two lines of dry cat food and two flavors of wet cat food that are appropriate for cats of all ages.
These lines include:
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- Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Cat Food: Available in three flavors, Rocky Mountain, Lowland Creek, and Canyon River, these prey-based, high protein, and grain free dry cat food include wholesome species appropriate meats and limited plant proteins.
- Taste of the Wild Prey Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food: Available in two varieties, Turkey, and Angus Beef, this grain free, high protein dry cat food is formulated for cats and kittens who may have food allergies and sensitivities.
- Taste of the Wild Grain Free Canned Wet Cat Food: This high protein, low carb wet cat food comes in two flavors Canyon River and Rocky Mountain, and features multiple highly digestible meats.
Taste of the Wild dry cat food
Taste of the Wild Lowland Creek Dry Cat Food
Taste of the Wild’s Lowland Creek dry cat food starts with four highly digestible poultry ingredients. Duck, chicken, turkey, and quail are the main sources of lean protein in this dry cat food and are some of the most species-appropriate meats out there. Some vegetable ingredients like lentils and sweet potatoes aren’t found in cats’ traditional “ancestral diets” as Taste of the Wild claims but are decent sources of plant protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Pros
- Is appropriate for cats of all ages
- High protein and highly digestible
- Fortified with probiotics and extra essential vitamins and minerals
- Contains limited vegetable and fruit ingredients
Cons
- Somewhat high carbohydrate content
- Some cats don’t like the taste
- Some grain free foods may cause vomiting and loose stool in some cats
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Taste of the Wild Canyon River Dry Cat Food
Taste of the Wild Canyon River dry cat food is centered around fish ingredients. Omega fatty acid-rich trout, ocean whitefish, and salmon are the top animal proteins in this dry cat food. There are no eggs or poultry ingredients in this cat food so it’s a good option for cats with allergies or sensitivities to chicken, duck, or turkey. Veggies like sweet potatoes bring a low glycemic boost of vitamin A and C to this cat food.
Pros
- Is appropriate for cats of all ages
- High protein
- Contains no poultry or eggs
- The kibble is small enough for kittens and cats with missing or sensitive teeth
Cons
- Somewhat high carbohydrate content
- May contain too many veggies for some cat parents’ liking
- Some cats don’t like the fishy taste
- May cause upset stomach in some cats
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Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Dry Cat Food
Taste of the Wild’s Rocky Mountain dry cat food starts with not whole animal meat, but instead chicken meal. Venison and salmon appear further down in the ingredients list of this dry cat food, making this kibble the one with the lowest amount of quality animal proteins. Sweet potatoes, pea protein, and potato protein take the place of lean meats and make this recipe a bit more veggie-based than other Taste of the Wild dry cat foods.
Pros
- Is appropriate for cats of all ages
- Relatively low carb content compared to other dry cat food
- Contains extra probiotics for digestive health
Cons
- Some cats don’t like the taste
- May give some cats stinky and loose stool
- Contains too many vegetables for some cat parents likings
- Contains fish so it’s not appropriate for cats with fish allergies
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Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food
Taste of the Wild’s Prey line is the company’s take on grain free, limited ingredient dry cat food. The Angus Beef dry cat food is made from just four ingredients: beef, lentils, sunflower oil, and salmon oil. This high protein and high fiber dry cat food also includes probiotics for digestive health. Like all of Taste of the Wild wet and dry cat food their Wild Prey Angus Beef Limited Ingredient dry cat food is nutritionally balanced and complete.
Pros
- Is appropriate for cats of all ages
- Contains no chicken, eggs, or poultry
- High fiber and high protein
- Contains extra probiotics for digestive health
Cons
- Half of the ingredients are plant-based
- Contains salmon so it’s not appropriate for cats with fish allergies
- It’s not low carb
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Taste of the Wild Prey Turkey Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food
Taste of the Wild’s other Prey Limited Ingredient dry cat food is their cage-free Turkey variety. Just like Taste of the Wild’s Angus Beef dry cat food, this limited ingredient kibble is also made from only four ingredients: turkey, lentils, sunflower oil, and salmon oil. High fiber, high protein, and appropriate for cats of all ages and life stages, this dry cat food is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, along with probiotics.
Pros
- Is appropriate for cats of all ages
- High protein and fiber
- Contains no chicken or eggs
- Contains extra probiotics for digestive health
Cons
- Half of the ingredients are plant-based
- Contains salmon, not appropriate for cats with fish allergies
- It’s not low carb
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Taste of the Wild wet cat food
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe
This grain free high protein wet cat food features salmon and roast venison as its top ingredients. This chunky, stew-style wet cat food has nutrient-packed animal proteins like eggs and ocean whitefish. Small amounts of fruits and veggies, like sweet potatoes, bring extra antioxidants and vitamins to this food. Fish broth makes a savory gravy that adds moisture and extra omega-3s. This is also sold in a variety pack with Taste of the Wild’s other wet cat food flavor, Canyon River.
Pros
- High protein and highly digestible meats are the top ingredients
- Appropriate for cats of all ages
- There aren’t excessive veggie or fruit ingredients
- The chunky, meaty morsels appeals to cats
Cons
- Premium prices
- Contains fish, not appropriate for cats with fish allergies
- Carb content is high compared to most wet cat food
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Taste of the Wild Canyon River Feline Recipe
Trout and salmon are the top animal proteins in Taste of the Wild’s Canyon River wet cat food. This canned food contains the same ingredients as the Canyon River dry cat food except for the addition of vegetable broth that serves as gravy and brings extra moisture to the meaty chunks in this wet cat food.
Pros
- High protein and highly digestible meats are the top ingredients
- Appropriate for cats of all ages
- The chunky, stew-like texture of the meat appeals to cats
- No chicken or poultry ingredients (good for cats with allergies to them)
Cons
- Premium prices
- Contain eggs which some cats may be allergic to
- Carb content is high compared to most wet cat food
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What are cat parents saying about Taste of the Wild cat food?
Positive Taste of the Wild cat food reviews
“Unlike other “chicken-free” cat food, this Taste of the Wild Canyon River actually contains no chicken. I was skeptical about feeding it to the cats when I opened the first can – it looks chunky in a very thick sauce. But the cats like it a lot and I trust this brand for its ingredients and nutrition. Don’t be put off by the appearance, it’s good.” Jerry on Chewy.com (Taste of the Wild Canyon River wet cat food)
“I have a 17 year old cat. He is slim due to being a picky eater and seems to have developed a sensitive stomach with age. He absolutely loves this food and the grain free recipe seems to help his stomach. I’m hopeful that his love for this food will help him put a little weight back on.” Erica on Chewy.com (Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain wet cat food)
“My two cats both have digestive sensitivities, one of whom also has allergies to birds/eggs. It is NOT easy to find a limited ingredient food that they enjoy and that won’t trigger any issues. This is the simplest dry food I’ve encountered, and it’s been a success for several months. They absolutely love the taste and there’s no vomiting or GI distress.” Mintypants on Chewy.com (Taste of the Wild Limited Ingredient Angus Beef dry cat food)
Negative Taste of the Wild cat food reviews
“Taste of the Wild always has had a great reputation, so I thought I’d give the canned cat food a try. Unfortunately the chunks are way too big for my cat and he pushes them off to the side and won’t eat them. If the food was smaller chunks I’m sure it would be better.” Lake Life on Chewy.com (Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain wet cat food)
“I would not call my cats picky eaters but they refused to eat this food. The bowls sat full for more than a day before I realized that they would rather be starving than eat this. Had to run out to a pet store to buy a brand I know they like instead and they immediately ate a whole bowl.” Claire on Chewy.com (Taste of the Wild Canyon River dry cat food)
“This used to be the perfect cat food. Both of my cats loved it and it didn’t upset the stomach of my cat with a sensitive stomach. However, this last bag that I purchased I noticed that the shape and color of the pieces were a little different and while my cats still really like the flavor, it is now making my sensitive cat sick! So disappointed that it seems like the formula was changed.” CloudyDay on Chewy.com (Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain dry cat food)
Alternatives to Taste of the Wild cat food:
Not sold on Taste of the Wild cat food? Here are three other high protein and grain free holistic cat food brands worth considering.
Soulistic
Soulistic is a holistic cat food brand exclusive to Petco. Soulistic has a stellar reputation for selling high protein, grain free, and low carb cat food at affordable prices. All of their recipes are species-appropriate. This means animal proteins and meats make up the top ingredients in all Soulistic cat food.
Soulistic tackles feline nutrition with a four-pronged approach that focuses on food texture, hydration, urinary tract health, and weight management. A thoughtful choice for cats who may need to shed extra pounds or maintain lean muscle mass.
All of Soulistic’s wet and dry cat foods are non-GMO and gluten-free. They never contain any corn, soy, or wheat. To date Soulistic cat food has had no recalls.
Wellness CORE
Wellness CORE is a grain free and high protein cat food that hit shelves in 2007. It’s an offshoot of the larger parent company Wellness and WellPet, Wellness CORE makes nutritious and highly digestible meats and animal proteins the focus of all of their wet and dry cat food.
Wellness CORE has much more variety than Taste of the Wild’s cat food selection. Wellness CORE’s wet cat foods range from shredded, chunked, flaked and pate cans, to pouches of broth and meaty morsels. Their dry cat food comes in a freeze-dried raw and a high protein grain free kibble.
There’s no corn, wheat, soy, or any artificial ingredients or preservatives in any Wellness CORE wet or dry cat food. Wellness CORE’s parent company, Wellness, has had no cat food recalls.
Nulo
Founded in 2009, Nulo premiered as a high protein and grain free answer to the rising obesity rates and health crises in dogs. Since then, Nulo has grown to include cats and earned a reputation for low carb, low glycemic, and high protein pet food.
Nulo’s cat food comes in dozens of different flavors and textures. Their wet foods that run the gamut from pate, to minced meats in savory gravy, to pouches of puree, bone broths, and hearty shredded meat toppers. While Nulo’s dry cat foods include freeze-dried raw kibble, and high protein, low carb kibble.
Nulo puts meats and animal proteins first in all of their cat food. They never use any corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients in any of their cat food.
Takeaway
While Taste of the Wild cat food isn’t exactly nutritionally accurate when it claims to feed our cat companions the diets their wild ancestors ate (there are several vegetable and plant-based ingredients in Taste of the Wild’s wet and dry cat foods like sunflower oil and sweet potatoes that are not a natural part of cats obligate carnivore diets) it is still a balanced and mostly species-appropriate brand. It’s an affordable premium natural cat food and made from simple ingredients.
Cat parents who are looking for even more high protein and highly species-appropriate grain free cat food ought to seek out Orijen— our top pick for the best of the best biologically appropriate dry cat food.
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