The 9 Best Premium Dry Cat Foods of 2022

While the FDA has very clear rules on this, it may surprise some pet owners to find that the recipe only needs to contain 3% of the featured ingredient to describe the recipe as “with”. While most Taste of the Wild recipes are high in protein (typically above 40% on a dry matter basis) much of this comes from plant proteins. Overall, I think Taste of the Wild deserves a 6.5 out of 10 in terms of species-appropriate with the wet food options really bringing up that score.

Taste of the Wild’s canned cat food range features an above-average proportion of protein, an average proportion of fat, and an average proportion of carbohydrates. Prey is Taste of the Wild’s limited ingredient range and is designed for dogs with severe allergies or sensitivities. There are three formulas within this range, and they are almost identical except for the single source of meat or fish they utilize. They have a very limited number of vegetable ingredients, far less than many other limited ingredient ranges. As with many cat foods, most of the one-star reviews come from cats that refused to eat the food. There are a handful of reviews that suggest the formula changed but I wasn’t able to find any evidence to support that.

My cat loves it and there has been such a big jump in her energy levels. Thanks to the other viewpoint members for the positive recommendations on this food, you all are correct, it’s great! Quality of Ingredients Excellent quality ingredients and it’s grain free.

Diamond cat food was recalled in 2005 due to a potential aflatoxin mold contamination, twice in 2012 for potential salmonella contamination, and in 2013 due to a low level of thiamine in their food. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. If you want more ideas, you might read our article on the top 10 best dry foods on the market.

Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Formula with Roasted Venison and Smoked Salmon is a holistic, grain free dry cat food. The first ingredient is chicken meal followed by peas, sweet potatoes, chicken fat. Pea and potato protein and then roasted venison, smoked salmon, and ocean fish meal. It also contains dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries. It has the most unique ingredients of any cat food that I feed my five cats.

Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food

If you are interested in learning more about these specific grain ingredients, check out the below articles for an in-depth look. Coons, since they need the extra protein to ensure their larger muscle mass is taken care of well as they age. They LOVE it and both are super lean and their muscles are well defined, as they should be.

This is likely a reaction to the fears surrounding Legumes, Potatoes, and other non-grain carbohydrate ingredients. Taste of the Wild is a relative newcomer to the pet food market, having launched back in 2007. While this might seem like a long time, some of Taste of the Wild’s main competitors have been in business for over 30 years or longer.

Ingredient Splitting involves dividing a single plant-based ingredient into multiple sub-ingredients such as Peas, Pea Protein, and Pea Flour. By doing this, they will appear further down the ingredient list and mislead consumers about the overall proportion of meat and vegetable ingredients. Salmon can provide some of the highest levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids of any meat or fish.

Currently, there are three varieties available, Beef, Turkey, and Trout. Each of these formulas is very similar and contains a simple mix of ingredients. The formula also contains Potato Starch, which can be considered a low-quality ingredient in large portions but doesn’t appear to be significant in this recipe. This variety allows owners to find a recipe that their dog enjoys, even if they are a particularly picky dog. Below is a selection of the high-quality meat and fish ingredients used in Taste of the Wild recipes. Taste of the Wild has a reasonably broad product range and produces formulas for all the core varieties of dog food.

Flaxseed is probably the best plant-based source of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids which many believe can provide dogs and cats with several health benefits. Grain ingredients such as these can be controversial additions to pet food recipes with many being strongly against their use. However, there are also strong supporters of grain ingredients, especially those that feed brands like Purina. While above average, the nutrition offered by Taste of the Wild’s dry cat food products is not particularly satisfactory.

There’s plenty of reviews out there but let’s start with what cat owners like. While two types of broth in the first 5 ingredients is a bit much, it’s moves like this that allow Taste of the Wild to keep the overall price down. An American expat living in Metro Manila, Philippines for over a decade, Christian is a lifelong cat lover and the proud papa of two rescue cats, Trixie and Chloe. Both girls were formerly among the droves of strays that roam the cities and countryside.

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There are other brands that can boast higher levels of protein, but that level of protein may only be required for dogs who are very or extremely active. We believe that Nutrition is one of the core factors that should affect your choice of pet food. We break down the nutrition of pet foods based on calorific proportions. Growing up with a family full of pets and a lifelong passion for animals he pursued work in the veterinary industry.

Wonderful cat food.

As for dehydration, there is no clear evidence that a diet of kibble causes cats to be more or less dehydrated than other felines. Studies have gone both ways; some show cats fed kibble-only diets are more dehydrated than cats fed wet food, while others indicate the reverse. But all cats, regardless of diet, should have access at all times to a source of fresh, clean water.

As we mentioned earlier, Southwest Canyon Wet Dog Food Formula featured within our Best Canned Dog Food article as one of the most nutritious formulas available at an affordable price. As this recall is over eight years old, you need not overly concern yourself as its effects have likely long past. However, this does not mean you should look out for any future recalls on Taste of the Wild products or any other brand. Learn more about the risks of Salmonella in pet food in this article by Banfield Pet Hospital.

When she’s not reviewing pet products or editing content, Mallory enjoys skiing, hiking, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. Salmon appears to be the primary protein source in this wet cat food. Overall, the food is high in protein with moderate fat and relatively low carbohydrate content when compared to other dry foods. The original Taste of the Wild line includes four recipes for cats. These are Rocky Mountain, available in wet or dry form, and Canyon River wet or dry food. The brand is well-priced and receives average to slightly above-average marks in species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, and product variety.

This grain-free dry cat food is cooked in a certified organic kitchen. The number-one ingredient is free-range chicken, which is combined with a nutritional superfood blend of cranberries, coconut oil, and flaxseed. It doesn’t have any added growth hormones, antibiotics, or artificial preservatives.

These have been developed specifically for cats and are added after the cooking process is complete. This ensures that your cat receives all of the biological benefits of these ingredients. Benefits include an improved immune system, gut health, and general health.

It was approx 6 months later after switching my babies to taste of the wild dry kibble for cats that I noticed they both drink a TON more water and urinate a TON more. Theresa Holland is a professional writer and animal lover with extensive experience writing about cats and dogs. In addition to The Spruce, she regularly contributes to MyDomaine and Byrdie. One thing to note is that your cat does not need carbohydrates in his or her diet, although there’s no data to show what the optimal carbohydrate percent for cats should be.

Taste of the Wild sources lamb from New Zealand, lamb meal and venison from Australia, duck meal from France, potato protein from Germany, and dried chicory root from Belgium. The company sources some or all of their vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from China. While most of the dry food recipes from Taste of the Wild provide very similar nutrition, the Wetlands Formula edges out the rest due to its superior protein and fat proportions. The nutrition provided by this formula is ideal for the majority of dogs, including those who are active. Tomato Pomace is an extremely popular addition to pet food recipes and is found in most Taste of the Wild dry food formulas. Once again, while the nutrition offered by Taste of the Wild’s canned cat food products is above average, it is not satisfactory.

Taste of the Wild is a brand of Diamond Pet Food, which is a pet food company based in the USA. All of its foods are manufactured in the USA and are billed as being affordable and using high-quality ingredients. As well as using real meat, fish, or fowl as their primary ingredient, the brand’s recipes also include unique proteins from boar, bison, duck, trout, and venison. When selecting a premium dry food, it’s important to select one that contains essential nutrients to meet your cat’s needs.

Author

  • Locke

    Hi, my name is Lowell and I have always been interested in animals. I was born with a deep fascination for them that has only grown stronger as I've gotten older. This interest has led me to become a zookeeper. It's the best job in the world because it allows me to work with animals every day and learn more about them.

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