Choosing the right dog food is a critical decision for any pet owner, directly impacting their beloved companion’s health, energy, and longevity. With a vast array of options available, discerning what truly provides balanced and beneficial nutrition can be a challenge. Among the brands that consistently stand out for their commitment to quality and ancestral-inspired diets is Taste of the Wild. This comprehensive review, guided by the insights from Dog Food Advisor, focuses specifically on the popular Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains line, examining its ingredients, nutritional profile, and why it might be the ideal choice for your dog. For those seeking expert evaluation and reliable information on this specific product, this guide from a trusted Dog Food Advisor Taste Of The Wild Ancient Grains perspective is indispensable.
Taste of the Wild has built its reputation on the philosophy of feeding dogs as nature intended, drawing inspiration from the diets of their wild ancestors. This approach prioritizes high-quality, natural ingredients designed to mimic what a dog would naturally forage. The brand is a part of Diamond Pet Foods, a division of the family-owned Schell & Kampeter, Inc., founded in 1970 in the U.S. Introduced in 2007, Taste of the Wild aimed to fill a market gap for premium pet foods utilizing novel proteins and avoiding common fillers. The Dog Food Advisor’s overall brand rating for Taste of the Wild stands at an impressive 4.5 stars, a testament to its consistent quality across popular product lines. Pet Nutritionist Laura Ward, verifying these insights, notes that the brand “prioritizes high protein and animal ingredients,” ensuring products are “complete and balanced” and free from artificial or anonymous components. Furthermore, all Taste of the Wild products are formulated to meet the rigorous nutrient profiles set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), confirming their suitability for the specific life stages indicated on the packaging.
Understanding Taste of the Wild’s Philosophy and Overall Rating
Taste of the Wild’s core philosophy centers on providing pets with a diet reminiscent of their wild heritage. This means emphasizing high-quality, natural ingredients and carefully selecting protein sources that are both digestible and nutritionally beneficial. Their commitment to avoiding artificial preservatives, colors, and common fillers like corn, wheat, or soy has resonated with many dog owners seeking healthier alternatives for their furry friends. The brand’s dedication to transparency and quality control is evident in its manufacturing process, with all products being made in one of five company-owned facilities located within the United States. This commitment ensures that every bag or can of food meets stringent safety and quality standards before it reaches your pet’s bowl.
Various Taste of the Wild dog food bags showcasing their diverse product line
A Deep Dive into Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains Ingredients
While Taste of the Wild gained initial popularity for its grain-free formulas, the brand wisely recognized the evolving dietary needs and preferences of dogs, introducing the “Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains” line. This line is specifically crafted for dogs who thrive on or benefit from the inclusion of traditional, nutrient-dense cereal grains. Unlike common fillers such as corn or wheat, ancient grains like sorghum, millet, quinoa, and chia offer a host of benefits, including sustained energy, complex carbohydrates, and essential fibers that support digestive health. The integration of these grains provides a balanced alternative while maintaining the brand’s commitment to high-quality protein sources. Understanding what is healthy for dogs to eat is crucial, and the inclusion of wholesome ancient grains aligns perfectly with providing a comprehensive nutritional profile.
The foundation of the Ancient Grains recipes remains the same as other Taste of the Wild lines: real meat as the primary ingredient. This includes a variety of premium sources such as bison, venison, roasted lamb, duck, salmon, and wild boar, chosen for their digestibility and rich nutritional content. Beyond these robust protein sources, the formulas incorporate egg products, a source of highly digestible protein and essential amino acids. Fish meals are also commonly featured, providing a valuable supply of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for healthy skin, coat, and cognitive function. Sweet potatoes and peas continue to serve as excellent sources of fiber and essential vitamins, complementing the ancient grains for carbohydrate provision. To further enhance the nutritional value, antioxidants are included from fruits like blueberries and raspberries, supporting a strong immune system. The brand also enriches its recipes with essential vitamins (E, D, B12), minerals (zinc, iron, copper), and chelated minerals—minerals bound to amino acids for superior absorption. Crucially, many Ancient Grains formulas also contain K9 strain probiotics, species-specific probiotics that aid digestion and promote optimal gut health, ensuring your dog can effectively absorb all these beneficial nutrients.
Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains: Recipes and Nutritional Profile
The Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains line offers a carefully curated selection of dry kibble recipes designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at various life stages and with different preferences. Each of the four recipes within this sub-brand—Ancient Prairie, Ancient Wetlands, Ancient Mountain, and Ancient Stream—maintains a traditional grain-inclusive design. These formulas boast an impressive average of 33% protein and 41% carbohydrates, providing a robust energy source and supporting muscle maintenance. The deliberate choice of ancient grains ensures that these carbohydrates are not only digestible but also deliver sustained energy throughout the day, avoiding the quick spikes and crashes associated with less complex carbohydrate sources.
Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains Wetlands dog food bag
For puppies, Taste of the Wild extends its Ancient Grains commitment with specialized recipes such as the Ancient Prairie Puppy Recipe and the Ancient Stream Puppy Recipe. These formulations are specifically tailored for growth and development, incorporating DHA from fish or salmon oil for crucial brain and eye development. Puppy-specific probiotics further aid in digestive health and bolster the developing immune system. Antioxidants from natural ingredients like blueberries, raspberries, and tomatoes provide cellular protection, while chelated minerals ensure that these essential nutrients are absorbed more effectively by growing puppies. The comprehensive nutritional design of these puppy formulas underscores Taste of the Wild’s dedication to providing a strong foundation for a healthy life.
Cost-Effectiveness of Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains
Investing in high-quality dog food is an investment in your pet’s health, and Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains positions itself as a premium option. The cost can fluctuate based on the specific recipe, bag size, and the retailer from which it’s purchased. Generally, you can expect the following price ranges for common bag sizes: a 5-lb bag typically falls between $15 to $20 USD, a 14-lb bag ranges from $30 to $40 USD, and a larger 28-lb bag is usually priced between $50 to $60 USD. While grain-inclusive recipes, including the Ancient Grains line, are often priced comparably to their grain-free counterparts, those featuring more exotic proteins like bison or venison might be slightly more expensive than recipes using more common protein sources. Online retailers such as Chewy frequently offer discounts, subscription services (like Autoship for up to 35% off), or bulk-buy deals, which can help mitigate costs. Local pet stores may also have varying pricing structures and loyalty programs.
What Dog Owners Say: Reviews and Recommendations
The ultimate test of any dog food lies in the satisfaction and well-being of the dogs and their owners. Taste of the Wild consistently receives high praise from its customer base, with Chewy customers rating the brand an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars. A significant 95% of these customers express their willingness to recommend Taste of the Wild to others, highlighting widespread satisfaction with the product’s performance. Feedback often points to improvements in dogs’ coat health, energy levels, and digestive regularity. One typical buyer review shared: “My Basenji has been a picky eater since day one… I was recently able to switch her over to this food and now she enjoys eating and eats her recommended amount! She never had any stomach upset in the beginning either. So happy with this food!” This user experience underscores the brand’s ability to cater to even finicky eaters while promoting digestive comfort, an essential factor in what food can we give to dogs to keep them healthy and happy. Such testimonials reinforce the Dog Food Advisor’s positive assessment of Taste of the Wild, including its Ancient Grains line, as a reliable and beneficial choice for canine nutrition.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free dry dog food packaging
Ensuring Safety: Taste of the Wild’s Recall History and Quality Standards
When evaluating a dog food, safety and quality assurance are paramount concerns for responsible pet owners. Taste of the Wild maintains a strong record in this regard. As of October 2025, there are no active specific dog food recalls related to Taste of the Wild listed by the Dog Food Advisor. This absence of recent recalls indicates the brand’s consistent adherence to strict quality control measures throughout its manufacturing processes. The company ensures that all its dry dog food products are produced in one of its five company-owned facilities within the United States, allowing for direct oversight of production. While wet dog foods are manufactured under contract by a private-label cannery, this facility is also located within the U.S., ensuring similar standards are met. This geographical focus helps maintain rigorous quality and safety protocols, giving pet parents peace of mind that their dog’s food is produced under careful scrutiny.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
All Taste of the Wild dog food products, including the Ancient Grains line, are formulated to meet the nutrient profiles established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These standards are built upon the scientific benchmarks published by the National Research Council of the National Academies of Science, ensuring that each product provides complete and balanced nutrition for the specified life stages. This commitment to scientific backing and adherence to industry regulations underscores the brand’s trustworthiness and expertise. For those concerned about their dog’s overall well-being, especially regarding digestive issues, understanding what foods can dogs eat with upset stomach is important, and a well-formulated, balanced diet like Ancient Grains can contribute to a healthy gut. The comprehensive approach to quality, from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing and adherence to regulatory standards, makes Taste of the Wild a reliable choice for your dog’s dietary needs.
Conclusion
For dog owners seeking a premium, ancestrally inspired diet that incorporates the benefits of traditional grains, Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains stands out as a highly recommended option. Endorsed by Dog Food Advisor with a strong 4.5-star rating and backed by positive customer reviews, this line combines high-quality animal proteins with nutrient-rich ancient grains to provide a complete and balanced meal. The brand’s commitment to avoiding artificial ingredients, coupled with the inclusion of beneficial elements like probiotics and antioxidants, ensures a diet that supports overall health, digestion, and vitality.
Whether you’re exploring options for a new puppy or looking for a wholesome diet for an adult dog, the dog food advisor taste of the wild ancient grains review affirms its position as a top-tier choice. We encourage you to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dietary plan for your specific dog’s needs and to explore the various Ancient Grains recipes available. Making an informed decision about your dog’s nutrition is one of the most impactful ways to ensure a long, happy, and healthy life together.
References
Derived from Taste of the Wild brand website 8/10/2020
