The Wild Earth Performance Formula Dog Food in Veggie Supreme Flavor offers a unique, plant-based approach to canine nutrition, catering to pet owners seeking hypoallergenic, sustainable, and scientifically-backed options for their dogs. This review delves into the product’s features, benefits, ingredients, and feeding guidelines, providing a detailed look at what makes this kibble stand out in the pet food market.
Understanding Wild Earth’s Plant-Based Philosophy
Wild Earth’s core philosophy centers on the idea that dogs, classified as omnivores rather than strict carnivores, can thrive on a nutritionally complete diet derived entirely from plants. This approach not only aims to provide optimal health for dogs but also contributes to a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional meat-based dog foods. The Performance Formula is specifically designed for active and aging dogs, focusing on muscle recovery, sustained energy, and overall longevity.
Key Features and Benefits
This plant-based kibble boasts several key advantages:
- High Protein Content (28%): Formulated with plant-derived proteins and essential amino acids like Taurine and L-Carnitine to support muscle health and metabolism, crucial for active and aging dogs.
- Hypoallergenic Formula: Free from common allergens such as meat, dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs, making it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
- Complete and Balanced Nutrition: Enriched with DHA for brain health, prebiotics for digestive support, and Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Clean and Sustainable Ingredients: Features ingredients like oats, spinach, and sweet potato, with no fillers. The production process emphasizes a significantly lower carbon dioxide and water footprint.
- Palatability: Despite being plant-based, the formula is designed to mimic a savory poultry-style flavor that dogs generally find appealing.
- Vet-Developed: The formula is developed with veterinary expertise to ensure it meets the rigorous nutritional standards for dog food.
Nutritional Breakdown and Ingredients
The Wild Earth Performance Formula is scientifically formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance. Key ingredients include:
- Protein Sources: Dried Yeast, Potato Protein, and various grains and legumes.
- Carbohydrates: Barley, Oats, Grain Sorghum, Millet, Sweet Potato.
- Fats & Oils: Canola Oil, Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil, Safflower Oil (all preserved with mixed tocopherols).
- Vitamins & Minerals: A comprehensive blend including Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, and others to ensure all essential micronutrients are present.
- Functional Ingredients: Taurine, L-Carnitine, Inulin (prebiotic), Fructooligosaccharide (prebiotic), Blueberries, Cranberries, and Rosemary Extract.
The Guaranteed Analysis confirms high levels of crude protein and fat, appropriate fiber content, and essential minerals and vitamins. The calorie content is approximately 3,380 kcal/kg, or 250 kcal per cup.
Feeding Guidelines and Transitioning
Wild Earth provides detailed feeding guidelines based on a dog’s weight, ranging from small breeds to large breeds over 100 lbs. They recommend a gradual transition over 7-10 days by mixing the new food with the dog’s current food, increasing the proportion of Wild Earth daily.
Transition Schedule:
- Days 1-2: 25% Wild Earth
- Days 3-4: 50%
- Days 5-6: 75%
- Day 7: 100%
Fresh water should always be available. Portion sizes should be adjusted based on individual dog needs, including age, activity level, and health status.
Addressing Common Concerns
Wild Earth proactively addresses potential concerns regarding plant-based diets:
- Nutritional Completeness: The formulas are designed to be nutritionally complete, meeting or exceeding AAFCO standards.
- DCM Link: The Performance Formula specifically excludes legumes, a step taken to address concerns about Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), although research on a definitive link between plant-based diets and DCM is ongoing and complex. Wild Earth emphasizes that their nutritionally complete formulas aim to prevent deficiencies that could be a factor.
- Subscription and Availability: The food is available for subscription with discounts and can also be purchased through major online retailers like Amazon, Petco, and Chewy, as well as select local stores.
Customer Testimonials and Satisfaction
The product has received positive feedback from customers, with many highlighting their dogs’ enjoyment of the food and sustained activity levels. Wild Earth offers a 30-day “Happiness Guarantee,” allowing customers to return the product for a full refund if their dog doesn’t love it.
Conclusion
Wild Earth’s Performance Formula Dog Food in Veggie Supreme Flavor presents a compelling option for pet owners prioritizing plant-based, hypoallergenic, and environmentally conscious nutrition for their dogs. Its scientifically developed formula, transparent ingredient list, and commitment to quality make it a notable contender in the evolving landscape of dog food. The brand’s dedication to both canine health and planetary well-being positions it as a forward-thinking choice for modern pet parents.
