Is Taste Of The Wild Cat Food Good? Absolutely Taste of the Wild cat food is a popular choice among pet owners looking for grain-free options with quality ingredients. At FOODS.EDU.VN, we’re committed to providing comprehensive and reliable information to help you make the best decisions for your cat’s diet, ensuring they receive optimal nutrition. This review dives deep into its species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, and more, giving you a clear picture of whether it fits your cat’s needs.
1. The Cats.com Standard—Rating Taste of the Wild on What Matters
We’ve meticulously assessed Taste of the Wild based on six essential criteria to determine its overall quality. Our ratings provide a transparent view of the brand’s strengths and weaknesses.
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Ratings
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Species-Appropriateness | 7/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | 7/10 |
| Product Variety | 5/10 |
| Price | 8/10 |
| Customer Experience | 7/10 |
| Recall History | 4/10 |
| Overall Score (out of 60) | 38/60 |
In total, we give Taste of the Wild cat food a 38 out of 60 rating or a C+ grade.
Taste of the Wild describes its food as “the balanced diet nature intended”.
According to the company, Taste of the Wild offers affordable, high-quality, grain-free foods inspired by your cat’s natural diet. Every formula features real meat, fish, or fowl as the first ingredient, along with unexpected proteins like wild boar, bison, smoked trout, roasted duck, venison, and Angus beef.
The brand is well-priced and receives average to slightly above-average marks in species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, and product variety. Read on to learn more about Taste of the Wild and whether or not it’s a good choice for your cat.
2. Unveiling Taste of the Wild Cat Food: Brand Overview
Taste of the Wild is a brand under Diamond Pet Food, a reputable US company established in 1970 by Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter. Diamond Pet Food not only produces Taste of the Wild but also other well-known brands like NutraGold and Diamond. They also act as a co-packer for many other pet food companies, solidifying their standing in the pet food industry. Diamond Pet Food is headquartered in Meta, Missouri. The company has a strong presence in the pet food manufacturing sector.
3. Where It’s Made: Sourcing and Manufacturing
Taste of the Wild prides itself on manufacturing its products in company-owned facilities within the United States. With five plants located in California, Missouri, South Carolina, and Arkansas, the brand maintains close control over its production processes. While manufacturing occurs domestically, ingredients are sourced from various countries around the globe. Lamb is sourced from New Zealand, lamb meal and venison from Australia, and duck meal from France. The brand also obtains potato protein from Germany and dried chicory root from Belgium. It’s worth noting that some vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are sourced from China.
4. Recall History: A Look at Past Issues
Taste of the Wild cat food experienced a recall in 2012 due to salmonella contamination. Thousands of product units were subsequently removed from shelves. Diamond Pet Food, the parent company and manufacturer of Taste of the Wild, has faced several recalls since its inception in 1970. These include a 2013 recall due to low levels of thiamine, two recalls in 2012 related to potential salmonella contamination, and a 2005 recall because of possible aflatoxin mold contamination. According to research by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), regular testing and adherence to safety standards can significantly reduce the risk of recalls due to contamination.
5. Exploring the Variety: What Kinds of Cat Food Does Taste of the Wild Offer?
Taste of the Wild offers grain-free cat foods with meat as the primary ingredient. They incorporate a proprietary blend of Viables® probiotics, specifically developed for cats and added post-cooking to maintain viability. The brand features two main lines: the original line with diverse protein sources and comprehensive ingredient lists, and Taste of the Wild Prey, a limited-ingredient line with four or fewer key components.
Taste of the Wild
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.
Taste of the Wild Prey
Taste of the Wild describes the Prey line as “a simplified approach to pet food based on the animal’s native diet”. All of the foods in this line contain no more than four key ingredients—these include one animal protein source, along with lentils, tomato pomace, and sunflower oil. This line includes only two formulas for cats, and both of them are dry foods.
6. Detailed Reviews: Taste of the Wild Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | $3.43 per lb | C+ |
| Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | $3.75 per lb | C |
| Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Canned Cat Food | Wet | $0.33 per oz | B |
7. Recipe Analysis: Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Chicken meal appears to be the primary protein source in this dry cat food.
The Rocky Mountain recipe stays true to Taste of the Wild’s “meat is the first ingredient” rule by including a protein-dense chicken meal as the first ingredient. The food also contains roasted venison, smoked salmon, and ocean fish meal. In addition to these meat ingredients, the food contains both pea and potato protein, which are concentrated plant protein sources.
Overall, the food is high in protein with moderate fat and relatively low carbohydrate content when compared to other dry foods. It has a moderate calorie content of 390 calories per cup.
7.1. Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Roasted Venison, Smoked Salmon, Natural Flavor, Ocean Fish Meal, Dl-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried BiFidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, RiboFlavin (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Fat, Roasted Venison, Probiotics
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Pea Protein, Potato Protein
7.2. Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 42% |
| Crude Fat | 18% |
| Crude Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
7.3. Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 46.67% |
| Fat | 20% |
| Fiber | 3.33% |
| Carbs | 30% |
7.4. Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37.26% |
| Fat | 38.78% |
| Carbs | 23.95% |
7.5. Pros
- Contains probiotics to support digestive health
- Low carbohydrate content compared to other dry foods
- Made with several sources of animal protein
- Low price
- No artificial ingredients
7.6. Cons
- Contains multiple sources of plant protein
- High carbohydrate content compared to cat dietary requirements
- Doesn’t provide adequate hydration
8. Recipe Analysis: Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Trout and ocean fish meal appear to be the primary protein sources in this dry cat food.
Taste of the Wild’s Canyon River food is a fish-centric recipe featuring trout and ocean fish meal as the first two ingredients. These animal protein sources are followed by multiple plant ingredients, including sweet potatoes, potatoes, pea protein, and potato protein.
In addition to standard vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, the food contains traces of berries, tomatoes along with dried chicory root for prebiotic fiber. Like other Taste of the Wild foods, this dry diet is enhanced with Viable® probiotics.
Overall, this is dry food has moderate protein and fat content and high carbohydrate matter. It’s 350 calories per cup.
8.1. Ingredients
Trout, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Canola Oil, Smoked Salmon, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Trout, Smoked Salmon
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Potato Protein
8.2. Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 32% |
| Crude Fat | 16% |
| Crude Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
8.3. Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35.56% |
| Fat | 17.78% |
| Fiber | 3.33% |
| Carbs | 43.33% |
8.4. Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 29.13% |
| Fat | 35.37% |
| Carbs | 35.5% |
8.5. Pros
- Made with several sources of animal protein
- No artificial ingredients
- Contains probiotics to support digestive health
8.6. Cons
- Contains concentrated plant protein
- High carbohydrate content
- Dry food isn’t adequately hydrating
9. Recipe Analysis: Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Salmon appears to be the primary protein source in this wet cat food.
This is a fish-based food made with a combination of salmon, chicken liver, chicken, and dried egg whites as animal protein sources. It also includes small amounts of smoked salmon, roasted venison, and ocean fish.
Like all Taste of the Wild canned foods, this product has a stew-style consistency.
While it’s lower in carbohydrates than most dry foods, Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain canned food is one of the most carbohydrate-dense wet foods on the market. Potato starch, pea flour, peas, and guar gum contribute to the food’s approximately 32% carbohydrate content on a dry matter basis.
Overall, the food is a meat-rich product with high protein content, moderate fat, and high carbohydrate content. It’s approximately 27 calories per ounce or 149 calories per 5.5oz can.
9.1. Ingredients
Salmon, Fish Broth, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Dried Egg Whites, Potato Starch, Pea Flour, Smoked Salmon, Roasted Venison, Peas, Ocean Fish, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Inulin, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Liver, Chicken, Dried Egg Whites, Roasted Venison
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch, Peas
9.2. Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 8% |
| Crude Fat | 3% |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% |
| Moisture | 82% |
| Ash | 1.8% |
9.3. Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 44.44% |
| Fat | 16.67% |
| Fiber | 8.33% |
| Carbs | 20.56% |
9.4. Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 42.14% |
| Fat | 38.37% |
| Carbs | 19.49% |
9.5. Pros
- Primarily made from animal protein sources
- No concentrated plant proteins
- High moisture food
- No artificial ingredients
9.6. Cons
- Excessive carbohydrate content
10. Real Customer Experiences: What Do Customers Think of Taste of the Wild Cat Food?
Analyzing customer reviews provides valuable insights into the real-world experiences of other cat owners. Here are some reviews of Taste of the Wild, sourced from popular online retailers such as Amazon and Chewy, that reflect both positive and negative experiences.
10.1. Positive Reviews
“I’ve been feeding my cat Taste of the wild since since he was about 1 yr old. And he’s a healthy happy cat. I wouldn’t feed him anything else. I alternate b/w two flavors..” – by sarah reviewing Taste of the Wild Canyon River Trout & Smoke-Flavored Salmon Grain-Free Dry Cat Food on Feb 24, 2025
“My cat smelled this food as soon as I opened the box. He was super excited and absolutely destroyed his serving. The food looks very health as well, almost shiny so you know the nutrients are there!!! Huge bag as well” – by robin reviewing Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food on an 14, 2025
10.2. Negative Reviews
“The branding of this product is too alike the dog food. I ordered this as it is the go to brand for me but I didn’t know it was cat kibble. Thankfully my dogs still eat it but it’s frustrating that the two types of pet food are basically identical.” – by Anthony reviewing Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food on Jan 6, 2025
“My cat will not eat this cat food. He loves all the dog foods which you should not feed to a cat. I called the manufacturer, and they refused to refund me. Oh well!!! They said contact Amazon so I am writing this review.” – by Judy reviewingTaste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe on January 28, 2025
11. Cost Analysis: How Much Does Taste of the Wild Cat Food Cost?
Compared to other grain-free cat foods without meat by-products, Taste of the Wild is relatively affordable. The canned formulas cost approximately $1.84 per day, while the Rocky Mountain and Canyon River dry foods cost about $0.78 per day. According to a 2024 report by the Pet Food Institute, affordability is a significant factor for many pet owners when choosing a cat food brand.
12. Final Verdict: Overall, Is Taste of the Wild a Good Choice?
Taste of the Wild stands out as a slightly above-average cat food brand. It’s an attractive option if you’re seeking an affordable, meat-centric, grain-free food. However, it primarily caters to dry food consumers, as its canned food selection is limited to stew-style products. While Taste of the Wild emphasizes meat ingredients, its high carbohydrate content might not align with those prioritizing a carnivore-focused diet. If you’re passionate about providing your cat with a diet that closely mimics their natural, carnivorous needs, you might want to explore other brands with lower carbohydrate content.
13. Where to Buy: Accessibility of Taste of the Wild Cat Food
Taste of the Wild cat food is available in pet retail chains, independent pet specialty retailers, health food stores, and other stores around the world. To find out if it’s sold in your country, click here for a list of global distributors.
Various retailers sell Taste of the Wild online. Online retailers include Amazon, Chewy, Petco, and Tractor Supply Co.
14. User Search Intent
Here are 5 search intents for the keyword “is taste of the wild cat food good”:
- Nutritional Evaluation: Users want to know if Taste of the Wild cat food provides adequate nutrition for their cats.
- Ingredient Analysis: Pet owners are interested in the quality and sourcing of ingredients used in Taste of the Wild cat food.
- Health Impact: Users want to determine if Taste of the Wild cat food has any potential health benefits or risks for their pets.
- Comparative Analysis: People want to compare Taste of the Wild cat food with other brands in terms of quality, price, and nutritional value.
- Real Customer Reviews: Potential buyers are seeking genuine reviews and experiences from other cat owners who have used Taste of the Wild cat food.
15. FAQ: Answering Your Questions About Taste of the Wild Cat Food
15.1. What are the main ingredients in Taste of the Wild cat food?
Taste of the Wild cat food primarily contains meat, fish, or fowl as the first ingredient, along with other ingredients like peas, sweet potatoes, and various vitamins and minerals. The specific ingredients vary depending on the recipe.
15.2. Is Taste of the Wild cat food grain-free?
Yes, all Taste of the Wild cat food formulas are grain-free.
15.3. Does Taste of the Wild cat food contain probiotics?
Yes, Taste of the Wild cat food is supplemented with proprietary Viables® probiotics to support digestive health.
15.4. Where is Taste of the Wild cat food manufactured?
Taste of the Wild cat food is manufactured in company-owned facilities located in the United States.
15.5. Has Taste of the Wild cat food ever been recalled?
Yes, Taste of the Wild cat food was recalled in 2012 due to salmonella contamination.
15.6. Is Taste of the Wild cat food suitable for cats with allergies?
Taste of the Wild offers limited-ingredient formulas that may be suitable for cats with certain allergies. However, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian before making any dietary changes.
15.7. How does Taste of the Wild cat food compare to other brands in terms of price?
Taste of the Wild cat food is relatively inexpensive compared to other grain-free foods made without meat by-products.
15.8. Does Taste of the Wild cat food offer wet and dry food options?
Yes, Taste of the Wild offers both wet and dry cat food options, although the canned food selection is more limited.
15.9. What is the carbohydrate content of Taste of the Wild cat food?
The carbohydrate content varies depending on the specific formula, but some Taste of the Wild cat foods have a relatively high carbohydrate content compared to other brands.
15.10. Where can I buy Taste of the Wild cat food?
Taste of the Wild cat food is available at pet retail chains, independent pet specialty retailers, health food stores, and online retailers such as Amazon and Chewy.
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16.1. Discover More Expert Reviews
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16.2. Master Feline Nutrition
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