As a devoted dog owner in Australia, finding the right food for my furry companion, Patch, who suffers from IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), has always been a top priority. For a long time, Taste of the Wild (TOTW) Lamb formula seemed like the perfect solution. In fact, for about two years, it was the kibble that worked best for Patch’s sensitive digestive system. However, my recent experience with Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Roasted Lamb has raised some serious concerns, leading me to question if it’s still the best choice for my dog, or for any dog owner looking for quality nutrition.
My Experience with Taste of the Wild Lamb Formula: A Change for the Worse?
I’ve been ordering Patch’s food through Pet Circle, a fantastic Australian online pet store known for its excellent service and speedy delivery. Recently, I opened a new 6kg bag of TOTW Sierra Mountain Roasted Lamb, and immediately noticed something was off. The smell was different, not as appealing as before, and the kibble size had drastically reduced to about half its normal size. Initially, I thought the smaller kibble might be beneficial for Patch, as he tends to swallow his food without chewing properly.
However, things quickly took a turn for the worse. Patch, who usually eats four to five small meals a day due to his IBD, started exhibiting worrying symptoms after consuming the TOTW kibble. He began eating grass excessively and seemed unwell, displaying signs of discomfort and whining. This was unusual, as Patch typically only experiences these issues when his IBD is acting up, and he hadn’t shown these signs after his cooked meals or other kibble brands.
Initially, having recently moved, I attributed Patch’s distress to stress and a flare-up of his IBD. But one morning, Patch, a dog who always eats even when feeling under the weather, refused to touch the TOTW kibble altogether. In the five years I’ve had Patch, he has only refused food twice, both times when severely ill. This refusal was a major red flag.
Concerned, I contacted Pet Circle about the issue. Their customer service was exceptional. They promptly refunded my $70 and advised me to discard the remaining 5.5kg of the bag, suggesting I give it to a rescue or friend, or even throw it away entirely. They also assured me they would forward my feedback to Taste of the Wild Australia. This experience, coupled with the noticeable changes in the product itself, has made me seriously reconsider feeding Patch Taste of the Wild.
Concerns About Taste of the Wild and the Safety of American Pet Foods
My negative experience with this recent bag of Taste of the Wild has prompted me to look into potential issues with American-made pet foods available in Australia. It turns out, there have been reports regarding the presence of contaminants and toxins in some popular American pet food brands, including Taste of the Wild.
While I cannot share specific links or company names here, a quick online search for “toxins in pet foods” will reveal reports from 2017 and later. These reports suggest that certain Taste of the Wild formulas, such as Pacific Stream Smoked Salmon and High Prairie, have been found to contain concerning levels of toxins. Other American brands like Holistic Select, Wellness, and Earthborn Holistic were also mentioned in these reports. These findings are alarming and raise questions about the overall quality control and safety of some imported pet food brands.
Exploring Safer Alternatives: Australian Made Dog Food Brands
Given my experience and the concerns surrounding some American pet food brands, I’m now leaning towards prioritizing Australian-made and owned dog food brands for Patch. Australia boasts several excellent pet food companies that focus on quality ingredients and local sourcing.
Brands like “Meals For Mutts” (MfM) and “Ivory Coat” are both Australian made and owned, offering formulas that are well-regarded. Ivory Coat, while recently sold to a Chinese company, still maintains its Australian manufacturing and is even expanding to the American market, likely due to the appeal of Australian-made products and unique protein sources like kangaroo and lamb. It’s worth noting that Ivory Coat uses genuine Kangaroo Meal, unlike some American brands that market “Wild Kangaroo” but may use less kangaroo and supplement with cheaper ingredients like lentils to boost protein percentages.
“Canidae,” although American-made, is another brand I’m considering, especially their “Canidae Pure” and “Canidae All Life Stages” formulas. Canidae emphasizes sourcing ingredients from local farmers and even grows some of their own vegetables. Their “Canidae All Life Stages” formula is particularly popular and often sells out quickly. For senior dogs like my 9-year-old, “Canidae Pure Meadow Senior” is an option, formulated with supplements beneficial for aging dogs.
“Nutro” is another brand with new grain-free and “Frontier” formulas made in Australia that seem promising. In fact, when Patch refused to eat the TOTW, I quickly purchased a bag of Nutro Essential, which was on sale, and he loves it and has shown no adverse reactions.
Currently, I’m planning to try “Meals For Mutts” new CN Vital Health Hypoallergenic Holistic Remedy Diet Turkey & Veggies for Patch. Taste of the Wild used to be my go-to food for Patch, especially when his IBD flared up. Now, I’m actively searching for a new reliable option to rotate with and depend on for his sensitive needs.
Making Informed Choices for Your Dog’s Diet
Choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial for our pets’ health and well-being. My experience with Taste of the Wild serves as a reminder to be vigilant and consider all factors when selecting dog food. It’s important to research brands, read ingredient lists carefully, and be aware of where the food is manufactured and sourced. Exploring Australian-made brands might be a safer and higher-quality option for dog owners in Australia. Ultimately, paying attention to your dog’s reaction to their food and being proactive in seeking out the best nutrition is key to ensuring their long-term health and happiness.
