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Taste of the Wild Wetlands Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Taste of the Wild Wetlands Dog Food Review

Our Final Verdict

We give Taste of the Wild Wetlands dog food a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Introduction

When it comes to canine nutrition, duck is an excellent source of protein, iron, and other key minerals that support a healthy immune system. Many dogs love the taste of this novel meat.

While Taste of the Wild’s newest duck formula, the Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe, offers balanced nutrition and high-quality ingredients for most adult dogs, the grain-free formulas are probably best left on the store shelf. With its heavy reliance on chicken products, the Wetlands line as a whole has been a disappointment for many owners of dogs with food allergies.

So, should you give this waterfowl-inspired dog food a try? Here’s what you need to know.

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At a Glance: The Taste of the Wild Wetlands Dog Food Recipes

Taste of the Wild currently offers three different Wetlands recipes, including a newly released grain-inclusive version.

Rating Image Product Details
Our Favorite
Winner
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Recipe Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Recipe
  • Ideal for dogs who can’t eat grains
  • Diverse blend of protein sources
  • Includes live probiotics and antioxidants
  • Second place
    Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe
  • Grain-inclusive formula is ideal for most dogs
  • Features live probiotics and antioxidants
  • Appropriate for all ages
  • Third place
    Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Formula Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Formula
  • Contains a high amount of meat
  • High in moisture
  • Provides antioxidants for immune health
  • Taste of the Wild Wetlands Dog Food Reviewed

    The Taste of the Wild name goes hand in hand with ingredients and overall nutrition inspired by our dogs’ wild ancestors. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean the company doesn’t also utilize modern, processed ingredients in its dog food formulas, its Wetlands line included.

    Who Makes Taste of the Wild Wetlands and Where Is It Produced?

    The Taste of the Wild brand name is owned and manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, which owns several pet food factories within the United States. Taste of the Wild is just one brand manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, as it also produces select formulas for other companies, as well as its own label, called Diamond.

    Taste of the Wild dog food products contain ingredients that are sourced both within the United States and internationally.

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    Which Types of Dogs Is Taste of the Wild Wetlands Best Suited For?

    The Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe is a great option for owners who want to invest in a premium, well-rounded dry food for their dog.

    If your dog has a grain allergy but can digest most other ingredients, then the grain-free Wetlands formulas could be a good option.

    Which Types of Dogs Might Do Better With a Different Brand?

    If your dog has a chicken allergy, don’t let the Wetlands label fool you. While these recipes do contain novel poultry like quail, duck, and turkey, they also contain chicken and chicken by-products.

    Because Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipes contain multiple potential allergens, dogs with food sensitivities or allergies are better off with something like the Taste of the Wild PREY Limited Ingredient Diet Trout formula.

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    A Quick Look at Taste of the Wild Wetlands Dog Food

    Pros
    • Meat is always the first ingredient
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Contains sustainably sourced ingredients
    • Dry formulas include live probiotics
    • High in protein
    Cons

    Recall History

    As of our review, Taste of the Wild has only been subject to one voluntary recall in 2012. This recall applied to several varieties of cat and dog food formulas that were potentially contaminated with salmonella.

    More recently, in 2018 and 2019, Taste of the Wild has been the subject of two lawsuits claiming its dog food contains dangerous levels of heavy metals and other compounds. No recalls or legal rulings have been made public in relation to these two cases.

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    Reviews of the Taste of the Wild Wetlands Dog Food Recipes

    Currently, Taste of the Wild Wetlands encompasses three different dog food recipes. Let’s take a closer look.

    1. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Recipe

    Taste of the Wild Wetlands

    The Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Recipe is the original, grain-free formula made with duck, quail, and turkey. Instead of grains, this recipe relies on ingredients like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas as carbohydrate sources. This specific formula is recommended for adult dogs.

    Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Recipe Ingredients Chart graph v2

    To learn about the first-hand experiences of other dogs and their owners who have tried this food, you can read the Amazon reviews here.

    Pros
    • Ideal for dogs who can’t eat grains
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Diverse blend of protein sources
    • Includes live probiotics and antioxidants
    Cons
    • Contains controversial ingredients
    • Relies heavily on chicken and egg products

    2. Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe

    8Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

    Unless your dog has a diagnosed grain sensitivity, the Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe is the one that we wholeheartedly recommend from this line. Along with the use of quail, duck, and turkey for protein and fat, this recipe includes a variety of ancient grains that provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and additional plant-based amino acids.

    Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe

    Before purchasing this formula for your own dog, you can check out the Amazon reviews here.

    Pros
    • Grain-inclusive formula is ideal for most dogs
    • Features live probiotics and antioxidants
    • Appropriate for all ages
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • Contains salmon oil for omega fatty acids
    Cons
    • Contains chicken and egg products
    • Not for dogs with food allergies

    3. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Formula with Fowl in Gravy

    Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Formula (With Fowl in Gravy)

     

    Although Taste of the Wild focuses primarily on producing dry food formulas, the Wetlands Canine Formula with Fowl in Gravy is one example of the brand’s wet food offerings. The primary ingredients in this recipe are real meat and broth from duck, chicken, and fish, delivering plenty of diverse, animal-sourced protein and fats. The mix of fruit and vegetables inside also provides supportive antioxidants.

    Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Formula with Fowl in Gravy

    If you want to learn more about this wet food formula, you can find the Amazon reviews here.

    Pros
    • Good option for dogs with grain allergies
    • Contains a high amount of meat
    • Made in the U.S.A.
    • High in moisture
    • Provides antioxidants for immune health
    Cons
    • Includes some controversial grain alternatives
    • Not ideal for dogs with food sensitivities

    What Other Users Are Saying

    Before switching your dog to any new food, it’s important to do your research. Here’s what other online reviewers have had to say about the Taste of the Wild Wetlands products:

    Pet Food Reviewer: “The large range of poultry, vegetables, and other minor ingredients may make this food unsuitable for dogs with dietary sensitivities or allergies. But for those without specific needs Taste of the Wild’s Wetland Canine Formula is a very satisfactory dry food for dogs who are not overly active.”

    Pet Fashion Week: “This dog food is unique because the majority of its protein is sourced from real poultry such as duck, quail, and turkey. It has a flavor your dog is sure to love that is made from natural ingredients designed to maximize growth and wellbeing.”

    Labrador Training HQ: “The first three ingredients consist of duck, duck meal, and chicken meal, all easily digestible lean proteins. Other meat sources include smoked salmon and ocean fish meal.”

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    Conclusion

    While Taste of the Wild Wetlands isn’t necessarily a bad dog food line, its use of common allergens in all three recipes is disappointing.

    One of the largest benefits of using duck in dog food is the fact it’s far less likely to trigger an allergic reaction than chicken. If Taste of the Wild did away with the chicken and egg products in its Wetlands formulas, it could potentially meet the needs of many dogs with protein allergies.

    Still, Taste of the Wild formulas are a step above many other commercial dog food brands. We recommend the Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe for most average adult dogs who don’t have any existing food allergies or sensitivities. If your dog is only sensitive to grains, then you’ll want to try one of the grain-free formulas. Otherwise, the grain-inclusive formula is a much better option.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: Taste of Wild, Amazon

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