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Taste of the Wild Dog Food Review

7.8/10

PAWKEEN SCORE: 7.8/10 — Good ingredient quality for an imported US food, but overpriced relative to equivalent AU-made alternatives. The DCM concern warrants attention for large breed and susceptible breed owners.

Reviewed by Hazel, BVSc | April 2026

BRAND OVERVIEW

  • Brand: Taste of the Wild
  • Parent company: Diamond Pet Foods (USA)
  • AU-made: No (USA)
  • Formulated by vet nutritionist: Yes
  • Feeding trials: Formulation-based (limited feeding trial history)
  • AAFCO compliant: Yes
  • PFIAA member: No
  • In AU since: ~2015

Taste of the Wild (TOTW) is a US premium brand that gained significant following in Australia through the 2010s, riding the grain-free wave. It was one of the brands mentioned in the FDA’s 2018–2019 DCM investigation. That investigation has since been closed without a definitive finding, but the brand’s association with high-legume grain-free formulas remains relevant for certain dog owners.

Ingredient Analysis

Smoked salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, smoked salmon, canola oil, ocean fish oil, salt, choline chloride, taurine…

Positives: Named protein (smoked salmon) first. Ocean fish meal — named. Taurine supplemented (positive, given grain-free DCM concern). Fish oil included (omega-3).
Concerns: Potatoes and peas feature in positions 3–5 as primary carbohydrate sources. Not alarmingly high but consistent with the legume profile flagged by the FDA investigation.

Product Line Review

1

PACIFIC STREAM (Smoked Salmon)

8.1/10
PRICE: ~$17–22/kg

Best TOTW formula in our assessment. Smoked salmon as first ingredient, moderate legume inclusion. Good omega-3 content. Our recommended TOTW formula if you’re set on the brand.
Protein: 25% DM | Fat: 15% DM

2

HIGH PRAIRIE (Bison & Venison)

7.9/10
PRICE: ~$17–22/kg

Novel protein appeal. Bison and roasted venison as primary proteins. Higher legume content than Pacific Stream — noted concern for large breeds.
Protein: 25% DM | Fat: 15% DM

3

SIERRA MOUNTAIN (Roasted Lamb)

7.7/10
PRICE: ~$17–22/kg

Lamb-based formula. Peas and lentils feature prominently. Less differentiated from AU-made alternatives (Black Hawk Lamb) at similar price.

4

WILDERNESS CANYON (Duck)

7.8/10
PRICE: ~$18–23/kg

Novel protein (duck). Good for dogs with chicken or beef allergies. Higher legume inclusion.

The DCM Concern

Taste of the Wild was among the brands mentioned in early FDA DCM reports (2018–2019). All brands in the investigation used high-legume grain-free formulas. The FDA investigation closed in 2022 without establishing a causal link.

Our position: For healthy adult dogs of breeds not genetically predisposed to DCM, the ongoing risk from TOTW is likely minimal. However, for Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers, and other DCM-susceptible breeds, we’d recommend grain-inclusive alternatives (Black Hawk Original, Advance) or lower-legume grain-free options (Black Hawk Holistic Ocean Fish, where legumes are not the primary carb source). Discuss with your vet if your dog is a higher-risk breed.

What Australian Dog Owners Say

“My dogs have been on TOTW Pacific Stream for 3 years with no issues. Coat is great, energy is excellent.” — r/AusDogs

“Good food but I switched my golden to Black Hawk grain inclusive after the DCM news. Not worth the stress.” — r/dogs

“Overpriced for what you get compared to AU alternatives. Black Hawk Holistic is better value and AU-made.” — AU pet forum

Overall community sentiment: POSITIVE but increasingly challenged by AU-made alternatives at comparable or lower price.

Recall History

Taste of the Wild: Diamond Pet Foods (parent company) had significant recalls in the US in 2012 (Salmonella contamination across multiple brands). No AU-specific TOTW recalls on PFIAA record as of April 2026. However, the 2012 Salmonella event affected supply chains broadly and is part of the brand’s history.

VERDICT

WHO SHOULD BUY TASTE OF THE WILD:

  • Owners specifically seeking US-made grain-free with novel proteins
  • Dogs with chicken allergies (Pacific Stream or High Prairie are chicken-free)
  • Owners who’ve had good results and want to continue

WHO SHOULD LOOK ELSEWHERE:

  • Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers, and other DCM-susceptible breeds
  • Budget-conscious buyers — AU alternatives at same price offer better value
  • Owners who prefer AU-made

BEST ALTERNATIVE: Black Hawk Holistic Grain Free Ocean Fish (8.7/10) at comparable price, AU-made, lower legume profile, better value.

FAQ

Is Taste of the Wild a good dog food?

It’s a good-quality US grain-free food with named ingredients and decent nutritional profile. Our score of 7.8/10 reflects this — it’s above average. However, comparable AU-made options (Black Hawk Holistic, Meals for Mutts) offer equal or better quality at similar prices without the legume profile concerns or the import supply chain.

Is Taste of the Wild linked to heart disease in dogs?

TOTW was among the brands mentioned in the FDA’s 2018 DCM investigation. That investigation closed in 2022 without establishing a definitive causal link. The concern is specifically relevant for breeds genetically predisposed to DCM (Goldens, Dobermans, Boxers). For these breeds, we recommend discussing the food choice with your vet.

Is Taste of the Wild available in Australia?

Yes — available through Pet Circle and PetBarn. Pricing in AU is typically 15–25% higher than US retail due to import costs and import duties.