Wild Earth Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary

Dog parents that are also vegans will be thrilled to know that Wild Earth is a dog food company that exists to introduce more vegan-friendly food, treats, and supplements to the pet industry. This US-based company produces plant-based recipes that are backed by science and developed by an expert veterinary team.

If you’re interested in switching to more eco-friendly and sustainable pet products, Wild Earth’s dog food is a considerable option that’s great for most adult dogs to eat. It’s also free of common food allergens, so dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies can enjoy it. However, because options are pretty limited, if you have dogs that require a specialized diet outside food sensitivities, you may need to look for another dog food brand.

While there’s ongoing debate surrounding vegan diets for dogs, we don’t think it’s an option to dismiss so quickly, especially when you consider the impact that meat-based pet food has on the environment. So, here’s what you need to know about Wild Earth, and if it’s a suitable option for your dog.

 

At a Glance: The Best Wild Earth Dog Food Recipes

Wild Earth Dog Food Reviewed

Who Makes Wild Earth and Where Is It Produced?

Wild Earth was founded in 2017 by Ryan Bethencourt. The company started due to concerns about unethical and unsustainable practices in the pet food industry, particularly with meat-based pet foods.

Wild Earth sources its ingredients globally and selects high-quality, plant-based foods from European, Latin American, and Asian countries.

Which Type of Dogs Is Wild Earth Best Suited For?

Generally healthy dogs with no significant health concerns can enjoy Wild Earth dog food with no issues. If your dog has meat allergies, Wild Earth would be a considerable option, as it’s free of any animal products.

Wild Earth currently has one dog food recipe, and it’s for adults. So, if you have a dog that’s within the ages of 1-6 years old, it can safely eat Wild Earth dog food.

Which Type of Dog Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

Legumes, such as chickpeas and peas, are some of the main ingredients in Wild Earth dog food. With current investigations of links between legumes and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, you may want to avoid dog food with a significant amount of legumes if your dog is predisposed to heart disease.

Wild Earth is premium dog food, and it’s relatively expensive compared to other brands. You can find some vegan recipes from more budget-friendly brands, such as CANIDAE Sustain Premium Plant-Based Protein Recipe or Halo Holistic Chicken-Free Garden of Vegan Dry Dog Food.

Just keep in mind that CANIDAE and Halo produce meat-based dog food as well, so they’re not companies that fully adhere to vegan practices and values.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

Wild Earth proudly sources its ingredients from farmers and companies with cruelty-free practices. Here are some of the main ingredients in its dog food recipe.

Dried Yeast

Dried Yeast is the first ingredient in Wild Earth’s dog food. It’s a popular ingredient for vegan cooking because it’s a great source of protein¹, B vitamins, and trace minerals, including zinc, selenium, and manganese. Dried yeast is also known for adding umami flavor to food, so dogs will appreciate the savory taste that it adds to Wild Earth’s kibble.

Legumes

As we’ve mentioned before, legumes are a controversial ingredient due to FDA investigations² on the link between legumes in dog food and the rise of cases of DCM in dogs. While small amounts of properly cooked legumes are safe for dogs, eating a significant amount may be linked to increasing the risk of developing heart issues.

While more research has to be done, owners of dog breeds that are susceptible to developing heart disease may want to be wary of dog food that contains a significant amount of legumes.

Superfoods

Wild Earth dog food contains a good variety of superfoods, including blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. These foods are low in calories but are packed with vital nutrients. They’re natural ingredients that contain antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer³.

Sustainable Dog Food

One of the strongest features of Wild Earth dog food is that it produces more sustainable food than meat-based dog food. It also only sources cruelty-free ingredients. So, it aligns completely with vegan values, and you can have peace of mind that any product you buy from Wild Earth follows vegan practices.

With dogs and cats being responsible for 25-30% of the environmental impact on meat consumption⁴ in the US, finding sustainable ways to care for pets is a significant and growing concern. According to Wild Earth’s website, its dog food uses 95% less water and has 96% less CO2 emissions⁵ than meat-based kibble.

Recipes Developed by Veterinary Team

While vegan dog food is a topic of debate, it can be safe and nutritious for dogs to eat. Wild Earth’s dog food recipe was developed by experts in the field, including veterinarians and food scientists. It meets AAFCO nutritional requirements⁶, so you can rest assured that your dog is getting all the nutrients it needs to sustain daily functioning.

Allergy-Friendly Recipe

Some of the most common food allergies⁷ in dogs are meat allergies. Beef and chicken are common food allergens, and they’re also the most popular ingredients in dog food recipes. Wild Earth is free of these ingredients and other typical food allergens.

Wheat gluten allergies are rare amongst dogs, but there are cases of some dogs that can’t digest wheat. Wild Earth dog food does contain wheat germ, so dogs with wheat allergies won’t be able to eat it.

Only One Dog Food Recipe

Wild Earth’s dog food options are limited. As of now, it only produces one recipe. So, if your dog doesn’t enjoy the Complete Protein Dog Food recipe, there’s no other alternative that you can find within the company.

A Quick Look at Wild Earth Dog Food

Recall History

As of today, Wild Earth hasn’t had any recalls.

Reviews of the 3 Best Wild Earth Dog Food Recipes

Wild Earth currently produces just one dog food recipe. So, we’ve also included some reviews of their treats to give you a more comprehensive picture of what the company has to offer.

1. Wild Earth Clean Protein Formula Dry Dog Food

 

Overall, Wild Earth Clean Protein Formula Dry Dog Food is a nutritious, and well-balanced meal for dogs. It uses natural, plant-based food and is free of any fillers and unhealthy ingredients, such as animal by-product meals. The formula also provides support for digestion and healthy skin and coat. It’s fortified with DHA, taurine, and L-carnitine, which are necessary components for maintaining heart health and supporting brain development.

As we’ve said before, it contains a lot of legumes. So, if your dog is susceptible to heart issues, make sure to consult with your veterinarian before making the switch.

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2. Wild Earth Peanut Butter Flavor Doggie Treats

Peanut butter lovers will love Wild Earth Peanut Butter Flavor Doggie Treats. Along with having a deliciously savory flavor, this treat is also highly nutritious. It contains koji, which is high in protein and has all 10 essential amino acids for dogs. The ingredient list is also very simple, and it doesn’t have any common food allergens. The treats also have a chewy texture, and they’re easy to break apart, so most dogs can safely eat them.

Being a high-quality snack, these treats are relatively expensive. So, it’s best to pass them up if your dog isn’t much of a peanut butter fan.

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3. Wild Earth Banana & Cinnamon Flavor Doggie Treats

Wild Earth Banana & Cinnamon Flavor Doggie Treats has a similar ingredient list as the peanut butter treats with the addition of bananas and cinnamon. Along with sharing the same nutritional benefits, it provides extra flavor and health benefits with the additional ingredients. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, and bananas are a good source of fiber and potassium.

This treat also has the same chewy consistency as the peanut butter treat, so it’s easy for dogs of all sizes to eat and reduces the risk of choking. The price of this treat is also the same, so it’s more expensive than other dog treats you can find at your local pet store.

What Other Users Are Saying

Wild Earth has many positive reviews from satisfied customers who switched to vegan dog food. Here’s what real customers are saying.

 

Conclusion

Wild Earth dog food is high-quality dog food that uses nutrient-dense natural ingredients. The main concerns regarding this brand are the heavy use of legumes and the expensive prices. However, if your dog enjoys the flavor, and these factors aren’t a significant issue to you, then Wild Earth is a safe choice. You can also have a clear conscience about the environment when purchasing any of its products.

Overall, responsible dog ownership also includes making sustainable choices. We hope to see more companies following Wild Earth’s example and shifting towards more eco-friendly and ethical practices so that it becomes easier for dog owners to opt for more sustainable products.