Company HQ
- Berkeley, California
Parent company
Sourcing and Manufacturing
- United States
Type of food
PROS
- High protein content
- To our knowledge, Wild Earth has never had a product recall
- Foods are nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards
- All recipes are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
CONS
- Some recipes contain plant-based protein
- Price is above market average
Wild Earth Dog Food Review
Introduction
Dog parents want to give their furry companions the best possible nutrition. But with so many pet food options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which brands are healthy, high-quality, and worth the cost.
Wild Earth is one of the latest players in the fresh, premium dog food category. With their protein-packed, freeze-dried formulas full of functional superfoods, they’ve made quite a splash.
But how does Wild Earth really stack up for your dog? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dig into Wild Earth’s background, sourcing, formulas, and what experts and pet owners say about their fresh dog food. Let’s take a closer look!
Overview of Wild Earth
First, let’s get acquainted with the young company behind this buzzy new brand.
Company Background
Founded in 2018 by CEO Ryan Bethencourt, Wild Earth is a relatively new company based in Berkeley, CA. Their focus is on high-protein, grain-free dog foods made with ethically-sourced functional superfood ingredients.
Bethencourt’s background is in biotech, and he helped found industryleading companies like Wild Earth uses biotechnology to create their novel protein source: koji protein. This unique protein is made by fermenting koji fungus on plant matter. The protein-packed result helps Wild Earth formulas meet dogs’ high protein needs sustainably.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
All Wild Earth products are made in the USA in FDA-registered facilities under strict quality standards. Their ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers in the US, France, and New Zealand.
Wild Earth states their formulas are crafted without any fillers, by-products, artificial preservatives, GMOs, or controversial ingredients. Their production process is eco-friendly.
Product Lines
At this time, Wild Earth offers four freeze-dried dog food options: Beef, Chicken, Fish, and “Multi-Protein.” Their grain-free recipes come in bite-sized cubes or mini patties for convenience. They suggest mixing with water to rehydrate.
Formulas are tailored for puppies, adults, and seniors. They also offer breed-specific recipes like Small Breed and Large Breed. All life stages are covered.
Reviews of Wild Earth Dog Food
Now let’s dive into feedback from experts and real pet owners about their experiences with Wild Earth’s offerings.
Ingredient Quality
Reviews praise Wild Earth’s commitment to premium ingredients like pasture-raised New Zealand lamb, wild-caught Alaskan salmon, and sustainably sourced koji protein. There are no sketchy fillers or additives.
Vets highlight the inclusion of superfoods like chickpeas, kale, cranberries, and carrots for nutritional density. Overall, experts deem the ingredient quality excellent.
Nutrition Analysis
Wild Earth provides an above-average protein content around 38-42% to support muscle growth and satisfy dogs’ cravings. The fat and fiber levels also meet most canines’ needs.
Experts appreciate the recipes tailored for puppies, seniors, small breeds and large breeds, ensuring proper nutrition for each life stage. But some wish the analysis listed exact amounts for certain vitamins and minerals.
Taste and Palatability
Pet owners say the unique proteins and freeze-dried preparation make Wild Earth irresistible to even the pickiest pups. Dogs seem to love the meaty flavors. Rehydrating amplifies aroma and taste.
The only palatability negatives are a few reports of dogs tiring of the taste after a month or so. But most say their pups eagerly devour each meal.
Health Benefits
Numerous reviewers mention Wild Earth improving digestion, skin, coat, energy, and mobility in their dogs. The organic superfoods provide immune and antioxidant support. Lean proteins and fiber aid digestive health.
Vets recommend Wild Earth for dogs with allergies, as novel proteins like koji are unlikely to cause reactions. The limited ingredients also eliminate common irritants.
Pros and Cons of Wild Earth
After looking at expert and buyer evaluations, here are some key pros and cons:
Pros
- Made with novel, high-quality proteins
- Contains superfoods and functional ingredients
- Grain-free formulas for sensitive dogs
- Tailored for different life stages
- Freeze-dried for freshness and convenience
- Improves skin, coat, energy, and digestion
- Avoids artificial additives and fillers
Cons
- Only available online direct from company
- High price point compared to kibble
- Possible quality issues with freezing/thawing
- Some dogs get bored of taste over time
- Lacks info on exact vitamin/mineral amounts
Comparisons to Other Brands
To judge the value of Wild Earth’s pricing and quality, let’s see how it stacks up to a few competing premium dog food brands.
Wild Earth vs. Orijen
Orijen is another leader in fresh, high-protein dog foods. But Orijen has more protein at 38-42% versus Wild Earth’s 36-40%. Orijen also has more detailed nutritional info. However, Wild Earth offers better product variety and unique ingredients like koji protein.
Wild Earth vs. Zignature
Zignature focuses on exotic, hypoallergenic proteins like kangaroo, duck, guinea fowl and trout. Both Zignature and Wild Earth emphasize novel proteins. But Wild Earth’s recipes tend to offer more fiber and functional ingredients.
Wild Earth vs. Purina Pro Plan
Up against Nestle Purina’s premium Purina Pro Plan line, Wild Earth delivers fresher recipes with less processing and no fillers. But Purina Pro Plan has more size and recipe options at a lower price point.
Conclusion
Overall, Wild Earth dog food provides high-quality nutrition full of unique protein sources and functional superfoods. While the price is relatively high, you’re paying for fresher, more natural ingredients with no fillers or artificial additives.
If your budget allows, Wild Earth can be an excellent choice for dogs with allergies or sensitivities needing novel proteins. It’s tailor-made for pet owners seeking human-grade, preservative-free recipes using ethically sourced ingredients.
Though not the cheapest option, Wild Earth sets itself apart with sustainability, attention to detail, and care for your dog’s total wellbeing. Check them out if premium nutrition is a priority!
Brand Overview
Wild Earth was created to make a radically better dog food with complete protein, superfood ingredients, and zero meat-junk. Their plant-based recipe is made with high-quality, and cruelty-free ingredients. The #1 ingredient on the nutrition label is yeast and miniature protein factories that pump out ultra-high quality protein, grow easily at scale, and require radically fewer resources to produce.
How Much Does Wild Earth Dog Food Cost
We’ve compared Wild Earth dog food price to the other dog food brands in our database.
Wild Earth Dry Dog Food Price Comparison
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per lb | $7.38 | $3.69 | +100% |
| Price per 100 kcal | $0.46 | $0.34 | +36% |
| Price per day | $0.27 | $0.20 | +35% |
Wild Earth Dry Dog Food is priced above the average market price for dog food.
Wild Earth Nutrient Profile Comparison
We’ve compared Wild Earth dog food recipes nutrient profile to the other dog food brands in our database.
Dry Dog Food
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM Protein | 34.44% | 30.01% | +15% |
| DM Fat | 11.67% | 15.86% | -26% |
| DM Fiber | 5.56% | 5.48% | +1% |
| DM Carb | 48.33% | 47.73% | +1% |
All of Wild Earth dog food recipes meets AAFCO’s minimum requirements.
Recall History
The following list (if present) shows all dog food recalls related to Wild Earth Dog Food Review since 2011. If no recalls are listed, no recall events have been reported.
Since 2011 Wild Earth has never been recalled.
FAQs
Is Wild Earth human-grade dog food?
Yes, Wild Earth states that all their ingredients and facilities meet FDA standards for human food production and handling.
Where is Wild Earth dog food produced?
All Wild Earth pet food products are manufactured in the United States.
Does Wild Earth test on animals?
No, Wild Earth does not conduct feeding trials or other animal testing. Their foods’ nutritional adequacy is confirmed using laboratory analysis instead.
How long does Wild Earth dog food last?
Unopened, Wild Earth foods can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 years. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.
Can you mix Wild Earth with kibble?
Yes, Wild Earth formulas can be mixed with dry kibble to add natural flavor, moisture, and nutrition. Start with a 25/75 kibble to Wild Earth ratio and adjust to your dog’s preferences.
