As a pet parent, you want the best for your furry friend, including their diet. With the rise in awareness about sustainability, cruelty-free options, and the health benefits of plant-based diets, you may be considering a vegan dog food for your canine companion. One brand that stands out in this space is Wild Earth. This article delves into the world of Wild Earth dog food, exploring its product ranges, the reasons why it’s gaining popularity among pet parents, and what customers have to say about it.
Wild Earth: Pioneering Vegan Dog Food
Wild Earth brings something unique to the table as a vegan dog food. Although some may consider it controversial due to the canine’s ancestral roots, it offers high-quality, high-protein nutrition. The brand argues that dogs are now omnivores and “they don’t need meat to thrive.” In fact, plant-based dogs have been shown to live, on average, 1.5 years longer than dogs who eat meat[^1^]. This kibble is expertly crafted by veterinarians and food scientists, ensuring your best furry friend is nourished from nose to tail.
Wild Earth Product Ranges and Flavors
Wild Earth offers three different dry dog food flavors, catering to the varying needs and preferences of different dogs. These flavors include one Performance Formula and two Maintenance Formula options. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Wild Earth Performance Dog Food
Performance Formula
The Veggie Chick’n Kabob flavor is packed with everything your active pup needs to stay in tip-top shape. It includes rich superfood ingredients like blueberries, spinach, and pumpkin, along with muscle-supporting protein, prebiotic fiber, and healthy fats. The main ingredient in this formula is yeast protein, which is dense with nutrients and contains all the amino acids dogs need, providing more protein than any meat product[^1^].
Wild Earth Maintenance Dog Foods
Maintenance Formula
Both of Wild Earth’s Maintenance Formula flavors are designed to provide targeted nutrition to keep your dog’s gut regular, skin healthy, and coat soft. These flavors include:
- Golden Rotisserie Flavor: For doggos that prefer the taste of feathered friends, this flavor is a delicious and cruelty-free choice that will have them licking their bowls clean.
- Classic Roast Flavor: This flavor mimics the taste and smell of beef, but without causing harm to any animals.
These nutritionally balanced and plant-based kibbles were developed by veterinarians, scientists, and nutritionists, ensuring that your dog gets all the nutrients they need to thrive, without any unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients
Why Choose Wild Earth?
Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Wild Earth is its eco-friendliness as a plant-based dog food. Traditional pet food companies contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, but Wild Earth is committed to reducing its environmental impact. By using biotechnology and cellular agriculture to lab-grow one of their main protein sources, they have created one of the most eco-friendly dog food brands on the market
High-Quality, Natural Ingredients
Wild Earth prioritizes using only high-quality, natural ingredients in their dog food. Their recipes are free from fillers, artificial flavors or colors, preservatives, and other unnecessary additives. This makes Wild Earth an excellent choice for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities, as their products are free from meat and dairy The brand formulates their recipes to meet AAFCO standards, ensuring that your dog receives excellent nourishment from their meals
Convenience and Savings
Wild Earth makes it easy to provide nutritious meals for your dog with its subscription service. By signing up, you can save money on every shipment and ensure that your pup never misses a meal. With free shipping and discounts for subscribers, nourishing your dog with Wild Earth becomes convenient and cost-effective
Concerns and Considerations
While Wild Earth offers many benefits, there are a few things to consider before switching your dog to this brand. These include:
Limited Variety
One of the drawbacks of Wild Earth is its limited variety of foods. With only three kibble recipes and no wet food options, this brand may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs or preferences
Controversy Around Vegan Dog Food
Vegan dog food diets are still a source of controversy. While Wild Earth has backing from experts and meets nutrient standards, it’s important to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food to your canine companion
No Grain-Free Options
At the moment, Wild Earth does not offer grain-free options. This may not be ideal for dogs with common grain sensitivities
What Pet Parents Say About Wild Earth
Customer testimonials can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and benefits of a product. Here are a few testimonials from pet parents who have tried Wild Earth dog food:
- “Finally something out there for Bulldogs-Yes, Bulldogs. My Zeus has skin allergies, and we’ve been using Wild Earth for almost 2 years and the itchy and raw red skin has disappeared. He’s 65 pounds, and we feed him like this twice a day with treats of course and other things thrown in during the day like bits of bananas. I hope this works for all [of] you out there whose pets suffer from skin or other allergies. Our vets couldn’t help us, so when I came across this tutorial on Wild Earth, I had to try it, and now I will never stop buying it. Great Product!”
- “I’m writing this review after 3 full years of using this food for my Pug and Shih Tzu. One an older dog and one a younger. Since using this dog food [they’re] regular and super healthy with their #2, they have been scratching much less, and they are full and [I] mean full of energy all the time. [I] love this dog food and won’t switch off it ever.”
The Brand History of Wild Earth
Wild Earth is a relatively new player in the dog food industry but has already made a significant impact. The brand was founded in 2017 by Ryan Bethencourt, who was driven to create a solution to the problems associated with traditional dog kibble. These problems include unethically sourced ingredients, animal cruelty, and environmental impact[^1^]. In 2020, Wild Earth gained recognition when Bethencourt appeared on Shark Tank and secured a deal with billionaire investor Mark Cuban, who offered $550,000 to invest in the brand[^1^].
Wild Earth: Recall-Free and Safe
Wild Earth has a recall-free history, which can provide peace of mind for pet parents. Since the brand does not use any animal-based ingredients in its recipes, the risk of recalls is lower compared to traditional dog foods[^1^]. However, it’s important to stay informed about any changes or updates related to the brand’s products. Checking the FDA’s pet food recall website regularly can help ensure the safety of your dog’s food[^1^].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wild Earth Vet-Approved?
Yes, Wild Earth dog food recipes are developed by scientists, nutritionists, and veterinarians. The brand’s formulations are vetted by their chief veterinary officer, Dr. Ernie Ward, among other industry experts[^1^].
What Happened to Wild Earth Dog Food since Shark Tank?
Since appearing on Shark Tank, Wild Earth has experienced significant growth and raised additional funding. The brand is estimated to be doing several million dollars per year in gross revenue[^1^].
Does Wild Earth Meet AAFCO Standards?
Yes, Wild Earth dog food meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Maintenance. The brand believes that these standards are a baseline requirement and strives to exceed them in their formulations[^1^].
How Does Wag! Determine Paw Ratings for Dog Food?
Wag! determines paw ratings for dog food based on independent research conducted by their editorial team. Paw ratings are largely based on the ingredients and nutritional content of each food. The ratings range from 1 to 5 paws, with higher paw ratings indicating higher-quality ingredients and more trustworthy products[^1^].
If you’re considering a plant-based and sustainable dog food option, Wild Earth is worth exploring. With its high-quality, natural ingredients, eco-friendly approach, and positive testimonials from satisfied customers, this brand offers a compelling choice for pet parents who value cruelty-free and sustainable nutrition for their furry friends. Remember to consider your dog’s specific dietary needs and consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet. By choosing Wild Earth, you can provide your dog with a nourishing and ethical food option that supports their health and well-being.
