A Dog Dad’s Perspective: I’d heard a lot of Wild Earth Dog Food reviews and I was curious to see how Dex would respond to it. So, I decided to put it (the brand, not Dex) to the test.
After checking with the vet, I switched Dex’s regular food to Complete Protein Dog Food for 2 weeks.
Getting Dex to complete his meal was a struggle for the first couple of days. As a self-proclaimed foodie, Dex is very picky about what he eats. But after the initial hiccups, he began to get a taste for it. He wasn’t drawn to the food’s scent initially but after some amount of sniffing and dubious stares, he began to gobble it up without any hesitation
If you were to ask me, I’d say he seemed to be enjoying it.
In terms of nutritional value, I was pleased to see that Wild Earth’s Complete Protein Dog Food had a complete profile of essential nutrients necessary 1 for Dex’s health.
I also appreciated that it was made using eco-friendly and sustainable ingredients, which aligned with my values as an environmentally conscious pet owner.
But as much as I care about eco-friendly and sustainability, my priority is my dog’s health and well-being. And for Dex, taste is all that matters, and the smell maybe.
P.S. I’ve also written more about the smell in the Flavor section. Click here for a quick whiff.
And I can confidently say that Wild Earth’s pet food ticked all the right boxes when it came to meeting each of our criterias.
As a dog dad, I also appreciate a brand with a sense of humor and personality. Wild Earth does not disappoint in that regard, with its fun and quirky website and social media presence.
It’s always refreshing to see a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously and can inject some humor into the sometimes too-serious world of pet food.
Dex’s experience aside, how well does Wild Earth deliver on its promise of being an eco-friendly and super-healthy dog food?
Let’s find out today in these Wild Earth Dog Food reviews.
Wild Earth is a biotechnology company founded by Ryan Bethencourt in 2017. Headquartered in Berkeley, California, the brand gained popularity as a vegan dog food brand specializing in premium quality plant-based kibble. 2
Wild Earth’s mission was to develop clean, protein-rich pet foods that are not just healthy, but more humane than traditional meat-based pet food and also better for the environment.
The brand had its moment of fame when it featured on Shark Tank, receiving a large investment from Mark Cuban, one of the “sharks” on the show. There’s been no looking back since.
A September 2021 news report 3 further stated that the brand had additionally secured a $23 million investment from a high-profile team that included Cuban, vegan actor Paul Welsey and other investment firms.
Cuban also agreed to act as mentor to the brand as it prepared to take on the market.
Unlike meat-based dog food, the brand sources its raw ingredients sustainably. Their production process uses way less water and emits far less carbon dioxide than traditional kibble manufacturing units.
In short, their production process is environment-friendly and actively seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of the pet food industry. 4
The kibble is also high in protein, does not include any artificial additives or preservatives, and is formulated by the brand’s team of vets and food experts as per a dog’s dietary needs.
The brand’s Complete Protein Dog Food also meets all nutritional requirements mandated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
In short, Wild Earth’s clean and green ingredients provide a nutritionally balanced kibble for healthy adult dogs. So, if veganism is a way of life for you and you want it for your pet too, Wild Earth pet food is what you’ve been looking for.
Finding a non-traditional vegan dog food that meets your pet’s daily nutritional needs and one that it gobbles up with glee can be a challenging task. Although vegan dog food has gained popularity in the last few years, not all the brands in the market can provide complete nutrition to your dog.
With a 31.0% crude plant-based protein content, the food is also a great alternative for dogs with meat or dairy-induced allergies.
But going beyond nutrition, does the brand tick all the parameters? Let’s look at the pros and cons of Wild Earth Complete Protein Dog Food.
So, is Wild Earth Complete Protein Dog Food the best vegan dog food currently available in the market?
Read on to find out.
Since Wild Earth is vegan, it uses only plant-based ingredients in its pet food formulation. That does not mean their kibble lacks essential nutrients that should typically be a part of a healthy dog’s diet.
From protein to carbs, vitamins, and minerals – Wild Earth dog food ingredients are wholesome and nutritious. I drew up a chart to give you a sneak peek at everything that goes into the Complete Protein Dog Food.
| Proteins | Dried Yeast, Pea Protein, Potato Protein |
| Fruits & Veggies | Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Spinach |
| Grains | Oats, Chickpeas, Wheat Germ |
| Nutrients | Folic Acid, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Inulin (from chicory root), Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Fructooligosaccharide, Salt, L-Carnitine, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyroxidine Hydrochloride, Pyroxidine Hydrochloride, Calcium Iodate |
| Supplements | Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D2, Riboflavin |
| Additional Ingredients | Sunflower Oil, Canola Oil, Marine Microalgae, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae for Fermentation, Rosemary Extract, Tocopherols (preservative), Flaxseed Meal, Natural Flavors |
As you can clearly see, the main source of protein in Wild Earth dog food is dried yeast, not meat, grown in the brand’s labs.
To its credit, Wild Earth does go the extra mile, utilizing biotechnology and cellular agriculture to create a high-protein ingredient that is nutritionally rich! And most dogs generally love the “cheesy” taste of it.
That said, I do have a few reservations.
The problem with dried yeast is that it can cause obesity and gastrointestinal issues in some dogs, especially when fed over a long period. So, Wild Earth may not be an ideal choice for overweight dogs or those prone to obesity.
P.S. I’ve dwelled on dried yeast in more detail in the Going Beyond Meat section.
It is therefore best to check with your veterinarian before putting your pet on a Complete Protein Dog Food diet.
Another possible concern I have is how carb and fiber-dense the kibble is, though Wild Earth does guarantee that its formula is nutritionally balanced.
But the good thing is that Wild Earth fortifies its natural ingredients with loads of nutrients and supplements essential to your dog’s overall health and well-being.
The kibble is well-balanced, contains all essential nutrients that dogs need to sustain themselves, and has a moderate calorie count of 359 kcal/cup.
That all these ingredients come from plants or natural sources is something I love!
For example, the brand lists microalgae as one of its raw ingredients. Not only is it a great source of “green protein”, but recent studies 6 reveal that microalgae can maintain the highly sensitive gastrointestinal environment of dogs. Microalgae also has immunomodulatory effects that can keep your dog in the pink of its health.
And like I mentioned earlier, Koji (Aspergillus oryzae), is another unique ingredient in their kibble. Koji helps in better digestion and fast-tracks the absorption of nutrients in canines.
Therefore Wild Earth not only makes sure its pet food is packed with everything your dog needs, it also ensures that these nutrients are optimally absorbed by your dog’s body.
But, given that a lot of these ingredients are not traditionally part of a dog’s diet, you might be wondering:
If your dog is healthy and does not have any underlying health conditions, you can give Wild Earth Complete Protein Dog Food a shot.
Always go through Wild Earth dog food reviews and consult your vet before making a dietary switch.
Most vets would advise caution when switching dog food brands or making a transition from an animal-protein based diet to a vegan one. Sudden changes may affect your dog’s digestive system, so a slow transition is always advisable.
And to take it a step further, if you decide to make the switch, follow the instructions given by Wild Earth to make the transition safe and easy for your pet.
Remember that dogs can have undetected food allergies that may get triggered by just about any ingredient.
Wild Earth dog food does contain different types of pulses and grains, some of which may have an adverse effect on your dog’s digestive system.
Wheat Germ is a case in point. Wheat germ can make dogs with gluten allergies really sick! Apart from bloating, flatulence, and similar GI issues, wheat germ can also trigger sudden weight gain in these dogs.
Other ingredients like canola oil can also cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
Also, watch out for the pulses. According to a Forbes article,7 in several reported cases of sudden dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, most dogs had eaten pet food containing peas, lentils, chickpeas, and different kinds of potatoes.
While that does not in any way imply that Wild Earth Complete Protein dog food is harmful for your pet, it’s best to make an informed decision when trying out any new pet food brand.
Wild Earth dog food reviews like this one or consulting your veterinarian are the best ways to do so.
While I’ve given you some juicy tidbits of information on the ingredients, let’s take a comprehensive look at the ingredient list and the role they play in your dog’s well-being.
I love that Wild Earth uses dried yeast.8 It is a “complete” protein source and contains all the essential amino acids your dog needs to stay healthy. It also helps in immunity building, is rich in antioxidants, and even supports cognitive well-being in dogs.
And for pet parents concerned that yeast causes infections of the skin, the brand is quick to point out that the yeast they use in their dog food is “Saccharomyces cerevisiae.” This is the same organism in Brewer’s Yeast and Nutritional Yeast but that’s where the similarities end.
Brewer’s yeast comes from fermenting barley and nutritional yeast is grown in sugar and heat treated. Alternatively, the dried yeast used in Wild Earth Dog Food comes from fermenting corn and is more nutrient dense.
The brand supplements yeast with pea and potato protein complexes, both of which have similar properties to dried yeast and therefore are good for your dog. Yeast contains more protein calorie for calorie than any meat product, according to USDA data. By weight, yeast is 45-49% protein, whereas beef is only 24%-26%.
Now the interesting thing you probably did not know is that dogs do not actually require proteins.
What they require are actually amino acids and a dog’s body uses ten essential amino acids to build different protein molecules. These proteins are used to grow and maintain muscle, fur and nails, produce hormones, transport nutrients, and aid in the functioning of the immune system. And the reason High-quality dried yeast protein rises to the occasion is because it contains all 10 of the essential amino acids a dog needs.
That Wild Earth uses the choicest selection of dog-safe fruits and vegetables in its kibble is also commendable. These low-calorie, fiber-rich, and nutrient-dense green ingredients help keep your dog’s weight in check, add shine to its coat, and improve its heart health.
What’s not to love about that, right? Not convinced? Here’s a breakdown of some of the primary ingredients and how they help your pet.
Oats, chickpeas, and wheat germ are the brand’s top three choices of grains in its dog food. While wheat germ does have its disadvantages, oats and chickpeas make for valuable additions.
The good thing is that Wild Earth fortifies its natural ingredients with loads of nutrients and supplements essential for your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Together, these help in:
This dog food is chock full of unusual but healthy ingredients like microalgae, and Koji (Aspergillus oryzae) that are powerhouses of nutrients.
Koji especially has been with us for thousands of years and is used in many different things, including in soy sauce, miso, and sake. It’s safe for dogs and the catalyst for developing the world’s first high-protein plant-based dog food.
What I like about Wild Earth is that it does not just make sure its Complete Protein Dog Food is packed with everything your dog needs. It also ensures that these nutrients are optimally absorbed by your dog’s body.
You’ll agree that several of these ingredients are not traditionally a part of a dog’s diet. And that is Wild Earth’s USP – unique ingredients that positively impact your pet’s well-being. It’s also why Wild Earth dog food reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Wild Earth vegan dog food comes in what the brand calls a “rich umami flavor”, – a pleasant savory or brothy taste – supposedly powerful enough to make dogs drool. But that is not surprising given that yeast is one of the primary ingredients.
While I cannot personally attest to the flavor, Dex seems to have taken to it very well. He also finds the smell of the food appealing, surprising because I’ve seen quite a few Wild Earth dog food reviews that complained about the poor smell of Wild Earth’s adult dog food.
That said, kibble usually has a typical smell which is not everyone’s cup of tea and Wild Earth is no exception.
I am bummed out that they offer only one flavor, though. Even dogs will eventually get bored of the same flavor daily. Yes, I know dogs typically don’t have enough taste receptors to get bored of the same food in the way we humans do. But, they can still tire of the texture and smell of their kibble.
When it comes to Dex, I prefer switching flavors every couple of months so he gets used to different tastes. I’d therefore have liked to see at least another flavor.
Wild Earth also does not make any special formulation for puppies. Their standard issue kibble is meant for adult dogs only.
Wild Earth dog food has a standard shelf life of 18 months and the product has never been recalled since its debut.
In my opinion, this is commendable since many other dog food brands have had to recall their products due to quality issues. This is a testament to the brand’s commitment to not compromise on quality.
When it comes to choosing the right food for your pet, there are many factors to consider, including the price. With so many dog food options available, it can be challenging to know which one is worth the investment.
Wild Earth’s Complete Protein Dog Food is a unique plant-based option that promises to deliver high-quality nutrition without sacrificing taste or texture. However, with a higher price tag than many traditional dog foods, you may wonder if it’s worth the investment.
Let’s take a closer look at the costs of Wild Earth’s Complete Protein Dog Food, compare it to other premium dog food options, and explore whether the price is justified by the product’s benefits.
| Small Bag | Large Bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4 lb | 18 lb |
| One-time Purchase Price |
$39.00 | $90.00 |
| Subscription Offer Price | $27.30 (30% savings) | $63.00 (30% savings) |
You don’t need to be a math whiz to figure out that the smaller pack is the more expensive of the two and the large one is cheaper by roughly $4.45 per lb. So you might be inclined to buy the 18 lb pack.
However, before you do, let’s see how Wild Earth compares to other dog food brands commonly available in the market.
Without a doubt, this vegan dog food is more expensive than traditional kibble which is priced at only $1.97/lb 10 on average. But that’s hardly surprising – a vegan dog formula with lab-grown ingredients is expected to be on the higher side of the price scale.
Yet, you’d be surprised to know that Wild Earth costs more than even the high-end specialty diet dog food, for example, Royal Canin Vet Diet.
The former costs between $5-9.75/lb while the latter will set you off by only $3.58/lb.
Pretty stark if you ask me.
But, to be fair to the brand, given that Complete Protein Dog Food is a nutritionally balanced and completely vegan formula, I think it’s a fair price to pay.
On the brighter side, you can avail a 30% discount on MRP if you subscribe to Wild Earth on their website. They offer a weekly subscription plan under which you can have the food delivered every 2 to 12 weeks depending on your dog’s dietary requirements. Thankfully, the brand does not charge any shipping or delivery fees.
So how much do you end up paying if your dog is on a Wild Earth diet?
Let’s do the math.
According to the brand, a 20 – 30 lbs dog should have 1.5 – 1.75 cups daily which is approximately around 12 – 14 oz.
On a subscription basis, it would therefore cost you $2.62 – $3.06 a day to feed your dog.
However, these costs will increase or decrease depending on the daily food intake of your dog.
That means the same 18 lb pack that can be cost-effective for smaller breeds will make an expensive diet choice for bigger dogs.
The real question you need to ask is: does Wild Earth give you the bang for the buck?
If the answer is yes and you notice changes in your dog, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go for it. Many Wild Earth dog food reviews even talk about how the brand customizes meal plans for your pup if you take a brief survey. I’d say the brand does go the distance to ensure your pet has a balanced and nutritious meal.
Having gone through the ingredients, Wild Earth dog food reviews, and the pros and cons of this unusual and unique Wild Earth vegan dog food, the important question that remains to be answered is: which dog is it good for?
Please note, any dietary changes must always be approved by your dog’s vet. It is not safe to experiment with your dog’s diet just to keep up with the trends.
All in all, my experience with Wild Earth’s Clean Protein Dog Food, going purely by Dex’s reaction to it, was overwhelmingly positive.
While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, the quality and sustainability of the ingredients make it worth the investment. And let’s be real, our dogs are worth the investment.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, sustainable, and tasty alternative to traditional meat-based dog food, I would highly recommend giving Wild Earth’s Clean Protein Dog Food a try. Your pet will thank you (and perhaps even do a happy jig at mealtime).
Wild Earth’s Complete Protein Dog Food is one of the better and more trustworthy vegan alternatives currently available in the market. Given that vegan food is just as palatable to dogs as meat, 12 you can definitely consider Wild Earth as a clean and green alternative to commercial dog food.
If you’re keen on dog food that is sustainable, nutritious, and cruelty-free, I’d highly recommend Wild Earth.
Do check it out even if you’re simply curious to find out if vegan food is suitable for your dog or not. That’s exactly what it was for me – I wanted to try out an environment-friendly and cruelty-free diet for my dog. So I went with Wild Earth after consulting my vet.
Dex seemed to enjoy his Wild Earth meals, although I have not fed it long enough to notice discernible changes in his coat of fur or health. Maybe if I continue this diet for longer, I too will be able to witness changes that so many pet parents are gushing about.
Until that happens, I will consider Wild Earth Complete Protein Dog Food to be one of the nicest vegan options out there.
Is it the best?
Time will tell. Is it better than poor-quality commercial kibble contaminated with fillers and bad-quality animal protein?
Certainly so.
And that’s why you could give it a shot.
Wild Earth Dog Food reviews show that is one of the most popular and highly rated vegan options available in the market. Most pet parents report noticing changes in their dog’s allergies when their dogs are on a Complete Protein diet. Yet others praise the food for making their dogs energetic and taking care of their gastrointestinal issues like flatulence.
The general consensus on this vegan alternative is favorable, although some people do mention their pets not liking the taste of the food.
As seen on Amazon
Don’t let anyone tell you dogs can’t be vegan, and don’t get hung up on that if you’re considering Wild Earth. There is plenty of protein and this food is way cleaner than the poor quality dead animals ground into most kibble.
As seen on Chewy
Have an English springer with constant scaly skin rashes. Tried this after reading about dogs with meat allergies. Skin is clearing up and his coat is soft and shiny. He’s a picky eater as well and seems to really like this food!
As seen on Amazon
My dog never really got excited to eat. Now she sits by her food dish waiting to be fed. I have tried to many dog foods for her skin and allergy issues and I think I finally found the answer. Her rashes have cleared up and her ears are clean.
As seen on Chewy
Have an English springer with constant scaly skin rashes. Tried this after reading about dogs with meat allergies. Skin is clearing up and his coat is soft and shiny. He’s a picky eater as well and seems to really like this food!
As seen on Amazon
My dog never really got excited to eat. Now she sits by her food dish waiting to be fed. I have tried to many dog foods for her skin and allergy issues and I think I finally found the answer. Her rashes have cleared up and her ears are clean.
Are there any other products by Wild Earth that could benefit your dog? Yes! The brand also makes dog treats and supplements. And I’m mighty impressed with what they have to offer.
Arguably, Wild Earth is the first dog food brand in the US to add lab-cultured koji to its dog treats. Koji is protein-dense, has a delectable flavor, and offers multiple health benefits to dogs, as I discussed earlier. The treats are also packed with amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and are considerably low on the calories, at 15 calories per treat.
Best of all, the brand offers the much needed variety with its treats.
You can take your pick from the following flavors:
These flavor combinations sound delicious. I bet they are too!
Given that Dex is partial to peanut butter, I decided to crumble some of Wild Earth’s peanut butter treats as a meal topper for the kibble and sure enough, it was a hit with him. Dex literally gobbled up his food and even licked his bowl clean.
I would definitely recommend pairing Wild Earth Complete Protein Dog Food with the brand’s koji-charged treats.
You can avail the same 30% discount on the treats as you can on the food and I think it’s as fair a deal as any!
Wild Earth also makes three types of health supplements for dogs. These include supplements for:
All these supplements are soft chews and come in peanut butter flavor. The brand also gives you a feeding chart that tells you how many supplements your dog should be given and how often for deriving optimal benefits.
Although I haven’t yet given Dex any of these supplements, I did check them out and they have amazing reviews. Going by the brand’s performance so far, I am sure the supplements won’t disappoint either.
No, Wild Earth dog food and treats are made in the company’s manufacturing facility in the USA. In fact, the brand’s chief source of protein, dried yeast, is developed in their biotechnology labs headquartered in Berkeley, California.
Some of the other fruits, vegetables, and grains are sourced from Latin America and Europe.
Wild Earth Complete Protein Dog Food meets AAFCO guidelines. I did a lot of digging to understand if it was FDA approved. What I learned is that its primary ingredient Koji is.
Koji is the secret to the brand’s sustainable dog food and according to the brand “the catalyst for developing the world’s first high-protein plant based dog food.”
Wild Earth ships its orders within three to eight days from the date of placing the order within the US. Shipping is free. The brand has started shipping internationally to select countries, but shipping charges are extra.
Since it is already sourced from natural ingredients, you can use dog-safe fruits and veggies as a meal topper with Wild Earth dog food. But please be extra cautious of what you add to it: this kibble already contains ingredients rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
I’d recommend supplementing this dog food with treats from the same brand as a safer choice.
