Your top priority as a dog parent is to find the best food for your furry friend. You must ensure they have top-quality nutrition to keep them happy, healthy, and happy. It can be difficult to find delicious and nutritious food. But, here are some tips to help you choose the right one for you.
When it comes to nutrition and pricing, Taste of the Wild is more affordable. Taste of the Wild is generally cheaper and provides more protein, fat,, and fiber. Science Diet has the advantage of offering more recipes and producing dog treats that are not available at Taste of the Wild.
This article will compare these two brands. We will compare the nutritional content and the recipes to find out how they compare. This will help you decide which one is best for you and your pet.
Basic Similarities
Before we get into the details and differences, let’s look at the important similarities between these brands. There are many differences between these brands, but there are some commonalities we should look at.
Both brands offer versions with and without grains. You can adjust the diet to suit your dog’s nutritional requirements and allergies. You can also choose the right food to help your dog reach a healthy weight.
Both brands are made in America and emphasize quality ingredients. Science Diet is a good example of this.
There are some commonalities in the cons. Both brands have been subject to major recalls. We will discuss these later in this article. Some of the ingredients in these products are also questionable, such as tomato pomace and pea protein. Although these ingredients aren’t necessarily harmful, they can be seen as fillers.
Let’s compare the pros and cons for each brand. Let’s start with Taste of the Wild.
Taste of the Wild Pros and Cons
ProsConsMade in the USARecall historyWidely availableSome controversiesCompetitive pricesLess varietyMore protein
Because of its availability and competitive prices, Taste of the Wild makes a great dog food choice. It also offers a wide variety of high-quality animal protein options, including venison, bison, and quail. The Science Diet’s lower selection of protein sources makes up for this choice.
Taste of the Wild is also very nutritious, and contains more protein and fats than Science Diet. Taste of the Wild has a higher average percentage of crude protein, fat, and a lot of fiber.
NutrientPercentage (In Dry Food)Crude protein32%Crude fat17.2%Crude fiber4.6%
These highly nutritious formulas will help your dog to build muscle and stay energized.
Recall History and Controversies
Taste of the Wild has been subject to criticism and a recall in 2012. One incident led to the recall of some of their products due to possible salmonella poisoning. This has been their most controversial recall so far.
In addition, the FDA published a 2019 report that claimed some dog food brands, including Taste of the Wild were linked to canine dilatation cardiomyopathy. There has not been any evidence linking Taste of the Wild to the disease. This information is important to keep in mind if your dog has a history of heart disease.
Two class-action lawsuits were filed against Taste of the Wild in 2018 and 2019. One lawsuit claimed that the company’s food contained high levels of heavy metals, while the second one said the company had too many iron. Taste of the Wild, however, has not yet made a public statement.
Let’s look at some of the most popular food types from Taste of the Wild to see if they are the right choice.
Taste of the Wild PREY High Protein Limited Ingredient
Pros and ConsMade from pasture raised Angus beefContains plant proteinsNo meat byproductsContains tomato poaceIncludes probioticsRich with vitamins
Nutritional Information
Crude protein: 27% minimumCrude fat: 15% minimumCrude fiber: 5% maximumMoisture: 10%Calorie content: 412 kcal/cup
Key Ingredients
Angus beef Lentils Tomato poace Sunflower oil (preserved using tocopherols), Natural flavor Salmon oil Dicalcium Phosphate Salt
Taste of the Wild created this recipe in order to make it easy to digest. This recipe is rich in protein and deliciously focuses on high-quality Angus beef.
It is rich in vitamins A, B12, D3, vitamin D3, and folic acid. It has a high probiotic count, making it easier to digest. It is an ideal choice for dogs that have difficulty digesting complex dog food made with multiple ingredients.
It is also non-GMO, making it a great choice for sensitive dogs. It is not grain-free but still contains a high amount of fiber, which helps to reduce intestinal problems.
This product contains plant proteins from tomato pomace and lentils. Although these ingredients aren’t necessarily harmful, they can be less bioavailable and more difficult to digest for dogs. You might consider switching to something else if your dog is sensitive.
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Recipe
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DjSEpNZ6L._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Appalachian Valley Premium Dry Dog Food (418037), 14-Pound” title=”Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Appalachian Valley Premium Dry Dog Food (418037), 14-Pound”>
Pros and ConsBased on venisonHigh plant protein ContentGreat for small breedsLots fiberRich vitaminsRich fiber
Information about nutrition
Crude protein: 32%Crude fat: 18%Crude fiber: 4% maximumMoisture: 10%Calorie content: 433 kcal/cup
Key Ingredients
Veal Lamb meal Lamb meal Garbanzo beans Peas Peas Pea protein Lentils Canola Oil (preserved using tocopherols). Egg product Duck meal Salt Ocean fish meal Salt Tomatoes Blueberries Raspberries Yucca Schidigera extract
This recipe aims to have a high protein and high fiber content, as well as a high antioxidant content. This is achieved by using pasture-raised beef with garbanzo beans, and select berries. Garbanzo beans are high in fiber, which aids digestion.
It is also rich in vitamins such as:
Vitamin E Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin),Vitamin D3 Biotin Riboflavin Folic Acid.
Beneficial is also the mineral content
Iron Zinc Copper Manganese Potassium.
There are many probiotic and prebiotic bacteria that aid digestion.
This recipe has a high amount of plant matter, which is the biggest problem. This recipe is a double-edged sword. It provides your dog with a lot of fiber, but can be hard to digest. It also means that not all of the protein will be bioavailable for your dog.
Taste of the Wild Ancient Mountain Canine Recipe
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DwIliyJHL._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains Ancient Mountain Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb Dry Dog Food, Made with High Protein from Real Lamb and Guaranteed Nutrients and Probiotics 28lb” title=”Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains Ancient Mountain Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb Dry Dog Food, Made with High Protein from Real Lamb and Guaranteed Nutrients and Probiotics 28lb”>
ProsCons LambContains tomato pomace Good for dogs of all agesRich with probioticsRiche in antioxidants
Nutritional Information
Crude protein: 25% minimumCrude fat: 15% minimumCrude fiber: 3%Moisture: 10%Caloric value: 411 kcal/cup
Key Ingredients
Sorghum Millet Lamb and lamb meal Cracked pearl barley Dried yeast Brown rice Egg product Salmon oil Chia seeds Salt.
Taste of the Wild’s ancient grains series features this recipe. It aims to use ancient varieties of grains to produce a rich source of fiber and antioxidants. It also uses real pasture-raised lamb for its main source of protein.
These vitamins are abundant in it:
Vitamin B12 Vitamin D3 Vitamin Vitamin E Riboflavin Vitamin Niacin Iron Zinc Manganese Potassium Thiamine.
The biggest drawback of this product is its greatest selling point. This product won’t work for dogs who are sensitive to grains.
Science Diet Pros & Cons
ProsConsMade In the USAMore questionable IngredientsMany OptionsHigher PricesMore RecipesRecall history
Science Diet might be a good option for weight loss because of its lower fat content. This should lower the caloric values. You can also find more recipes and treats for your dog, something Taste of the Wild doesn’t offer.
It is also manufactured in the USA and some ingredients are imported from Europe. They take pride in the high quality of their products and don’t make any compromises during production.
It is a little more expensive than Taste of the Wild. This doesn’t make it an affordable option. This is not common considering the average lower fat and protein content.
NutrientPercentage (In Dry Food)Crude protein24.6%Crude fat14.6%Crude fiber3.7%
Science Diet might not be the most cost-effective, but the wide variety of recipes and products will help you find the right food for your dog, especially for those with food allergies or other health issues.
Science Diet has another problem: it contains more questionable ingredients to increase the protein and weight. Another concern is that Science Diet may contain more plant protein, which can have a lower bioavailability to dogs.
Recall History
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, owner of Science Diet, recall some Science Diet dog food products in January and March 2019. There was an increase in vitamin D, which is essential for the health of dogs. However, too much can lead to health problems.
The recalls were limited to canned food. Dry food was safe to eat. They have not been the subject of large-scale complaints or lawsuits, which suggests that they may be more reliable than Taste of the Wild in terms of food safety.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition is currently free from any other food safety concerns. If food safety is your top priority, it seems like they may be the best choice.
Let’s have a look at some of the most popular Science Diet recipes and compare them to Taste of the Wild.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites, Dog Dry Food Perfect Digestion
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411vgzeWiJL._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Hill’s Science Diet Adult, Small Bites, Dog Dry Food Perfect Digestion Chicken 3.5 lb Bag” title=”Hill’s Science Diet Adult, Small Bites, Dog Dry Food Perfect Digestion Chicken 3.5 lb Bag”>
ProsConsOptimized to digestContains many plant-based ingredientsHigh in prebioticsLow fiber ContentHigh-quality protein
Nutritional Information
Protein: 25%Fat: 14.5%Crude fiber: 2.1%Caloric value: 359 kcal/cup
Key Ingredients
Chicken cracked pearl barley Brown Rice Brewer’s Rice Whole grain oats Whole wheat corn Chicken meal Chicken fat Pork liver flavor Groundpecan shells Soybean Oil Salt
This formula is designed to aid digestion. It’s recommended for dogs between the ages of 1-6 years old, particularly if they have any digestive problems. It is not recommended for puppies, older dogs, pregnant dogs, or nursing dogs. Its greatest benefit is its abundance of prebiotics, the ActiveBiome+ blend prebiotics, whole grain oats, and pumpkin.
The formula is high in protein which will help your dog keep his body lean and strong. The main problem with this formula is its reliance on plant-based ingredients and grains. It’s not the best option for dogs that are sensitive to these ingredients.
Hill’s Science Diet Dogfood Dry, Sensitive Stomach, and Skin Grain-Free
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41zeDLl7LGL._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Hill’s Science Diet, Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken & Potato Recipe, 24 Lb Bag” title=”Hill’s Science Diet, Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken & Potato Recipe, 24 Lb Bag”>
Pros and ConsPrebiotics rich in plant proteinGrain-freeLow fibreSuitable for sensitive dogs
Nutritional Information
Protein: 24.9%Fat: 18.1%Crude fiber 2.5%Caloric value: 405 kcal/cup
Key Ingredients
Chicken Yellow peas Potatoes Potato Starch Chicken fat Chicken liver flavor Soybean oil Flaxseed egg product Lactic acid Powdered Cellulose Pork liver flavor
This Science Diet formula is currently the only one that’s grain-free. It’s a great choice for dogs with sensitivities or who just want to eat grain-free foods.
It is also good for dogs’ skin, hair and nails, since it contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. This helps to maintain a healthy and shiny coat.
It’s also rich in vitamins, key antioxidants, and minerals.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JvKjT5hAL._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Hill’s Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat or Soy Dry Dog Food, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb Bag” title=”Hill’s Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat or Soy Dry Dog Food, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb Bag”>
ProsConsNo soy or wheatLow fiberRich omega-6Rich vitamin EGood for adult dogs
Information about nutrition
Protein: 23.6%Fat: 16.4%Crude fiber: 17%Caloric value: 389 kcal/cup
Key Ingredients
Chicken brown rice Brewer’s Rice Cracked pearl barley Chicken dinner Whole grain oats Flaxseed Pea protein Flaxseed Chicken liver flavor Lactic Acid Green peas
This recipe is for dogs sensitive to wheat, soy, and corn. This recipe addresses the specific needs of dogs that are sensitive to these ingredients.
The best thing about this product? It almost entirely comes from meat. Even though the amount of protein in this product is slightly lower than other recipes, it is still bioavailable for dogs.
Low fiber is the biggest problem with this product. It only has 1.7% fiber so it might not be enough for all dogs. You may need to combine it with a higher fiber food source.
Last Thoughts
Taste of the Wild wins the race when it comes down to the most important criteria. The recipes are more nutritious and have more fiber, but at a lower cost. They offer more recipes than other foods, but they also have a wider range of ingredients. However, science diets have been subject to fewer recalls and controversies, so they may be safer.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.topdogadvisor.com/can-dogs-eat-peppers/
