Wild Earth Dog Food
Wild Earth Dog Food:- If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely heard about the increasing popularity of plant-based dog food, and one name that stands out is Wild Earth. A relatively new brand, Wild Earth has generated a lot of buzz with its vegan approach to canine nutrition. At first, the idea of vegan dog food might sound a bit strange, especially given that dogs are traditionally considered carnivores. Like many, we were initially skeptical. But after trying Wild Earth with our own dogs and examining recent research, we found it to be a compelling option.
One of the major upsides of Wild Earth is that it’s not prohibitively expensive. Compared to other premium dog food brands, Wild Earth is about mid-range in price, making it an attractive choice for dog owners who want high-quality nutrition without breaking the bank. You get a product that delivers significant health benefits, and many dog owners rave about the visible improvements they’ve seen in their pets’ health.
Which Dogs Benefit Most from Wild Earth?
Wild Earth dog food is designed to be suitable for a wide variety of dogs, as long as they don’t have any pre-existing health conditions that require specialized diets. One area where Wild Earth particularly shines is for dogs with sensitivities or allergies, particularly to meat proteins. Many dogs suffer from allergic reactions to certain meats, which can manifest in skin and coat problems, gastrointestinal issues, and more. By excluding meat from its formula, Wild Earth provides a viable alternative for these dogs.
A number of new customers report that their dogs’ skin and coat health improved after switching to Wild Earth, likely due to the absence of meat proteins, which can be common allergens. However, Wild Earth doesn’t offer veterinary recipes, so it may not be suitable for dogs with more complex health issues requiring medical diets.
Ingredient Quality: A Double-Edged Sword
Like all dog foods, Wild Earth has its pros and cons when it comes to ingredients. Let’s break down some of the key concerns and benefits:
1. High Carbohydrate Content
One of the primary concerns with Wild Earth is its relatively high carbohydrate content, which clocks in at about 37%. While dogs don’t require carbohydrates in their diet, these are often included in dry dog food for practical reasons—namely, for extrusion during the production process. In Wild Earth’s case, plant proteins, starches, and grains are used to replace animal proteins. Unfortunately, high levels of carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, insulin spikes, and digestive imbalances.
2. Excessive Added Vitamins and Minerals
Another drawback is the use of added vitamins and minerals, which could indicate lower-quality or overly processed ingredients. Ideally, most of a dog’s nutritional needs should be met through whole food sources. While added vitamins and minerals are common in many dog foods, excesses in certain nutrients, such as vitamin D and copper, can be problematic.
3. Sodium Selenite
Wild Earth uses sodium selenite as a source of selenium, a necessary mineral for dogs. However, sodium selenite has been linked to potential toxicity in some studies. A safer alternative is selenium yeast, which is considered a more natural and less toxic form of selenium. This is a small but notable point for ingredient-conscious consumers.
4. Added Amino Acids
Since plant-based proteins generally don’t offer the same amino acid profile as animal proteins, Wild Earth compensates by adding amino acids to ensure a balanced diet. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can indicate the use of cheaper ingredients that lack the completeness of whole animal proteins.
5. Processed Oils
Some of the oils used in Wild Earth’s formulas, such as canola and sunflower oils, are highly processed and may contribute to inflammation. These oils are more affordable substitutes for higher-quality animal fats, but they don’t offer the same nutritional benefits.
6. Plant Proteins
Given that Wild Earth is a vegan dog food, plant proteins are used in place of animal proteins. While plant proteins can meet a dog’s basic protein needs, animal-based proteins tend to be more digestible and provide a fuller spectrum of essential amino acids. This may be a trade-off for some dog owners who are particular about protein quality.
Why Wild Earth Stands Out?
Despite some concerns about ingredient quality, Wild Earth excels in other areas, particularly its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. As a plant-based dog food, Wild Earth contributes less to environmental degradation compared to traditional meat-based dog foods. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so switching to a vegan pet food can be part of an eco-conscious lifestyle.
Wild Earth takes this a step further by utilizing biotechnology to lab-grow one of its primary protein sources. This process, known as cellular agriculture, has the potential to revolutionize the pet food industry by reducing reliance on traditional farming methods.
In addition to its environmental benefits, Wild Earth uses only high-quality, natural ingredients. You won’t find any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives here, which is a big win for dogs with food sensitivities. The recipes are also formulated by nutrition experts to meet AAFCO standards, ensuring that your dog’s dietary needs are met.
Convenience of Subscription
Wild Earth is not only eco-friendly and nutritionally sound, but it’s also incredibly convenient. The brand offers a subscription service that delivers the food straight to your door, with free shipping on all orders. It’s also available at major retailers like Chewy and Petco, making it easily accessible. Subscribers receive discounts, which adds an extra layer of affordability to this already reasonably priced product.
What Exactly Is Plant-Based Dog Food?
Plant-based dog food, like Wild Earth, is formulated primarily from plant ingredients rather than traditional animal-based proteins. This can appeal to dog owners for a variety of reasons, including environmental concerns, ethical considerations, or dietary sensitivities. For dogs with allergies to animal proteins, a plant-based diet can provide much-needed relief.
However, it’s important to note that not all dogs will thrive on a vegan diet. Each dog is unique, and while plant-based food may work well for some, it might not be the best choice for others. Always monitor your dog’s health closely and consult with a veterinarian when making significant changes to their diet.
Final Thoughts
Wild Earth is a promising option for dog owners who are looking for a more sustainable, allergy-friendly dog food. While there are some ingredient concerns, particularly around the carbohydrate content and use of processed oils, the brand’s commitment to eco-friendliness and high-quality natural ingredients makes it a standout in the dog food market. It’s a mid-priced, nutritionally sound option that many dogs seem to thrive on, particularly those with sensitivities to meat. As always, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that a plant-based diet is the best fit for your furry friend.
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