Wild Earth Dog Food Review [Is Vegan Dog Food Safe?]

Your dog is an integral part of the family. Things would not be the same without them. Loving dog owners want them to get the same care and healthy food like the rest of the family gets.

The food your dog eats should be part of this care and attention, as it plays a role in their overall health and happiness. 

Today’s dog food industry is a lot like the human food industry. The products marketed as necessary foods for a healthy diet are usually processed, unnatural, and artificial.

While these foods have some components to being healthy, some ingredients can undermine the overall healthful value.  

As you try to keep you and your family away from the unnatural foods that take a serious toll on your health, wouldn’t you want the same for your dog? 

There are several vegan dog food companies out there that advertise to dog families that want to enhance their dog’s well-being with clean and wholesome ingredients. Wild Earth is one of these companies. 

Before you transition your dog’s diet to a completely new one, without meat, this review can help you make sure that vegan dog food is quality nourishment for your family’s dog.

I also investigate Wild Earth so that you can decide whether their vegan dog food is the best choice. Even if you decide they’re good, always check with your veterinarian before switching your dog’s food.

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beagle sitting on deck next to Wild Earth vegan kibble bag

About Wild Earth

Wild Earth started in 2017 when the founders became fed up with the dog food industry. They researched the unhealthy additives and unnatural supplements that ended up in factory-produced dog food. 

The creators of Wild Earth also got inspired by a study from UCLA. It concluded that 64 million tons of carbon dioxide permeate into the atmosphere because of meat-based pet food production. 

With that, Wild Earth assembled a team of veterinarians, nutritionists, scientists, and more to create cruelty-free and sustainable vegan dog food.  

The company even featured its product on Shark Tank, where they received a $550,000 investment for a 10% stake in the company. 

Dog Food Ingredients

Wild Earth takes pride in its clean, plant-based ingredients they use in every product. They say that protein is an essential part of your dog’s diet, just as it is in the human diet.

Factory-produced pet food often uses meat as their protein source. But, we, as humans, can understand that factory-produced meat is not trustworthy

In response, Wild Earth creates all its products with naturally grown plant-based ingredients. They are FDA approved and pass the AAFCO guidelines.

Wild Earth dog foods have 31% protein in their kibble, without meat. Their primary source for protein is yeast. Full of plenty of essential amino acids, yeast is very easy to grow and implement into your dog’s food. 

There are also several sources of fiber within the food. Fiber is critical in keeping your dog’s gut healthy and clean. 

Overall, Wild Earth is self-proclaimed to be free of all things artificial. That goes for preservatives, colors, and flavors. Plus, its products are free from corn, soy, and rice. 

Want to try it out for yourself? Go here to order your first bag or use this link to save 50% off your first subscription order.

closeup of Wild Earth vegan dog food kibble in cup

Here are the ingredients Wild Earth puts into their food products:

  • Blueberries
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Calcium iodate
  • Canola oil
  • Chickpeas
  • Choline chloride
  • Copper proteinate
  • Cranberries
  • D-calcium pantothenate
  • Dicalcium phosphate
  • Dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation product
  • Dried yeast
  • Flaxseed meal
  • Folic acid
  • Fructooligosaccharide
  • Inulin
  • Iron proteinate
  • L-carnitine
  • Manganese proteinate
  • Marin microalgae
  • Niacin supplement
  • Oats
  • Pea protein
  • Pumpkin
  • Pyridoxine hydrochloride
  • Riboflavin supplement
  • Rosemary extract
  • Salt
  • Sodium selenite
  • Spinach 
  • Sunflower oil
  • Sweet potato
  • Taurine
  • Thiamine mononitrate
  • Vitamin A supplement
  • Vitamin B12 supplement
  • Vitamin D2 supplement
  • Vitamin E supplement
  • Wheat germ
  • Zinc proteinate

When I look for food for myself, I tend to look for foods with ingredients I can pronounce. Reading through the ingredients for Wild Earth, there are some hard-to-pronounce words, some with chemical names like “hydrochloride” and phosphate.” 

Though some ingredients may seem artificial and nonessential, according to the Wild Earth website, they do serve a purpose.

For example, calcium carbonate is a natural ingredient that supports strong bones and teeth. Calcium iodate adds essential iodine into your dog’s diet, which strengthens and supports the thyroid. 

Therefore, before you start to get nervous about the unrecognizable ingredients in dog food, keep in mind that they do serve an essential purpose by adding healthy nutrients to your dog’s diet. 

All the ingredients are reviewed and approved by the company’s resident veterinarian. Likewise, trustworthy experts are playing a part in the production of food that goes from Wild Earth and into your dog’s stomach. 

opened Wild Earth 4 pound bag next to brick

Wild Earth Products

Based on the ingredients, it is evident that Wild Earth likes to keep things simple. This is also true of their product selection.

They offer only one kind of dog food, but they cater to different sized dogs by offering two bag sizes: a 4-pound and an 18-pound bag.

If you worry about undoing all the healthy benefits of Wild Earth’s dog food, it also offers dog treats. Sticking to the mantra of “less is better,” Wild Earth only has three different kinds of treats- peanut butter, banana and cinnamon, and strawberry and beet. Again, all the food is clean, natural, and, of course, vegan. 

All the treats are proudly made with Koji. The word “Koji” is even placed in the treats’ names. Wild Earth describes Koji as an ancient mushroom super-food that acts as a fantastic source of sustainable protein. A lot of people include Koji in their diets, and you can add it to your dog’s diet, as well. 

Additionally, if you are a Wild Earth fanatic, the company also offers merchandise to show support for plant-based, vegan dog food. You can choose between a t-shirt, a beanie, or a snap-back hat. However, if you are having a hard time choosing, you can get all three! 

Wild Earth consistently follows its belief in quality over quantity. Shown not only in the number of products offered, but Wild Earth also sticks to this in their ingredients list. For dog parents, it is relieving to know that the dog food company follows this in their content and their products.  

beagle eating vegan kibble outside

How Much Does Wild Earth Dog Food Cost?

The prices for natural foods can be higher than factory-made products generated in bulk. Since more care and attention goes into organically sourced dog meal, prices are higher than the cheap foods you can buy with filler ingredients. 

For a four-pound bag of Wild Earth’s signature food, it costs $29. As for an 18-pound bag, it costs $70. Keep in mind that all this food comes from healthy, plant-based foods that can improve your dog’s diet. 

If you want to save the most, use this link for amazing savings on a subscription. New customers will currently save 50% off their first bag.

All the packs of dog treats cost $10 for five ounces of treats. Remember that there are no additives, preservatives, or fillers that go into them. Therefore, despite being seemingly high priced, the quality is what you pay for, not quantity. 

If you truly enjoy Wild Earth products and are happy with the positive effects the food has on your dog, then you can take part in the membership program that the company offers. Getting a subscription membership means reduced prices and other added benefits like:

  • 50% off your first purchase
  • 10% off on every purchase
  • Free shipping

The 50% subscription savings is only for a limited time for large dog food bags so take advantage of it quickly! Get yours here.

With a membership for Club Wild, you get to take a quiz, helping you find the ideal meal plan for your pup. Then, you can create a customizable delivery schedule. Your dog’s food gets delivered to your doorstep without having to click, order, and pay every time you run out. 

Wild Earth allows you to cancel your membership at any time. You can only sign up and redeem the benefits of your Wild Earth membership through the company’s website. Luckily, it is easy to navigate, shop, and purchase all your vegan dog food essentials. 

Two beagles anxiously awaiting to be fed

The Advantages of Vegan Dog Food

There are several reasons to make the switch to vegan dog food. If you transitioned to veganism in your everyday routine, then you can understand the health advantages to it all. 

Firstly, vegan dog food tends to be allergy-friendly. Sometimes, our furry friends have upset stomachs and unexplainable reactions to what they eat.

Wild Earth is exceptionally friendly to dogs with dairy allergies. Your dog can have a happier tummy and a more comfortable lifestyle. 

Feeding your dog vegan food can also boost their energy levels. This is because all of its nutrients come from natural sources, rather than by-products of meat, which can do more harm than good. You may have experienced this energy increase when you made the switch to a meatless diet. 

Finally, vegan dog food is good for your furry friend’s gut. As natural products, the food is easy to digest. Plus, there are a lot of sources of fiber in plants. For this, you can have healthier and more regular stool from your dog. 

close up of Wild Earth kibble on countertop

Is Vegan Dog Food Safe?

Though the advantages of vegan dog food seem to outweigh the disadvantages, some have speculated whether canines should avoid a carnivorous diet.

For generations, families relied on meat-based dog food. However, people have wondered whether veganism is a healthy decision for dogs. 

According to veterinarians at Tuft’s University, many dogs do great on a vegan diet. While dogs originated from wolves, a close look at their genome shows that dogs have evolved to eat a lot more carbohydrates than wolves.

Some people may worry that vegan diets can offer the short end of the stick when it comes to protein. Wild Earth emphasizes the importance of protein, 31% of its product being made from protein sources. Moreover, there is no need to fear for your dog’s protein intake. 

According to this veterinarian, dogs also need a significant amount of vitamin D3, not D2, a product of plant-based foods. Unfortunately, Wild Earth does not feature vitamin D3 in their ingredients list. 

Ultimately, here’s a list of what to do and not do when feeding a vegan diet to your dog:

  • You should only feed them vegan food that complies with the AAFCO. Fortunately, Wild Earth meets the organization’s requirements.
  • Do not switch to veganism if you want to breed your dog. The lack of certain nutrients can get in the way of healthy reproduction.
  • Meet with your vet regularly for tests and wellness exams. Seeing the vet for things like blood work at least twice per year can ensure that your dog’s diet is safe and healthy. 

According to the FDA, pet food that meets AAFCO standards is usually considered “complete and balanced.” While AAFCO isn’t a regulatory agency, FDA staff serves on the AAFCO board of directors and act as scientific sources for the AAFCO pet food recommendations.

beagle happily shaking its head

Where to Buy Wild Earth Dog Food

Wild Earth products are available on the company’s website. The Wild Earth website is easy to manage and navigate, so shopping here is a breeze. It is also the site where you can activate your membership and take advantage of all its benefits. 

Amazon also sells this vegan dog food but I prefer to buy my dog food straight from Wild Earth. When ordering from warehouses, you never know how the food was stored or if the kibble is counterfeit. It’s not a risk I’m willing to take.

Wild Earth’s Refund Policy

According to the Wild Earth website, the company cares a lot about their customer service. If you do not like what you paid for, send it back, and Wild Earth gives you a full refund. It is a part of their Happiness Guarantee. 

Also, don’t forget that you can get even more savings from Wild Earth as a member of its Club Wild subscription. You can create a customizable delivery plan based on your dog’s portion sizes with reduced prices. There are no strings attached, other than being a loyal customer. 

Ready to order? Use this link to save 50% off the large dog food bag subscription. You can’t get a better deal than that!

Will You Try Out Vegan Dog Food?

Although veganism is not as dangerous for dogs as it is for cats, you should still monitor your furry friend’s health while feeding them a vegan diet. Of course, you would do this no matter what. 

With all vegan concerns aside, Wild Earth seems to be a reliable and legitimate source for vegan dog food. The creators understand that living a vegan lifestyle can mean forgetting about protein.

Amidst all the turmoil as the earth gets more polluted, Wild Earth offers a sustainable meal source for dogs that is clean and healthy.

Wild Earth makes sure that man’s best friend gets fed like a best friend. 

Next Steps

Learn more about being vegan with a carnivorous pet here.

stephanie mantilla mommysaurus headshot
Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

2 thoughts on “Wild Earth Dog Food Review [Is Vegan Dog Food Safe?]”

  1. Does AAFCO approve Wild Earth as being a full and adequet diet for dogs? I see it referred to, but don’t see that actual statement made. Also, why is the price so outrageous?

    1. Hi Tina,
      The AAFCO doesn’t approve any dog food. Instead, they put out guidelines and are a set of standards that are generally considered nutritionally complete by veterinarians. But Wild Earth dog food does meet the AAFCO requirements which is listed on their website.

      Wild Earth is a new type of dog food that uses sustainably harvested and dried yeast as the source of protein. This is great for dogs with allergies since they’ve likely not built up an intolerance for this protein source.

      As with any new product, until production ramps up which drives cost down, the cost will be higher than the cheaper dog foods with gross fillers.

      -Stephanie

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