Taste of the Wild Dog Food: Safety, Controversy & Value

If you’re shopping for grain-free dog food, you’ve probably seen Taste of the Wild and worrying headlines about a class action lawsuit alleging heavy metals and pesticides. This article separates documented facts from speculation so you can decide with confidence.

Manufacturer: Diamond Pet Foods ·
Country of origin: USA ·
Number of formulas: 10+ ·
Primary proteins: Bison, venison, salmon, roasted duck ·
Notable litigation: Active class action over pesticide and metal residues ·
Price range per lb: $1.50–$2.00

What is the Taste of the Wild controversy?

The central controversy revolves around allegations that Taste of the Wild dog food contains elevated levels of pesticides and heavy metals, and that the brand misled consumers about the safety and purity of its recipes. Multiple lawsuits have been filed, with the first class action complaint appearing in 2018.

Details of the class action lawsuit

In August 2018, a class action complaint was filed against Diamond Pet Foods, alleging negligent misrepresentation, false advertising, and breach of warranty over undisclosed heavy metals, pesticides, acrylamide, and BPA in Taste of the Wild products. (Locke Law complaint document)

In 2020, a separate lawsuit claimed certain Diamond Pet Foods products were falsely marketed as grain-free when testing allegedly showed grain content. That case was resolved as part of a settlement in March 2021. (TINA.org consumer advocacy)

The most recent Missouri class action, certified in 2024, covers Missouri citizens who purchased Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food between 2015 and 2024. A trial is scheduled for January 2027. (Missouri Dog Food Class Action)

Claims of pesticide and metal residues

In 2019, the Animal Health Foundation reported test results for Taste of the Wild Grain Free Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe with Wild Boar showing lead at 12,200 mcg/kg. Based on the brand’s feeding guidance, a 30-pound dog eating two cups per day could consume 2,440 mcg of lead daily. (Animal Health Foundation pet safety advocacy) These numbers have not been independently verified by the FDA.

The complaint also alleges the presence of arsenic, glyphosate, and BPA, though specific levels were not disclosed in publicly available filings.

Diamond Pet Foods’ response

Diamond Pet Foods has consistently denied the allegations, stating that all its products meet safety standards set by AAFCO and the FDA. The company maintains that the lawsuit claims are without merit. (Diamond Pet Foods press releases)

The catch: Without independent, large-scale testing, the actual risk profile for any given bag of kibble remains unclear.

Is Taste of the Wild a safe dog food?

Safety is not a binary yes or no. We need to examine recall history, ingredient sourcing, and the grain-free DCM debate.

Safety record and recalls

Taste of the Wild has not had a major recall in recent years. The FDA’s recall database shows no voluntarily recalled Taste of the Wild dry dog food products since at least 2015. (FDA recall database) However, the absence of a recall does not equate to absence of contaminants—many contaminants are not routinely tested for by the agency.

Ingredient sourcing and quality control

Diamond Pet Foods sources ingredients from the USA and other countries. The company states that it conducts testing at its own facilities. (Diamond Pet Foods quality safety page) Yet the specific contaminants alleged in the lawsuits—heavy metals, pesticides, acrylamide—are not part of routine AAFCO panel testing. (AAFCO regulatory standards)

Veterinary perspectives on grain-free diets

The FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free diets (legume-rich) and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) since 2019. Taste of the Wild was among the brands named in the investigation. (FDA DCM investigation) Many veterinary nutritionists, such as those at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, advise that most dogs do not need a grain-free diet and recommend grain-inclusive options unless a specific allergy exists. (Tufts University veterinary nutrition)

What this means: The safety concerns are layered—legal contamination allegations plus a medical debate about the diet’s long-term effect on heart health.

Is Taste of the Wild worth it?

Value depends on what you prioritize: ingredient quality, price, or safety assurance. Here are the key considerations.

Price comparison with other premium brands

Taste of the Wild retails for about $1.50–$2.00 per pound, placing it in the mid-to-premium category. For comparison:

Three brands, one pattern: Taste of the Wild is cheaper than Blue Buffalo Wilderness and similar to Wellness CORE, but with more litigation baggage.

Nutritional value per serving

Most Taste of the Wild formulas contain 32–38% crude protein and 15–18% fat, which is within the premium range. The first ingredient is typically a named meat source (bison, venison, salmon). (Taste of the Wild ingredient page) The food is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids. However, the use of legumes like peas and potatoes as carbohydrate sources has been part of the DCM concern.

Customer satisfaction and palatability

Aggregate reviews from sites like Dog Food Advisor give Taste of the Wild a 4-star rating, with many owners noting improved coat condition and energy levels. (Dog Food Advisor pet food review site) Complaints are rare and typically center on kibble size or picky eaters.

The pattern: Good nutritional stats and strong palatability, but the legal cloud is unique to this brand in its price bracket.

Is Taste of the Wild good for your dog?

Nutritional suitability depends on your dog’s age, breed, and health status. We break down the factors.

Protein sources and digestibility

The first ingredient in most formulas is a named meat or fish (bison, venison, smoked salmon, roasted duck). (Taste of the Wild ingredient list) These are high-quality, highly digestible proteins. The brand does not use unnamed meat meals.

Grain-free vs. grain-inclusive options

All dry formulas are grain-free. While this appeals to owners who believe grains are unnecessary, veterinary consensus is that grain-free diets offer no health benefit for most dogs. (Tufts University veterinary nutrition) For dogs with confirmed grain allergies (rare), a grain-free diet may be indicated.

Suitability for different life stages and sizes

Taste of the Wild offers a Puppy formula with higher protein and fat, suitable for growing dogs of all breeds. (Taste of the Wild Puppy formula page) There is no breed-specific formula; the brand recommends feeding guidelines based on weight.

The trade-off: Excellent protein sources versus a grain-free formulation that may not be necessary and carries unresolved DCM risk.

What are the ingredients in Taste of the Wild dog food?

A typical formula includes:

Four ingredient categories, one pattern: named meat as first ingredient, vegetables for fiber, legumes as starch, and added vitamins.

No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are added, according to the brand. (Taste of the Wild FAQs)

Is Taste of the Wild suitable for puppies?

Puppyhood requires specific nutrient balances. Taste of the Wild offers a dedicated Puppy formula, but there are cautions.

Puppy-specific formulas

The “Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Recipe” contains bison and venison, with 36% protein and 18% fat—higher than adult formulas to support growth. (Taste of the Wild Puppy formula) It also includes DHA for brain development.

Nutritional requirements for growth

The formula meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth. (AAFCO nutritional profiles) However, due to the DCM concern, some veterinary nutritionists recommend avoiding grain-free diets for large breed puppies until more research is available. (Tufts University veterinary nutrition)

Recommendations from breeders and vets

Some breeders recommend Taste of the Wild for its high-quality proteins and coat benefits, but many caution against grain-free for large breeds. The American Kennel Club suggests consulting a veterinarian before choosing a grain-free diet for puppies. (American Kennel Club breed organization)

What this means: The Puppy formula is nutritionally sound from a macro perspective, but the grain-free factor adds a precautionary note.

Timeline: Taste of the Wild litigation and developments

A visual timeline of key events:

• 2007 – Taste of the Wild brand launched by Diamond Pet Foods. (official site)
• 2018 – First class action complaint filed over heavy metals, pesticides, BPA. (Locke Law)
• 2019 – Second lawsuit filed in Illinois; Animal Health Foundation reports lead levels of 12,200 mcg/kg. (Animal Health Foundation)
• 2019–2021 – FDA investigates grain-free diets and DCM; Taste of the Wild included. (FDA)
• 2020 – False advertising suit over grain content filed. (TINA.org)
• 2021 – Settlement reached in grain-content suit; $5–$100 per claimant. (Top Class Actions)
• 2023 – New class action filed in Missouri over pesticide and metal residues. (Missouri case site)
• 2024 – Missouri class action certified; exclusion deadline August 31. (Missouri case site)
• 2027 – Trial scheduled for January. (Missouri case site)

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

After reviewing all publicly available evidence, here is the breakdown.

Confirmed facts

• Taste of the Wild is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods in the USA. (official site)
• All dry formulas are grain-free. (product page)
• A class action lawsuit was filed in 2023 regarding pesticide and metal residues. (Missouri case site)
• The brand has had no major recalls in the past decade. (FDA)

What’s unclear

• The actual levels of pesticides and metals found in the food and their health impact on dogs. (Animal Health Foundation)
• Whether grain-free diets definitively cause DCM in dogs. (FDA)
• The outcome of the class action lawsuit. (Missouri case site)
• Whether the contaminant levels exceed safe thresholds for long-term feeding. (AAFCO)
• The long-term health effects of the reported lead levels are unknown. (Animal Health Foundation)

What experts and pet owners are saying

We collected perspectives from three distinct voices in the debate.

Our products meet all safety standards set by regulatory bodies. The allegations in the lawsuit are without merit and we will defend our brand vigorously.

— Diamond Pet Foods spokesperson, statement to press (2023)

For most dogs, there is no proven health benefit to a grain-free diet. And when you add unresolved contamination allegations into the mix, it’s reasonable for owners to seek brands with more transparent testing.

— Dr. Lisa Freeman, veterinary nutritionist at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (2024)

My dog developed severe itching and chronic ear infections while on Taste of the Wild. When I switched brands, the symptoms disappeared within two weeks.

— Sarah M., pet owner and lead plaintiff in Missouri class action (2024)

These three perspectives—brand, veterinary expert, and owner—show the range of trust and experience with the product.

Bottom line: Should you buy Taste of the Wild?

Taste of the Wild delivers solid nutrition at a competitive price, with high-quality animal proteins and no artificial additives. However, the unresolved legal allegations around heavy metals and pesticides, combined with the broader grain-free DCM concern, create a risk profile that goes beyond typical brand choices. For a risk-averse pet owner, the clear alternative is a grain-inclusive brand from a manufacturer with no active litigation and published third-party contaminant testing. For a budget-conscious owner who values palatability and protein content, Taste of the Wild remains a reasonable option—provided you accept that the safety picture is not fully settled. In a market where trust is the real currency, the burden of proof still lies with the manufacturer. Until independent, large-scale testing resolves the contamination question, the smartest move is to consult your veterinarian and, if you proceed, watch your dog’s health closely.

The pattern: Taste of the Wild offers value but carries unresolved litigation and DCM risks that may outweigh the savings for cautious buyers.

För en djupare titt på debatterna kring detta märke, se Taste of the Wild-hundfoderkontroversen.

Frequently asked questions