Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe

A Full review of Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe Taste of the Wild

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a dog is entirely dependant on their unique circumstances. However, a high proportion of protein and fat, combined with a lower proportion of carbohydrates is the most appropriate nutrition profile for the vast majority of dogs. Dog’s are very capable of consuming a high proportion of carbohydrates, but a diet high in protein and fat is more appropriate and a better reflection of their natural ancestral diet.

Carbohydrate Content Analysis

Dogs use carbohydrates as a simple energy source. Dogs do not require significant carbohydrates in their diet, and they are commonly added to reduce cost and increase shelf life. As the chart above displays, a maximum of 30% of Taste of the Wild’s Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe calories are derived from carbohydrates.  Please note that this is the maximum amount of carbohydrates as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of carbohydrates is likely to be a lot lower. This is significantly below average for a Dry Dog Food.

This carbohydrate content appears to be from a mix of grain ingredients, including Sorghum, Millet, and Barley. While grain ingredients such as these are often controversial, they are a reliable sources of carbohydrates. Grains such as these do not inflate the protein content of a dog food with plant-based protein as legumes do. This level of carbohydrates is higher than we would consider optimal.

Protein Content Analysis

Dogs use protein for growth, development, and maintenance. Excess protein can be burned as calories. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 31% of Taste of the Wild’s Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe calories are derived from protein. Please note that this is the minimum amount of protein as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of protein is likely to be higher. This is significantly above average for a Dry Dog Food.

A range of red meat ingredients contributes the majority of this protein content with plant-based ingredients adding a very minor proportion. Red meat ingredients such as Buffalo, Pork, or Venison are great sources of protein for a dog’s diet and contain a complete amino acid profile. This level of protein should be sufficient for most dogs, including those with very high activity levels.

Fat Content Analysis

Dogs use fat as a concentrated energy source. In addition, fats also play a role in development and maintenance. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 39% of Taste of the Wild’s Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe calories are derived from fat. Please note that this is the minimum amount of fat, as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of fat is likely to be a lot higher. This is significantly above average for a Dry Dog Food.

The high level of fat present is from a range of red meat ingredients such as Buffalo and Pork. Fat from red meat ingredients such as this is considered a high-quality and easily digestible source. A high level of fat should not be a concern as fat is the preferred energy source for a dog. This should be a sufficient level of fat for the majority of dogs with a range of activity levels.

Calorie Density

Overall, Taste of the Wild’s Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe contains an average of 3,920 kcal/kg or 422 kcal/cup.

Disclaimer

Once again, please note that the values in this section are calculated using the products guaranteed analysis. The guaranteed analysis only lists the minimum and maximum values, and as a consequence, these can sometimes be an inaccurate representation. As a rule of thumb, most dog foods will contain slightly more protein and considerably more fat than their guaranteed analysis. This will have the knock-on effect of reducing the relative amount of carbohydrates present. However, also note that every dog food is different, and some will be considerably closer to the guaranteed analysis than others.

Guaranteed Analysis – Taste of the Wild – Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe

Pet foods in the United States are legally required by the AAFCO to have a guaranteed analysis on their packaging. A guaranteed analysis must display certain nutritional information. This is similar to how nutritional values are now commonly displayed on food for human consumption. The information that must be displayed includes Crude Protein, Crude Fat, Crude Fiber, and Moisture. Some guaranteed analysis will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

• Crude Protein (Min) – 32.00%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 18.00%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 3.00%
• Moisture (Max) – 10.00%

• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 3.0%
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Min) – 0.6%

Ingredient Analysis

The ingredients of pet food are disclosed on the packaging of the product as a list in descending order. Therefore the ingredients at the start of the list make up the bulk of the pet foods content. As a consequence, the quality of these primary ingredients is the most significant factor in determining the quality of pet food.

However, ingredients listed further down the ingredient list should not be ignored, especially if they could have adverse or harmful effects on a pet.

High-Quality Ingredients

• Buffalo
• Pork
• Chicken Meal
• Roasted Bison
• Roasted Venison
• Beef

Low-Quality Ingredients

• N/A

Dangerous / Harmful Ingredients

• N/A

In-Depth Meat/Fish Ingredient Review

The meat and fish ingredients of dog food are, without a doubt, the most important. They are critical as they provide the majority of the protein and fat that dogs desperately need. Also, these ingredients would have made up the bulk of dog’s ancestors diet. Therefore, the quality of a dog food formulas meat and fish ingredients is crucial. Taste of the Wild’s Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe contains six sources of meat or fish.

The primary meat source present is Buffalo. Buffalo is considered a high-quality source of protein. While Buffalo was once considered somewhat exotic, it is now a relative staple meat in North America. In addition, Buffalo contains similar vitamins to Beef, including Iron and Zinc. Many Buffalo advocates claim that it contains a smaller ratio of fat to protein than meats such as Beef. Unfortunately, Buffalo does contain a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser amount of Buffalo present. However, given that Buffalo is the first listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

The secondary meat source present is Lamb Meal. Lamb Meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meat Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Lamb Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Lamb but in higher concentrations. This includes Vitamin B12 and high levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Another meat source present is Chicken Meal. Chicken Meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meat Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations. This includes the high levels of Niacin and Vitamin B6.

Roasted Bison is considered a high-quality source of meat. Unfortunately, Bison contains a large amount of water. This moisture will be evaporated during the cooking process leaving a smaller amount of Bison.

Roasted Venison is considered a high-quality source of meat. Unfortunately, Venison contains a large amount of water. This moisture will be evaporated during the cooking process leaving a smaller amount of Venison.

Another meat source present is Beef. Beef is considered a high-quality source of protein. In addition, Beef contains vitamins such as Iron and Zinc. Unfortunately Beef does contain a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Beef.  Beef is not one of the primary ingredients of this dog food, which means after the cooking process there will likely be a relatively low amount of Beef present.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Sorghum is a grain ingredient and is a relatively uncommon addition to dog food and grows in a similar fashion to Corn. It contains around 10% protein and minor levels of some vitamins and minerals. Learn more about Sorghum in our article Sorghum In Dog Food.

Millet is a cereal grain that is high in carbohydrates and plant-based proteins. It is considered a viable alternative to legumes in dog food by many. Grains such as Millet are seeing increasing use by a number of brands. Sadly, Millet has little nutritional value past its carbohydrate and protein content. Read more about Millet in our article Millet In Dog Food.

Barley is a grain containing gluten and can be considered a low-quality ingredient in dog food by some. It is very high in carbohydrates and can be difficult to digest. The fact that it is challenging to digest could lead to constipation or other symptoms. However, Barley does contain high levels of selenium and manganese. Learn more about Barley in our article Barley In Dog Food.

A noteworthy ingredient present in this formula is Tomato Pomace. Tomato Pomace is made up of tomato skin, seeds, and pulp. Its most beneficial feature is that it contains very high levels of soluble fiber which can aid and regulate digestion. Those high levels of fiber are the primary motivation behind this ingredients inclusion in most formulas as Tomato Pomace has little nutritional value.

Salt, when added in moderation, is considered a beneficial ingredient. It enhances flavor, helps preserve the food and is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and other bodily functions. However, some dogs, particularly those with cardiovascular problems may need to limit their consumption of Salt to avoid aggravating their health problems.

Dried Chicory Root or Chicory Root Extract is an additive or supplement to dog food. It can provide a range of health benefits including soluble fiber to enable regular passage of stool, probiotics to aid and promote digestion, as well as potentially eliminate or prevent intestinal worms. While these benefits are not fully proven, there is strong evidence behind them. The proportion of Chicory Root used in most dog food recipes is tiny and does not contribute meaningful nutrition. Find out more in Dried Chicory Root In Dog Food.

Full Ingredient List – Taste of the Wild – Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe

Buffalo, pork, chicken meal, grain sorghum, millet, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), cracked pearled barley, dried yeast, roasted bison, roasted venison, natural flavor, flaxseed, beef, quinoa, chia seed, tomato pomace, salmon oil (a source of DHA), dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, DL-Methionine, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, L-Carnitine, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid.

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