High Prairie Puppy Formula Review

Full review of High Prairie Puppy Formula By Taste of the Wild

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a dog is entirely dependent on its 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.

Dogs 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 38% of Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie Puppy Formula 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 below average for a Puppy Food.

Peas and Sweet Potatoes are the key contributors of carbohydrates to this formula. Both of these ingredients are considered high-quality sources.

However, despite their quality, this proportion of carbohydrates is above what we would consider ideal. To better reflect a puppy’s natural diet, the proportion of carbohydrates should be lower.

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 26% of Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie Puppy Formula 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 above average for a Puppy Food.

This is an acceptable proportion of protein for the average puppy. This will not be sufficient for those puppies who are more active than normal.

Similar to the adult formula, High Prairie Puppy Formula gets its protein from a large number of sources. This includes meats such as Buffalo, Venison, and Lamb.

A small proportion of this protein is from vegetables such as Peas. Vegetable protein is considered inferior to animal protein.

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 36% of Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie Puppy Formula calories are derived from Fat.

Please note that this is the minimum amount of fat as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, y this value of fat is likely to be a lot higher. This is above average for a Puppy Food.

This is a very satisfactory proportion of fat for the average puppy. This should provide a sufficient quantity of concentrated energy for your puppy to be very active and energetic.

This fat is sourced from the same ingredients as the protein, a range of red meats such as Buffalo, Beef, and Lamb. Unfortunately, red meat such as this is low in the beneficial Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Calorie Density

Overall Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie Puppy Formula contains an average of 3,656 kcal/kg or 364 kcal/cup.

Disclaimer

Once again, please note that the values in this section are calculated using the product’s 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 – High Prairie Puppy Formula

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 analyses will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

• Crude Protein (Min) – 28.00%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 17.00%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 5.00%
• Moisture (Max) – 10.00%

• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 2.8%
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Min) – 0.3%

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
• Lamb Meal
• Roasted Bison
• Roasted Venison
• Beef
• Peas
• Sweet Potatoes

Low-Quality Ingredients

• Pea Protein

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 dogs’ ancestors’ diet. Therefore, the quality of a dog food formula’s meat and fish ingredients is crucial. Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie Puppy Formula 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.

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.

Ocean Fish Meal is considered an average-quality source of fish. It is a concentrated form of fish that has already had most of its moisture removed.

Ocean Fish Meal is likely to have a relatively high protein content which is ideal for a dog’s diet. Unfortunately Ocean Fish is a vague description.

For this reason, it’s difficult to gauge exactly what fish the meal is made of. In addition, this makes it difficult to gauge the quantities of fish oils such as Omega 3 and Omega 6.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Sweet Potatoes are a starchy vegetable and a source of complex carbohydrates.  Sweet Potatoes are considered superior to traditional Potatoes as they contain more fiber and a more extensive range of vitamins and minerals.

Some examples of vitamins and minerals that are abundant in Sweet Potatoes are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium.

The higher amount of fiber and the range of micronutrients in Sweet Potatoes means that they are considered a high-quality ingredient despite containing mostly carbohydrates.

Pea Protein is a by-product of Peas. Pea Protein is considered a low-quality ingredient. It is often used as a cheap way to increase the overall level of protein in dog food without including additional meat or fish content.

While the protein in Pea Protein is not harmful, plant-based proteins such as this are considered inferior to meat and fish-based proteins as they do not contain the full range of needed amino acids.

Pea Protein is one of the most common ingredients used in a technique called Ingredient Splitting.

Peas are a member of the legume family of vegetables. Legumes are famous for having a relatively high amount of protein for a vegetable.

Legumes also contain a high amount of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion. Pet foods often use legumes as a replacement for grains in grain-free pet food.

Protein from vegetables such as legumes should not be a replacement for protein from meat. Instead, it should act as an additional protein source.

Potatoes are a starchy vegetable and a dense source of complex carbohydrates. Also, Potatoes can provide fiber and a surprising number of minerals and vitamins such as Potassium, Copper and the Vitamin B6. Sadly,

Potatoes are considered an average-quality ingredient as they provide minimal nutritional value beyond their carbohydrate content.

Canola Oil is derived from a modified version of Rapeseed. Canola Oil is most commonly added to dog food to supplement the levels of the Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids.

These Fatty Acids are crucial for a dog’s skin, coat, and brain development. While Canola Oil is not the ideal source of the Omega Fatty Acids, it does have a high ratio of Omega 3 Fatty Acids to Omega 6 Fatty Acids.

Sources with high ratios, such as Canola Oil, are considered superior. However, Canola Oil can be a controversial ingredient due to the fact it is genetically modified.

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.

Salmon Oil is a reliable source of the Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids. In fact, Salmon Oil is particularly high in the Omega 3 Fatty Acid, which is considered to be the more beneficial of the two.

The Omega Fatty Acids are essential for an extensive range of reasons. They can help maintain a dog’s skin and coat; they can reduce inflammation, and can help fight heart disease. The full list of potential benefits of the Omega Fatty Acids is far too numerous to list.

Flaxseed is a beneficial ingredient that is commonplace in higher-quality dog food. Flaxseed contains high levels of the Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, which provide a range of health benefits such as healthier skin and fur and improved cognitive function.

Also, Flaxseed contains high levels of protein for a plant-based ingredient. Finally, Flaxseed provides Lignans which can help reduce inflammation and cholesterol.

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 to meaningful nutrition. Find out more in Dried Chicory Root In Dog Food.

Full Ingredient List – Taste of the Wild – High Prairie Puppy Formula

Buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, pea protein, peas, potatoes, canola oil, tomato pomace, roasted bison, roasted venison, beef, flaxseed, potato fiber, natural flavor, ocean fish meal, salmon oil (a source of DHA), salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.

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