Quick Review
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Nutrition - 8/10
8/10
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Ingredients - 9/10
9/10
Review Summary
Taste of the Wild’s Wetlands Canine Formula Dry Dog Food is a high-quality dry dog food. It has significantly above average protein and fat content and a significantly below average carbohydrate content. While not quite perfect, the nutrient profile of this dry dog food is very satisfactory.
It contains a number of high quality and nutritious ingredients including Duck, Duck Meal, Chicken Meal, Roasted Quail, Smoked Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, and Peas. The Peas and Sweet Potatoes add a mix of carbohydrates and fiber. The Peas also provide a minority of the protein content. While plant-based proteins are not ideal, the proportion present is not high enough for concern. Tomato Pomace is also present to provide additional soluble fiber.
The large range of poultry, vegetables, and other minor ingredients may make this food unsuitable for dogs with dietary sensitivities or allergies. But for those without specific needs Taste of the Wild’s Wetland Canine Formula is a very satisfactory dry food for dogs who are not overly active.
Overall
8.5/10Pros
Satisfactory Fat & Protein Proportion
High-Quality Poultry & Carbohydrate Ingredients
No Grains
Cons
Low Level of Omega Fatty Acids
Contains Potato Protein
A Full review of Wetlands Formula Dry Dog Food By 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 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 33% of Taste of the Wild’s Wetlands Formula Dry Dog Food 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 peas and sweet potatoes. While both are considered high-quality sources of carbohydrate, sweet potatoes only contribute carbohydrates and do not inflate the protein content of a dog food with plant-based protein like peas 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 29% of Taste of the Wild’s Wetlands Formula Dry Dog Food 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 poultry contributes the majority of this protein content with peas adding a minor proportion. Poultry such as Duck, Chicken or Turkey are great sources of protein for a dogs diet and contain a complete amino acid profile. While this protein level is significantly above average it is a little below what we would consider ideal, especially when some of it is plant-based protein. As a consequence, this may not be sufficient protein for dogs 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 37% of Taste of the Wild’s Wetlands Formula Dry Dog Food 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 poultry ingredients such as Duck and Chicken. Fat from poultry 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 Wetlands Formula Dry Dog Food contains an average of 3,750 kcal/kg or 375 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 – Wetlands Formula Dry Dog Food
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) – 4.00%
- Moisture (Max) – 10.00%
- Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 2.4%
- 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
- Duck
- Duck Meal
- Chicken Meal
- Roasted Quail
- Roasted Duck
- Smoked Turkey
- Peas
- Sweet Potatoes
Low-Quality Ingredients
- Potato 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 formulas meat and fish ingredients is crucial. Taste of the Wild’s Wetlands Formula Dry Dog Food contains seven sources of meat or fish.
The primary meat source present is Duck. Duck is a considered a high-quality source of protein. It contains considerably higher levels of selenium and phosphorus than other meats. Unfortunately, Duck does contain a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Duck. However given that Duck is the first listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.
The secondary meat source present is Duck Meal. Duck 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. Duck Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Duck but in higher concentrations. This will include the selenium and phosphorus mentioned previously.
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 Quail is considered a high-quality source of meat. Unfortunately, Quail contains a large amount of water. This moisture will be evaporated during the cooking process leaving a smaller amount of Quail.
Another meat source present is Turkey. Turkey is a considered a high-quality source of protein. Some of the beneficial nutrients contained within Turkey include Vitamin B6 and Niacin. Unfortunately, Turkey does contain a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Turkey. Given that Turkey is not one of the primary ingredients, its proportion will be relatively low after the cooking process.
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 mean that they are considered a high-quality ingredient despite containing mostly carbohydrates.
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.
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 – Wetlands Formula Dry Dog Food
Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), egg product, natural flavor, ocean fish meal, potato protein, roasted quail, roasted duck, smoked turkey, tomato pomace, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, 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.
