Taste of the Wild vs. Royal Canin: Who Wins? [2023]

Our Verdict –Taste of the Wild Vs. Royal Canin: Who Wins?

After assessing the factors of protein content, ingredient quality, and recall history, we lean towards Royal Canin. While Taste of the Wild offers high protein levels and grain-free options, Royal Canin excels in ingredient quality and has a solid history of fewer recalls. Royal Canin also offers specialized veterinary diets and customizes its food based on breeds, sizes, and life stages, which can be an essential factor for those looking for targeted nutrition. Taste of the Wild has had more recent recalls, which could be concerning to some pet owners. Therefore, for those prioritizing a long-standing reputation for safety and ingredient specificity, Royal Canin stands out.

 

Taste of the Wild vs. Royal Canin: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of pets are these foods intended for?

Taste of the Wild: This brand caters primarily to dogs and cats, focusing on mimicking the natural diet that these animals would have in the wild.

Royal Canin: Royal Canin offers a more expansive range, serving not just dogs and cats but also providing specialized diets for different breeds, sizes, and health conditions.2. What is the nutritional philosophy behind each brand?

Taste of the Wild: The brand focuses on providing grain-free recipes that contain high-quality meats, fruits, and vegetables, aiming to mimic the type of diet an animal would eat in the wild.

Royal Canin: This brand takes a science-based approach, formulating its diets to meet specific needs, such as age, breed, size, and various health conditions.3. Are the ingredients sourced locally?

Taste of the Wild: The brand aims to source its ingredients from reputable suppliers, although not all ingredients are locally sourced.

Royal Canin: The brand also sources high-quality ingredients but does not specifically focus on local sourcing.4. Do they offer grain-free options?

Taste of the Wild: Yes, this brand specializes in grain-free recipes.

Royal Canin: While some grain-free options are available, Royal Canin primarily includes grains as part of its balanced diet approach.5. Do they offer specialized diets for specific health conditions?

Taste of the Wild: While they do offer various recipes aimed at supporting overall health, they do not focus on specialized health-condition-specific diets.

Royal Canin: Yes, Royal Canin offers a wide range of specialized diets tailored for various health conditions like kidney issues, digestive problems, and more.6. What are the price points for these brands?

Taste of the Wild: Generally, this brand is moderately priced, offering a balance between cost and quality.

Royal Canin: This is generally considered a premium brand, and its specialized diets can be quite expensive.7. Is a veterinarian consultation required for either brand?

Taste of the Wild: No, a vet consultation is generally not required unless your pet has specific health concerns.

Royal Canin: For some specialized diets, a vet prescription may be needed.8. What types of protein sources are used?

Taste of the Wild: The brand primarily uses high-quality meat like buffalo, lamb, and salmon.

Royal Canin: Protein sources vary depending on the specific diet but can include chicken, fish, and lamb.9. Do these brands conduct animal testing?

Taste of the Wild: The brand does not provide specific information on animal testing.

Royal Canin: The company does engage in animal testing to ensure the nutritional effectiveness of its diets but adheres to ethical standards.10. Are these brands available internationally?

Taste of the Wild: The brand is primarily available in the United States but is also distributed in some international markets.

Royal Canin: This brand is globally available.11. Do they offer wet food options?

Taste of the Wild: Yes, they offer both dry and wet food options.

Royal Canin: Royal Canin also offers a range of wet foods alongside its dry food varieties.12. Are these brands AAFCO approved?

Taste of the Wild: Yes, their recipes meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO.

Royal Canin: Royal Canin also meets AAFCO guidelines, and their specialized diets often exceed standard requirements.13. How is the palatability of the food?

Taste of the Wild: Generally, pets find Taste of the Wild to be very palatable due to its high meat content.

Royal Canin: The brand formulates its diets to be highly palatable to encourage eating, especially for specialized diets.14. Do they offer kitten or puppy formulations?

Taste of the Wild: Yes, they offer specific formulations tailored to the needs of kittens and puppies.

Royal Canin: Royal Canin also offers specialized diets for kittens and puppies, even breaking them down by breed in some cases.15. What is the shelf-life of the products?

Taste of the Wild: Shelf life may vary, but dry food generally lasts up to a year if unopened.