Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Recipe
Dry Extruded · complete
Our verdict
Is Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Recipe a good dog food?
We score it 49/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete extruded dry food for adult dogs, with venison, lamb and chickpeas as the main ingredients.
Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.
100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for adult dogs
- Labelling or feeding guide is aimed at small dogs
- Grain-free: no grain ingredients listed
- Doesn't list chicken, beef, turkey, pork as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids lamb: the label lists lamb
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists fish meal
- Your dog avoids venison: the label lists venison
- Your dog avoids duck: the label lists dried duck protein
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
- You are limiting fat: 20.0% on a dry-matter basis is in the high band
These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.
Nutrition and feedingProtein 32% · Fat 18%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32% |
| Fat | 18% |
| Fibre | 4% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.30% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 2.80% |
Energy: 372 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
For adult dogs: 3 lb = ⅓ cup, 5 lb = ½ cup, 10 lb = ¾ cup, 20 lb = 1⅓ cups, 30 lb = 2 cups, 40 lb = 2⅓ cups per day (standard measuring cups).
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin E Supplement 150 IU/kg minimum; Iron Proteinate; Zinc Proteinate 150 mg/kg minimum; Copper Proteinate; Manganese Proteinate; Vitamin A Supplement; Vitamin D3 Supplement; Vitamin B12 Supplement; Riboflavin; Thiamine Mononitrate; Niacin; Calcium Pantothenate; Pyridoxine Hydrochloride; Folic Acid; Biotin; Sodium Selenite 0.35 mg/kg minimum; Ferrous Sulfate; Zinc Sulfate; Manganese Sulfate; Copper Sulfate; Potassium Iodide; Taurine 0.12% minimum; Choline Chloride
Technological additives
Mixed tocopherols (preservative in canola oil); Yucca Schidigera Extract
Ingredients (47)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 52.1%
- veg 17.4%
- meat 13.2%
- carb 5.2%
- additive 4.9%
- oil 2.6%
- fibre 2.5%
- mineral 2.0%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Venison | Venison | meat · good | - | 2.8 |
| 2 | Lamb Meal | Lamb | meat · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 3 | Garbanzo Beans | Chickpeas | veg · good | - | 2.8 |
| 4 | Peas | Peas | veg · good | - | 2.7 |
| 5 | Lentils | Lentils | veg · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 6 | Pea Protein | Pea protein | carb · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 7 | Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) | Rapeseed oil | oil · good | - | 2.6 |
| 8 | Egg Product | Egg | meat · good | - | 2.6 |
| 9 | Duck Meal | Dried Duck Protein | meat · good | - | 2.6 |
| 10 | Pea Flour | Pea flour | carb · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 11 | Dried Tomato Pomace | Tomato Pomace | fibre · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 12 | Natural Flavor | Flavor | additive · poor | - | 2.5 |
| 13 | Fish Meal | Fish Meal | meat · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 14 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.4 |
| 15 | Choline Chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 16 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 17 | Dried Chicory Root | Chicory root | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 18 | Tomatoes | Tomato | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 19 | Blueberries | Blueberries | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 20 | Raspberries | Raspberries | veg · good | - | 2.2 |
| 21 | Yucca Schidigera Extract | Yucca Schidigera | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 22 | Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product | Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 23 | Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product | Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 24 | Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product | Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 25 | Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product | Enterococcus Faecium | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 26 | Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product | Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 27 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 28 | Iron Proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 2.0 |
| 29 | Zinc Proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 30 | Copper Proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 31 | Ferrous Sulfate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 32 | Zinc Sulfate | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 33 | Manganese Sulfate | Manganese sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 34 | Copper Sulfate | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 35 | Potassium Iodide | Potassium iodide | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 36 | Thiamine Mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 37 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 38 | Vitamin A Supplement | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 39 | Biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | Niacin | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 41 | Calcium Pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 44 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | Riboflavin | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 46 | Vitamin D3 Supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 47 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
- 1. Venison2.8% estimated
- 2. Lamb Meal2.8% estimated
- 3. Garbanzo Beans2.8% estimated
- 4. Peas2.7% estimated
- 5. Lentils2.7% estimated
- 6. Pea Protein2.7% estimated
- 7. Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols)2.6% estimated
- 8. Egg Product2.6% estimated
- 9. Duck Meal2.6% estimated
- 10. Pea Flour2.5% estimated
- 11. Dried Tomato Pomace2.5% estimated
- 12. Natural Flavor2.5% estimated
- 13. Fish Meal2.5% estimated
- 14. Salt2.4% estimated
- 15. Choline Chloride2.4% estimated
- 16. Taurine2.4% estimated
- 17. Dried Chicory Root2.3% estimated
- 18. Tomatoes2.3% estimated
- 19. Blueberries2.3% estimated
- 20. Raspberries2.2% estimated
- 21. Yucca Schidigera Extract2.2% estimated
- 22. Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product2.2% estimated
- 23. Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product2.2% estimated
- 24. Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product2.1% estimated
- 25. Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product2.1% estimated
- 26. Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product2.1% estimated
- 27. Vitamin E Supplement2.0% estimated
- 28. Iron Proteinate2.0% estimated
- 29. Zinc Proteinate2.0% estimated
- 30. Copper Proteinate1.9% estimated
- 31. Ferrous Sulfate1.9% estimated
- 32. Zinc Sulfate1.9% estimated
- 33. Manganese Sulfate1.9% estimated
- 34. Copper Sulfate1.8% estimated
- 35. Potassium Iodide1.8% estimated
- 36. Thiamine Mononitrate1.8% estimated
- 37. Manganese Proteinate1.7% estimated
- 38. Vitamin A Supplement1.7% estimated
- 39. Biotin1.7% estimated
- 40. Niacin1.6% estimated
- 41. Calcium Pantothenate1.6% estimated
- 42. Sodium Selenite1.6% estimated
- 43. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride1.6% estimated
- 44. Vitamin B12 Supplement1.5% estimated
- 45. Riboflavin1.5% estimated
- 46. Vitamin D3 Supplement1.5% estimated
- 47. Folic Acid1.4% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-14
Brand and contact: Taste of the Wild
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-09-14
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com
Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.
Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.
Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Why this score?
This recipe achieves an overall rating of 49 out of 100. The inclusion of ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, and the processing format adjusted the score by -6.7. Conversely, the overall quality of the ingredient list added +6 points, while being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3 points to the final evaluation.
Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.7 | 9.191 | +5.99 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 6.0% | -0.115 | -0.69 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 3.4% | -0.092 | -0.31 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.7% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 5.8% | 0.163 | +0.94 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 62.4% | -0.012 | -0.76 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.5% | -0.065 | -0.42 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.5% | 0.060 | +0.15 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -5.95 | 0.222 | -1.32 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.7 | 9.191 | +5.99 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 6.0% | -0.115 | -0.69 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 3.4% | -0.092 | -0.31 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.7% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 5.8% | 0.163 | +0.94 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 62.4% | -0.012 | -0.76 |
| Other share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.375 | +0.00 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.027 | +0.00 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.5% | -0.065 | -0.42 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.5% | 0.060 | +0.15 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | no | 0.707 | +0.00 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| High carb and low meat | no | -1.180 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 11.084 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -5.95 | 0.222 | -1.32 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Raw | no | -0.054 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 6.629 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 6.331 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- +0.02
- Additives declared on label
- +2 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 48.8
- Final score
- 49/100
Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.
Score history across model versions
The score shown above is always computed with the latest published model. Earlier scores are kept for the record and are never edited or deleted; a scoring change ships as a new model version with a public write-up on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for adult dogs. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.
Guaranteed-analysis FEDIAF score: crude minimums and maximums are bounds, not typical values; moisture (a maximum) uses the processing median where available; experimental US score.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 32 | 35.4 (band 18.497237569060772 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 18 | 19.9 (band 5.651933701657457 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 4 | 4.4 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) | - | - | 100 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 372 | 411 | 100 |
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.
Scored over 5 declared nutrients (combined weight 70); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 23 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin E Supplement 150 IU/kg minimum
- Iron Proteinate
- Zinc Proteinate 150 mg/kg minimum
- Copper Proteinate
- Manganese Proteinate
- Vitamin A Supplement
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Riboflavin
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- Niacin
- Calcium Pantothenate
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Folic Acid
- Biotin
- Sodium Selenite 0.35 mg/kg minimum
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Zinc Sulfate
- Manganese Sulfate
- Copper Sulfate
- Potassium Iodide
- Taurine 0.12% minimum
- Choline Chloride
Low confidence: partial analysis or moisture estimated from the food type.
This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.
Transparency: what the label discloses
How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Ingredient list on the label (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file | 0/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) | 5/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 5/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file | 0/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Analytical constituents declared, Batch and date labelling).
Safety: recall history
Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.
No recalls recorded in our database.
See all current recalls we track.
Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it
The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.
100/100 · moderate — 2 checkable claims: 2 consistent, 0 contradicted.
Consistent with the label
- "Rich in protein and fat, this recipe provides the energy that active small dogs need." — supported by the declared high protein data.
- "Grain-Free Recipe" — supported by the declared grain-free data.
10 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Moderate: every checkable claim is consistent with the declared label.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly digestible venison and small kibble size make this recipe easy on your small breed dog's tummy and teeth. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Probiotics and prebiotic fiber help support healthy digestion (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Venison, the number one ingredient in this recipe, is rich in nutrients and energy, and a highly digestible source of protein. (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Roasted venison along with lamb, egg, duck and fish proteins provide recommended amino acid nutrition. (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Rich in protein and fat, this recipe provides the energy that active small dogs need. (on page) | High/low level | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Rich in proteins and fat, this recipe provides the energy that active small breed adult dogs need in a small kibble size that is easy for small mouths to chew. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Fiber from garbanzo beans helps support digestive health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root provides fuel for the beneficial probiotic bacteria in the digestive system. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Legumes and fruits, including peas, lentils, tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries, provide nutrients that help support your dog's overall well-being (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Guaranteed levels of zinc, selenium and vitamin E help support the immune system. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Grain-Free Recipe (on page) | Free-from | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Each pound of Taste of the Wild provides 80 million live, active cultures that help support healthy digestive and immune systems. (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
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