Overview

Taste of the Wild High Prairie does something unusual in the mid-range price bracket: it offers genuinely novel proteins — roasted bison and roasted venison — alongside a grain-free formula at a price that undercuts most premium competitors. At roughly $0.96 per day for a 50-pound dog, it delivers an ingredient list that reads like it should cost $1.50+.

Manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods (the same company behind Diamond Naturals), Taste of the Wild benefits from Diamond's efficient, large-scale production while positioning itself as the "wild-inspired" premium tier. The formula includes their proprietary K9 Strain probiotics, sweet potatoes and peas as carbohydrate sources, and a roster of real meat proteins that extends beyond chicken to include ocean fish meal.

The grain-free designation does come with the lingering shadow of the FDA's 2018-2019 investigation into potential links between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While no definitive causal relationship has been established, it's a consideration that grain-inclusive alternatives in this comparison don't carry.

Features Deep-Dive

Novel Protein Sources

Bison and venison aren't just marketing hooks — they serve a functional purpose. Dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities often tolerate novel proteins better because their immune systems haven't developed reactivity to them. The High Prairie formula uses roasted bison and roasted venison as its featured proteins, supplemented by beef, lamb meal, chicken meal, and ocean fish meal for a broad amino acid profile.

The protein diversity is a genuine advantage: six named animal protein sources provide a more complete amino acid spectrum than single-protein formulas. At 32% crude protein minimum, the formula exceeds most mid-range competitors while falling short of ultra-high-protein options like Victor Nutra Pro (38%) or Orijen (38%).

Grain-Free Carbohydrate Strategy

Instead of grains, High Prairie uses sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes as primary carbohydrate and fiber sources. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates with a lower glycemic index than corn or wheat, plus beta-carotene and dietary fiber. Peas contribute additional protein and fiber. The formula avoids corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives entirely.

The carbohydrate composition does raise the DCM consideration. The FDA's investigation flagged grain-free diets heavy in legumes (peas, lentils) as potentially associated with heart disease in certain breeds. The science remains inconclusive, but owners of predisposed breeds (Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Great Danes) should discuss grain-free feeding with their veterinarian.

K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics

Taste of the Wild uses the same K9 Strain probiotics featured in Diamond Naturals, with species-specific Bacillus cultures designed to survive the kibble manufacturing process. Each pound contains 80 million CFUs, supporting digestive efficiency and immune health. The probiotic coating is applied after cooking to preserve viability — the same approach as Diamond's other brands.

Pricing Analysis

At approximately $54 for a 28-pound bag, Taste of the Wild High Prairie costs about $0.96 per day for a 50-pound dog. This positions it as an exceptional value within the grain-free segment — comparable brands like Wellness CORE ($1.67/day) and Instinct Raw Boost ($2.02/day) cost significantly more for similar grain-free, high-protein positioning.

The Diamond Pet Foods manufacturing backbone enables this pricing advantage. You're getting novel proteins, probiotics, and a grain-free formula at a price that's only marginally above budget options. The tradeoff is that Taste of the Wild doesn't offer the ingredient sourcing transparency of premium brands — you won't find farm-of-origin details or certified humane designations.

Who Is This For?

Taste of the Wild High Prairie works best for:

• Dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities seeking novel proteins (bison, venison) without the ultra-premium price tag — most limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas cost $1.50+/day
• Owners who want grain-free without premium pricing — at $0.96/day, it's the most affordable grain-free option in this comparison by a wide margin
• Adventure and outdoor dog owners who like the idea of a varied, meat-forward diet that reflects a more "ancestral" feeding philosophy

Who Should NOT Use This

Taste of the Wild High Prairie might not be the right choice if:

• DCM risk concerns you: The grain-free, legume-heavy formula falls squarely within the category the FDA flagged for potential DCM association — if your breed is predisposed or you're risk-averse, grain-inclusive alternatives like ACANA Wholesome Grains or Blue Buffalo Life Protection eliminate this concern entirely
• You want full ingredient traceability: Diamond Pet Foods operates at massive scale with ingredients sourced globally — brands like Open Farm (lot-level traceability) or ACANA (regional sourcing) offer significantly more visibility into where your dog's food actually comes from

Bottom Line

Taste of the Wild High Prairie punches above its price class. Novel proteins, a meat-forward ingredient list, and proprietary probiotics at under $1.00/day is a combination no other brand in this comparison matches. The grain-free DCM question is the primary caveat — if that doesn't concern you, the value proposition is outstanding.

FAQ

Should I be worried about DCM with grain-free food?

The FDA's investigation identified a statistical correlation between certain grain-free diets (particularly those heavy in peas and lentils) and dilated cardiomyopathy, but has not established a causal mechanism. The issue may involve taurine absorption rather than grains per se. If your dog is a breed predisposed to DCM (Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Great Danes), discuss grain-free feeding with your veterinarian. For most dogs, the risk appears low based on current evidence.

Is Taste of the Wild made by Diamond Pet Foods?

Yes. Taste of the Wild is a brand within the Diamond Pet Foods family, manufactured in their US facilities. This relationship enables the competitive pricing — Diamond's scale reduces production costs. Diamond also manufactures their budget line (Diamond Naturals) and several other brands. Quality control standards apply across all their product lines.

How much bison and venison is actually in the food?

While bison and venison are featured prominently in the marketing, they appear in the ingredient list alongside beef, lamb meal, chicken meal, and ocean fish meal. Ingredient lists are ordered by pre-cooking weight, and the exact percentages aren't disclosed. The formula delivers genuine protein diversity, but bison and venison aren't the majority protein sources — they're part of a broader multi-protein blend.