Key Takeaways
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One Formula for Every Breed |
Dogs of all breeds need the same essential nutrients. One complete and balanced formula can meet those needs. |
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Breed Size Changes Portions |
Small and large dogs eat different amounts, but they don't need separate adult formulas. Feed by weight, age, and activity level. |
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Complete Plant-Based Nutrition |
Wild Earth provides complete protein and supplements taurine and L-carnitine to support adult dogs. |
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Made for Adult Dogs |
Wild Earth is formulated for dogs aged one year and older. Puppies need food appropriate for growth. |
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Switch Gradually |
Introduce over 7 to 10 days to support normal digestion.. |
Does Your Dog's Breed Change What They Should Eat?
Breed affects portions, feeding routines, and certain sensitivities. However, dogs of all breeds need the same core nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Breed only affects a few nutritional details. Large-breed puppies need controlled calcium for healthy bone development. Some long-haired and black-coated dogs benefit from extra nutrients that support coat health and pigmentation.
One Complete Formula, Built for Every Breed
Wild Earth's formulas provide complete, balanced nutrition for adult dogs. The table explains how the same formula can meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs across breeds.
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Nutrient |
What It Does |
Why It's Breed-Agnostic |
Wild Earth Contains |
|
Complete protein (AAFCO adult min 18%) |
Builds and maintains muscle, skin, and coat |
Every adult dog needs the same essential amino acids |
23% (Maintenance) 28% (Performance) |
|
Fats (omega-3 and omega-6) |
Energy, skin-barrier support, coat condition |
Ratio needs are universal; amount scales with activity, not breed |
Omega-6: 1.4–1.7% Omega-3: 0.7–0.8% |
|
Fiber |
Supports normal digestion and stool quality |
Digestive physiology is consistent across breeds |
5% max (both formulas) |
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Supplemented taurine and L-carnitine |
Support normal heart muscle metabolism |
Synthesis pathway is identical across breeds |
Taurine 0.1% Carnitine 75 mg/kg |
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Vitamins and minerals |
Metabolic, nerve, and skeletal function |
Set by weight and life stage, not breed |
Calcium 0.9–1.0% Zinc 150 mg/kg Vitamin E 100 mg/kg |
Is Plant-Based Enough for a Full-Grown Dog?
Yes, as long as the food is complete and balanced. Dogs have evolved to digest plants. Wild Earth's formulas meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance. That means they provide all the essential nutrients in the right amounts for adult dogs.
What About Taurine and L-Carnitine?
Natural taurine and L-carnitine occur almost exclusively in animal tissue. Wild Earth adds both from vegan sources to support normal heart muscle metabolism.
Supplemented taurine is not unique to plant-based food. Many meat-based kibbles add it too, since high-heat processing reduces the amount found in meat. What matters most is that the final food delivers the nutrients your dog needs.
What Does the Research Say?
A 2024 study included 2,536 dogs fed conventional meat, raw meat, or vegan diets for at least one year. Dogs fed vegan diets had the lowest reported rate of health disorders at 36%, compared with 43% for raw-fed dogs and 49% for dogs fed conventional meat.
These findings suggest that dogs can stay healthy on a well-balanced vegan diet.
From Chihuahuas to Shepherds: Does Size Change the Food?
Size changes how much your dog eats, not what nutrients they need. Adult dogs of every size need the same essential nutrients. The main difference is the number of calories they need each day.
|
Size |
Breed Examples |
Typical Adult Weight |
Feeding Consideration |
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Toy / Small |
Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Pug |
Under 20 lb |
Smaller, calorie-dense portions; monitor closely for overfeeding. |
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Medium |
Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler), Beagle, Border Collie |
20 to 50 lb |
Standard portions based on activity level and feeding guidelines. |
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Large |
German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Boxer, American Pitbull Terrier |
50 to 90 lb |
Larger portions; strictly monitor body condition to avoid obesity. |
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Giant |
Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Doberman (Large Males) |
90 lb and up |
Largest portions; manage weight strictly to reduce stress on joints. |
How Much Should You Feed by Weight?
Your dog's weight matters, but it's not the only factor. Vets estimate daily calories from weight, then adjust for activity level and body condition.
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Dog Weight |
Approx. Calories/Day |
Approx. Cups/Day* |
|
11 lb (5 kg) |
375 kcal |
1.5 cups |
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22 lb (10 kg) |
630 kcal |
2.5 cups |
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44 lb (20 kg) |
1,060 kcal |
4.2 cups |
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66 lb (30 kg) |
1,435 kcal |
5.7 cups |
|
88 lb (40 kg) |
1,780 kcal |
7.1 cups |
*These are starting estimates based on a typical neutered adult dog and 250 kcal per cup. Age, activity level, and body condition can change how much your dog needs. If you are unsure, ask your vet for personalized feeding advice.
How to Switch Your Dog to Wild Earth
A gradual transition gives your dog's digestive system time to adjust. Most dogs need 10 days to adjust, but sensitive dogs may need more time.
|
Days |
Wild Earth |
Old Food |
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1 to 3 |
25% |
75% |
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4 to 6 |
50% |
50% |
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7 to 9 |
75% |
25% |
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10+ |
100% |
0% |
Watch your dog's appetite and stool during the transition. If they develop vomiting, diarrhea, or stop eating, return to the previous ratio and move more slowly. Contact your vet if symptoms persist or become severe.
Sensitive Stomachs and Food Sensitivities
Some dogs have sensitive stomachs or react to certain proteins. In those cases, vets may recommend a limited-ingredient or novel-protein diet. Wild Earth uses yeast protein, which most dogs have not eaten before. It also removes common allergens like meat, dairy, and wheat.
Take the transition slowly and watch your dog's stool, appetite, and energy. If digestive upset appears, pause at the last ratio your dog tolerated and switch more gradually. Always talk to your vet before switching if your dog has a health condition.
For more details, read our articles on switching food for sensitive stomachs and food allergies in dogs.
Formulated for Adult Dogs
Wild Earth is formulated for adult dogs aged one year and older. It provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult maintenance. Puppies have different nutritional needs because they are still growing.
If you have a puppy, choose a food made for that life stage. Always check the label or ask your vet before making the switch.
Shih Tzu-Sized Answers
Is Wild Earth good for all dog breeds?
Yes. Wild Earth's formulas provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs of every breed. Adult dogs need the same essential nutrients regardless of breed. The main differences are:
- Portion size
- Activity level
- Body condition
Can small and large breeds eat the same dog food?
Yes. Small and large breeds can eat the same complete and balanced adult formula. Breed size changes how much food a dog needs, not the nutrients it requires. Feed your dog based on:
- Body weight
- Age
- Activity level
Does plant-based dog food have enough protein for big breeds?
Yes. Plant-based dog food provides enough protein when it is complete and balanced. Wild Earth's formulas meet AAFCO standards and contain all the essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals adult dogs of any size need.
Does vegan dog food have enough taurine?
Yes. High-quality vegan dog foods add taurine and L-carnitine to support heart health. Choose a formula that meets AAFCO standards to ensure it provides complete and balanced nutrition.
Is vegan dog food safe for adult dogs long-term?
Yes, when it is complete and balanced for adult maintenance. A 2024 study of 2,536 dogs found that dogs eating vegan diets had lower reported rates of several health-disorder indicators. Always choose an AAFCO-compliant formula and consult your vet before changing diets.
Is Wild Earth good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
It may suit dogs with food sensitivities. Wild Earth removes common allergens like beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. It uses dried yeast, which is a novel protein. Always consult your vet before switching diets if your dog has a health condition.
How much Wild Earth should I feed by weight?
Your dog's weight helps determine how much to feed. Then adjust the portion based on age, activity level, and body condition. Use the feeding chart on the label or the estimates in this article to get started.
Is Wild Earth suitable for puppies?
No. Wild Earth is formulated for adult dogs aged one year and older. Puppies have different nutritional needs because they are still growing. Choose a diet made for your life stage and ask your vet if you are unsure which food is appropriate.
How do I switch my dog to Wild Earth?
Transition your dog gradually over 7 to 10 days. Start with mostly their current food and increase the amount of Wild Earth every few days. During the transition:
- Watch appetite.
- Monitor stool quality.
- Slow the transition if digestive upset occurs.
One Formula, Many Happy Dogs
Adult dogs of every breed and size need the same essential nutrients. The formula stays the same, while portions change with weight, age, and activity. Wild Earth's formulas provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.
Every dog is unique, so pay attention to how yours responds. Talk to your vet if your dog has health concerns or special dietary needs.