Frequently Asked Questions
Pet Food — Nutrition & Ingredients
Wild Earth dog food is formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance, which means it delivers complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. Each recipe is developed with veterinarians and animal nutritionists to provide the protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals adult dogs need.
Wild Earth dog food is 100% plant-based and contains no animal products. Its protein comes from high-quality plant sources such as dried yeast and potato protein, providing the complete amino acid profile dogs need without using meat.
Wild Earth meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance. The brand treats AAFCO standards as a baseline minimum and formulates each recipe with veterinarians and nutritionists to meet or exceed those requirements
Wild Earth is formulated to meet AAFCO adult maintenance nutrient profiles and includes taurine, an amino acid that supports normal heart and eye function. Taurine is added so the plant-based recipe provides this important nutrient without relying on meat.
Wild Earth is not grain-free. Its recipes include wholesome grains like barley, oats, grain sorghum, and millet, which provide fiber and energy. Wild Earth intentionally stays grain-inclusive and free of legumes, which addresses the heart-health (DCM) concerns that have been associated with grain-free, legume-heavy diets.
Wild Earth's plant-based recipes do not contain soy. The formulas are built around dried yeast, potato protein, and grains like barley, oats, and sorghum, and they're also free of other common allergens including wheat, corn, dairy, and meat. You can confirm the full ingredient list on Wild Earth's ingredients page.
Wild Earth's Performance Formula contains 28% protein (minimum) and the Maintenance Formula contains 23% protein, with the protein coming from plant sources like dried yeast and potato protein. The formulas are moderate in calories, roughly 250 kcal per cup for Performance and 245 kcal per cup for Maintenance. Check the guaranteed analysis on your specific bag or product page for exact figures.
The fatty acids dogs need are not exclusive to meat. The essential ones, omega-6 (linoleic acid), and omega-3 are available from plants, and Wild Earth uses flaxseed, canola, sunflower, and safflower oils to supply them. Importantly, Wild Earth adds DHA, a key omega-3 usually associated with fish, directly from marine algae, the same original source fish get it from, so dogs receive it without relying on meat.
Wild Earth is a science-driven company and considers approved genetically modified ingredients a safe, reliable, and sustainable option for food production. All ingredients are selected to meet the brand's nutritional and quality standards for a complete and balanced adult dog food.
Wild Earth uses heat extrusion, the same process used in about 95% of dry dog foods, with cooking temperatures typically ranging from about 140°F during extrusion up to around 265°F during drying. Because some vitamins are heat-sensitive, Wild Earth adds nutrients through premixes and post-cooking coating and tests the finished food to confirm it meets AAFCO adult maintenance levels. Plant-based proteins also tend to withstand extrusion well, helping preserve nutritional quality.
Wild Earth's recipes were developed by a team of veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and food scientists, including veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward, who helped create the brand's plant-based formula. The recipes are designed to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance using high-quality plant-based ingredients.
Wild Earth makes two plant-based recipes. The Performance Formula (Veggie Supreme) leads with dried yeast as its main protein, followed by barley, oats, grain sorghum, and potato protein, with superfoods like spinach, pumpkin, blueberries, and cranberries. The Maintenance Formula (Classic Roast and Golden Rotisserie) is a limited-ingredient recipe led by barley, then brown rice, grain sorghum, dried yeast, potato protein, millet, sweet potato, flaxseed, and turmeric. Both use flaxseed, canola, and safflower oils for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, algae-derived DHA, and added taurine, L-carnitine, and choline, plus vitamins and chelated minerals. Neither contains meat, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, wheat, or legumes. For the complete, current ingredient panel, see the product page for your specific formula.
Pet Food — Feeding, Health & Suitability
Dogs are omnivores and can meet their nutritional needs on a properly formulated plant-based diet. Wild Earth is developed by veterinarians and nutritionists to meet AAFCO adult maintenance profiles, supplying complete protein and essential nutrients without meat. As with any diet change, check with your veterinarian first.
Wild Earth dog food and treats were evaluated through humane volunteer feeding studies supervised by a panel of veterinarians and scientists. These acceptability and digestibility studies help confirm that dogs enjoy the food and can digest it well.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart-muscle disease that reduces the heart's pumping efficiency. Research into a possible link with diet is ongoing and not fully settled. Wild Earth includes taurine and formulates to AAFCO adult maintenance profiles; if you have concerns about DCM, discuss your dog's diet with your veterinarian.
Many dogs take to Wild Earth right away, and the brand offers roasted flavors designed to be palatable. If your dog is picky, transition slowly by mixing Wild Earth with their current food. The satisfaction guarantee lets you try it with low risk.
A sudden diet change can cause temporary digestive upset in any dog. To avoid this, transition gradually over 7 to 10 days, slowly increasing the amount of Wild Earth. Start by mixing about 25% Wild Earth with 75% of your dog's current food, then increase the Wild Earth portion every few days until you reach 100%. A slow transition helps your dog's digestive system adjust comfortably.
Feeding amounts depend on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Wild Earth provides a feeding chart on every bag and product page that lists recommended daily amounts by weight. Use it as a starting point and adjust to keep your dog at a healthy body condition.
Wild Earth can be part of a weight-management routine when fed in the right portions, since meals are measured using the feeding chart. For an overweight dog, ask your veterinarian for a target weight and daily calorie amount, then adjust portions accordingly.
. Wild Earth's current Performance and Maintenance formulas are formulated to meet AAFCO standards for adult dogs in maintenance, not for growth. Because puppies have different nutritional needs, Wild Earth is not recommended as a complete diet for puppies. Ask your veterinarian for puppy feeding guidance.
Dog food is not nutritionally complete for cats, which require nutrients such as higher levels of taurine and certain animal-derived compounds. Wild Earth makes a separate cat food formulated for feline needs, so feed cats the product made specifically for them.
Many dogs with sensitivities to common animal proteins do well on a plant-based diet, since Wild Earth contains no meat, dairy, or eggs. If your dog has a diagnosed food sensitivity, ask your veterinarian whether a plant-based diet is a good fit before switching.
Wild Earth treats are 100% plant-based, like the dog food, and contain no meat, dairy, or eggs. They are designed to pair with the food as a complementary snack rather than a complete meal.
Wild Earth kibble is a single size made for adult dogs of all breeds. The pieces are small and round, roughly comparable to the diameter of a U.S. quarter, which makes them easy to eat for both small and large dogs.
General Questions
Wild Earth is a 100% plant-based dog food developed by veterinarians and nutritionists to meet AAFCO adult maintenance standards. It uses no meat, dairy, or eggs, which can appeal to dogs with sensitivities to animal proteins and to owners looking for a more sustainable diet.
Pet foods are not “FDA approved” the way medications are. Instead, they are regulated by the FDA and state feed-control officials and formulated to AAFCO nutrient standards. Wild Earth is formulated to meet AAFCO adult maintenance profiles and produced under standard pet food safety practices.
Yes. Wild Earth appeared on Shark Tank in 2019 (Season 10), where founder Ryan Bethencourt landed a $550,000 deal with Mark Cuban for 10% of the company. Wild Earth was founded and is led by Bethencourt as CEO, and is backed by Mark Cuban along with other investors.
Sustainability is core to Wild Earth's mission. According to the company, its plant-based food uses about 95% less water and produces about 96% less CO2 emissions than meat-based kibble, because plant protein requires far fewer land, water, and emissions resources than meat. Wild Earth also uses recyclable packaging for its treats and supplements.
Wild Earth dog food is made in the United States, at contract manufacturing facilities in the Midwest. The brand's packaging states it is "Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients," meaning some ingredients are sourced from outside the U.S. Wild Earth does not publicly disclose its specific production facility. The company is headquartered in Berkeley, California.
Store Wild Earth in a cool, dry place, and keep it sealed in its original bag or an airtight container to protect it from air, heat, and moisture. Like most dry dog food, an unopened bag stays freshest until the best-by date printed on it, and an opened bag is best used within about six weeks. How long a bag lasts in practice depends on your dog's size and daily portion, so use the feeding chart on the bag as your guide.
Managing My Account & Shipping
Wild Earth ships within the United States, and orders typically arrive within 3–7 business days of processing. Shipping costs and current delivery estimates are shown at checkout, and subscription orders may qualify for free or discounted shipping.
Log in to your Wild Earth account, open the subscription section, and choose to skip a delivery, pause, or cancel. Changes apply to upcoming orders as long as they are made before your next billing date. You can also contact support for help managing your plan.
You can change your delivery frequency or next ship date in your Wild Earth account under your subscription settings. Adjust the schedule to match how quickly your dog goes through the food, and save the change before your next billing date.
Wild Earth offers a satisfaction guarantee so you can try the food with confidence. If your dog doesn't love it, contact the support team within 30 days to arrange a refund or replacement. See the official guarantee terms for full details.