Brand Overview: Call of the Wilderness’s Philosophy
Your dog’s food is more than just fuel; it’s the foundation of their health and vitality. With a growing number of options, choosing the right food can be overwhelming. Among the various brands vying for your attention, Call of the Wilderness dog food has carved a niche for itself, promising a diet inspired by ancestral canine eating habits. This grain-free, high-protein approach resonates with many pet owners seeking optimal nutrition for their furry friends. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Call of the Wilderness dog food, examining its ingredients, benefits, potential drawbacks, and helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your canine companion.
While specific historical details about the exact founding date and initial vision of Call of the Wilderness might be difficult to ascertain without direct access to the company’s internal records, the brand’s philosophy is clear through its marketing and product formulations. Call of the Wilderness dog food presents itself as a brand that understands the inherent needs of dogs, rooted in their evolutionary history. The brand’s core principle centers around mimicking the diet of wild canines, emphasizing high protein content sourced from various meats and limited carbohydrates that are typically found in traditional grain-based dog foods. This “ancestral diet” approach is a cornerstone of their marketing message, appealing to owners who believe in feeding their dogs a more “natural” and biologically appropriate diet.
Call of the Wilderness has garnered significant popularity, particularly among dog owners who are increasingly aware of pet nutrition. The brand particularly resonates with those seeking grain-free options, catering to dogs with potential sensitivities or allergies, and those looking for a high-protein diet to support active lifestyles. You will find many active dog owners or breeders feeding Call of the Wilderness dog food. They often tout increased energy and muscle mass gains. The brand targets a demographic that is willing to invest in what they perceive as premium nutrition for their beloved pets.
Ingredient Analysis: What’s in Call of the Wilderness Dog Food?
The ingredient list of any dog food is the key to understanding its nutritional value. Call of the Wilderness dog food generally features a selection of identifiable components which are worth diving into.
Protein Sources
Call of the Wilderness dog food commonly utilizes multiple protein sources, including chicken, salmon, beef, and lamb. The quality of these sources is a crucial consideration. It’s important to look for “named” meat sources, such as “chicken” or “salmon,” rather than generic “meat meal.” While meat meals can be a concentrated source of protein, identifying the specific animal source provides transparency and allows for easier identification of potential allergens. Chicken is a common and relatively inexpensive protein source, while salmon offers the added benefit of omega fatty acids. Beef and lamb are often included in recipes designed for dogs with sensitivities to poultry. Each source offers its own nutritional profile and potential benefits.
Carbohydrates
In lieu of traditional grains like corn, wheat, or soy, Call of the Wilderness dog food formulations often incorporate alternative carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. These ingredients offer a source of energy and fiber. The carbohydrate sources are generally well regarded, although there has been discussion surrounding the usage of peas and legumes in dog food formulas. These ingredients, while nutritious, have been mentioned in ongoing studies regarding a potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). It’s essential to be aware of these discussions and to consult with your veterinarian about any potential concerns.
Fats
Healthy fats are crucial for energy, skin and coat health, and overall well-being. Call of the Wilderness dog food typically includes sources of fat such as chicken fat and fish oil. Chicken fat is a good source of linoleic acid, an omega-six fatty acid. Fish oil is particularly beneficial due to its high content of omega-three fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, which are known to support brain health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to a shiny coat.
Vitamins and Minerals
Like most commercial dog foods, Call of the Wilderness dog food includes a blend of added vitamins and minerals to ensure a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. These additions compensate for any potential nutrient loss during processing and ensure that your dog receives the necessary micronutrients for optimal health.
Added Supplements
Many Call of the Wilderness dog food recipes include added supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants. Probiotics support gut health by promoting a beneficial balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics, further enhancing their effectiveness. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin C, help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
When evaluating a dog food ingredient list, the placement of ingredients is important. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. This means that the ingredients listed first are present in the largest amounts. A high-quality dog food will typically list a named meat source as the first ingredient.
The guaranteed analysis provides a snapshot of the food’s macronutrient content. It lists the minimum percentage of crude protein and crude fat, and the maximum percentage of crude fiber and moisture. While the guaranteed analysis is useful, it doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s also important to consider the quality and digestibility of the ingredients.
Benefits of Call of the Wilderness Dog Food
Many dog owners report several potential benefits associated with feeding Call of the Wilderness dog food.
Improved Digestion
The grain-free formula of Call of the Wilderness dog food can be beneficial for dogs with sensitivities to grains. The inclusion of probiotics and prebiotics may also contribute to improved digestion and gut health.
Increased Energy Levels
The high protein and fat content of Call of the Wilderness dog food can provide sustained energy for active dogs. Protein is essential for muscle development and repair, while fat provides a concentrated source of energy.
Healthier Skin and Coat
The omega-three fatty acids from fish oil can contribute to a healthier skin and a shinier coat. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration.
Muscle Development and Maintenance
A diet rich in protein supports muscle development and maintenance, particularly important for growing puppies and active adult dogs. Protein is the building block of muscle tissue, and adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining a lean body mass.
Allergy Management
Some Call of the Wilderness dog food formulas are designed with limited ingredients to help manage food allergies and sensitivities. By reducing the number of potential allergens, these formulas can help alleviate symptoms such as skin itching, digestive upset, and ear infections.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While Call of the Wilderness dog food offers numerous potential benefits, it’s important to also consider the potential drawbacks.
Price
Call of the Wilderness dog food tends to be priced higher than many other commercial dog food brands. This cost may be a barrier for some dog owners. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the cost when making your decision.
DCM Concerns
As previously mentioned, there has been ongoing discussion about a potential link between grain-free diets, particularly those high in peas, lentils, and other legumes, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While the exact cause of DCM is still being investigated, it’s crucial to be aware of this concern and to discuss it with your veterinarian. It is important to note that the FDA investigated this link, but did not come to a conclusion as to the ingredients’ effect on heart health. Your vet will best be able to offer medical guidance.
Ingredient Sensitivities
Although Call of the Wilderness dog food is designed to be hypoallergenic, individual dogs can still be sensitive or allergic to specific ingredients, even if they are generally considered healthy. It’s always important to monitor your dog for any signs of allergic reactions, such as skin itching, digestive upset, or ear infections.
Not Suitable for All Dogs
Call of the Wilderness dog food may not be the best choice for all dogs. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with certain medical conditions may require a different type of diet. Puppies require a diet specifically formulated for growth, while senior dogs may benefit from a diet that is lower in calories and fat.
Availability
Depending on your location, Call of the Wilderness dog food may not be readily available at all pet stores or online retailers.
Real Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Analyzing customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the real-world experiences of other dog owners.
Positive reviews frequently highlight improvements in coat health, increased energy levels, and better digestion. Many owners report that their dogs have shinier coats, more energy, and fewer digestive issues after switching to Call of the Wilderness dog food.
Negative reviews often mention concerns about picky eaters, digestive issues (despite the claims of improved digestion), and the high price. Some owners report that their dogs refuse to eat Call of the Wilderness dog food, while others experience digestive upset after switching.
Here are some examples of direct quotes from customer reviews:
“My dog’s coat has never looked better since we switched to Call of the Wilderness! He’s also so much more energetic.”
“My dog is a very picky eater, and he loves this food! I’m so glad we found something he enjoys.”
“This food is too expensive for us to afford on a regular basis, but we do buy it as a treat.”
“My dog had terrible diarrhea after we switched to this food. We had to switch back to his old food.”
Alternatives to Call of the Wilderness
If you’re looking for alternatives to Call of the Wilderness dog food, consider exploring brands like Blue Buffalo Wilderness, Taste of the Wild, or Orijen. These brands offer similar grain-free, high-protein formulas with varying ingredient profiles and price points.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness
This brand is known for its “LifeSource Bits,” which are added to provide a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Taste of the Wild
This brand features unique protein sources such as bison, venison, and salmon.
Orijen
This brand is known for its biologically appropriate formulas, which contain a high percentage of meat ingredients.
These alternatives are considered comparable because they share a similar focus on grain-free, high-protein diets.
Conclusion
Call of the Wilderness dog food can be a good option for active dogs or those with certain sensitivities, *but* it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs and to address any concerns about grain-free diets. The brand offers a range of formulas with diverse ingredient profiles, catering to various dietary needs and preferences. Weighing the potential benefits against the cost, ingredient considerations, and individual needs of your dog is essential.
Ultimately, the best dog food is the one that meets your dog’s individual needs, promotes their health, and aligns with your budget. Do your research, talk to your vet, and choose the best food for a happy and healthy dog! Your vet is the best person to ask for medical advice and you should seek their counsel.
