As a dog owner, I’m constantly navigating the maze of pet food aisles and websites, trying to find that perfect balance of quality, nutrition, and a taste my dog will actually enjoy. The biggest challenge? Finding a high-protein food that doesn’t rely on cheap fillers or ingredients that might not agree with my pup’s system. Many of us want to feed our dogs a diet that feels closer to what their ancestors would have eaten—rich in meat and nutrients. That’s why I was so interested to take a closer look at the NutriSource Element Series Wild Range formula. It promises a diet packed with animal protein, designed to support everything from gut health to a shiny coat.
The big idea behind the Element Series is to maximize nutrient density without common fillers like potatoes. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dig in.
Key Features of NutriSource Wild Range
Here’s what makes this particular formula stand out:
✅ Seriously High Animal Protein: With a blend of chicken, pork, and bison, an impressive 83% of the protein in this food comes from animal sources. This is fantastic for supporting lean muscle mass and catering to a dog’s natural dietary needs.
✅ Heart Health Support: The formula includes balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, plus L-Carnitine, taurine, and DL-methionine. These are crucial ingredients that work together to support cardiovascular health, which is a big plus for owners of breeds prone to heart issues.
✅ Proprietary Gut Health System: NutriSource includes its “Good 4 Life+” system, which is a blend of prebiotics and probiotics. This is designed to support a healthy gut microbiome, leading to better digestion and nutrient absorption.
✅ Formulated for All Life Stages: This food meets AAFCO guidelines for all life stages, from playful puppies to dignified seniors. This is convenient for multi-dog households and means you won’t have to switch foods as your dog ages.
How to Serve and Transition
If you decide to give this food a try, remember that a slow transition is key to avoiding an upset stomach.
- Start Small: For the first 2-3 days, mix about 25% of the NutriSource food with 75% of your dog’s old food.
- Increase Gradually: Over the next 7-10 days, slowly increase the amount of NutriSource while decreasing the old food until you’ve fully transitioned.
- Follow Feeding Guidelines: The bag provides a feeding chart based on your dog’s weight. The general recommendation is to divide the total daily amount into two separate meals. Always adjust based on your dog’s individual activity level, age, and metabolism. And of course, always have fresh, clean water available!
What Are Pet Owners Saying?
With an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, the feedback is mostly positive, though there are a few things to consider.
- James (5/5 stars) mentioned his picky German Shepherd absolutely loves the Wild Range flavor. He noticed a significant improvement in his dog’s coat and energy levels after just a few weeks.
- Chloe (4/5 stars) praised the high-quality ingredient list and the fact that her dog’s sensitive stomach handled it well. Her only complaint was the premium price tag, but she felt the quality justified the cost.
- Robert (3/5 stars) said that while he appreciated the formula, his dog just didn’t seem to take to the taste and would often leave food in the bowl. He ended up switching to a different flavor in the NutriSource line.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Extremely high in animal protein | ❌ Premium price point might not fit all budgets |
| ✅ Includes probiotics for digestion | ❌ Rich formula may not suit all dogs initially |
| ✅ Supports heart and coat health | ❌ Some picky eaters might not prefer the flavor |
| ✅ All Life Stages formula | ❌ Contains legumes despite some marketing claims |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: The features list says this food is “legume free,” but the ingredients list garbanzo beans and red lentils. What’s the deal? A: This is an excellent and important question. There seems to be a discrepancy in the product listing. While a marketing bullet point claims it’s legume-free, the official ingredient list clearly includes garbanzo beans and red lentils. You should always trust the ingredient list over marketing claims. This food is not legume-free, but it is potato-free and free from common grains like corn, wheat, and soy.
Q: Is this a good food for a dog with a sensitive stomach? A: It can be, thanks to the “Good 4 Life+” system with prebiotics and probiotics. However, because the formula is so rich in protein and fat, it’s crucial to transition your dog very slowly over 7-10 days to allow their digestive system to adapt.
Q: What is the kibble size like? A: The kibble is a standard size suitable for most medium and large breeds. Owners of toy breeds or giant breeds might want to see if they can find a sample, but it’s generally considered an all-purpose size.
Final Verdict
So, who is the NutriSource Element Series Wild Range for?
This is an excellent choice for pet owners who want to invest in a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet for their dogs, especially for active or working breeds that need the extra fuel. If you’re looking to avoid potatoes and traditional grains and are willing to pay a premium for top-tier ingredients like chicken, pork, and bison, this food is definitely worth considering.
However, if you have an extremely picky eater or a dog with a known sensitivity to legumes, you might want to proceed with caution or try a smaller bag first. For the average dog owner looking to upgrade their pet’s nutrition, this is a fantastic, well-rounded option.
Ready to give it a try for your furry friend? You can find it on Amazon.
Buy on Amazon NutriSource Element Series Wild Range Dry Dog Food