Wild Red Dog Food Reviews: Is It Worth It?

If you are standing in the pet food aisle (or scrolling online) feeling completely overwhelmed by the “grain-free vs. grain-inclusive” debate or wondering if “raw-coated” is just a marketing gimmick, you are not alone. I’ve been there, staring at the price tag of Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red, asking myself if my dog will even notice the difference.

The short answer? Yes, they likely will. If you have a picky eater or want to boost your dog’s protein intake without the hassle of a fully raw diet, I absolutely recommend you buy this product. It bridges the gap between standard kibble and raw nutrition beautifully.

My Experience With Wild Red Dog Food

I have a mixed-breed rescue named Cooper who is, to put it mildly, food-snobbish.

For years, he would graze on his food, staring at his bowl with disdain unless I topped it with cheese, wet food, or broth.

I wanted to get him off the grocery-store brands that were full of corn and fillers, but I couldn’t quite afford a fully frozen raw diet.

That’s when I stumbled upon Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red. Specifically, I picked up the “Raw Coated Red Meat Recipe” (the grain-free version, though they have a grain-inclusive one too).

The first thing I noticed when I opened the bag was the smell.

It didn’t smell like that burnt, cardboard scent you get with cheap kibble. It smelled distinctively meaty, almost like beef jerky.

The kibble pieces themselves looked different—they had a dusty, matte finish, which I learned is the freeze-dried raw coating.

I started the transition slowly, mixing about 25% of the Wild Red with his old food. Cooper, who usually picks around new things, actually dug his nose in and picked out the Wild Red pieces, leaving his old kibble behind. That was the first win. By day three, he was doing a happy tap-dance when he heard the bag open.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Around day five, when we were at a 50/50 mix, Cooper had some pretty loose stools. I realized I was transitioning him too fast for such a protein-dense food. I backed off, added a little pumpkin puree, and slowed the transition down to a full two weeks. Once his system adjusted, the difference was night and day.

Three months later, his coat, which used to be a bit coarse and dull, is incredibly soft and shiny. But the biggest change is his energy and digestion. He produces much smaller, firmer waste now (a sign he’s actually absorbing the nutrients), and he finishes every meal immediately. For me, the peace of mind knowing he’s eating “whole prey” ingredients without me having to butcher meat in my kitchen is worth every penny.

Also read: My Experience With Earthborn Holistic Dog Food

Pros Of Wild Red Dog Food

• Legume-Free Formulas (In Specific Recipes): One of the biggest selling points for me, and a major reason many pet owners are switching to Wild Red, is their stance on fillers. In their grain-free recipes, they explicitly exclude legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas). This is massive because of the recent concerns regarding DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) potentially being linked to legume-heavy grain-free diets. Instead of puffing up the protein count with pea protein, Wild Red relies on animal sources.² Even in their grain-inclusive lines, they avoid the cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, opting for wholesome grains like barley and oatmeal.³
• The “Whole Prey” Approach: Most dog foods just use “meat” or “meat meal.” Wild Red utilizes a “Whole Prey” philosophy, which means they include muscle meat, organ meat (like liver and kidney), and cartilage.⁴ In the wild, a wolf doesn’t just eat the steak; they eat the organs which are nutrient-dense powerhouses packed with vitamins and minerals. This means the nutrition in the bag comes naturally from the animal parts rather than just a spray-on vitamin pack added at the end of processing.
• Incredible Palatability for Picky Eaters: If you have a dog that turns their nose up at dry food, the “raw coated” aspect of this kibble is a game-changer. Every single piece of kibble is tumbled in freeze-dried raw meat.⁵ This gives it an aroma and taste that is far superior to standard baked kibble. It essentially tricks the dog into thinking they are getting a high-value treat for every meal. For extreme pickiness, the “Raw Blend” version even includes actual chunks of freeze-dried meat mixed in with the kibble.⁶
• Multi-Source Protein Variety: The “Red Meat” recipe, for example, isn’t just beef.⁷ It contains beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison, and goat.⁸ This diversity mimics a more natural diet. Feeding a single protein source for a dog’s entire life can sometimes lead to sensitivities or allergies to that specific protein. By offering a blend, you are providing a wider range of amino acids and nutrients, keeping their digestive system adaptable and robust.
• High Animal Protein Content: Depending on the specific recipe, 78% to 90% of the protein in Wild Red comes from animal sources.⁹ This is a critical distinction. Many brands boast “30% Protein” on the bag, but if you look closely, a huge chunk of that comes from pea protein or potato protein, which dogs digest less efficiently than meat. With Wild Red, you know the protein count is fueling lean muscle mass with the right biological building blocks.

Cons Of Wild Red Dog Food

• The Premium Price Tag: There is no getting around it—this is an expensive dog food. It costs significantly more than your standard Purina or Blue Buffalo. If you have a large breed dog, like a Great Dane or a German Shepherd, a 22lb bag is going to go fast, and the monthly cost can be a shock to the budget. You are paying for the freeze-drying process and the high meat inclusion, but it is definitely an investment.
• Richness Can Cause Digestive Upset: Because this food is so nutrient-dense and high in fat and protein, it can be a shock to a dog’s system if they are used to a grain-heavy, lower-quality food. As I mentioned in my experience, transitioning too quickly can lead to diarrhea or soft stools. It is not a “light” food. Owners with dogs who have sensitive stomachs or a history of pancreatitis need to be very careful with the fat content and consult a vet before switching.
• Kibble “Dust” and Crumbs: The downside of the freeze-dried raw coating is that it can be fragile. Toward the bottom of the bag, you will often find a lot of “dust” or powder where the coating has rubbed off the kibble. While this is actually great nutritious “sprinkles” to put on top of the food, it can be messy if you aren’t expecting it. It can make a mess on your floor if your dog is a messy eater, and it can make measuring precise calorie counts slightly more difficult at the end of the bag.

Maintenance Tips For Wild Red Dog Food

• Hydration is Key: Even though this food has raw components, it is still a dry kibble with low moisture content.¹⁰ The high protein nature of the food means your dog needs plenty of water to process it efficiently and protect their kidneys. I highly recommend adding a splash of warm water or bone broth to the kibble right before serving. This not only helps with hydration but also rehydrates the raw coating slightly, bringing out even more of that meaty aroma.
• Proper Storage to Preserve Freshness: The raw coating on this kibble is more sensitive to air and moisture than standard processed kibble. Fats can go rancid if left exposed to oxygen. Do not just leave the bag rolled up with a clip in a humid garage. I recommend keeping the food in its original bag (which is usually designed to be oil-resistant) and placing that entire bag inside an airtight plastic container. Store it in a cool, dark place. If you buy the large bags, try to use them up within 4-6 weeks of opening.
• The “Topper” Strategy for Budgeting: If you love the ingredients of Wild Red but can’t justify the cost for feeding it exclusively, use it as a mixer. Because it is so nutrient-dense, you can mix 50% Wild Red with 50% of a high-quality, more affordable base kibble. This gives your dog the taste and nutritional boost of the organ meats and raw coating without breaking the bank. Just ensure the “base” food is also of decent quality so you aren’t undoing the benefits.

Also read: My Thoughts On K9 Ballistics Dog Bed

Comparison with Other Brands

When you are shopping at this price point, you are comparing Wild Red to the titans of the industry. Here is how it stacks up against the big names.

Wild Red vs. Orijen

Orijen has long been considered the “gold standard” of biologically appropriate dog food.

• Meat Inclusion: Orijen typically claims 85% animal ingredients, which is very similar to Wild Red.¹¹ Both use the “Whole Prey” concept (meat, organs, bone).
• The Difference: Orijen focuses heavily on “Fresh or Raw” ingredients being the first 5-10 on the list. Wild Red focuses on the coating. Orijen is often even more expensive than Wild Red.
• Legumes: Orijen grain-free formulas often contain lentils or beans. Wild Red’s grain-free line specifically markets itself as legume-free, which is a significant advantage for owners worried about DCM.¹³
• Verdict: If you want the absolute freshest ingredient sourcing and money is no object, Orijen wins slightly.¹⁴ But if you want a safer bet regarding legumes and a slightly better price, Wild Red takes the lead.

Wild Red vs. Blue Buffalo Wilderness

Blue Buffalo Wilderness is the most common “high protein” food found in big-box stores.

• Ingredients: Blue Buffalo relies heavily on “LifeSource Bits”—those dark, vitamin-packed pellets.¹⁵ Many dogs (mine included) spit these out. Wild Red puts the nutrition on the kibble via the coating, ensuring the dog actually eats it.¹⁶
• Quality: Blue Buffalo has had a rocky history with recalls and quality control. Stella & Chewy’s (the maker of Wild Red) generally has a sterling reputation for safety, especially given their background in raw food safety protocols.
• Verdict: Wild Red is a clear tier above Blue Buffalo. It feels less like a mass-produced commercial product and more like a specialized nutrition plan.

Wild Red vs. Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild is likely the most popular grain-free food due to its affordability.

• Price: Taste of the Wild is significantly cheaper than Wild Red.
• Formulation: Taste of the Wild relies heavily on peas and sweet potatoes to bind the kibble and boost protein levels.¹⁷ As mentioned, Wild Red’s grain-free line avoids legumes.¹⁸
• Protein Quality: While Taste of the Wild uses real meat, the total animal protein percentage is usually lower than Wild Red. You are paying less, but you are getting more plant protein.
• Verdict: If you are on a budget, Taste of the Wild is a decent choice. But if you can afford the upgrade, Wild Red offers superior animal-based nutrition and avoids the controversially high legume counts.¹⁹

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

So, is Wild Red dog food worth it?

In my analysis, yes, it is absolutely worth the investment, particularly if you are looking for a safer alternative to traditional grain-free diets. The fact that they offer a legume-free option that is still packed with protein is a rare find in today’s market.²³ It gives you the convenience of kibble with the nutritional kick of raw food. If you can fit it into your budget, your dog’s coat, energy levels, and empty bowl will thank you.