Addiction Wild Islands Dry Dog Food Review: Is it the best option for your dog?
Last updated: June 20, 2024
List of Products
| Addiction Wild Islands Dry Dog Food Products | Ratings | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| 4.3 | All Life Stages | |
| 4 | Maintenance | |
| 4.1 | All Life Stages | |
| 3.7 | All Life Stages |
After examining four products, the Highland Meats Recipe is selected as the best option for review. It is not feasible to provide a full assessment of each product within Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food product line. Thus, this review covers the complete product line.
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Ingredients
Lamb, Beef, Lamb Liver, Beef Tripe, Beef Meal, Eggs, Pea Protein, Fava Beans, Beef Fat, Green Peas, Tapioca, Lamb Meal, Flaxseed, Green-lipped Mussel, Manuka Honey, Kiwifruit, Yellow Peas, Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Buffered Vinegar, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, DL-Methionine, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), d-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Cobalt Sulfate, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (for added freshness), Rosemary Extract, Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Ingredient Analysis
A higher hierarchy of elements in a list indicates a greater nutritional value.
Primary Ingredients
→ Lamb meat, derived from the name animal, is a highly digestible protein source rich in essential amino acids that support muscle development and coat health.
Each 100-gram portion of New Zealand-produced grass-fed ground lamb has around 20.3 g of protein and 12.4 g of fat [1], making it a balanced and healthy main protein source for a dog’s diet.
It is a frequently seen ingredient in many dog foods.
→ Beef, another highly digestible protein source, contains necessary amino acids and minerals.
Each 100-gram portion of New Zealand-produced raw beef has around 21.2 g of protein and 3.68 g of fat [1]. The high protein-to-fat ratio highlights beef’s role as a rich source of protein in this dog food.The nutrients assist in building strong muscles and offer energy.
→ Lamb liver, an inner organ of the named animal, is a nutrient-dense element in Addiction Highland Meats’ recipe, providing critical vitamins, minerals, and protein (20.7 g per 100 g raw portion) [1] to ensure dogs’ appropriate nutrition.
→ Beef tripe, derived from the stomach lining of the cows, consists of a mix of connective tissue and muscle. Because of its high nutrient content, it is valued in dog food recipes.
→ Beef meal, a highly concentrated protein source, is made by a process called rendering, which includes heating beef trimmings and other by-products at high temperatures to separate the fat from the protein. The protein level is generally 150–225% greater than raw beef.
The first five ingredients are the primary components of Highland Meats recipe, making up the majority of its composition and providing the bulk of its nutritional value.
Secondary Ingredients
→ Eggs, rich in protein, improve muscle and skin health in dogs. Eggs improve texture, taste, and moisture, increasing the palatability of Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food.
Though it is not clarified what type of eggs are being used, it is fair to assume chicken eggs are being utilized because they are easily available, economical, and contain a healthy amount of protein and nutrients.
In a 100-gram serving of raw eggs, the yolk component contains 23 g of protein and 23 g of fat, while the white part contains 15 g of protein [1].
→ Pea protein, derived from peas, serves as a plant-based protein source in pet food formulations.
Plant-based proteins may decrease the palatability of the dog food, as animal-source proteins are generally considered to be more palatable than plant-source proteins.
→ Fava beans, an excellent natural source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, serve as a valuable ingredient for active pets.
Each 100-gram quantity of mature seeds of fava beans has around 26.1 g of protein, 58.3 g of carbohydrates, and 25 g of fiber [1].
Other Beneficial Ingredients
→ Beef fat, derived from the tissues of cows, must contain a minimum of 90% total fatty acids, not exceed 2.5% unsaponifiable matter, and have no more than 1% insoluble impurities [2].
Beef fat improves the taste of pet food, making it more palatable. It increases texture, aids in vitamin absorption, serves as a preservative, and binds components to provide a uniform result.
→ Green peas, nutrient-rich legumes, are ideal for a dog’s diet because of their high fiber content and important minerals.
They’ve been a prevalent ingredient in dog food for years, but their popularity has skyrocketed with the recent advent of grain-free options.
Each 100g serving of raw green mature pea seeds provides 23.1 g of protein, 61.6 g of carbohydrates, and 5.7 g of fiber [1]. However, as the item is processed, the amount may change.
Other Beneficial Ingredients include Tapioca, Lamb Meal, Flaxseed, Green-lipped Mussel, Manuka Honey, Kiwifruit, Yellow Peas, Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Buffered Vinegar and so on.
However, the official website highlights three ingredients: green-lipped mussel, manuka honey, and Kiwifruit.
Vitamins and Minerals
Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as water soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins, are unstable during air drying process and are highly sensitive to heat, light, and oxidation.
The air drying process significantly reduces vitamin content, Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food makes up for this loss by adding extra vitamins in small amounts.
In case of minerals, the dog food recipe does not use chelated potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium iodate, cobalt sulfate, or sodium selenite, but it does use chelated zinc, iron, copper, and manganese for better absorption.
Ingredient Concerns and Sourcing
The Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food line has the highest overall protein content when compared to the other 3 product lines offered by the brand. Lamb, beef, lamb liver, beef tripe, beef meal, and lamb meal are the major contributors to the protein content. Lamb and beef are major allergens for dogs, as indicated by several studies. Their status as primary ingredients is a major concern.
The use of lamb and beef meal in the dish implies a lower quality, as the quantity of beef and lamb meat could have been increased to meet nutritional needs. The high protein content is not due solely to animal-based protein.
The recipe adds plant-based protein, such as pea protein, to achieve the desired nutritional value. Plant-based protein sources are often not favored by the dogs, decreasing the palatability and quality of the dog food recipe.
The recipe is grain-free. Peas, fava beans, and tapioca help meet the carbohydrate content, but tapioca’s low nutrient content essentially serves as a filler. These plant-based ingredients may be exposed to herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers. If there is any leftover substance from these chemicals in the dog food, it presents a serious risk to the dogs’ health.
Although manuka honey is an antibacterial supplement, it is not necessary to include it in a dog’s regular diet. Its fructose level may strain the liver, particularly if the dog is diabetic. Each 100 gram serving of manuka honey contains 76.2 g of sugar [1].
The recipe uses either an animal or a plant source for its natural flavor. Sometimes it contains MSG (salt), which is potentially harmful to dogs.
| Nutrients | Sources |
|---|---|
| Protein | Lamb, Beef, Lamb Liver, Beef Tripe, Beef Meal, Eggs, Pea Protein, Fava Beans, Green Peas, Lamb Meal, Flaxseed, Green-lipped Mussel, Yellow Peas, Brewers Dried Yeast |
| Fat | Lamb, Beef, Lamb Liver, Beef Tripe, Eggs, Beef Fat, Flaxseed, Green-lipped Mussel, Yellow Peas, Brewers Dried Yeast |
| Carbohydrate | Lamb Liver, Fava Beans, Green Peas, Tapioca, Flaxseed, Green-lipped Mussel, Manuka Honey, Kiwifruit, Yellow Peas, Brewers Dried Yeast |
| Fiber | Fava Beans, Green Peas, Flaxseed, Kiwifruit, Yellow Peas, Brewers Dried Yeast |
The nutrient information and their sources listed in this table are referenced from USDA FoodData Central.
Nutrient analysis
Moisture=10% (max)
| Method of Analysis | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| → Guaranteed Analysis | 40% | 15% | 23% | 4% |
| → Dry Matter Basis | 44.4% | 16.7% | 25.6% | 4.4% |
| → Calorie Content Basis | 40.2% | 36.6% | 23.1% | NA |
No Data Found
A typical dry dog food consists of (40% – 60%) carbohydrates, (16% – 38%) protein, and (6% – 18%) fat on a dry matter basis [3].
Addiction Wild Islands Highland Meats Recipe has 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat, and approximately 25.6% carbohydrates on dry matter basis. This implies high protein, moderately high fat, and low carbohydrate content.
Wondering what’s the average nutritional content of the product line?
The Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food line has an average composition of 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat, and approximately 25.6% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. This implies high protein, moderately high fat, and low carbohydrate content for the whole product line.
AAFCO Statement Interpretation
While the AAFCO statement is not printed on the physical label of the product, the official company product page explicitly states that the dog food is “formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.”
The Highland Meats recipe complies with the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for adult maintenance, according to the statement. This product is labeled as ‘complete and balanced‘ for adult dogs but does not meet the growth/lactation nutrient profile and has probably not undergone AAFCO feeding tests [4].
Dog Food Standards: Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF
The Wild Island Highland Meats Recipe is intended for adult maintenance.
According to the American Association of Food and Cooperative Organizations (AAFCO) [5], the minimum requirements for adult maintenance are 18% protein and 5.5% fat. The Food and Drug Administration (FEDIAF) [6] advises that meals with 95 kcal/kg have 21% protein and 5.5% fat, while meals with 110 kcal/kg contain 18% protein and 5.5% fat.
The recipe meets the nutritional requirements of both AAFCO and FEDIAF, delivering enough protein and fat levels for adult maintenance.
No Data Found
The remaining three items in the series are intended for all life stages. All of the products meet the nutritional requirements for adult maintenance, growth, and reproduction outlined by AAFCO and FEDIAF.
Cost Analysis
| Cost Metrics | Highland Meats Recipe | |
|---|---|---|
| → Pack size/s | 4lbs (1.82Kg) | 20lbs (9.09Kg) |
| → Cost per Unit | $41.95 | $111.19 |
| → Cost per Pound | $10.49 | $5.56 |
| → Cost per Serving | $2.88 | $1.53 |
The 20-pound pack of Highland Meats Recipe is much cheaper than the 4-pound bundle. At $5.56 per pound vs. $10.49 for the smaller pack, the bigger alternative is almost half the cost per pound. Similarly, the cost per serving is reduced from $2.88 to $1.53, saving $1.35 per serving. Though the initial cost is higher, the long-term reductions in both the cost per pound and each serving make the 20-pound pack a more affordable and beneficial option.
For Addiction Wild Islands product line,
| Average Cost Metrics | Addiction Wild Islands dry Dog Food Line | |
|---|---|---|
| → Pack size/s | 4lbs (1.82Kg) | 20lbs (9.09Kg) |
| → Cost per Unit | $37.01 | $85.59 |
| → Cost per Pound | $9.25 | $4.28 |
| → Cost per Serving | $2.54 | $1.18 |
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- Grain-free
- High protein content
- Air dried
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Presence of allergens
- Plant-based proteins are used
- Use of natural flavor
- Does not provide omega-6:omega-3 ratio
- High probability of pesticide/herbicide traces
- Manuka honey has a high sugar content
Recalls and Safety
Addiction dog food was recalled once in 2016 due to high vitamin A levels and a little variation in calcium/phosphorus ratios.
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Our Rating-
We rated the Highland Meats recipe four out of five stars.
The average rating for the whole Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food line is 4 out of 5.
Final Verdict
This article provides a general overview of dog food components, but you should always contact your veterinarian for specific recommendations. Your dog’s unique demands may vary, and expert advice is required. Remember that we may receive a commission if you buy anything through these links.
people also ask
→ New Zealand is the manufacturing location for Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food. The brand emphasizes New Zealand’s pristine environment and high-quality ingredients, which are significant selling elements for their premium dog food line. They emphasize locally sourced foods and free-range meats.
→ Addiction Wild Islands ensures palatability by using a high-protein composition derived mostly from animal-based components, which dogs naturally enjoy. The reasonable fat level enhances the taste and appeal, ensuring that dogs enjoy the meal while remaining healthy.
→ Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food does not contain any artificial colors or flavors. Instead, it includes natural flavor to enhance taste without specifying a particular flavor or color. For preservation, the food uses mixed tocopherols as a natural preservative to maintain freshness. Furthermore, the food incorporates natural extracts such as rosemary, tea, and spearmint, which not only add flavor but also potentially enhance its preservative properties.
→ Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food is processed using a gentle air-drying procedure that uses minimal heat to preserve the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients, ensuring the meal remains safe and appealing to dogs. This technique retains the inherent properties of the components, giving it a healthier alternative to more severely processed meals.
Addiction Wild Islands dry dog food boosts a dog’s immune system by mixing green-lipped mussel for joint and immune support, manuka honey for antibacterial characteristics, and kiwifruit for high vitamin C levels.
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References
- USDA Food Central. (n.d.). FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO): Pet food regulations. In AAFCO Official Publication, Atlanta, 2008, AAFCO.
- Roberts, M.T., Bermingham, E.N., Cave, N.J., Young, W., McKenzie, C.M. & Thomas, D.G. (2018). Macronutrient intake of dogs, self-selecting diets varying in composition offered ad libitum. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 102 (2), 568–575. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12794
- Carbo-Johnson, K. (2024, May 8). AAFCO approved dog food & AAFCO nutrient profiles explained. Purina.https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/health/nutrition/aafco-dog-food
- Association of American Feed Control Officials. (2023). AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles.https://www.aafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Pet_Food_Report_2013_Annual-Appendix_B.pdf
- FEDIAF (2020a). Nutritional guidelines for complete and complementary pet food for cats and dogs; The European Pet Food Industry: Bruxelles, Belgium.
Table of Contents
- Primary Ingredients
- Secondary Ingredients
- Other Beneficial Ingredients
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Concerns and Sourcing
► AAFCO Statement Interpretation
► Dog Food Standards: Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF
► Are there any online purchase discounts?
- Pros
- Cons
