Wild Red Dog Food Review: Meet this Meat-Rich, Low Carb Diet

Are you familiar with Stella & Chewy? It’s an award-winning pet food brand that started in 2003 in a small kitchen in Brooklyn.

At first exclusively dedicated to raw diets, the brand has since expanded into providing different pet food products to meet a variety of needs and budgets. One of its latest expansions is, you guessed it, the Wild Red range.

What’s Wild Red? It’s a Stella & Chewy line that’s dedicated to whole-prey meat-rich recipes with low carbohydrate content. These are mostly cooked food and not raw (although some recipes have raw in them).

All ingredients are responsibly sourced (animal ingredients are always wild-caught, grass-fed, farm-raised, or cage-free).

There are never any legumes in the diet (since legumes have been linked with DCM in dogs), and of course, there are never any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Our Wild Red Dog Food review introduces Stella & Chewy’s newest food line, read on below for our in-depth discussion.

Brand Quick Look

• Parent Company: Stella and Chewy’s LLC
• Founded in: 2003
• Made in: Wisconsin USA
• Available at:  Chewy and Amazon
• Types of Food: Kibble, raw-coated, freeze-dried blends, and treats
• Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients?: Yes
• Recalled in Past?: No

Wild Red Dog Food Review

Wild Red is divided into three kibble categories: Wild Red Classic, Wild Red Raw Coated, and Wild Red Raw Blend. There are grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes available for each category.

But for dogs who like wet food, don’t worry. There’s a canned category for them too. It’s called Wild Red Stews. As for snack-loving pups, they’re not neglected either. The Wild Red Jerky Nuggets save the day.

We based our reviews on the ingredients we could see from the label and also from various customer reviews taken from across different online stores to give you a clearer picture of each product.

We also included here a detailed feedback from one customer and his dog. (You can read more on this further down.)

1. Wild Red Classic Red Meat Recipe
2. Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Wholesome Grains Ocean Recipe
3. Wild Red Raw Blend Kibble Prairie Recipe
4. Wild Red Chicken & Beef Stew
5. Wild Red Turkey & Chicken Stew
6. Wild Red Chicken & Lamb Stew
7. Wild Red Jerky Nuggets Beef & Lamb Recipe

 

Wild Red Classic

The Classic formulations take their protein from three kinds of animals. The Grain-Free recipes are always made up of between 79-84% protein, while the grain-inclusive formulations have a protein makeup ranging between 76-81%. 

Both grain-free and grain-inclusive utilize a whole-prey formulation of meat, organs, and cartilage. These recipes are also completely legume-free and filler-free, contain chondroitin and glucosamine, and feature omega fatty acids for skin and coat support

Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Classic Red Meat Recipe

First five ingredients: Beef, Pork Meal, Sweet Potato, Potato, Pork Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

Guaranteed Analysis:

The Red Meat recipe, like its name suggests, utilizes three types of red meat to provide your pup with a protein-packed dinner. The beef, pork, and lamb ingredients make up 79% of the food. 

Although the sweet potato and potato are included in the first five ingredients, they only make up a small part of the recipe.

There are just enough to provide your pup with the quick energy he needs for his daily doggy adventures but not too much as to let him gain weight. For extended active periods, your canine can get all of his energy requirements from the food’s high protein level.

While there are currently only three reviews on Chewy, other selling platforms feature dozens more. As of this writing, this recipe has garnered about 70+ reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5. It’s a big hit with pet parents who praise the formulation’s premium ingredients and high protein make. 

Some dogs were also reported by their owners to have a more regular bowel movement when placed on this diet. The dogs’ poops have also become firmer, and the food agrees with even sensitive doggy stomachs. The lack of legumes, which is usually abundant in a grain-free diet, was greatly welcomed by many owners. 

Pros:

• High-quality nutrition
• Agrees with most picky eaters
• Does not contain chicken for those allergic to poultry

Cons:

• The kibbles are a little too small for mid-sized to large dogs
• Has a smell that’s a little too strong

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Wild Red Raw Coated

Wild Red Raw-Coated formulations are whole-prey diets that use all parts of the animal (meat, organs, and cartilage) for nutrient-dense meals.

The food contains six animal protein sources, probiotics, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Each kibble has a freeze-dried raw coating.

The grain-free versions of the recipes are made up of 86-92% animal protein, while their Wholesome Grains counterparts contain 78% animal protein.

Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Wholesome Grains Ocean Recipe

First five ingredients: Whitefish, Salmon, Whitefish Meal, Barley, Oatmeal

Guaranteed Analysis:

This Wholesome Grains recipe takes its protein from six different sources.

Whitefish, salmon, trout, cod, mackerel, and herring provide this meal with an extraordinarily high amount of protein and a good serving of omega fatty acids. These are mostly fatty fish, which means your pup has enough of the essential omegas that make coats shine healthily. 

Whole and hearty grains like barley and oatmeal provide the carbs your furry friend needs, while the fat that is so essential to fueling their muscles is taken from two excellent sources — cod liver oil and salmon oil. If your pup is sensitive to poultry or red meat, a diet of fish would be an excellent alternative. 

A majority of reviewers like the ocean fish recipe for its premium ingredients and the lack of legumes in the diet. They also mentioned that the grains manage to steer away from the usual wheat that may trigger allergies in sensitive dogs. 

The freeze-dried raw coating is also one of the cited reasons why customers like this product. It adds more palatability to the dog food, making it more enticing for picky eaters.

Although a few reviewers did say that their pups did not favor the food, this may be down to individual dog preference.

Pros:

• 78% protein comes from fish
• No strong fishy smell
• Excellent for dogs with food sensitivities to poultry or red meat

Cons:

• The kibbles are on the small side

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Wild Red Raw Blend

Wild Red Raw Blend formulations combine kibbles that are coated in freeze-dried raw with freeze-dried raw chunks. Six different animal ingredients combine to provide each meal with a high amount of protein. 

The grain-free recipes contain 90-93% animal protein, while the ones with grains are 80% animal protein. Both grain-inclusive and grain-free formulations have no legumes, are free from fillers, and do not contain artificial ingredients.

Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Raw Blend Kibble Prairie Recipe

First five ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potato, Tapioca

Guaranteed Analysis:

Pups who love poultry and game birds will find this Prairie recipe delightful. It is made of 93% animal protein taken from six different sources, such as chicken, turkey, quail, guinea fowl, goose, and duck.

It has one of the highest protein levels among all Wild Red Recipes because it is also crafted with freeze-dried raw chunks of meat.

Aside from the raw chunks of meat carefully blended into the recipe, each of the kibbles also features a freeze-dried raw coating. This enhances the palatability of the food and makes it more enticing for dogs who may be on the finicky side.

This recipe has garnered an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars among dozens of reviewers. Their dogs are said to love the raw chunks and will usually eat them before devouring the rest of the kibbles.

Another often cited reason for the high rating are the select high-quality ingredients that do not include offenders like soy, legumes, corn, or wheat.

Since this food also contains some raw chunks, some pet owners who previously fed their pets Stella & Chewy’s raw food recipes find that this product gives them a more affordable alternative.

Lots of owners with picky eaters were also amazed that this recipe has managed to get their dog eating a lot. 

Pros:

• 93% animal protein
• Contains raw chunks of meat
• Features freeze-dried coated kibbles

Cons:

• Not available in a larger bag

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Wild Red Stews

Wild Red Stews are protein-rich wet foods that are made up of 96% to 98% protein from different animal sources. All of the stew recipes contain pumpkin and natural fiber but do not have any grains, peas, lentils, or artificial ingredients. 

Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Chicken & Beef Stew

First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots

Guaranteed Analysis:

This Wild Red stew recipe features only two kinds of animal protein (chicken and beef), but these two make up over 96% of the wet food diet. The beef and chicken are shredded and placed in a flavorful broth made of chicken and beef. 

Like all of the Wild Red dog food formulations, this recipe utilizes a whole-prey approach that not only utilizes muscle meat but also organs and cartilages. Together, these boost the protein levels of the food higher.

Many reviewers rated this stew formulation highly. One of the common positive comments about this dog food, aside from the quality ingredients involved, is the smell. They love how appealing that scent is, like human food, instead of smelling too strongly like dog food usually does.

Many pet owners have reported that their furry buddies gobbled the meal up as if they were starving. Several of these pups were also said to be usually very particular about their food, but they went crazy over the Chicken & Beef Stew and finished it in one go.

As for the negative, the canned food is thought to be a little on the expensive side, particularly if your dog is only eating wet food and nothing but.

Another thing that was raised is the country of production. Unlike many of Wild Red’s recipes, this one is made in Thailand and not the USA, although some of the animal ingredients are sourced here. 

Pros:

• 96% animal protein
• Smells like human food
• Appeals to picky eaters

Cons:

• Can be expensive if used on a daily basis
• Made in Thailand

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Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Turkey & Chicken Stew

First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots

Guaranteed Analysis:

The Chicken and Turkey Stew is a protein-packed dog food that gets its high protein level from only two ingredients, but these two comprise 96% of the wet food.

The chicken is shredded and mixed with bits of turkey to form a very digestible meal that’s perfect for dogs of all sizes. And since the tender meat is shredded, even dogs who have trouble chewing may easily eat it.

Aside from the two meat sources and the broth, the only other main ingredients in this stew are pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, tapioca, and sunflower oil.

The potatoes and tapioca provide the carbs; the carrots and pumpkin for naturally sourced vitamins; and the sunflower oil provides the omega fatty acids.

According to pet owners of dogs with sensitive stomachs, this stew sat well on their pets’ tummies and did not trigger any untoward reactions at all.

And because this wet dog food smelled nice like human food, some finicky canines (who prefer human food) were tricked into thinking this meal was for human consumption and ate it readily.

The consistency is nice and saucy, like real stew, and not mushy like most canned dog foods are. It functions well either as a complete diet or as a topper.

However, some reviewers were surprised to know that the stew is not made in the US but rather in Thailand. 

Pros:

• 96% animal protein
• Smells good like human food
• Recognizable quality ingredients

Cons:

• Price is high for such small cans
• Not made in the USA

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Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Chicken & Lamb Stew

First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots

Guaranteed Analysis:

This Wild Red formulation is an interesting blend of red meat and white meat in one tasty stew that’s crafted for all dog breed sizes and ages.

The chicken is shredded and there are bits of tender lamb in the stew, which makes it great for dogs especially seniors and puppies who may have trouble chewing and digesting other kinds of dog food.

This particular stew has two sources of fat — flaxseed oil and sunflower oil. These contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are required to maintain skin and coat health, immune function, growth and development, and reproduction. 

According to a majority of reviewers, their pups respond positively to this recipe. It’s good dog food for picky canines, and the healthy ingredients are a big and definite plus. The consistency was also mentioned as being good, although a bit soupy.

One common complaint, though, is that the cans are too small. At 10 ounces, one can is not enough for big dogs, and coupled with the price, it would definitely add up if your pet is not a small breed.

Pros:

• Over 96% animal protein
• For all life stages
• Appeals to finicky eaters

Cons:

• Pricey considering the size of the cans

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Wild Red Jerky Nuggets

Like the Wild Red dog foods, these treats are also crafted to be meaty and low in carbohydrates. The jerky nuggets are made with 90% meat and contain only 4 calories per nugget.

Currently, Wild Red only has the Jerky Nuggets as part of its snack lineup. There are only two recipes available as of now. 

Stella & Chewy's Wild Red Jerky Nuggets Beef & Lamb Recipe

First five ingredients: Beef, Lamb, Coconut Glycerin, Gelatin, Distilled Vinegar

Guaranteed Analysis:

Treats can be healthy and delicious at the same time. These meaty treats are made up of very limited ingredients but a big part of it (90% to be exact) is crafted from beef and lamb.

There are only a total of seven ingredients in these snacks and the two we didn’t list down are just natural preservatives.

The Beef and Lamb Jerky Treats are packed full of protein but each only contains 4 calories per treat. It’s a healthy complement to any balanced diet, and because it’s not high on calories, it’s safe to give to a pup who’s maintaining his weight.

With a little over 70+ reviews across different online sites, these meaty dog treats have an average score of 4.6 out of 5. The low-calorie count is often cited by dog owners as a big selling point since it makes the snacks perfect to use as training treats.

The consistency is solid, although the treats tend to go hard quite quickly once the bag is opened. The ingredients are also “very clean,” according to one customer since there are no fillers or unnecessary ingredients added. 

Pros:

• Made with 90% lamb and beef
• Each bag contains about 150 or more treats
• Limited ingredients

Cons:

• Hardens easily once the bag is opened

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Alaina’s Verdict

To get to know more about Wild Red, we asked a friend, Dennis, about his and Alaina’s feedback on Wild Red. Here’s what they have to say:

“I was plenty intrigued by the launch of the Wild Red range, and since we (Alaina and I) have always been fans of the Chewy site, I wanted to try these new recipes from Stella & Chewy with my pet. 

For the order, I went to Chewy.com and selected the recipes that I thought Alaina might like. 

The day of reckoning came. The order arrived, and I was excited to open the package. I think Alaina sensed something good was in store for her since she got a little too excited, circling the box repeatedly as if she knew the contents were for her and only her. 

Inside our box was a variety of Wild Red dog food. I got carried away and ordered a little of each — Classic, Raw Coated, Raw Blend, and Stew And of course, I did not forget Alaina’s jerky treats. She’d never forgive me otherwise.

So how did it go? Well, Alaina scored the food as a win! And here I have to mention that Alaina is usually a picky eater. She likes only a select few dog foods and is not easy to please.

Anyway, on to Alaina’s review. The Classic kibbles were scarfed down immediately, and the Red Meat Blend food earned us a pleading “give me more please” look.

She also couldn’t get enough of her treats, although I always have to remind myself to stick to my two-a-day-only rule. It’s hard when you’re given the puppy look. 

We have yet to open the Raw Coated kibbles, but based on my experience with the Wild Red food I’ve already given Alaina, she would probably love them too.

There were no stomach sensitivity issues, and Alaina took to the foods quite well. She hasn't had Stella & Chewy’s before but I wasn’t so concerned about digestive upsets. All I have to say is that there is one happy dog here since her Wild Red package arrived.”

Below is a video from our reviewer Dennis and his lovely baby, Alaina. Check out how Alaina enjoyed her goodies!

More About The Company

Stella & Chewy is a pet food brand that is committed to providing natural pet food for dogs with an emphasis on palatability, convenience, nutrition, and safety. All of its dog food recipes are balanced and fortified with vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition.

The company uses only responsibly sourced proteins and 100% organic vegetables and fruits. There are never any artificial ingredients in its formulations and the meats it uses never contain antibiotics or hormones. 

Recall History?

Since the Wild Red line is fairly new, there is no recall history regarding the recipes in it as of yet. Although the brand, Stella & Chewy, has been involved in a voluntary recall of four of its products way back in 2015 for possible contamination of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Complete List of Wild Red Recipes

Classic

• Classic Grain-Free Prairie
• Classic Grain-Free Red Meat
• Classic Wholesome Grains Prairie
• Classic Wholesome Grains Red Meat

Raw Coated

• Raw Coated Wholesome Grains Ocean
• Raw Coated Wholesome Grains Prairie
• Raw Coated Wholesome Grains Red Meat
• Raw Coated Grain-Free Ocean
• Raw Coated Grain-Free Prairie
• Raw Coated Grain-Free Prairie Puppy
• Raw Coated Grain-Free Red Meat

Raw Blend

• Raw Blend Grain-Free Prairie
• Raw Blend Grain-Free Red Meat
• Raw Blend Wholesome Grains Prairie
• Raw Blend Wholesome Grains Red Meat

Stews

• Chicken & Beef Stew
• Chicken & Lamb Stew
• Chicken & Turkey Stew

Jerky Nuggets

• Beef & Lamb
• Chicken & Duck

 

Our Take on Wild Red

Based on overall customer reviews, including the detailed review we got from our friend Dennis and his Alaina, we heartily recommend Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red line of dog foods.

The premium selection of meats, grains, and produce is very convincing, but it’s also the lack of worrisome ingredients that has us giving this dog food range two thumbs up.

Unlike other dog foods that are grain-free, the grain-free recipes under this line steer away from legumes, which are the usual fare in other grain-free dog food brands and which are thought to be linked to the occurrence of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.

Instead, the brand uses healthy legume-free alternatives to provide your pup with the healthy carbohydrates he needs for daily life. 

Because its recipes are natural, high-quality, and functional, we do not hesitate to recommend Wild Red for your pet.