Our Verdict
Wildology dry product range is made of two recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor rating, 3 stars
This range lists animal based protein as the first ingredient, although protein levels are relatively low. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are high and moisture content low. This food contains a number of added vitamins and supplements to create a balanced diet.
Pros
- Animal based protein source
- Contains vitamins and supplements
Cons
- Limited range
- High in carbohydrates
- Low protein and moisture
The table below shows each recipe in the range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (kitten), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Wildology Leap, Farm-Raised Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe | 3 | M |
| Wildology Climb, Farm-Raised Chicken and Turkey Meal Recipe | 3 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Wildology Leap Farm-Raised Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Wildology Leap Farm-Raised Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Salmon, salmon meal, fish meal, brown rice, white rice, ground miscanthus grass, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, salmon oil (a source of dha), potassium chloride, sodium bisulfate, dl-methionine, salt, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya, dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, niacin, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A supplement, biotin, potassium iodide, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, sodium selenite, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 7%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is salmon. Salmon is an oily marine and freshwater fish not only high in protein but also omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every cat to sustain life.
The second ingredient is salmon meal. Because it is considered a meat concentrate, fish meal contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.
Fish meal is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations. 1
The third ingredient is fish meal. Because it is considered a meat concentrate, fish meal contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.
Fish meal is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations. 2
Unfortunately, this particular item is anonymous. Because various fish contain different types of fats, we would have preferred to have known the source species.
The fourth ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a cat.
The fifth ingredient is white rice, a less nutritious form of rice in which the grain’s healthier outer layer has been removed.
The sixth ingredient is ground miscanthus grass, also known as elephant grass. Miscanthus is a non-GMO source of crude fiber.
The seventh ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The eighth ingredient is natural flavor. Natural flavors doesn’t give us much information about the particular ingredients included in this cat food for flavoring purposes.
We’re pleased that the flavorings used are natural, but more details are required to give any further information about these natural flavoring ingredients. Flavorings are used to make the foods more appealing and tasty for our cats.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
However, we note the inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.
This food also contains chelated minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better cat foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Wildology Leap, Farm-Raised Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe looks like an average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 35.6%, a fat level of 10.6% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 45.9%.
As a group, the brand features an below average protein content of 35.6% and a near-average fat level of 12.5%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 43.9% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 35%.This means that Wildology dry range contains lower than average protein, higher than average carbohydrate and near average fat, when compared to typical dry cat food.
Final Word
This range of food lists animal protein as the first ingredient. Protein levels are low versus other cat foods and carbohydrates are high. Ingredients do include supplements and vitamins which mean that this food still offers a balanced diet.
Has Wildology cat food been recalled in the past?
No. Wildology has not been recalled, although Diamond Pet Food which manufactures the food, has.
The most recent recall was in March 2013, when Diamond Pet Food recalled Diamond Naturals cat food due to potentially low levels of thiamine.
In April and May 2012, there was a large recall event Diamond and Diamond Naturals, plus several other brands. Samples of Diamond’s own pet food tested positive for salmonella, which then prompted other brands produced at Diamond’s plant in Gaston, South Carolina, to be recalled including Taste of the Wild and Natural Balance.
In October 2009, Diamond Pet Food recalled two of its cat food brands after cats were reported to have shown neurological symptoms.
The foods affected were: Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball Cat with codes of RAF0501A22X (18-lb. bag), RAF0501A2X (6-lb. bag), RAH0501A22X (18-lb. bag) and RAH0501A2X (6-lb. bag).
In December 2005, Diamond Maintenance and Diamond Professional was recalled from the brand’s South Carolina facility following a string of pet deaths and illnesses linked to dog and cat food produced in Diamond’s South Carolina plant.
The food was thought to be contaminated with aflatoxin, a toxic byproduct of a mold that attacks corn under certain temperature and moisture conditions.
You can view a complete list of all cat food recalls since 2021 here.
To stay on top of any cat food product recalls, sign up for our free email alerts, here.
About
Wildology is owned by Midco Distributing LLC and its food manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods in the USA.
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Article reviewed by
Veterinarian
Dr Georgia Jeremiah has a first class honors degree in comparative pathology with field experience in anatomic and clinical pathology, studying disease processes in a multitude of species.
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