Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon scores 3.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 95% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 88% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon dry cat food good?
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon is a dry cat food rated 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Shellfish but contains Legumes, Poultry, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 40% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18% |
| Est. Carbs | 31% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 36% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 16% |
| Est. Carbs | 28% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (40% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.
- Fat is High (18% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can raise calorie density, so watch body condition and seek vet input for cats with pancreatitis or digestive disease.
Ingredients Analysis
55 of 55 matched
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1 Duck
Animal ProteinDescription
A novel animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also rich in vitamin B3, B2, selenium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and copper.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
2 Duck Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A novel animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also rich in vitamin B3, B2, selenium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and copper.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
3 Turkey Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
4 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
5 Sweet Potatoes
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
-
6 Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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7 Potatoes
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs, often used as an alternative filler for grain-free pet foods.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
-
8 Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
9 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
10 Roasted Venison
Animal ProteinDescription
Roasted venison muscle meat, a lean novel protein source.
Why Prefer?
Named muscle meat from a specific animal.
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11 Smoked Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
Partially or fully preserved salmon with salt and hardwood smoke. Salmon is one of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
12 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
-
13 Ocean Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
-
14 Tomato Pomace
CarbsDescription
The leftover by-product of the process in making ketchup and other tomato products. Depending on quality, it could provide a certain amount of vitamin C, K1, and potassium.
Why Concerned?
Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
-
15 Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
-
16 Raspberries
CarbsDescription
A red-ish berry rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which helps to reduce radical damages in the body.
-
17 Dried Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
-
18 Tomatoes
CarbsDescription
Packed with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and manganese.
-
19 Blackberries
CarbsDescription
Bubble-like berries that are full of vitamins and minerals like C, K, and manganese.
-
20 Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
21 Potatoes
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs, often used as an alternative filler for grain-free pet foods.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
-
22 Pea Protein
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Extracted protein from pea in a dry process. It contains 45 - 55% protein, which will significantly boost up the overall protein content of pet foods.
Why Notice?
High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
Digestion Concern
The process will concentrate the level of oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that is indigestible by dogs / cats. It offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
-
23 Pea Flour
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Produced by dry milling of dehulled peas, which is a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
24 Salmon Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from salmon, an excellent source of fat and omega 3s, which is important to reduce inflammation in the body.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
25 Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
-
26 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
-
27 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
-
28 Dried Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
-
29 Yucca Schidigera Extract
CarbsDescription
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
-
30 Dried Enterococcus Faceium Fermentation Product
(Detected): Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. E. faecium is uniquely able to survive the digestive process and grow, balancing the gut environment.
-
31 Dried Lactobaccillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
(Detected): Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which is believed to help prevent bad bacterias from growing in the intestines.
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32 Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. casei are often used to prevent and treat diarrhea.
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33 Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. plantaurm might have positive effects on treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, and heart health.
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34 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
-
35 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
36 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
37 Zinc Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
38 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
39 Manganese Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
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40 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
41 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
-
42 Potassium Iodide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
-
43 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
-
44 Manganous Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
-
45 Ascorbic Acid
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
-
46 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
-
47 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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48 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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49 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
50 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
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51 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
-
52 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
-
53 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
-
54 Vitamin D Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D, which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
-
55 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Duck, Duck Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Peas, Lentils may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Ocean Fish Meal, Pea Protein.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Ocean Fish Meal have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Peas, Lentils, Peas, and 2 more have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 95%
- Unnamed 5%
Strong clarity: 95% of Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 5% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
High- Animal 88%
- Plant 7%
- Plant concentrate 6%
Meat-forward: 88% of the weighted protein in Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (7% whole plants, 6% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Plant concentrate
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon dry cat food Review
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon is a solid mid-tier dry cat food at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
- You need to know the exact animal source of every protein
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 95% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Pea Protein.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 40% protein, 18% fat, 31% estimated carbohydrates.
- 88% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon good for cats?
Mostly — Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon is a solid mid-tier choice at 3.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, pairing high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. It shows real strengths alongside a few trade-offs, so weigh the ingredient list against your cat’s needs — allergies, life stage and protein preference.
Does Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon grain-free?
Yes — Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon?
The main animal proteins in Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon are Duck, Duck Meal, Turkey Meal. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
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