How Safe Are The Ingredients
Many ingredients come from unhealthy, inflammatory sources or are full of pesticides so we look for:
- How processed is the food?
- Does the food contain known genetically modified foods?
- Does the food contain ingredients known to be high in pesticides?
- Does the food contain natural flavor, which are often MSG or animal digest?
- Does the food contain rice, which is high in arsenic?
Each food is objectively evaluated by these criteria and a score is assigned using the average of ingredient quality and safety. This is NOT a paid list and there are no affiliate links. Dogs Naturally has partnered with DogFoodReviews.com to make sure dog owners have unbiased, objective criteria to help them choose the best dog food on the market. You can view the full Evaluation Criteria at DogFoodReviews.com.
START MAKING YOUR OWN DOG FOOD TODAY
Get instant access to easy-to-make and affordable recipes. Plus get new recipes delivered right to your inbox.
Who Makes Blue Buffalo And Where Is It Made
Blue Buffalo is owned by U.S. food company, General Mills. All of the brands dog food products are produced in the United States.
Blue Buffalo owns and operates 2 manufacturing facilities. One is located in Joplin, Missouri and the other in Richmond, Indiana. The company also outsources a number of its other products to co-packers that are also located in America.
Best Blue Buffalo Dog Foods
This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no cost to you.
To help you find the best option? Weve read through countless Blue Buffalo dog food reviews and consulted with veterinarians to assess the different options. Our research has led us to choose the following five formulas as the best choices from this manufacturer:
Skip To A Section – Click To Open
You May Like: What Food Causes Kidney Failure In Dogs
The Best Dog Food For Labs
When it comes to the best dog food for labs, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. These include things like the protein content of the food, the micronutrients, and the fat content. All of these factors will help determine whether or not your dog will be able to thrive in its environment.
35% Off at Chewy.com |
A Cheaper Safer Alternative To Blue Buffalo Dog Food

Blue Buffalo dog food is marketed as a plant-based, gluten-free, and vegan food. It is made with high-quality ingredients, without sacrificing taste or functionality. Your dog gets all of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients he needs in this food, which is completely and balanced. Although Blue Buffalo is a delicious meal, it isnt the best option for everyone. A high-quality brand of dog food, such as Kirkland Dog Food, is significantly less expensive than Blue Buffalo. Furthermore, we are concerned about Blue Buffalos safety record. As a result, we believe that purchasing another food product rather than Blue Buffalo is a better option.
Read Also: Best Food For Akita Puppy
How Often Should I Feed My Blue Heeler
The response to this question largely depends on the size and age of your dog. Other important factors to consider are how active your dog is and how fast its metabolism is.
Young Blue Heelers need a good amount of food and maybe multiple meals a day. It is because young dogs need a lot of calories when growing up. All their calories get rapidly metabolized into producing their bones, muscles, hair, and, of course, most calories go into them being so proactive!
On the other hand, adult dogs need limited meals per day only to maintain their health. Since they are not proactive like the young ones, they do not need those extra calories, and neither do they need to get fat.
Talking of being fat, if you think your dog is underweight or overweight, you need to regulate their food intake and portion sizes accordingly. You need to cut down on extra meals and treats for dogs who are obese.
Obesity is unhealthy for your Blue Heeler. It leads to multiple health problems that you can easily prevent in your dog.
And feed more treats and fatty meals to your dogs if you think they are underweight or their bones are poking against their skin.
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Senior Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food
Best Wet Meal
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Carrots, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Oatmeal
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
- Caloric content : 1,119 kcal
Dogs can become grumpier as they age. While they are transitioning, a wet option like Blue Buffalo Homestyle Chicken Dinner can both appeal to their taste buds and fulfill their nutritional needs. This one is made from real deboned chicken to support basic body functions muscle repair, hormone production, and repairing ligaments/tissues.
Moreover, it contains veggies like carrots and peas to deliver essential minerals. Antioxidant-rich fruits like cranberries and blueberries are also added for immunity strengthening. Since older dogs are prone to joint problems, the wet food also features glucosamine and chondroitin to rebuild cartilage. It is also completely free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, making it a perfect choice for dogs of all sizes and age.
Analysis: Protein 7.5%, Fat 4.5%, Fiber 2%, Moisture 78%
Read Also: Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Canned Dog Food
Alternative To Blue Buffalo Dog Food
Blue Buffalo is a popular brand of dog food, but it may not be the best option for every dog. There are several alternatives to Blue Buffalo that offer unique benefits and ingredients for your furry friend.
- Canidae: This brand offers a variety of grain-free and limited ingredient options for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. They also use high-quality proteins like chicken, lamb, and fish.
- Taste of the Wild: This brand uses wild game meats like bison, elk, and wild boar as their main protein source. They also use fruits and vegetables as natural sources of vitamins and minerals.
- Orijen: This brand prides itself on using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. They use a variety of proteins, including chicken, turkey, fish, and beef, and include fruits and vegetables for added nutrition.
- Merrick: This brand offers a variety of grain-free options and uses high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, and fish. They also include fruits and vegetables for added nutrition and use natural preservatives.
- Natural Balance: This brand offers a variety of limited ingredient options for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. They use high-quality proteins like chicken, lamb, and fish and include fruits and vegetables for added nutrition.
When choosing an alternative to Blue Buffalo, it is essential to consider your dogs specific needs and dietary requirements. Be sure to read the ingredient list and look for high-quality proteins and natural sources of vitamins and minerals.
Nulo Grain Free Recipe Dog Food
Nulo Dog Food is a glucosamine and chondroitin formula that helps senior dog maintain their joint health.
It includes L-Carnitine to support an older dogs metabolism. The food is gluten-free, ensuring all working dog can enjoy this meal without stomach issues.
Nulo Grain-Free Senior Formula for Dogs has the natural high quality protein your canine companion needs as they age, along with added vitamins and minerals to help keep them healthy!
Nulo is a grain-free dog food that contains pure probiotic strains for proper digestion and calcium and phosphorus to help maintain strong bones. It also has wholesome vegetables and fruits with omega three fatty acids to support optimal immune health. With 30 % animal proteins, Nulo grain-free blue heeler dog food gives your pet all the nourishment it needs while reducing the number of cook grains harmful to their digestive health.
This hearty mix of nutrients is essential for healthy living, providing key nutrients like calcium, omega 3 fats, prebiotics, and soluble fiber from non-grain sources in each serving.
Does your aging pup need more than that?
Key Features:
You May Like: Dr Martys Dog Food Reviews
How Many Cans Of Blue Buffalo Should I Feed My Cat
True Blue Promise 5.5 oz. One can of food should be fed per 6-8 pounds of body weight per day. It is important to note that each cats requirements differ depending on their age, breed, environment, and level of activity. If you do not have an veterinarian, adjust the food you consume so that your body is in optimum condition.
Canned Food Only For Kitty
If canned food is the only type that your cat is eating, it must be made with care for her teeth and gums. Cats should avoid all types of processed foods.
Blue Basics Dry Dog Food Review
Score: 1.3/10
Package Ingredients for Grain-Free Turkey and Potato Recipe: Deboned turkey, potatoes, turkey meal , pea starch, peas, tapioca starch, pea fibre, potato starch, canola oil , natural flavour, pea protein, fish oil , potassium chloride, salt, dehydrated alfalfa meal, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, choline chloride, pumpkin, dried chicory root, flaxseed, alfalfa nutrient concentrate, vitamin e supplement, preserved with mixed tocopherols, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate , DL-methionine, zinc amino acid chelate, zinc sulfate, vegetable juice for colour, ferrous sulfate, iron amino acid chelate, blueberries, cranberries, barley grass, parsley, turmeric, dried kelp, yucca schidigera extract, niacin , calcium pantothenate , copper sulfate, L-Lysine, biotin , vitamin A supplement, copper amino acid chelate, dried yeast, manganese sulfate, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, taurine, manganese amino acid chelate, dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, thiamine mononitrate , riboflavin , vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride , calcium iodate, folic acid , sodium selenite, oil of Rosemary
Using our evaluation criteria, Blue Basics is considered a very hig risk dog food. Here are our concerns:
Recommended Reading: Who Sells Iams Dog Food
What Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Dog Food is a pet food brand dedicated to making healthy and natural recipes for cats and dogs of every age and phase of life. It makes delicious, healthy, wet, and dry dog food for both small and large breeds.
The company makes formulas for personalized dietary needs from skin sensitivities, immune system support, hip and joint health, weight management, digestive care, and many more.
Jackie and Bill Bishop, the founders of Blue Buffalo, began to develop interests in pet health when their Airedale, Blue, developed medical problems. This triggered the brothers to create Blue Buffalo Dog Food made from the finest natural ingredients to boost immunity.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food contains no corn, wheat, colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-product meals. None of the food variants contains dairy or egg, either. The company produces two grain-free dog food lines, an antioxidant-rich âLife Protection formulaâ and a Limited Ingredient line, all made with natural ingredients.
All Blue Buffalo foods contain LifeSource Bits. The âbitsâ are derived from whole source ingredients like fruit and veggies. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dry Dog Food

If you have a large breed, consider Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Chicken and Brown Rice. This food is specially formulated for larger dogs to support their bones and joints. Since larger dogs are prone to certain ailments, the selected ingredients ensure sufficient nutrition.
Glucosamine and chondroitin aids in appropriate nourishment that big dogs need to thrive. Chicken is the first ingredient, providing high quality protein with added L-Carnitine for muscles.
Each serving of food contains 353 calories, making a total of 3,516 calories per bag. It contains 22.0% crude protein, 12.0% crude fat, and 6.0% crude fiber.
Brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are the fiber-packed grains in this recipe. They provide smooth digestive properties, regulating your dogs tract. Its completely free of wheat, corn, and soy.
This food is excellent nutrition for large dogs unless your dog has special restrictions. It isnt gluten or grain-free.
- Not compatible with all dietary restrictions
Also Check: What’s The Best Human Food For Dogs
Best For Allergies: Blue Buffalo Natural Np Diet
Sadly, food allergies in dogs are extremely common. If your canine is afflicted with food allergies, this formula containing alligator may be helpful. Most dogs are not allergic to alligators, which makes this dog food suitable for allergies. This unique protein source has been found to produce very little immune response.
On top of a novel protein, this formula includes fish oil and flaxseed. These two ingredients add extra omega fatty acids into the food, improving your dogs skin and coat health. Plus, extra vitamins and minerals help ensure that your canine gets everything they need from this diet.
We love that there are no grains included. While many dogs do great on grains, they are a point of contention for some dogs with allergies. Without them, dogs with allergies can enjoy this food even if they are sensitive to grains.
Are Blue Heelers Aggressive
Wonder why Blue Heelers are known as heelers?
Blue Heelers are known to bite a lot, and the site they bite the most is a persons heel hence, Heeler.
This breed is the most aggressive out of all the dog breeds out there. They control and dominate in their nature, which is why they do not like being dominated by other breeds and when something goes against their will. For instance, when a person likes leaves, they prevent them from leaving and bite them on their heels.
Similarly, if you adopted a dog from a pet shelter and you suspect that they were previously ill-treated, then you can anticipate that they will be aggressive by nature. They might even lash at someone.
Therefore, if your Blue Heeler is adequately trained, they are one of the most loyal dog breeds ever.
Just keep in check the factors that annoys a Blue Heeler. Something like loud noise annoys them, and they tend to get jealous if they are not the center of your attention.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Dog To Eat Dry Food
Why Did Purina Sue Blue Buffalo
In May 2014, Purina filed a lawsuit against Blue Buffalo for false advertising, after an independent laboratory found that certain Blue Buffalo pet foods contained poultry by-product meal, despite the companys advertising claims that its products were AlwaysFronts.
Nestle Purina PetCare Company is suing Blue Buffalo for false advertising, disparagement, and unjust enrichment under the Federal Lanham Act . Purina has created a website to highlight its concerns: www.petfoodhonesty.com, where you can find a copy of the complaint and exhibits. Blue Buffalo was accused of misleading advertising practices in March 2014, and the suit was filed in April 2016 after the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus ruled in favor of the company. For more than 85 years, Purina has been a trusted brand in pet food and pet care. In the United States, Purina pet food is manufactured in the U.S., with 100% of Blue Buffalo pet food outsourced to third parties.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
For pet owners who are on the market for a dog food that is free of grain but loaded with the essential nutrients that adult dogs need, Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is an option worth considering.
Just like all other products from Blue Buffalo, real meat is the first ingredient in this formula. Protein sources include deboned chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal. Protein is an essential part of a dogs diet, as it helps to strengthen their muscles and protect their joints. The addition of omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids encourage healthier skin and a healthier coat. Blues exclusive LifeSource bits contain a premium blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including B vitamins, D3, phosphorous, and folic acid, to promote optimal health for your pooch. It also contains calcium, glucosamine, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as amino acids. Completely free of poultry byproducts, wheat, soy, corn, artificial flavors, and preservatives, you can rest assured that your pet will be receiving the highest quality food when you feed him Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food.
What We Like About It
Reasons to Complain
- Its a bit pricey
- Some pet owners said that their dogs didnt like the taste
Also Check: Is Pedigree Dog Food Good For Pitbulls
Blue Basics Wet Dog Food Review
Score: 3.9/10
Package Ingredients for Grain-Free Turkey And Potato Recipe: Turkey, turkey broth, potatoes, flaxseed , pea protein, fish oil, pumpkin, guar gum, potassium chloride, salt, carrageenan, cassia gum, cranberries, blueberries, choline chloride, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate , copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, sodium selenite, thiamine mononitrate , cobalt amino acid chelate, niacin supplement , calcium pantothenate , vitamin a supplement, riboflavin supplement , biotin , vitamin B12 supplement, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride , vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid , preserved with mixed tocopherols
Using our evaluation criteria, Blue Basics Wet is considered a high risk dog food. Here are our concerns:
Orijen Biologically Appropriate Puppy Food
Orijen is a high-quality, biologically appropriate food developed in response to the dramatic shifts observed in canine and feline nutrition.
The recipe for Orijen is based on time-tested animal feeding studies that show a diet including fresh meat, fresh poultry, whole eggs, and animal fats, animal protein sources to keep your dog healthier.
Without added grains or cereal protein diet, our food contains 38% naturally rich protein.
It offers essential vitamins, minerals, and omega 3s and 6s. It provides 1% sugars with antioxidants, calcium, and phosphorus.
It is designed to foster healthy growth throughout your pets life span.
Key Features:
Orijen is a nutritious diet with numerous benefits- grain-free, gluten-free, and high in protein.
Orijen is made from 85% meat sources, not sourcing any other protein source .
Orijen also has omega 3s, which help promote healthy skin and coat for your pup! You can see the lack of grain by examining the ingredients they are all animal-sourced.
This dog food is low in calories having only 870 calories per kilogram and being rich in fiber which will provide smaller stools for your canine dog breed to take care of on their masters.
Orijen Grain Free dry dog food of premium quality. It contains 85% meat ingredients, the product is grain-free, gluten-free, and has Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids and calcium, 18% fats, and 38% protein.
The company was established in 1987, and it forges beef flavors with turkey flavors for its products!
Don’t Miss: Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food