Blue Buffalo Dog Food Formulas Reviewed
Blue Buffalo Dog Food offers different formulas, including wet and dry dog foods, dog treats, and toppers. To help pet owners find the best recipe for their dogs, we have reviewed several formulas.
Summary: This product contains a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been put together by renowned vets and animal nutritionists. The dog food is high in protein as it contains real chicken, which encourages muscle growth. It also contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in motherâs milk, which support cognitive development and retinal health. It contains other ingredients that help promote the healthy development of your dogâs body and mind.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Puppies and adult dogs
Flavor Options: Red meat Chicken Turkey
Price: $2.7/pound
- Some dogs might not like the crunchy texture
Ingredient Analysis
- Deboned Chicken: Most Blue Buffalo homestyle meals contain deboned chicken that provides the required protein to your dogâs diet
- Peas: This is a great source of plant protein, and it also gives a nice texture to the food. Additionally, it also contains other beneficial nutrients.
- Fish Meal: Helps reduce inflammation in your dogâs body. Also, it is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin & coat health.
- Sweet Potatoes: These complete the requirement of carbs in your dogâs meal. They are a common ingredient in most adult dry dog foods.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Puppies and adult dogs
Cons
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain
Rating:
Grain Free Adult Chicken is one of 18 dry recipes covered in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, tapioca starch
- Other recipes: Puppy, large breed, senior, healthy weight, and many others
- See all 18 available recipes
This Blue Buffalo formula derives most of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Made with all natural ingredients. Contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, soy, wheat, or artificial flavors and coloring agents. A superior grain-free, fully balanced recipe thats ideal for adult dogs. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewHaving a picky pooch, we are always trying to find something she will eat. We have found it with food. Her coat is looking and feeling better, she has more energy and loves feeding time.
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.
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Delicious Dry Dog Food
BLUE Freedom
This grain-free dry dog food is made with real meat first and contains the finest natural ingredients for the health and well-being of your best friend. These recipes also contain our exclusive LifeSource Bits a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance for your dog.
Explore Dry Foods by Life Stage
Adult: 12 months – 7 years
Senior: 7 years and up
Blue Buffalo Warnings & Lawsuits
Before we detail the recall history for Blue Buffalo, we first want to alert readers to the fact that, in late , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified Blue Buffalo as one of 16 pet food brands that may be linked to heart disease in dogs and cats.
None of those 16 brands have been recalled as part of the agencys ongoing investigation, though. Most, but not all, of the pet foods are grain-free and/or dry dog food formulations.
The FDA says this is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors, and that it cannot even be certain that diet is a cause of the heart problems. For full details, see our article on the subject.
We also want to point out that despite rumors, there has been no so-called Blue Buffalo lead recall. A lawsuit filed in claimed that 3 Blue Buffalo dog foods contained very high levels of lead, but the lawsuit was dismissed by a judge in 2018.
The company had this to say in response to the lead lawsuit:
Blue Buffalo strongly denies these allegations, which represent the unsubstantiated claims of one person, and have not been supported by any evidence or data.
More recently, in , the brand once again came under fire when a customer in New York sued Blue Buffalo for allegedly making her dog overweight and diabetic. Plaintiff Shannon Walton said she had been moved to buy Blue Buffalo dog food because the formula was strongly marketed as being inspired by a wolf diet.
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Wholesome Wet Dog Food
BLUE Freedom
Freedom also comes in wet dog food recipes starting with delicious real meat and formulated to help your dog thrive on a grain-free lifestyle. Serve as a complete meal or mixed with Freedom dry foods for a delightful dual texture.
Explore Wet Foods by Life Stage
Adult: 12 months – 7 years
Senior: 7 years and up
What Types Of Dog Food Does Blue Freedom Offer
Blue Freedom offers a variety of kibble and moist food for all types of dog breeds at every stage of their life. Blues line of food contains specific formulas that are geared towards a grain-free lifestyle and weight management no matter the unique needs of your dog.
Blue says the advantage of a grain-free diet is that your dog gets their essential carbohydrates from healthier sources of carbs. Grains, corn, and soy get used as fillers, and they provide next to no nutritional value for your pup.
Instead of using grains, in Blue Freedom, youll find peas, potatoes, and carrots as the primary source of carbohydrates. These are excellent sources of nutritional value for brain, eye, bone, and tooth development.
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Has Blue Buffalo Ever Been Recalled
Yes. Blue Buffalo has had to issue a number of pet food recalls going back to 2007. Here is a quick overview, and then we will go into much more detail below.
Most recently, in , Blue Buffalo recalled a single run of Blue Wilderness canned dog food because of potentially excessive levels of beef thyroid hormone .
A month earlier, in , Blue Buffalo recalled some cans of its Homestyle Recipe dog food because of possible metal contamination. Also that month, the company recalled wet dog food cups because of a packaging problem.
In May 2016, moisture problems and the possibility of mold prompted a limited recall of some Blue Buffalo sweet potatoflavored dog food.
In , there was a Blue Buffalo recall on a single lot of some chew bones. The cause was listed as potential salmonella contamination. Less than 3 weeks earlier, also in , a limited number of Blue Kitty Yums cat treats were pulled from shelves following reports of propylene glycol, which is unacceptable in cat treats under FDA guidelines.
In , Blue Buffalo voluntarily recalled a few products because of a sequencing error made by an ingredient supplier. The supplier had conducted a previous processing of Vitamin D in which some carryover may have contaminated the products.
This is product tampering, and it apparently has been going on for some time, the company said.
As a result of the recall, Blue Buffalo pulled all of its manufacturing from American Nutrition, even including products not listed in the recall.
Is Blue Buffalo A Good Dog Food
Yes, Blue Buffalo Dog Food is good.
The quality of ingredients used to produce the Blue Buffalo dry and wet dog foods is excellent. All recipes feature real meat as the main ingredient, with no filler or poultry by-products used.
Offering high-protein and homestyle recipes, the brand makes its formulas on recommendations by animal nutritionists and veterinarians. They are loaded with high-quality protein, glucosamine, L-carnitine, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them suitable for both large and small dogs.
Plus, the brand provides detailed accessibility to the ingredients that they use. And finally, most of the brandâs products are available and highly rated on online platforms like Amazon and Chewy.
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More Items To Explore
Deboned Chicken
Directions
Up to 15 lbs ½ to 1 ¼ cups* 16 to 25 lbs 1 ¼ to 1 ¾ cups* 26 to 40 lbs 1 ¾ to 2 ½ cups* 41 to 60 lbs 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups* 61 to 80 lbs 3 ½ to 4 ¼ cups* 81 to 100 lbs 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ cups* Over 100 lbs 5 ¼ cups* + ½ cup for each additional 20 lbs *Use a standard 8-oz. measuring cup. Note: Individual dog’s requirements may vary due to age, breed, environment, and activity level. Adjust food as required to maintain optimal body condition, and ask your veterinarian if you are unsure.
Legal Disclaimer
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 24
| $71.99$71.99The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product’s prevailing market price. |
| Dry |
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Taste Of The Wild Grain
Rating:
Taste of the Wild High Prairie is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
- Other recipes: Puppy, adult, small breed, and more
- See all 9 available recipes
Taste of the Wild High Prairie derives most of its meat protein from buffalo, lamb meal and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A superior choice for your dog. Heartily recommended.
Sample buyer reviewMy fur babies love it, I bought the bag before I finished off their other food and they would inspect the bag. As soon as I cut it open and fed them, they wont touch their other food. They know which is which and they prefer Taste of the Wild over all their food. Glad theyre happy.
What Is The Problem With Blue Buffalo Dog Food
In the past, Blue Buffalo Dog Food had to endure a series of accusations involving false advertising of their products. They were sued because they were accused of misleading their customers through their marketing campaigns.
The brand has a certain marketing tactic where they associate dog food with a wolf and claim that their products are extremely close to nature. The fact that wolfs do not have carbohydrates in their food was used to back these allegations.
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Complete Blue Buffalo Recall List
Cause: Potential for elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone. Announcement: Company press release dated . What was recalled: Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs, 12.5 oz. cans, UPC #840243101153, best by June 7, 2019.
Cause: Packaging quality. Announcement: PetSmart announcement dated Feb. 28, 2017 . What was recalled: The following Blue Buffalo dog food cups:
Cause: Possible metal contamination . Announcement: Company announcement dated . What was recalled: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Healthy Weight, Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables, 12.5 oz. can, UPC #8-40243-10017-0, best by Aug. 3, 2019.
May 2016
Cause: Possible mold. Announcement: News report dated May 31, 2016. What was recalled: 30 lb. bags of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish and Sweet Potato Recipe dog food, best by April 11, 2017.
Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA report dated Nov. 25, 2015 . What was recalled: One lot of Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones, best by Nov. 4, 2017.
Cause: May contain low levels of propylene glycol. Announcement: FDA report dated Nov. 6, 2015 . What was recalled: 2 oz. pouches of Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe cat treats, best by either April 24 or July 24, 2016.
Cause: Potentially too much Vitamin D. Announcement: FDA report dated Oct. 8, 2010 . What was recalled: The following packages of Blue Buffalo dry dog food:
How Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food Made
Blue Buffalo Dog Food is made using all-natural ingredients formulated into wholesome recipes. The brand tries its best to ensure that your dogâs food is as primal as possible.
The formulas are minimally processed and are catered to different dog breeds and dietary needs. Every portion of the food ensures that your dog gets the required nutritional needs. The food is tailored to suit every life stage.
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Why We Love It
- STARTS WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe that starts with real chicken as the first ingredient, this dry dog food features the high quality ingredients youll feel good about feeding your best friend without the grains that contain gluten.
- GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD: BLUE Freedom grain free adult dog food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of adult dogs to help provide energy for an active life. Plus, it contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
- WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUEs exclusive LifeSource Bits® a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.
- “NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry food is formulated for the health and well-being of your dog and features the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It never contains chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Summary
- Best Overall Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Dry Dog FoodThis is our top pick when it comes to the best Blue Buffalo dog food because of its well-rounded and balanced formula.
- Best Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Immunity: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Dog FoodIf your dog falls ill often, this food will help build their immunity to fight off common infections and discomfort.
- Best Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Recipe for DogsThis protein-rich dog food is great for dogs that have a sensitive stomach and face allergic reactions to other food brands.
- Most Affordable Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Basics Dog FoodIf you are looking for something that is a bit more economical, this product is perfect for pet parents who are on a budget.
- Most Innovative Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Dog FoodMade with an innovative blend of ingredients, this dog food contains real meat along with whole grains , deboned chicken, and brown rice.
- Best Vet-Formulated Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Dog FoodIf your dog is a picky eater, this dog food is as close to nature as one can get, making every meal something to look forward to.
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Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain
Rating:
Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Chicken is one of 8 dehydrated recipes analyzed in our review of the Honest Kitchen product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Dehydrated chicken, organic flaxseed, dehydrated potatoes, dehydrated sweet potatoes, dried apples
- Other recipes: Fish, Beef, Turkey, and others
This Honest Kitchen formula derives most of its meat protein from dehydrated chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Made with genuine human-grade ingredients. Nutritionally complete and balanced for all breed sizes.
After adding warm water, the product rehydrates to four times its packaged weight. So, a 10-pound box yields forty pounds of dog food. Contains no preservatives, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat or soy. Enthusiastically recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI switched my dogs from a kibble to rehydrated food. They dont have poop problems anymore, but most of all, they are not scratching as much. They LOVE it, may have to eventually switch off chicken, as it is known for some food allergies. My 3 small dogs absolutely love it and so far, no $150 per month for allergy shots.. so its worth the costs..