Recipe And Label Analysis
Blue Buffalo Chicken and Brown Rice Adult was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Blue Buffalo Chicken and Brown Rice Adult
Dry Dog Food
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Fiber = 5.6%
Red denotes controversial item
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient
Rating:
Blue Buffalo Basics is the brands limited ingredient diet. The dry formula is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Contains no chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy or eggs
- Simple recipe design for gentle digestion
Freedom is Blue Buffalos 100% grain-free and gluten-free dry product line.
- Contains healthy fruits and vegetables
- Gluten-free with no cereal grains
- No corn, wheat, soy or artificial preservatives
Is Blue Buffalo Considered A Balanced Dog Food
All Blue Buffalo recipes meet or exceed dog food nutrient profiles established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials . These standards are based on the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats published by the National Research Council of the National Academies of Science in Washington, D.C. Each Blue Buffalo recipe is considered complete and balanced for the canine life stage printed on the package.
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Blue Buffalo Dog Food Reviewed: Pros Cons And Ingredient Analysis
- 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.
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.
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Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain
The Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Adult Chicken Recipe is our best overall for many reasons. It contains organically grown chicken, which is a top source of protein. Protein helps your dog to build muscles and stay strong.
This food is also rich in omega-fatty acids, which are great for your dogs skin and coat. If you want your dog to have healthy skin and a shiny coat, this is the food to buy. It also contains an expert-curated blend of antioxidants, ensuring that your dog has a healthy immune system.
The grain and gluten-free nature of this food makes it great for adult dogs who are allergic. This food, however, still contains important nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Your dog needs vitamins and minerals to ensure its body processes work smoothly.
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 dogs 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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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 mothers milk, which support cognitive development and retinal health. It contains other ingredients that help promote the healthy development of your dogs 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 dogs 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 dogs 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 dogs meal. They are a common ingredient in most adult dry dog foods.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Puppies and adult dogs
Price: $2/pound
Cons
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 Life Protection formula and a Limited Ingredient line, all made with natural ingredients.
All Blue Buffalo foods contain LifeSource Bits. The bits are derived from whole source ingredients like fruit and veggies. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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Why We Love It
- STARTS WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe with real chicken as the first ingredient, this dry puppy food supports healthy muscle development in puppies without the grains that contain gluten.
- GRAIN FREE PUPPY FOOD: BLUE Freedom grain free puppy food is made with DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mothers milk, to help support your puppys brain and eye development.
- 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 dog 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.
Is Blue Buffalo A Healthy Option For Senior Dogs
Blue Buffalo markets 5 wet and 7 dry dog foods, each designed to be suitable for older animals. Each product contains above-average protein and below-average fat and calories levels. Recipes meet AAFCO nutrient guidelines for adult maintenance which makes each a healthy option for senior dogs. View The Dog Food Advisors best senior dog foods here.
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Are You A California Resident
Save $10 off your first purchase of $50 or more in Pharmacy. Offer valid with Treats membership online only at petsmart.com or on the app. Must be signed into your Treats account prior to purchase. Discount taken off highest priced qualifying item in cart. Offer not valid on services, gift cards, gift certificates, previous purchases, charitable donations, and may exclude all or select items from various brands. Offer may not be combined with other promotional offers or discounts and specifically excludes any available Autoship offers. Limited to one time per customer during the offer period. Transaction total is prior to taxes & after discounts are applied. Terms and conditions of this offer are subject to change at the sole discretion of PetSmart. Offer valid through October 30th, 2022 at 7:30am EST.
Buy 1, Get 2nd 25% Off Dog Treats. Offer valid on all dog treats & chews when you purchase 2. Must buy in multiples of 2 to receive discount. Savings will automatically reflect in shopping cart with purchase of qualifying product. Exclusions may apply including Whimz]ees bulk items. Mix & match allowed. While supplies last. Quantities may be limited. Prices & selection may vary by store & online. Offer may not be combinable with other promotional offers or discounts. Terms and conditions of this offer are subject to change at the sole discretion of PetSmart. Offer valid through 10/03/2022 at 6:30am EST.
Blue Basics Turkey And Potato Recipe

Reviewers say that this is the best alternative for dogs allergic to chicken. I started researching new foods for my dog since he has allergies and has had loose stool since adopting him. I was feeding him TOTW, Bison and Venison Grain-Free, but after noticing the 2nd and 3rd ingredients in that food are lamb and chicken meal, I realized it was time for a change. I tried Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Formula Turkey & Potato Recipe and my boy really enjoys it, plus it does not have any chicken products in the recipe. He is healthy, his stool is solid now, and his coat is shiny.
Some picky dogs however didnt like this recipe. We had high hopes that this would be the one that our EB would eat due to the ingredients meeting her needs. She refuses to eat it no matter how we try to entice her. I think its the little pea-looking pieces that cause her to refuse it. But, even if we take them out, she will have nothing to do with it and that defeats the nutritional value. So, for us, this is a no-go.
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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 brands products are available and highly rated on online platforms like Amazon and Chewy.
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
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Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food Worth It
Yes, Blue Buffalo Dog Food is worth it.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food is an excellent choice for many pet parents. The brand offers a superior nutrition profile. The precise blend of carbs, proteins, and fats attests to the quality of this dog food. And the companys commitment to overall canine health is second to none.
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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Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein Dog Food tends to your dog’s wild nature. Give your furry friend a good blend of vitamins, nutrients, healthy fats and proteins. This turkey and chicken dog food contains no by-product meals, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat or soy. The formula is inspired by the diet of the wolf. BLUE Wilderness is a meat-rich, grain-free dog food that will provide your puppy with a higher concentration of the turkey and chicken he loves. It’s made with the finest natural ingredients, including generous amounts of meat. It contains delicious deboned turkey, which promotes healthy muscle growth. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein Dog Food also has DHA, an important fatty acid found in mother’s milk for cognitive learning and retinal function in puppies.
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Has Blue Buffalo Dog Food Been Recalled
Yes, Blue Buffalo Dog Food has been recalled. To be more precise, the company has three recalls.
In March 2017, there was a voluntary recall of Wilderness Rocky Mountain Red Meat Dinner Wet Food due to a high level of naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormones that cause restlessness, increased heart rate, weight loss, urination, and increased thirst.
The Food and Drug Administration reported a single pet parent whose dog developed these symptoms and later recovered. Blue Buffalo investigated and decided to recall the batch.
In October 2010, a scientist at the Michigan State University investigated why dogs around the country were falling sick. It found that these dogs had high levels of vitamin D in their blood. 16 of these dogs were eating the BLUE Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe diet.
The company recalled all bags of BLUE Basics Salmon Recipe, BLUE Buffalo Wilderness Chicken, and BLUE Life Protection Adult Large Breed Chicken Recipe, having the best before dates of 7/12/11 through 10/26/11.
And finally, in April 2007, there was a voluntary recall of many pet foods and one batch of Buffalo baked dog treats. They contained rice protein obtained from Wilbur-Ellis, which was contaminated with melamine before arriving Blue Buffalo production facility.
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Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain
Reviewers say that their dogs love this grain-free chicken recipe. My friends dog eats the puppy version of this and my 3-year-old dog kept trying to steal her food. My dog would never eat dry food without wet food mixed in, so that surprised me. I ordered the adult version and viola. My dog now eats quality dry food without me having to mix wet food in it. She looks and acts healthy, has a shiny coat, and her bowel movements have a great consistency. Im very happy.
One tester, however, complained about the price. This is a great way to get your pet food. The only thing that I have noticed is that on the first of December 2020 the price for my dog food and treats was roughly $65.00 and by the end of January 2021 my price has gone up to $77.00. I signed up for auto-ship and thought that would mean locking in a better price but my costs just keeps increasing.
The Best Blue Buffalo Grain

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken |
When people say, You are what you eat, they arent referring to humans alone. Feeding your furry friend a healthy diet improves their quality of life and, thus, the quality of their playtime.
Good food is one way to your pets heart. However, if you notice that your dogs coat appears shabby and it has difficulty passing feces it might be time to adjust their diet. This could also manifest as your dog ignoring its dinner.
Dog foods containing grains offer little nutritional value. On the flip side, grains may predispose your dog to seizures resulting from complications of the liver, gallbladder, or digestive system. If your dog falls into this category, then your vet might suggest a grain-free diet.
Blue Buffalo Grain-free foods could be just what your dogs need. They produce excellent grain-free diets that can improve your dogs bowels, give its coat an extra shine, and prevent allergies.
Blue Buffalo Grain-free dog foods are canine diet options void of grains- whole or processed. These grains include wheat, soy, rice, corn, rice, etc., and their products. Blue Buffalo grain-free foods are free of them all.
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