Blue Buffalo is a well-known brand in the pet food industry, but are there comparable alternatives? Absolutely. Blue Buffalo offers a wide range of dog food options, but several other brands provide similar quality and nutritional value. COMPARE.EDU.VN is here to help you navigate the world of dog food and find the best option for your furry friend. This article explores brands that stand up to the comparison, focusing on comparable ingredients, nutritional profiles, and benefits.
1. Introduction of Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo is a prominent name in the pet food market, founded in 2003 in Connecticut by the Bishop family. Starting as a small, independent venture, it was acquired by General Mills in 2018 for billions of dollars.
Blue Buffalo History
The company’s origins are rooted in a dog named Blue. The Bishop family adopted Blue, who became their loyal companion. After Blue was diagnosed with cancer and passed away, the family decided to create better dog food in his memory. They collaborated with veterinarians and nutrition experts to develop natural formulas with complete and balanced nutrition, resulting in Blue Buffalo.
Source: bluebuffalo.com
The high-quality food created by Bishop quickly gained demand from owners facing similar situations, spreading through word of mouth. In less than two decades, the brand transformed into the top natural pet food brand in America. Despite being relatively young, Blue Buffalo has established itself as a leading manufacturer of high-end pet food.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review
Blue Buffalo adheres to strict health and safety standards to ensure their pet food products offer clean, natural nutrition that closely matches animals’ natural diets.
Blue Buffalo offers various dog food lines with recipes for all life stages and special diets. Both dry and wet dog food options are available, addressing common health concerns like food allergies and weight management. They also provide a veterinary diet line with prescription food for dogs with acute conditions and chronic illnesses. All recipes feature real meat as the main ingredient, without fillers or poultry by-products. The brand provides detailed information about their ingredients, and most products are available and highly rated on platforms like Amazon and Chewy.
While Blue Buffalo offers high-quality food, it comes at a premium price. The company’s recall history is also worth noting.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recalls
Blue Buffalo has had 7 recalls:
- April 2007: Rice protein contaminated with melamine
- October 2010: Elevated levels of Vitamin D
- November 2015: Potential Salmonella contamination in chew bones
- May 2016: Excessive moisture and mold
- February 2017: Aluminum contamination
- March 2017: Packaging issues
- March 2017: Elevated levels of naturally occurring hormones
In 2014, Purina filed a claim against Blue Buffalo for false advertising, discovering poultry by-product meal ingredients in their recipes despite Blue Buffalo’s claims. Blue Buffalo admitted the truth, blaming their supplier, and corrected the issues.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Created in collaboration with vets and nutritionists. | Tends to be pricey. |
| Wide selection of recipes for all life stages. | Sizable recall history. |
| Popular choice for picky dogs. | Accusations of false advertisement. |
| No artificial flavors or preservatives. | Some foods use controversial ingredients. |
| No soy, wheat, or corn additives. | Recipes might not cater to some dietary needs. |
| Most recipes are grain-free. | Not always as nutritious as similar products. |
| All recipes contain natural ingredients. | |
| Doesn’t use fillers or by-products. | |
| Most dogs find Blue Buffalo foods palatable with various flavors. |
Best Blue Buffalo Dog Food
- Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Dog Food
- Best Value: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Beef Dinner
- Premium Choice: Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness Natural Dog Food Salmon Recipe
- Best For Sensitive Stomach: Blue Buffalo Blue Basics Skin & Stomach Care Natural Dog Food
- Best for Small Dogs: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Small & Mighty
- Best Vet-Formulated Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Dog Food
2. Where To Buy Dog Foods Cheapest?
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3. Factors to Consider When Searching A Blue Buffalo Alternative
When seeking an alternative to Blue Buffalo dog food, several factors should be taken into account to ensure the replacement meets your dog’s nutritional needs and your budget.
Price
Price is a significant consideration for many looking for an alternative to Blue Buffalo. Whether you aim to upgrade or switch to a more affordable brand, understanding the cost differences is crucial.
Blue Buffalo dry dog food recipes generally range from $45 to $75, depending on the size and variety, while wet food costs about $2-$3 per can.
Availability
Ensure the brand you consider is readily available from various sources, such as local pet stores and online retailers like Chewy.
Switching to a brand that is difficult to obtain is not advisable if you are switching due to reliability or stock issues with your current recipe.
Nutrition
Blue Buffalo dry dog food recipes typically contain 20-30% protein and 12-15% fat. However, some recipes fall outside this range.
When selecting an alternative, aim for a recipe with a protein and fat content within this range or within 5% of your dog’s previous food.
Ingredients
Dogs can react poorly to new ingredients, so minimizing changes is essential. Blue Buffalo dog food recipes commonly use meat ingredients like chicken, chicken meal, lamb, salmon, and turkey. Plant-based ingredients such as brown rice, barley, oatmeal, peas, and flaxseed are also prevalent. While matching the exact ingredient list is unlikely, try to find an alternative with the most similar first five ingredients.
4. Alternatives to Blue Buffalo Dog Food
1. Diamond Naturals
Source: diamondpet.com
Diamond Naturals is a collection of recipes from Diamond Pet Foods, a family-owned company founded in 1970. They produce dog and cat food in the USA, using locally farmed and sourced ingredients, with thousands of weekly tests to ensure safety and quality. The Naturals line is considered moderately above average but doesn’t rank with the top premium brands.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food offers a wide range of recipes, including limited ingredient and grain-free diets. The recipes often contain grain ingredients similar to Blue Buffalo, such as brown rice, white rice, barley, and sorghum. Naturals formulations include many ingredients not commonly found in lower-grade dog food, such as berries, fruits, and vegetables. They typically have a protein proportion between 22%-27% and a fat proportion between 12%-16%, closely resembling Blue Buffalo recipes.
Diamond is priced competitively, often more cost-effective than Blue Buffalo. Most Diamond Naturals recipes are sold in 40lb bags, costing roughly $1 per pound, which is very impressive. Naturals can be purchased from physical stores like Petco and Tractor Supply Company, as well as online platforms like Amazon, Chewy, Petco, and Petflow.
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
Price: $46.99 for 40 lbs
Source: diamondpet.com
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice All Life Stages Dog Food is an affordable alternative to Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formulas, providing comprehensive nutritional support for a variety of dogs. Made with real cage-free chicken as the first ingredient, along with real fruits and vegetables like kale, blueberries, and coconut, it is suitable for all life stages. It provides protein, minerals, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and antioxidants for overall well-being.
With 26% protein and 16% fat, the Chicken & Rice Formula supplies the energy and muscle-building blocks needed for an active dog. It is made without corn and wheat and contains healthy ingredients while excluding artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Chicken is the first ingredient. | Chicken is a potential allergen. |
| Good selection of formulas for different life stages. | No exotic protein options. |
| Great value with extras like probiotics. | Excessive carbohydrates. |
| No fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. | Picky eaters may need enticing. |
| Satisfactory proportion of fat. | Contains barley & pea flour. |
| COMPARE.EDU.VN offers detailed comparisons and reviews. | Potential ingredient sensitivities may vary among individual dogs, requiring careful monitoring. |
2. Taste of the Wild
Source: tasteofthewildpetfood.com
Taste of the Wild is one of the fastest-growing pet food brands, similar to Blue Buffalo. They offer grain-free formulas made with real roasted meat, designed to align with your pet’s ancestral diet, with added probiotics to aid digestion, support the immune system, and contribute to overall well-being. All foods are manufactured in the USA, billed as affordable and using high-quality ingredients.
Besides using real meat, fish, or fowl as the primary ingredient, the brand’s recipes include unique proteins from boar, bison, duck, trout, and venison. Taste of the Wild relies more on legumes and starches like peas, lentils, potatoes, and sweet potatoes than Blue Buffalo but has some grain-inclusive recipes that use grains like barley, sorghum, and millet. Protein levels range from 25-32%, and fat levels range from 15-18%, potentially improving upon Blue Buffalo with slightly higher proportions.
Taste of the Wild is priced similarly to Blue Buffalo, typically costing between $45-$55 for a 28 lb bag, working out to be roughly $1.75-$2 per pound. They are also easily available from physical retail pet stores across the United States or websites such as Chewy and Petco.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Price: $19.99 – $58.99
Source: chewy.com
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food is the best alternative to Blue Buffalo Wilderness formulas. It uses several different animal proteins to offer a high crude protein content of 32%.
Formulated with novel proteins, including buffalo and bison, this grain-free recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes for digestible energy, along with natural antioxidant support from real fruits and vegetables, and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion. Essential minerals are chelated with amino acids to optimize their absorption.
Taste of the Wild’s 18% crude fat content is slightly more than Blue Buffalo Wilderness. It also features a canine-specific probiotic blend for more digestive support than Blue Buffalo. Both formulas are grain-free and exclude corn, wheat, and soy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real meat is the #1 ingredient. | The manufacturer has a lawsuit and a recall history. |
| High-protein (32%) to support bones, joints, and lean, strong muscles. | Has been subject to a grain-free diet controversy. |
| Family-owned and made in the USA using quality ingredients. | Contains chicken fat, eggs, and other common allergens. |
| Contains vitamins and essential minerals. | Potential sensitivities may vary among individual dogs, requiring monitoring. |
| No corn, wheat, barley, or rice. | COMPARE.EDU.VN provides comprehensive analyses for informed choices. |
| Suitable for dogs with grain allergies. | |
| No artificial additives or ingredients. |
3. American Journey
Source: chewy.com
Established in April 2017, American Journey is a newer player in the dog food industry. This brand of dry dog food is owned by Chewy, the online pet supply retailer, and is sold almost exclusively through their website. By cutting out the middleman, Chewy can produce and sell its products at competitive prices. These formulas are often significantly less expensive than competitors, despite containing high-quality ingredients. A 28lb or 24lb bag of dry food typically costs between $40-$50, depending on the recipe.
With dry and wet recipes for cats and dogs, the brand focuses on deboned protein without corn, wheat, or soy. American Journey offers various products, including limited ingredient dog food, grain-free dry cat food, and dog treats. All recipes are created and overseen by Chewy and their production partner teams, catering to all three life stages: puppy, adult, and senior.
American Journey uses a wide range of high-quality meat and fish ingredients in their recipes, many of which are shared with Blue Buffalo, such as salmon, chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb, and beef. These recipes are generally high in protein, and for plant-based ingredients, American Journey offers a broad range of both grain-inclusive and grain-free options, typically utilizing ingredients like brown rice, barley, peas, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes.
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Price: $17.34 – $110.10
Source: chewy.com
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is a high-quality dry dog food with a significantly above-average nutrient profile and protein content. The first ingredient is real salmon, followed by turkey meal and chicken meal. The minimum nutritional breakdown includes 32% protein, 14% fat, 5% fiber, and 10% moisture. The real salmon and chicken meal give this dry dog food a flavor most dogs will enjoy.
Antioxidant-rich ingredients support a healthy immune system, while omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin, coat, brain, and eye health. It contains no unnecessary extras like corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meals.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real salmon is the first ingredient. | Contains plant-based proteins. |
| Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. | Only available from Chewy.com. |
| Balanced nutrition to encourage weight loss. | Subject to grain-free diet controversy. |
| Supports healthy joints. | High fiber content may cause digestive issues. |
| Good source of protein. | Low in moisture. |
| Satisfactory proportion of protein. | Some dogs may be allergic to fish. |
| Affordable. | COMPAE.EDU.VN helps you evaluate if this food fits your dog’s unique dietary needs and potential sensitivities. |
4. Rachael Ray Nutrish
Source: nutrish.com
Rachael Ray Nutrish is a popular pet food brand and one of Blue Buffalo’s biggest competitors. It is an above-average dog food with decent ingredients and a budget price tag compared to similar brands. They believe in using real ingredients for nutrients and offering them at an affordable price to be accessible to pet owners who want high-quality nutrition for their cats and dogs. Rachael Ray Nutrish is priced below Blue Buffalo, typically costing between $1.5 to $2 per pound when purchased in larger bags.
This dog food line has a wide variety of wet and dry food, as well as treats and biscuits. Nutrish also has limited ingredient recipes and grain-free recipes, so it can work for most dogs. Rachael Ray Dog Food is made in the USA, although it is not specified where. Their wet recipes are made in Thailand like many other wet dog food and wet cat food brands.
They manufacture its products using a standard process of cooking and dehydrating ingredients to be formed into a powder that is then processed into kibble or wet food. The ingredients consist of multiple protein sources per food to ensure a well-rounded amino acid profile and an array of plants and gluten-free grains for vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. The ingredients found in Rachael Ray Nutrish’s recipes are very similar to Blue Buffalo, with the inclusion and widespread use of chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, and peas. It includes some ingredients not commonly found in Blue Buffalo recipes, like soybean meal, brewers rice, and corn.
You can purchase Rachael Ray Nutrish from several online pet food websites like Amazon and Chewy, which often stock more recipes or offer discounts.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food
Price: $53.28 for 40 lbs
Source: chewy.com
The Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe is nutritious and delicious! Real chicken is the first ingredient, supporting healthy organs and helping maintain lean muscle mass. This food has a moderate protein percentage of 26%. Fiber sources like peas and brown rice help support healthy digestion. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil promote an active mind, and antioxidants help support a healthy body. Whole grains help maintain balanced energy levels. It does all of that with no fillers, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, or other bad stuff. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real chicken is the first ingredient. | Contains a potentially harmful ingredient. |
| Supports a healthy mind, body, and energy level. | High in fillers. |
| Natural dry dog food with added vitamins & minerals. | Potential sensitivities may vary; COMPARE.EDU.VN can help assess suitability. |
| Contains above-average protein. | Some formulas include controversial ingredients. |
| Free from artificial colorants. | |
| Simple and natural ingredients. |
5. Merrick Pet Care
Source: merrickpetcare.com
Merrick Dog Food is a premium pet food brand founded in 1988 by Garth Merrick, who developed healthy food recipes for his dog Gracie. Merrick Dog Food’s ideology is built on five promises: using real whole foods, using high-quality ingredients, health improvement in your dogs, crafting in the original kitchen of Garth Merrick, and giving back to society.
All Merrick dog foods are produced in the United States. Most of the brand’s dry and wet recipes are manufactured at one of its 3 company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. These three facilities are Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3 certified and HACCP (Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Points) certified. Merrick owns its own cannery.
Merrick is a high-end dog food filled with organic ingredients as much as possible. Each recipe is high in protein, with a mixture of plant and animal sources. All dog foods are formulated with high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, enhancing bone health and strengthening muscles. All ingredients are sourced from local farmers and ranchers near their production facility to keep them as fresh as possible. Merrick Dog Food also uses whole fruits and veggies such as apples, carrots, blueberries, and more to incorporate the goodness of fibers, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Dry Dog Food Recipes
Price: $81.98
Source: amazon.com
Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Great Plains Recipe dog food is an excellent cheaper alternative to Blue Buffalo Carnivora. Merrick’s Backcountry line uses the same kibble as many of their other grain-free recipes, with one key difference: it has chunks of freeze-dried meat mixed in. This formula incorporates freeze-dried raw meat to replicate the diets of your dogs’ ancestors.
Merrick Backcountry dog foods feature an incredibly high protein content and organ meat to mimic prey feeding. Organ meats like beef liver are high in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A. It comes close with a 38% crude protein content from beef, lamb meal, and salmon meal. Merrick Backcountry is around 25% cheaper than the Blue Buffalo Carnivora Brand.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has chunks of raw freeze-dried meat. | Have to wash your hands after handling it. |
| Lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals. | One of Merrick’s most expensive foods. |
| Good way to transition into feeding a raw diet. | Ingredient quality and sourcing concerns raised lately. |
| Grain-Free nutrition for easier digestibility. | |
| Recipe is rich with Omega fatty. | |
| COMPAE.EDU.VN helps you compare ingredients objectively. |
5. Conclusion
Choosing the right dog food involves careful consideration of factors like price, availability, nutrition, and ingredients. Blue Buffalo is a reputable brand, but alternatives such as Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, American Journey, Rachael Ray Nutrish, and Merrick Pet Care offer comparable benefits. Each brand has unique strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to assess your dog’s specific needs and preferences.
Remember to check COMPARE.EDU.VN for detailed comparisons, reviews, and user feedback to make an informed decision.
6. Call to Action
Still unsure which dog food is best for your furry friend? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN today for comprehensive comparisons, expert reviews, and user testimonials to help you make the right choice.
For more information or assistance, contact us at:
Address: 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States
WhatsApp: +1 (626) 555-9090
Website: compare.edu.vn
7. Q&A
Is Blue Buffalo really grain-free?
Yes, their BLUE Freedom line of dog and cat foods is 100% grain-free. Their high-protein BLUE Wilderness line and limited-ingredient diet BLUE Basics line also have grain-free formulas available.
Is Blue Buffalo high quality?
Blue Buffalo dog food is touted as a healthy and holistic brand. It contains high-quality ingredients without unnecessary additives, providing all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy. It’s made in the USA but from globally sourced ingredients.
Is Blue Buffalo worth the money?
Yes, Blue Buffalo Dog Food is worth it. It is an excellent choice for many pet parents, offering a superior nutrition profile. The precise blend of carbs, proteins, and fats attests to the quality of this dog food.
Does Blue Buffalo source from China?
Blue Buffalo does not source any of their meats, proteins, fruits, grains, or vegetables from China.
Why is Blue Buffalo dog food the best?
Blue Buffalo’s Dry Dog Food lines are touted as some of the best dog foods you can buy. With whole-food ingredients and antioxidant blends formulated at low temperatures to sustain their vitamin content, it’s no wonder this brand is one of the more expensive dry foods around.
Does Blue Buffalo have chemicals?
Blue Buffalo Dog Food contains meat product meals and meat by-products, as well as synthetic ingredients, artificial preservatives, and fillers.
Where is Blue Buffalo pet food made?
While its headquarters is in Connecticut, Blue Buffalo has other locations across the United States, including states like South Carolina, California, and Missouri. Their only product made outside of the United States is the Chomp’ n’ Chow treats, produced in Ireland. They outsource the production of some of their pet foods to other companies.
Is there a problem with Blue Buffalo?
Blue Buffalo recalled some of its products, including the Blue Wilderness Chicken Flavor dry dog food, Blue Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken, Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Formula Salmon, and Brown Rice Large Breed Adult dry dog food, due to excessive levels of Vitamin D.
