Last Updated on January 18, 2021
Blue Buffalo started with a promise made to an Airedale Terrier named Blue, who was found to have a malignant tumor at the age of 7. The Bishop family wanted to provide Blue with the best food possible while he underwent chemotherapy.
Although Blue has long past now, the promise of Blue remains alive through the natural pet food products offered by Blue Buffalo.
Blue Buffalo was founded by Bill Bishop in 2003, where they offer natural and healthy pet food products for dogs and cats of all stages. Wet, dry, treats – you name it. They have it.
Headquartered in Wilton, Connecticut, Blue Buffalo takes pride in sourcing major ingredients around the United States. They also produce their recipes either from their own facility or their partners. Some of the manufacturers they outsource to are: Ainsworth, ANI/Vita-Line, Tuffy’s, CJ Foods, and Triple T Foods.
Best Buffalo Dog Food Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo’s life formula is not the #1 Best Seller in dry dog foods for nothing. This recipe is made with your pet’s overall health in mind. It’s formulated using natural meats with no preservatives, no poultry by-products, or artificial flavor added.
It’s also free of corn, soy, and wheat. Plus, Blue’s exclusive Life Source bits mixed in the kibble are great sources of essential vitamins and minerals your pet needs for his health and skin and coat condition.
According to Blue Buffalo’s website, their LifeSource bits are rich in Taurine, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, L-lysine, Vitamin D, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, and other naturally found antioxidants in cranberries, parsley, and blueberries.
Also related: Best Dog Food
Additionally, Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula is available in many flavors, so you can easily switch things up for your pet. Also, smaller sized kibble is available in the same formula for dogs who prefer bite-sized ones.
Key Features
- Contains Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that help promote shiny skin and coat
- No chicken (or poultry) by-products, artificial flavors, preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy
- Uses real meat as their main ingredient (real deboned chicken, real whitefish, real deboned lamb) plus whole grains, vegetables, and fruits
- Includes Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits that have essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support a strong immune system.
- Available in different flavors (Chicken and Brown Rice, Fish and Brown Rice, Lamb and Brown Rice)
- A formula for dogs who are watching their weight is available (Healthy Weight Chicken and Brown Rice)
- They have a variety that has smaller sized kibbles for dogs who dislike the regular-sized ones. (Small Bite Chicken and Brown Recipe)
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food
If you own a dog that falls under small breeds, then the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Adult Small Breeds is for you. Unlike the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, this formula has higher amounts of protein and carbohydrates to support your small breed’s high energy levels.
And while dog foods cannot prevent any future illnesses in your dog, choosing the right dog food can decrease their likelihood of developing certain diseases.
This formula is rich in Omega 3 & 6, an essential ingredient in supporting your dog’s joints, heart, eyes, skin, and mobility. Small breeds, specifically, need this ingredient in their diet as they are more inclined to developing joint problems.
Additionally, this formula includes Blue’s signature LifeSource Bits, and the size of kibbles are smaller for smaller jaws. Also comes in different flavors.
Key Features
- A formula specially made for small breeds, with higher amounts of protein and carbohydrates to support higher energy needs
- It supports joint function and mobility
- Smaller kibbles
- Uses real chicken, fish, and lamb meat as a source of protein
- Has no preservatives, no artificial flavor, and no chicken (or poultry) by-products
- Contains no soy, wheat, or corn
- With Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits that have antioxidants and essential vitamins and nutrients your dog needs.
- Comes in different flavors (Chicken and Brown Rice, Fish and Brown Rice, Lamb and Brown Rice)
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
This dog food formula is perfect for dogs who live an active lifestyle. Containing 30% more protein, this dog food will surely keep him going. Allergy to grains? No problem. This dog food is grain-free and packed with carbohydrates from vegetables.
The carbohydrates in this formula are sourced from sweet potatoes and peas, a healthy substitute for oats and wheat. This formula also has calcium and phosphorus that help strengthen your dog’s bones and teeth.
It’s made with real chicken meat, duck, and salmon, without you worrying about artificial flavors or preservatives. It also includes Blue’s LifeSource Bits that are filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from carefully selected ingredients that keep him protected from illnesses.
Key Features
- High protein for active dogs
- Grain-free formula
- Contains calcium and phosphorus, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
- Comes in different flavors (Chicken, Duck, Salmon)
- Made with real meat and no artificial flavor or preservatives added
- With LifeSource Bits that support a healthy immune system, has antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals.
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dog Food – Natural Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs
Owning a large dog also means huge needs. Thankfully, this Blue Buffalo formula for large breeds got them covered. This formula contains glucosamine and chondroitin, key nutrients for healthy joints and mobility. It also contains calcium and phosphorus that strengthen your dog’s bones and teeth.
It uses high-quality protein from real chicken, fish, and lamb meat to help your dog build and maintain lean muscles. It has no preservatives. No artificial flavor. And no poultry by-products.
Also related: Best Large Breed Dog Food
Additionally, it includes Blue’s LifeSource Bits that has healthy Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids from fish oil, antioxidants found in fruits, and essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables. There are also 3 flavors you can choose from.
Key Features
- Specially formulated for large breeds
- With glucosamine and chondroitin that support joint health
- Contains calcium and phosphorus to strengthen bones and teeth
- Made from real chicken meat, fish, and lamb and contains whole grains, veggies, and fruits
- With LifeSource Bits
- Contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy
- Has no preservatives, no artificial flavor, and no chicken (or poultry) by-products
- Has different flavors (Chicken and Brown Rice, Fish and Oatmeal Recipe, Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe)
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
According to Blue Buffalo, this formula was inspired by the diet of wolves. Guess what? They’re not exaggerating. This formula features 3 wild flavors, namely bison, rabbit, and red meat. It’s grain-free. It has no chicken. No preservatives. No artificial flavors, soy, wheat, corn, or any poultry by-products. If you have a dog that’s living an active life, then he will appreciate this formula.
It contains 30% more protein plus healthy complex-carbohydrates from vegetables. This formula also has Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to keep his skin and coat healthy. It also has calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth and glucosamine for joint health. Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits will also give him the extra boost he needs to keep a healthy oxidative balance, strong immune system, and vitamins and minerals he requires.
Key Features
- Is available in 3 different flavors (Bison, Rabbit, and Red Meat)
- Has high protein content
- Chicken-free
- Made from real meat
- Has no preservatives, no artificial flavor, and no chicken (or poultry) by-products
- Contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that keep his coat and skin healthy
- With LifeSource Bits
- Contains no soy, wheat, or corn
- Has calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine – all essential nutrients to have strong bones, teeth, and joint health
6. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
If your pup is allergic to grains, then this is the one he needs. This formula from Blue Buffalo has no grains that contain gluten. It makes use of real meat without artificial flavors. And no preservatives added.
It has Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that keep his skin and coat shiny and healthy. Apart from that, with Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits added, you are assured that he is protected from common ailments.
Also related: Best Grain-free Dog Food
These bits are filled with antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy oxidative balance and a strong immune system. It also contains calcium and phosphorus, essential for building strong bones and teeth. There are also 3 flavors you can choose from.
Key Features
- Grain-free
- With LifeSource Bits
- Made from real chicken meat, beef, and lamb
- Contains calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
- Has Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin
- Doesn’t contain any corn, wheat, soy, or any preservatives, artificial flavors, or chicken (poultry) by-products
- Comes in 3 flavors (Beef, Chicken, and Lamb)
7. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo’s Basics Limited Ingredient Dog Food is for every pet parent who has a dog with sensitivities. Its grain-free. And doesn’t contain common allergy triggers like chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs.
It only uses one real high-quality animal protein combined with peas, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. You’re also guaranteed that your pet is protected because of Blue’s LifeSource Bits that has Omega 3 and 6 and vitamins and minerals.
It contains calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth. Glucosamine for joint health. Taurine for cardiac function, eye health, immune system function, brain function, and digestion. Additionally, you can mix things up for your pet because this formula comes in 4 different flavors. No preservatives and artificial flavors are added.
Key Features
- Specially made for dogs with sensitivities
- Doesn’t contain any chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs
- Grain-free
- Features single animal protein
- Made with sweet potatoes, peas, and pumpkin that aids digestion
- Contains calcium, phosphorus, taurine, and glucosamine that aids in building strong muscles, healthy joints, strong teeth, and bones
- No preservatives, artificial flavoring, or chicken (poultry) by-products
- Made with real meat from duck, lamb, salmon, and turkey
- With LifeSource Bits that has Omega 3 and 6, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals
- Has 4 flavors to choose from (Duck & Potato Recipe, Lamb & Potato Recipe, Salmon & Potato Recipe, Turkey & Potato Recipe)
8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food, Natural Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs
Is your small dog a little overweight? Switch to this formula from Blue Buffalo. It’s specially made for small breeds who need to get their weight under control. It contains fewer calories from fat but enough protein to power him through his activities. It has immune boosters from Blue’s LifeSource Bits and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids giving him that nice shine in his coat.
This formula also includes calcium and phosphorus, essential nutrients for building strong bones and teeth. It also includes chondroitin, a naturally occurring enzyme, for developing healthy joints and combatting common joint problems like osteoarthritis in dogs.
Also related: Best Dog Food For Weight Loss
This formula doesn’t contain any preservatives, artificial flavoring, wheat, soy, corn, or poultry by-products.
Key Features
- Specially formulated for small breeds.
- Contains fewer calories from fat ideal for weight control
- With immune boosters from Blue’s LifeSource Bits plus Omega 3 and 6 for a healthy and shiny coat
- Made with real chicken meat
- Has calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin for joint health and strong bones
- No preservatives and artificial flavoring added.
- Doesn’t contain any wheat, soy, corn, and poultry by-products
Blue Buffalo Ingredients Analysis
For almost all of Blue Buffalo’s dry dog food products, you’d notice blueberries, cranberries, sweet potatoes, peas, flaxseed, and carrots as one of their main ingredients. Their flavors are commonly turkey, salmon, fish (whitefish), lamb, and chicken.
Other ingredients found in Blue Buffalo’s dry dog foods that are worth discussing are also chicken meal, chicken fat, pumpkin, oatmeal, brown rice, and garlic.
Below is a breakdown of these ingredients.
- Blueberries and cranberries are safe for dogs. They are great sources of antioxidants that are beneficial to our dogs.
- Sweet potatoes offer a range of health benefits for our dogs. It’s low in fat and has all the essential vitamins your dog needs. Their naturally high dietary fiber content helps support our dog’s digestive health as well.
- Peas are considered to be a quality source of carbohydrates and natural fiber. However, Dog Food Advisor warns that peas contain 25% of protein. It must be taken into consideration, especially when judging the actual meat content of the formula.
- Flaxseeds are a great plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, they contain about 19% protein. Again, it must be taken into consideration if looking at the meat content of the dog food.
- According to AKC, carrots are a nutritious vegetable for our dogs. They are low in calories and high in fiber and Vitamin A (from beta-carotene).
- Turkey, salmon, whitefish, lamb, and chicken are not toxic to pets. Whitefish and salmon, in fact, are rich in Omega-3 and vitamins and minerals. Lamb is rich in protein content and has a good amount of dietary fat. For chicken, although they are a quality item, they have a high moisture content. Dog Food Advisor warns that after it’s cooked, it will only make up a small portion of the total meat content in the final product.
- Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
- Chicken fat is a quality ingredient that is rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. It’s made from rendering chicken.
- Pumpkins are good sources of fiber and nutrients for your dog.
- Oatmeal is a whole grain product that’s rich in B-vitamins and fiber. It can also be considered gluten-free.
- Unfortunately, brown rice only offers modest nutritional value to dogs, but it is easy to digest once cooked.
- Garlic is a controversial ingredient to include in dog foods. But Blue Buffalo is certainly not the first company to include this in their formula. Many believe in the health benefits small amounts of garlic bring, like preventing blood clots, lowering cholesterol, and as a tick and flea repellent. However, garlic has also been linked to Heinz body anemia in dogs.
Blue Buffalo Recall History
Blue Buffalo has a history of being recalled going all the way back from 2007. Below is a timeline of their recalls.
Blue Buffalo was first recalled in April 2007 because of melamine. The Blue Buffalo Spa Select Kitten dry food in 3 lb. and 7 lb. bags were recalled because it was produced using rice protein concentrate from Wilbur-Ellis, which later tested positive for melamine.
In the same year and month, all pet foods nationwide manufactured by American Nutrition Inc. were recalled by the FDA. Consequently, Blue Buffalo’s Blue canned dog foods, Blue Buffalo Blue dog treats, and Blue Buffalo Blue Spa Select Canned Food were recalled by the FDA because of melamine content.
Three years after, in October 2010, the FDA recalled the following packages of Blue Buffalo dry dog food:
- Blue Wilderness Chicken, in 4.5 lb., 11 lb., and 24 lb.
- Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon and Potato, 11 lb., and 24 lb.
- Blue Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Large Breed Adult, 30 lb.
In November 2015, Blue Buffalo’s 2 oz. pouches of Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe cat treats were recalled by the FDA because of suspected low levels of propylene glycol. In the same year, FDA also recalled one lot of Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones because of salmonella.
May 2016, a news report announced that Blue Buffalo’s 30 lb. bags of Life Protection Formula Fish and Sweet Potato Recipe dog food was being recalled because of excessive moisture and possible molds.
In February 2017, Blue Buffalo was once again recalled because of possible metal contamination. They recalled Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Healthy Weight, Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables, 12 oz. can through a company announcement.
Around the same time, PetSmart also announced the recall of the following Blue Buffalo products because of packaging quality:
- Blue Divine Delights Filet Mignon Flavor in Gravy, UPC #84024312035
- Blue Divine Delights New York Strip Flavor in Gravy, UPC #84024312037
- Blue Divine Delights Prime Rib Flavor in Gravy, UPC #84024312039
- Blue Divine Delights Rotisserie Chicken Flavor in Gravy, UPC #84024312041
- Blue Divine Delights Pate Filet Mignon Flavor, UPC #84024312043
- Blue Divine Delights Pate Porterhouse Flavor, UPC #84024312045
- Blue Divine Delights Pate Grilled Chicken Flavor, UPC #84024312047
- Blue Divine Delights Pate Top Sirloin Flavor, UPC #84024312049
- Blue Divine Delights Pate Angus Beef Flavor, UPC #84024312051
- Blue Divine Delights Pate Roasted Turkey Flavor, UPC #84024312053
- Blue Divine Delights Pate with Bacon, Egg & Cheese, UPC #84024312057
- Blue Divine Delights Pate Sausage, Egg & Cheese Flavor, UPC #84024312059
- Blue Divine Delights Pate Steak & Egg Flavor, UPC #84024312061
- Blue Wilderness Trail Trays Duck Grill, UPC #84024312071
- Blue Wilderness Trail Trays Beef Grill, UPC #84024312073
- Blue Wilderness Trail Trays Chicken Grill, UPC #84024312075
- Blue Wilderness Trail Trays Turkey Grill, UPC #84024312077
In March 2017, Blue Buffalo announced that they are recalling their Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs in 12.5 oz. cans because of potentially high levels of naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormone.
Final Verdict: Is Blue Buffalo Good for Dogs?
Blue Buffalo is highly recommended. From their ingredients alone, it’s evident how they stay as wholesome as they can in providing dogs a healthier option of dog food. Their protein is derived from real meats that have in itself have great benefits already.
Their carbohydrates are from naturally rich veggies and fruits. Plus, with all their dog food, you are guaranteed that your dog gets the immune boosters and nutrients he needs because of Blue’s LifeSource Bits.
More importantly, Blue Buffalo is inclusive, especially for dogs with special needs. Dogs who have wheat allergies may opt for their grain-free option. For those with a highly active lifestyle, they provided options that have higher amounts of protein.
For pets who need lesser fat content in their food, they have a healthy weight option available. If you have a pet with sensitivities, then their Limited Ingredient Diet dog food is perfect.
Blue Buffalo is definitely on to something with their products having no preservatives, artificial flavors, and common allergy triggers in their formula. The only issue some owners reported is that their dogs pick out the kibbles and leave the LifeSource Bits in their bowl.
But other than that, Blue Buffalo is at the top of their game, providing high-quality dog food to all dogs.
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