The Best Blue Buffalo Cat Food: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Kristin Hitchcock
Updated: January 28, 2023
© Photography by Adri/Shutterstock.com

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Blue Buffalo is one of the leading providers of pet food. They are well known for providing quality food in a variety of different recipes to suit the needs of cats — whether they need a grain-free diet or something suitable for a sensitive stomach. Blue Buffalo also provides food for different life stages, whether that be a kitten, an adult, or a senior.

With so many different types of food available it can be daunting to try and find the perfect one for your pet. But don’t worry, as that’s where we come in. We’ve reviewed a selection of the very best Blue Buffalo cat food for you, and we’ve even provided a detailed buyer’s guide to help your find the very best option for your feline friend.

  1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
    • Features a high protein content
    • The first ingredient is chicken, and it contains both deboned chicken and chicken meal
    • This recipe also includes fish meal, which provides omega-fatty acids
    • It does not contain grains, corn, wheat, or so
    • Features LifeSource Bits, the company's proprietary blend of vitamins and antioxidants
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Indoor Natural Adult Dry Cat Food
    • Contains high levels of chicken and fish
    • Fish includes omega-fatty acids for skin and coat health
    • Features whole grains, including brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, which contain a wide variety of nutrients
    • Does not include corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Salmon, Chicken, Ocean Fish & Tuna Entrées Variety Pack
    • This variety pack includes salmon, chicken, and ocean fish flavors
    • Each recipe will provide your cat with rich protein
    • The variety will keep your cat from getting bored with the same flavors
    • Smooth pate recipe
    • Doesn't include corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
    • Features high-protein chicken as the first ingredient.
    • Contains a natural fiber and probiotic blend to support healthy digestion.
    • 100% grain-free recipe.
    • Contains LifeSource Bits―an exclusive blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
    Check Chewy
  5. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Weight Control Natural Chicken Adult Dry Cat Food
    • Chicken is the first ingredient in this recipe
    • The recipe also includes whole-grains, such as barley, oatmeal, and brown rice, for energy, fiber, and nutrients
    • Supplemented with omega-fatty acids for your cat's skin and coat health
    • This formula is higher in fiber and lower in calories than most other cat foods, so it's designed to help obese cats lose weight
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  6. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Chicken Dry Kitten Food
    • Formulated for a kitten's specific nutritional needs
    • Kitten foods help kittens to grow
    • Includes chicken and several whole grains
    • Supplemented with LifeSource Bits, which contain the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants your kitten needs to develop into a healthy cat
    • Free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

The Top Picks for Blue Buffalo Cat Food

#1 Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Our selection as the best overall is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food.

This food has a high protein content which comes in the form of both deboned chicken and chicken meal. It also contains healthy veggies such as sweet potatoes as a source of carbohydrates. This food features LifeSource bits which are a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are designed to support a healthy immune system. Plus, it contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and skin.

This food is grain-free so it does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy. However, it’s important to remember that a grain-free formula may not be suitable for all cats. The only other drawback to this food that we can find is that some customers have reported that their pets do not like the LifeSource bits and often do not eat them.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

ProsCons
This food contains deboned chicken as a source of protein.A grain-free diet may not be suitable for all cats.
It contains healthy vegetables as a source of carbohydrates.Not all cats like the LifeSource bits.
It features LifeSource bits which are a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in this food promote a healthy skin and coat.
It is a grain-free formula and does not contain any wheat, corn, or soy.
Best Overall
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
  • Features a high protein content
  • The first ingredient is chicken, and it contains both deboned chicken and chicken meal
  • This recipe also includes fish meal, which provides omega-fatty acids
  • It does not contain grains, corn, wheat, or so
  • Features LifeSource Bits, the company's proprietary blend of vitamins and antioxidants
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Indoor Cats: Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Indoor Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

For your indoor cats we recommend the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Indoor Natural Adult Dry Cat Food.

This cat food is specially designed to suit the needs of indoor cats. It contains high levels of chicken and fish meal. Fish meal includes high levels of omega-fatty acids which are vital for coat and skin health. It also contains plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system as well as promoting good kidney and bladder health. Plus, this food is completely free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, as well as chicken by-products, wheat, corn, and soy.

Unfortunately, some pet parents reported that the kibble pieces are quite large, which may not suit some cats.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Indoor Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

ProsCons
This food is specially designed to meet the needs of indoor cats.The kibble pieces are quite large.
It contains omega fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and skin.
It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the kidneys, bladder, and the immune system.
It is free from wheat, corn, and soy.
Best for Indoor Cats
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Indoor Natural Adult Dry Cat Food
  • Contains high levels of chicken and fish
  • Fish includes omega-fatty acids for skin and coat health
  • Features whole grains, including brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, which contain a wide variety of nutrients
  • Does not include corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Wet Food: Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Salmon, Chicken, Ocean Fish & Tuna Entrées Variety Pack

Most cats love wet food, whether as a treat or as their main meal. Either way, the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Salmon, Chicken, Ocean Fish and Tuna Entrées Variety Pack is sure to keep your pet happy.

This variety pack features several different flavors, including salmon, chicken, ocean fish, and tuna. All of these ingredients provide your cat with rich protein. Plus, because there are so many options available, your cat won’t grow tired of the same flavor over and over again. This option features a smooth pâté texture which is sure to entice even the pickiest eaters to lick their bowl clean.

This food is packed full of vitamins and minerals to keep your feline friend in the very best of health. This recipe does not contain corn, soy, or wheat so you can be absolutely certain that they’re only eating the very best quality food. Plus, it is free from artificial flavors and preservatives too.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that some pets don’t seem to like this food, while others have found that the pâté is sometimes more mushy than expected.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Salmon, Chicken, Ocean Fish & Tuna Entrées Variety Pack

ProsCons
There are several different flavors available in this variety pack.Not all cats like this food.
It features a smooth pâté texture.Sometimes the pâté is a little mushy.
It is packed full of vitamins and minerals to promote good health.
It is free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors and preservatives.
Best Wet Food
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Salmon, Chicken, Ocean Fish & Tuna Entrées Variety Pack
  • This variety pack includes salmon, chicken, and ocean fish flavors
  • Each recipe will provide your cat with rich protein
  • The variety will keep your cat from getting bored with the same flavors
  • Smooth pate recipe
  • Doesn't include corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best for Seniors: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Senior cats often need a little extra help to stay in top-condition, so that’s why we recommend the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food.

This recipe features high-protein chicken as the first ingredient to help to maintain strong and healthy muscles. It also contains a natural fiber and probiotic blend to support a healthy digestive system. Plus, it contains LifeSource bits which are an exclusive blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help to support the immune system of your older cat.

This food also contains omega fatty acids and amino acids to promote a healthy skin and coat as well as general well-being. Another great addition to this food is taurine which helps to maintain a healthy heart. Plus, it is completely grain-free so therefore does not contain any wheat, soy, or corn. However, it’s important to remember than a grain-free diet may not be suitable for all pets.

Unfortunately, some owners have reported that the kibble is quite difficult for some cats to eat as it is quite large and round-shaped.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

ProsCons
This food features high-protein chicken as the first ingredient.Some cats experience difficulty eating this food due to the shape and size of the kibble.
It contains a natural fiber and probiotic blend to support a healthy digestive system.A grain-free diet may not be suitable for all cats.
It contains omega fatty acids and amino acids to promote a healthy skin and coat.
It features LifeSource bits which are an exclusive blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
It is a grain-free option.
Best for Seniors
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
  • Features high-protein chicken as the first ingredient.
  • Contains a natural fiber and probiotic blend to support healthy digestion.
  • 100% grain-free recipe.
  • Contains LifeSource Bits―an exclusive blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Check Chewy

5. Best for Weight Control: Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Weight Control Natural Chicken Adult Dry Cat Food

Our selection as the best option for weight control is the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Weight Control Natural Chicken Adult Dry Cat Food.

As the name suggests, this food contains chicken as the first ingredient. You’ll also find whole-grain ingredients in this recipe. For instance, barley, oatmeal, and brown rice appear pretty early on the ingredient list. While too much grain isn’t necessarily a good thing, whole grain includes a high amount of fiber which can help make your cat feel fuller quicker and for longer. It also has a low calorie count to help pets lose weight.

This food contains omega fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, while a unique blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals support the immune system. It is also free from artificial colors and preservatives, corn, wheat, and soy.

Unfortunately, customers have reported that a small number of pets have developed diarrhea after eating this food.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Weight Control Natural Chicken Adult Dry Cat Food

ProsCons
This food contains chicken as the first ingredient.It can cause diarrhea in some pets.
It contains a high amount of fiber to help make cats feel full quicker.
It has a low calorie content.
It contain omega fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat.
It features a unique blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals support the immune system.
Best for Weight Control
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Weight Control Natural Chicken Adult Dry Cat Food
  • Chicken is the first ingredient in this recipe
  • The recipe also includes whole-grains, such as barley, oatmeal, and brown rice, for energy, fiber, and nutrients
  • Supplemented with omega-fatty acids for your cat's skin and coat health
  • This formula is higher in fiber and lower in calories than most other cat foods, so it's designed to help obese cats lose weight
Check Chewy Check Amazon

6. Best for Kittens: Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Chicken Dry Kitten Food

It’s important to feed your kitten the very best food so that they grow strong and healthy, and that’s why we recommend the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Chicken Dry Cat Food.

This food is formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of kittens and to help them grow strong. It contains real chicken as the first ingredient as as a source of high-quality protein. This food also contains DHA, ARA, and taurine to promote the development of the brain, eyes, and heart. It also features a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system. Plus, it is completely free from artificial colors, flavors, preservative, corn, wheat, and soy. This means that you can be certain that your kitty is only eating food made from the very best ingredients.

The only drawback to this product that we have found is that some kittens don’t like it.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Chicken Dry Kitten Food

ProsCons
This food is formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of kittens.Not all kittens like this food.
It contains real chicken as the first ingredient.
It contains DHA, ARA, and taurine to promote the development of the brain, eyes, and heart.
It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system.
Best for Kittens
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Chicken Dry Kitten Food
  • Formulated for a kitten's specific nutritional needs
  • Kitten foods help kittens to grow
  • Includes chicken and several whole grains
  • Supplemented with LifeSource Bits, which contain the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants your kitten needs to develop into a healthy cat
  • Free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Not all cat foods contain the same ingredients — even when they are made by the same company. To choose the best Blue Buffalo foods for your cat, you need to keep nutrition, ingredients, life stage, and special dietary needs.

Let’s take a look at each of these aspects below.

Nutrition

Cats need very specific nutrition — just like any other animal. Because cats are obligate carnivores, they eat a lot of protein. Therefore, most Blue Buffalo foods start with a meat ingredient. Beyond protein, though, the exact amino acids and fatty acids matter. Of course, the vitamin and mineral content matters quite a bit, too.

Ingredients

All cat foods will have slightly different ingredients. While most ingredients work for the majority of cats, some cats may be unable to consume certain ingredients. For instance, food allergies can affect a cat’s dietary needs.

Of course, beyond your cat’s specific needs, you should choose the highest quality ingredients available. Look for high amounts of meat, whole grains, and a suitable amount of veggies.

Life Stage

Cats need different nutrition at different ages. For instance, you’ll need to feed cats kitten food while they are growing. Adult cats need adult maintenance food.

When it comes to senior cat food, there is not a specific age when you have to start feeding your cat senior food. However, many senior foods include vitamins and ingredients that cats may benefit from if they have common problems associated with old age.

Special Dietary Needs

Not all cats have the same dietary needs. For instance, some of them may have specific health conditions that require a special diet. Allergies are the most common example of this.

If your cat falls into this category, be sure to choose a food that is suitable for them.

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About the Author

Kristin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering dogs, cats, fish, and other pets. She has been an animal writer for seven years, writing for top publications on everything from chinchilla cancer to the rise of designer dogs. She currently lives in Tennessee with her cat, dogs, and two children. When she isn't writing about pets, she enjoys hiking and crocheting.

The Best Blue Buffalo Cat Food: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Can I mix wet and dry food together?

Yes, wet and dry cat food can be mixed together.  In many cases it is better to mix the two as a more cost-effective way of feeding wet food.

Why is it important to feed the correct food for my cat's life stage?

In short, cats have different nutritional requirements at different stages of their lives.  Kittens have different nutritional needs to those of a senior, while a senior may benefit from specialized senior food that has got added extras in it — such as glucosamine for healthy joints.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.