Blue Buffalo is an extremely popular dog food company. They are best known for their grain-free recipes and wolf-based advertising. Typically, people choose their foods because they want to feed their dogs high-protein diets with lots of meat.
However, they have lots of different dog foods. In fact, they sell nearly one hundred dog foods, so choosing one option for your dog is difficult. Plus, many of their foods look similar on the shelf.
Below, we’ve reviewed ten of their best dog foods. While these look similar, they do have some differences between them that are important to keep in mind.
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice
- No animal by-products
- Contain natural ingredients
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Contains LifeSource Bits
- BLUE BUFFALO Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult
- Small kibble designed for smaller dogs
- Chelated minerals and antioxidants added
- Added glucosamine and omega fatty acids
- No wheat, corn, or soy
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Grain-free
- Includes deboned chicken and chicken meal for lean protein
- Also includes peas and pea protein, which are controversial ingredients
- Fish meal provides plenty of omega fatty acids for optimal skin and coat health
- Blue Buffalo Divine Delights Gravy Variety Pack
- Includes two flavors for variety
- Each recipe includes high levels of meat
- The first ingredient in both recipes is beef
- Both recipes are grain-free
- Formulated with lots of nutrient-rich veggies
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight Adult
- Formulated for dogs that are less active and/or simply have trouble maintaining a healthy weight
- The first two ingredients are chicken and chicken meal
- Whole grains, including brown rice and barley, provide extra fiber so your dog will feel full longer
- Added calcium and phosphorus improve your dog's overall health, especially as they age
- All minerals are chelated for easier absorption
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Alligator Grain-Free
- Requires a veterinarian's prescription
- Features protein-rich alligator, a novel protein that is rarely associated with food allergies or intolerance in dogs
- Enriched with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseeds support skin and coat health
- Free from chicken and other poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives
- Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care
- The ideal choice for aging dogs
- Real turkey is the single animal protein
- Contains a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Developed with the help of holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists
•Formulated for senior dogs
•Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
•Antioxidants for immune support
•Natural, wholesome ingredients
1. Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
For most dogs out there, this adult formula is a great option. It features deboned chicken and chicken meal, which is high in protein. Therefore, it is a great option for most dogs out there. Brown rice, barley, and oatmeal is also included. For this reason, it is grain-inclusive.
Many dogs do better on grain-inclusive foods. For this reason, we recommend them for most dogs.
Glucosamine has been added for joint health. Plus, all the minerals are chelated, which improves absorption. Antioxidants also provide protection from oxidative damage, which can lead to many different diseases.
We also liked that there is no corn, wheat, soy, and chicken by-product meals in this food. Many dogs do better without these controversial ingredients.
- No animal by-products
- Contain natural ingredients
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Contains LifeSource Bits
2. Best for Small Breeds: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Formula
For smaller breeds, you can choose this formula. It is specifically designed for smaller breeds. The kibble size is smaller, which makes it easier for these smaller dogs to eat. Plus, this kibble size may be more suitable for tartar removal, possibly preventing future dental problems.
Like most Blue Buffalo formulas, this formula includes glucosamine and omega fatty acids. These substances includes plenty of extra benefits to your dog. Glucosamine provides extra joint protection, for instance. Fatty acids may also provide extra joint health, and also encourage a healthy coat.
We love that the minerals are chelated, which improves absorption. Antioxidants have also been added, as they help improve immune functioning.
- Small kibble designed for smaller dogs
- Chelated minerals and antioxidants added
- Added glucosamine and omega fatty acids
- No wheat, corn, or soy
3. Best Grain-Free Formula: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
If your dog is sensitive to grains, we recommend taking a look at this recipe. Deboned chicken and chicken meal provide lean protein necessary for your dog’s health. It provides the amino acids that your canine needs to thrive, as these are the building blocks of your canine’s muscles.
However, this formula also includes a lot of peas and pea protein. These are not necessarily great options for your dog. Pea protein is extremely concentrated. Therefore, be wary when looking at the overall protein content of this food.
We do like that fish meal is included. This ingredient provides plenty of omega-fatty acids. These acids help support your dog’s skin and coat.
- Grain-free
- Includes deboned chicken and chicken meal for lean protein
- Also includes peas and pea protein, which are controversial ingredients
- Fish meal provides plenty of omega fatty acids for optimal skin and coat health
4. Best Wet Food: Blue Buffalo Divine Delights Variety Pack
Some dogs simply do better on wet food. In these cases, we highly recommend this wet food by Blue Buffalo. This variety pack includes two different flavors, providing your canine with some variety. Each recipe includes high levels of meat, which helps increase its nutritional content.
Both recipes start with beef as the first ingredient. However, that’s where they start to differ a bit. For instance, one includes chicken as the second ingredient, while chicken doesn’t appear in the other one until much later.
Both are also grain-free. However, these recipes include high levels of veggies. For instance, both potatoes and carrots are included in high amounts. Peas remain lower in the ingredient list, though.
- Includes two flavors for variety
- Each recipe includes high levels of meat
- The first ingredient in both recipes is beef
- Both recipes are grain-free
- Formulated with lots of nutrient-rich veggies
5. Best for Senior Dogs: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Recipe
Some senior dogs need differing nutrition. If your canine is prone to certain health problems, then the extra nutrients found in senior formulas may be extra helpful. This Blue Buffalo recipe contains very similar ingredients to the formulas we’ve mentioned thus far. However, they designed it specifically for senior dogs.
This formula includes high-quality protein as the first ingredient. Both chicken and chicken meal show up in the first ingredients in this recipe. After that, whole grains like brown rice take center stage.
Despite containing whole grain, this formula also includes lots of peas. Many different pea ingredients appear on the ingredient list, including whole peas and pea starch. Peas may be associated with some health concerns, so keep that in mind if you choose this dog food.
•Formulated for senior dogs
•Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
•Antioxidants for immune support
•Natural, wholesome ingredients
6. Best for Weight Loss: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Recipe
In today’s world, many dogs are overweight or obese. In these situations, we recommend switching your canine to a weight-control dog food like this one. Furthermore, this recipe may also be useful for canines that are less active and simply have trouble maintaining a healthy weight.
The first two ingredients in this dog food are chicken and chicken meal. This formula does contain whole grains, including brown rice and barley. These whole grains provide extra fiber, which may help your dog stay full longer.
Plus, this formula includes many extra ingredients, including calcium and phosphorus. These added nutrients may help improve your dog’s overall health, especially as they age.
All minerals included are chelated. This process helps make the minerals easier for your canine to absorb.
- Formulated for dogs that are less active and/or simply have trouble maintaining a healthy weight
- The first two ingredients are chicken and chicken meal
- Whole grains, including brown rice and barley, provide extra fiber so your dog will feel full longer
- Added calcium and phosphorus improve your dog's overall health, especially as they age
- All minerals are chelated for easier absorption
7. Best for Allergies: Blue Buffalo Natural NP Diet
Sadly, food allergies in dogs are extremely common. If your canine is afflicted with food allergies, this formula containing alligator may be helpful. Most dogs are not allergic to alligator, which makes this dog food suitable for allergies. This unique protein source has been found to produce very little immune response.
On top of a novel protein, this formula includes fish oil and flaxseed. These two ingredients add extra omega fatty acids into the food, improving your dog’s skin and coat health. Plus, extra vitamins and minerals help ensure that your canine gets everything they need from this diet.
We love that there are no grains included. While many dogs do great on grains, they are a point of contention for some dogs with allergies. Without them, dogs with allergies can enjoy this food even if they are sensitive to grains.
- Requires a veterinarian's prescription
- Features protein-rich alligator, a novel protein that is rarely associated with food allergies or intolerance in dogs
- Enriched with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseeds support skin and coat health
- Free from chicken and other poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives
8. Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dry Dog Food
Some dogs simply have sensitive stomachs. In this case, this recipe by Bleu Buffalo is likely a suitable option. It includes turkey as the primary protein, which is a lean protein with very little fat. Without excessive fat, this formula may be a bit gentler than other options on the market.
Plus, with only one animal source, your dog likely will not have a reaction. This formula even has fewer calories, which make help your dog maintain a healthy weight. It also includes a healthy blend of antioxidants and minerals, ensuring your dog remain as healthy as possible.
All the ingredients included are all-natural. This recipe contains no corn, wheat, or soy, either.
- The ideal choice for aging dogs
- Real turkey is the single animal protein
- Contains a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Developed with the help of holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists
Choosing the Best: What to Look For
Choosing the best Blue Buffalo dog food may seem easy at first. (After all, you have already narrowed it down to a single brand.) However, Blue Buffalo produces so many dog foods that the task can easily get overwhelming.
Luckily, there are a few factors to keep in mind that will help you make a decision. Protein quality, nutrition, grain inclusion, life stage, and price are all essential elements to keep in mind.
Protein Quality
Dogs need quite a bit of protein in their diet. While dogs may not be obligate carnivores, they do eat plenty of meat. Therefore, meat-based dog food is often the best option.
Plant protein is fine for dogs, as well. A dog’s body doesn’t know where the protein came from. However, plant proteins need to be given in the correct formulations, or they may not provide all the amino acids your canine needs.
Nutrition
Dogs also need a range of vitamins and minerals to thrive. There are countless vitamins and minerals that are “required” for dog food. If a dog food has an AAFCO seal, then the dog food contains these vitamins in the necessary amounts.
However, there are optional vitamins that many dogs still find helpful, even if they aren’t required. Omega fatty acids and glucosamine fit in this category. Not all dog foods include these.
Grain Inclusion
The grain-inclusion debate is controversial and complicated. However, the science is pretty clear that dogs have evolved to eat grain. Plus, some health problems may be associated with grain-free foods.
For these reasons, we recommend that most dogs eat a grain-inclusive formula. Most of those we included in our reviews contain grains for this reason. However, if your dog is sensitive to grain (which is quite rare), you may want a grain-free formula.
Life Stage
Dogs do not need the same nutrition throughout their life. Puppies are growing, and therefore, they need different nutrition than adult dogs. For this reason, it is vital that you choose the correct life stage option for your canine.
With that said, dogs don’t always need a senior dog food. There are many occasions where dogs may be perfectly fine on a quality adult food. However, if yoru canine develops age-related problems, a senior formula may be helpful.
Price
The price of dog food is vital to consider. While we would all like to throw price out the window, this is not practical for most purposes. Generally, you’ll have a budget and need to stick to that budget.
Blue Buffalo is commonly considered a premium dog food brand. For this reason, you’ll likely pay more for it.
The Different Types of Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Pros and Cons Compared
There are three main types of Blue Buffalo dog food: wet, dry, and veterinary. Each of these options has its own pros and cons, which we will compare below.
- Dry dog food – Often known as kibble, this food is extremally shelf-stable and completely dry. For this reason, it is usually considered more convenient.
- Wet dog food – For dogs that need extra moisture, you may want to consider wet dog food. With more water and broth added, canned dog food usually tastes better, too.
- Veterinary dog food – Because this dog food is designed for specific health conditions, it often needs a prescription. However, some dog foods in this category can be purchased over-the-counter.
Dry Dog Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy storage and long shelf life | Not always the tastiest |
| Energy-dense | Often high in carbohydrates |
| Inexpensive | Usually contains preservatives |
| Dental benefits |
Wet Dog Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher in protein | More expensive |
| Tastier | Spoils after opening |
| Easier for dogs with dental problems to eat | Can contribute to weight gain |
Veterinary Dog Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed for an array of health conditions | Expensive |
| It may be necessary for some dogs | May require a prescription |
| Often available at the vet’s office |
Verified Review: User Experience
According to real users, Blue Buffalo dog foods tend to be better for dogs with sensitive stomachs. For instance, one review found that our #1 pick was the only thing that their dogs could keep down. This formula isn’t particularly designed for sensitive stomachs, either.
Furthermore, these foods also provide plenty of options for picky eaters. Furthermore, the wet food we reviewed provides extra flavor because of the added moisture. Therefore, we highly recommend this food in particular for picky dogs.
