Feeding Frenzy: Blue Buffalo vs Blue Wilderness – Quality, Cost, and More!

Blue Buffalo vs Blue Wilderness, which is better in terms of providing well-balanced nutrients? Looking for the best food for your dog? We’ll look at the ingredients and what each brand claims to provide for your dog.

The Blue Buffalo company provides a good range of products that have different varieties. You will observe most of the dog food providers offering tons of great recipes that they claim to be 100% healthy, natural, and organic. 

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Both brands are some of the best dog foods, on the market. But each of them has its advantages. Each of them uses different kinds of formulas to process their food. Plus, both brands target specific needs.

Large dog breeds need more amino acids for body function and energy to support their daily activity and muscle growth. Frankly, it’s the right question and fair to ask about Blue Wilderness vs. Blue Buffalo dog food. 

The best food for our dogs should be based on their unique nutritional needs. You can’t expect your dog to eat the same food that you do.  

But all of it always comes down to taste. Both companies offer different kinds of dog foods targeting different needs and breeds, but they also sell similar things sometimes. The only difference is how they process and prepare their food. 

Nobody can compare a bag of Blue Wilderness with a load of Blue Buffalo and think that they are the same. You will have to be a little bit more cheeky, innovative, and creative in searching and choosing the best dog food for your dog. This is because you will have to consider different types of food they prefer.

Who makes Blue Buffalo dog food?

The Bishop family hoped to find a better way to care for their dog named Blue, who was suffering from cancer.

This forced the family to take severe action and interest in the causes of pet health problems and their management. They first started researching the typical dog diet looking for answers. This led them to create their own dog food company; Blue Ltd. 

They used the healthiest ingredients to formulate and process their food. Even after 16 years of operations, the Blue company has decided to expand its operations. The Blue company is responsible for preparing food brands – Blue Wilderness and Blue Buffalo.

Difference between Blue Buffalo and Blue Wilderness

Blue Buffalo brand’s first priority is to support every dog’s life, body function, health, and appearance from any life stage. This food brand has offered a wide range of options that are tasty to dogs. 

You can find several categories, including Blue Freedom, Blue Basics, Blue Carnivora, Natural Veterinary Diet, Blue Wilderness, Blue Life Protection Formula, and Blue True Solution. 

The other brand, Blue Wilderness, is also a food brand coming from the Blue Buffalo company. The blue company is responsible for preparing both food brands. Unlike the rest, the blue Wilderness food line usually carries a higher protein content and is grain-free. This is due to the fact and the habit of wolves eating meat in the wild.

Blue Wilderness tries to mimic what wolves get and eat (mainly meat). Suppose you’re looking for a delicious solution and have a small to medium-sized dog breed, then Blue Buffalo could be the one. If you have a large dog breed in your home, the Blue Wilderness would be a good option. A large dog breed will need more protein content in their food.

Blue Buffalo Vs. Blue Wilderness (The Reality)

1. Quality of Ingredients

As I told you earlier, Blue Wilderness is a product line of the Blue Buffalo company. Talking about Blue Buffalo offers many different food categories including Blue Life Protection. The Blue Wilderness focuses on real meat as the primary source of protein and the main ingredients. The heart usually comes from Salmon, chicken, tuna, Turkey, and other natural sources that are highly digestible and delicious naturally. 

So, to not compromise their food quality, the Blue company avoids all synthetic chemicals. The Blue company uses parsley, rosemary, and another natural flavors to enhance the dog food taste. 

Their recipes also contain mixed tocopherols or citric acid compounds to extend shelf life and freshness. One thing that is standard in both diets is their source of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Their animal nutritionists and holistic veterinarians formulate the Blue Buffalo and Blue Wilderness foods.

Blue Buffalo dog food ingredients

Below are the ingredients for the Blue Buffalo Blue Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food.

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Pea Starch, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Peas, Pea Protein, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Dicalcium Phosphate, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate. Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.

Blue Wilderness dog food ingredients

Below are the ingredients for the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Starch, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, Copper Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.

2. Taste

Blue Wilderness seems to be tastier compared to Blue Buffalo food for dogs. Can you blame them, it has more protein so of course dogs are going to prefer it!

3. Nutrient Balance

It is essential to choose a food for your dog based on the nutrients. To start, you always want to have your dog on a well-balanced diet routine that supports their growth, body function, and healthy lifestyle. The diet you are choosing for your dog should contain the right balance of nutrients necessary to fulfill all its nutritional needs. 

Believe it or not, many researchers have revealed that most dog food companies prepare their food in bulk and use low-quality cheap ingredients to save money. Their priority is to make a profit and serve the company.

They don’t give a damn about your dog. A clear example is the type of food they offer. If you notice closely, most of the brands prepare their food according to the puppy’s age, size of the dogs, and some popular dog breeds.  

4. Guarantee Claim Analysis

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) makes clear that every pet food brand or company needs to have a list of its guaranteed analysis. As a buyer or a pet owner, this will allow you to check the nutrients contained in the particular dog’s processed food. 

There are also a few requirements like the guarantee should have a minimum percentage of the crude fat and the crude protein. Plus, it should also have a maximum rate of oil moisture and crude fiber. This helps the buyer know the different benefits they can expect with frequent use As time goes on.

5. Cost

Now, it comes to cost, and when we talk about the product’s price, there is a quite difference between both brands. Blue Wilderness and Blue Buffalo are offered at varying prices. Some products like the life protection formula come with a higher price demand, while others have moderate ones. 

However, the Blue company aims to reach as many pet owners as possible. So, no matter your budget, they offer recipes and foods with each nutrient in varying sizes. You can find 4-6 pounds of dog food bag to 30 pounds of food bag as well. This includes all the Blue Wilderness formulas and standard recipes.

Best Blue Buffalo Foods For Dogs

Blue Buffalo Recipe With Natural Chicken Flavor

The whole blue wilderness category is a favorite of many dogs. It has real chicken as the main ingredient and the primary source of protein. It also contains peas which are not rich in protein but are good with fibers and starch.

With this food, your dog will always have enough energy to support the body function, hunger, and active lifestyle. It also contains many omega 6 and 3 fatty acids, suitable for dogs struggling with a dull, rough coat. 

This food is highly delicious and nutritious, rich in protein supporting your dog’s tissues, bones, and muscle growth. It also includes cranberries, blueberries, and carrots which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It has an excellent carb source of sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries for energy.

It also features hardworking antioxidants which will support your dog’s immune system health. It has no added artificial preservative color or flavor.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

This is another best-selling Blue Buffalo product whose primary focus is safeguarding your adult dog’s life and health. Whether it’s a tiny breed or a large breed, it is suitable for both. It will also help your dog fight diseases. 

For dogs who like exercise or with an extreme exercise routine, this dog food provides carbs and fiber from barley, potatoes, and brown rice. Only contains natural preservatives, including rosemary and mixed tocopherols.

For color, they have used vegetable juice and, for flavor, garlic. Your dog will always have energy throughout the entire training and exercise session. 

Just like the Blue Wilderness, it also promotes & supports tissue hormone and muscle growth. Your dog will get plenty of vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, carbs, and vitamins with this food. The flax seed present in it will promote and enhance their skin and coat quality.

The only downside of this food is that it is not recommended for dogs sensitive to barley (gluten), rice, or oats.

Where is Blue Buffalo dog food made?

Blue Buffalo dog food is made in either their Joplin, MO, or Richmond, IN manufacturing facilities.