Top 10 Best Blue Buffalo Dog Food
These days, it’s pretty easy to know that your dog’s diet is one of the primary deciding factors and overall lifelong health. We recently had the opportunity to review all of Blue Buffalo’s recipe lines to see what they offer and what they’re all about.
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We are very impressed with Blue Buffalo’s sterling reputation, constantly creating new recipe lines to cater to the up-and-coming changes in the dog food market.
For your convenience, we rounded up 10 of the best Blue Buffalo dog foods we could find so you can get a good look at what each one of them offers. Take a look at our reviews.
The 10 Best Blue Buffalo Dog Foods
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Beef Dinner Canned Dog Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients | Beef, beef broth, beef liver, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, brown rice, barley, oatmeal |
| Protein content | 8.50% |
| Fat content | 6.00% |
| Calories | 398 per can |
If you’re looking for savings, consider Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Beef Dinner with Garden Vegetables & Sweet Potatoes Canned Dog Food. What we love about it is that you can get it in addition to your pet’s dry food to make your dollar really stretch.
If you use a combination of wet and dry ingredients, your dog has a higher flavor experience, different nutritional distribution, and a texture variety. However, this option might get more expensive if you use it as a standalone diet, especially for large breeds.
We think the ingredients are above standard, containing a fair amount of water content, organ matter, and antioxidant-packed fruits and veggies.
This recipe should appeal to even the pickiest canines. But keep in mind to brush, brush, brush, if this is going to serve as a standalone diet.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula – Best Overall
| Main ingredients | Deboned lamb, fish meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, pea starch |
| Protein content | 22.00% |
| Fat content | 14.00% |
| Calories | 381 per cup |
If you’re looking for a standard premium diet, making the best life for your dog—it’s Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula. This particular recipe is Blues normal everyday diet to keep adult dogs their healthiest.
It is not tailored to meet the needs of sensitive dogs with food intolerances but rather to support the lifestyle of your active lab. Like all Blues recipes, this kibble contains their signature life source bits which contain an abundance of antioxidants to keep their system functioning properly.
It also contains lamb as the very first ingredient, ensuring a full protein source. This recipe has 22% protein on the guaranteed analysis, which is average for most standard dog foods.
Overall, we recommend this Blue recipe because it meets the nutritional profiles for most dogs. Plus, it has a modest price tag and is readily available inventory in most stores.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients | Deboned salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, fish meal |
| Protein content | 34.00% |
| Fat content | 15.00% |
| Calories | 415 per cup |
We have a Blue recipe here that’s a little pricier than some, but we think it’s well worth it. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon contains a wonderfully nourishing protein source that gives your dog boundless energy and lean muscle tone.
This particular recipe contains a very high amount of protein, measuring 34% in the guaranteed analysis. The first several ingredients are deboned salmon and chicken meal, with a source of glucosamine and concentrated protein.
If you have an extremely active dog that loves to be on the go, the caloric intake in this particular recipe will replenish any calories last. It has an excellent carbohydrate source, depending on potatoes, peas, and other ingredients to act as grains.
This recipe is definitely more expensive than their standard lines. However, we think many dogs could benefit from this recipe’s nutritional perks.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe – Best for Weight Management
| Main ingredients | Deboned beef, beef meal, peas, pea protein, tapioca starch |
| Protein content | 30.00% |
| Fat content | 10.00% |
| Calories | 355 |
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Healthy Weight is an ideal formula if you have a dog that needs to watch its weight but also requires high protein. You can count your dog’s calories while pumping them full of real deboned beef.
This recipe is crafted to promote lean muscle mass and healthy bodily structure, containing important nutrients like L-carnitine and LifeSource bits. They aim to create joint support without the added caloric content.
This recipe contains real deboned beef as the first ingredient, which is a healthy, typically high-fat red meat—without the extra fat! In one serving, the guaranteed analysis reads 30.0% protein, which is much higher than most standard diets.
If you want to keep calories moderate without scrimping on protein, this is the best choice we could think of. Of course, it’s a specialized diet and not meant for healthy, active adults.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley |
| Protein content | 27.00% |
| Fat content | 16.00% |
| Calories | 400 per cup |
If you have a growing dog, Blue has tons of options, including size-specific formulas. However, this recipe is meant for all growing pups across the board—we think the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy value from Chewy is fabulous.
This package deal contains DHA for brain and cognitive development, which is beyond essential for growing pups. Also, the kibble pieces are perfectly sized for your little one’s mouth—no matter the breed size.
Since this pack contains both dry kibble and wet canned food, you can add them together for a delightfully savory, crunchy combo, providing nutrient benefits like LifeSource Bits and added hydration to the diet.
Both of these recipes contain chicken as the first ingredient. In addition, plenty of fantastic ingredients give your pup the best start in life. We think this double duo will help your little one’s appetite, nourishment, and nutrient absorption without worrying about dental issues. What’s not to love?
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior
| Main ingredients | Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas, brown rice |
| Protein content | 7.50% |
| Fat content | 4.50% |
| Calories | 396 per cup |
We absolutely love the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe for seniors—and so did our old guys. This recipe is a wet food addition to Blue’s lineup, introducing a savory chicken dinner with real chicken and chicken broth as the first in gradient.
For added joint and muscle support, it also contains organs like chicken liver, nourishing an aging pooch. With added glucosamine and chondroitin, this can keep your buddy mobile and active.
No wheat here! It contains garden veggies like carrots and peas for eye health and ideal carb source. Plus, instead of using potentially irritating ingredients, it contains brown rice—a highly digestible grain.
This recipe is the best for seniors because it is so easy to chew. So, if you have a dog with dental issues or tooth sensitivities, this canned food can help your dog eat comfortably.
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Small & Mighty – Best for Small Dogs
| Main ingredients | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, barley, oatmeal, brown rice, salmon meal, chicken fat |
| Protein content | 28.00% |
| Fat content | 16.00% |
| Calories | 395 per cup |
If you have a small breed, you might love Blue Buffalo True Solutions Small & Mighty. It is specifically designed to serve the dietary needs of small to toy breeds—using Classic LifeSource Bits and TruMune for healthy immune system function.
This particular recipe has more protein than its average recipe lines. This helps little dogs maintain muscle mass to keep them fit and act a comfortable weight.
This recipe contains lots of wonderful nutrients to keep your little guy or gal doing their best. It contains prebiotics, L carnitine, and glucosamine. This helps protect their sensitive joints and create a healthy body structure and immune system.
When it comes to hitting target health, we’d say this is right on the money for smaller canine companions.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet – Best Veterinary Diet
| Main ingredients | Deboned alligator, peas, pea starch, alligator meal, pea protein, tapioca starch, potato starch |
| Protein content | 22.00% |
| Fat content | 14.00% |
| Calories | 372 per cup |
Blue Buffalo has some excellent specialized prescription diets available for different sensitivities. Since proteins are one of the most common allergies in pets, we enjoyed Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Novel Protein.
With novel protein diets, manufacturers use a singular protein source that has not yet been introduced to the dog’s diet. Alligator is a very uncommon protein source to see in any sort of commercial dog food, which means it’s less likely to trigger negative reactions.
This recipe contains alligator as the only protein source, making up 22% of the recipe. This is moderately low for most premium dog food, so if your dog needs an extra kick of protein, you will have to supplement.
Otherwise, this recipe contains a favorable amount of fat and fiber to help your dog’s system run smoothly. It has a moderate calorie base that fits the needs of most healthy adults.
Blue Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-free
| Main ingredients | Deboned salmon, peas, potatoes, pea starch, salmon meal |
| Protein content | 20.00% |
| Fat content | 12.00% |
| Calories | 349 per cup |
If your dog is a little sensitive, don’t worry—there is Blue Basic Skin and Stomach Care. This grain-free option soothes finicky bellies to create suitable digestion and reduce upset.
This recipe starts off with deboned salmon as the number one ingredient to ensure a solid protein source. Salmon is rich in omega-fatty acids that help the skin and coat shine while reducing hot spots, skin irritation, and hair loss related to food allergies.
The formula contains pea fiber and pumpkin to replace a grain-based carbohydrate source. Pumpkin is ultra-digestible and not irritating like wheat, soy, corn, and other harsh grains.
If your dog has any dairy or egg sensitivities, this recipe avoids using those ingredients too. Instead, you have an immune support blend of nutrients that creates a wonderful recipe with Blue’s classic LifeSource Bits—a burst of antioxidants.
We give this Blue recipe a big thumbs up. However, the protein is incredibly low—coming in at 20% on the guaranteed analysis. If you need a burst of protein added, you might consider a supplement or even a wet or fresh food topper to it.
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Livin’ Large – Best for Large Dogs
| Main ingredients | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, dried plain beet pulp |
| Protein content | 24.00% |
| Fat content | 14.00% |
| Calories | 362 per cup |
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Livin’ Large is specifically formulated to meet the dietary requirements of large breeds. Because larger breeds tend to grow rapidly and require lots of joint support and muscle maintenance, this recipe does the job.
It caters to all aspects of big dog health and will meet the dietary requirements of most healthy adults. This recipe is completely balanced, including L carnitine, EPA, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
These ingredients support muscles, tendons, joints, and organs. It has a ton of vitamins and minerals with Blues signature life source bits and TruMune.
This recipe best suits larger breeds with low to moderate activity levels. It doesn’t contain a suitable number of calories or protein percentages for very active breeds.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Blue Buffalo Dog Food
Blue Buffalo has become one of the most trusted dog food brands on the market today after having a humble beginning in Wilton, Connecticut. The company had a very personal attachment to the production of this food when Blue, their Airdale Terrier, was diagnosed with cancer.
Blue’s owners started making him homemade meals from their kitchen. They saw the value and importance of a healthy diet. That spawned the creation of the Blue Buffalo brand that we know and love today. Blue Buffalo has a series of food recipe lines, catering to virtually every dog’s dietary needs. Is Blue Buffalo good dog food? Here’s a detailed explanation:
The Signature Product Lines of Blue Buffalo
- With each signature line Blue Buffalo created, they have tried to keep every possible canine diet in mind. Blue Buffalo continues to evolve and adapt to new areas of focus, brilliantly master-crafting recipes.
- They keep every dog in mind from puppyhood to senior years. They even have a line of cat food, if you’re interested in products for your feline friends.
- All of Blue’s dry kibble selections have LifeSource Bits, an exclusive addition to the kibble, providing a kick of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to every bite.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is their signature staple diet for dogs. Crafted carefully with meat, veggies, grain, and natural flavors, these recipes are for everyday nourishment and health.
Life Protection Formula comes in both wet and dry selections. Dry kibble is infused with Blue’s Life Protection Bits, giving some extra pizzazz to the palette. Wet foods come in singular cans or bulk cans of 12.
You can add wet food as a topper or as a standalone diet. However, a good recommendation is to combine wet food and kibble to boost moisture while keeping teeth clean.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula includes our favorite recipe selections:
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| Adult |
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| Senior |
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Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet
Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient diet is for sensitive stomachs and food allergy-prone pooches. Each recipe has a very select few ingredients to cut down on potential irritants or triggers.
By making the food have one protein source, it gets rid of other meat interferences so you can eliminate the allergen.
The Limited Ingredient Diet comes in multiple taste choices. They serve this in both wet and dry selections. It also comes in all life stages.
Some of our favorite recipes include:
| Puppy |
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| Adult |
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| Senior |
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Blue Freedom
Blue Freedom recipes are the 100% grain-free line of Blue Buffalo. The goal is to fill the food with nutrient-rich additives and whole proteins. It replaces grain with easy-to-digest sweet potato, potato, and peas.
This recipe has Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits, which had seven layers of extra nutrition. The food has lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
This food is available in both wet and dry forms. There are Freedom options for all life stages.
Our top Blue Freedom recipes are:
| Puppy |
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| Adult |
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| Senior |
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Blue Wilderness
Is Blue Wilderness good dog food? The Wilderness line is to mimic the natural diet of a wolf, in kibble form. It is a high-protein, hearty meal that is best for high energy dogs who burn a lot of calories.
This type of food is especially good for puppies since it’s high in carbs, calories, and protein.
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| Adult |
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| Senior |
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Blue True Solutions
This newer line of Blue Buffalo supports the main points of a pet’s diet to target different areas of the body.
- Jolly Joints Mobility Support
- Perfect Coat Skin & Coat Care
- Fit & Healthy Weight Control
- Blissful Belly Digestive Care
Blue Natural Veterinary Diet Prescription Formulas
Blue has veterinary-approved diet choices that aim toward different ailments and areas.
- Novel Protein
- Weight Management & Urinary Care
- Gastrointestinal Support Low Fat
- Kidney Support
- Hydrolyzed food for intolerance
- Weight Management and Mobility Support
- Gastrointestinal Support
Blue Carnivora
Going even deeper into the wild, Carnivora delivers a diet with exotic, plentiful meats.
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| Adult |
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Final Thoughts
Blue has a ton of other top-notch recipes that didn’t make our top ten—but don’t think that it matters. There are tons to choose from, and each one is crafted with similar quality ingredients that cater to many dietary needs.
We totally recommend Blue Buffalo, but the Life Protection Formula is our favorite. It is well-balanced, quality food that nourishes the system and compliments your dog’s natural dietary needs. We think it meets the broadest spectrum of needs for most dogs.
However, suppose you want to save money. In that case, you could possibly buy Blue as a topper instead—like Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Beef Dinner with Garden Vegetables & Sweet Potatoes Canned Dog Food. It will tantalize their taste buds and spruce up boring kibble in no time.
Blue Wilderness is a more expensive Blue line, but it is chock full of protein, easily digestible carbohydrates, and solid, balanced ingredients. Remember, ask your vet before offering grain-free unless you plan to supplement with a grain-inclusive wet food.
Which Blue recipe is your dog’s favorite?
