Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a popular line of dog food that markets itself as a “Nature’s Evolutionary Diet.” But Is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Good Dog Food? This comprehensive review will analyze the ingredients, nutrient content, recall history, and overall quality of Blue Buffalo Wilderness to help you make an informed decision for your canine companion.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness: Our Verdict
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet product range receives the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 5 stars. This rating applies to each of the 15 recipes within this line.
The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Recipe and Label Analysis: Blue Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Chicken with Wholesome Grains
To provide a detailed analysis, we’ll focus on the Blue Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Chicken with Wholesome Grains recipe, as it’s representative of the line.
Blue Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Chicken with Wholesome Grains – Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
- Protein: 37.8%
- Fat: 16.7%
- Carbs: 37.5%
- Fiber: 6% (estimated dry matter content)
Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley, brown rice, dried tomato pomace, salmon meal (source of omega 3 fatty acids), chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, flaxseed (source of omega 6 fatty acids), potassium chloride, direct dehydrated alfalfa pellets, salt, l-threonine, alfalfa nutrient concentrate, calcium carbonate, dried chicory root, dl-methionine, dicalcium phosphate, choline chloride, preserved with mixed tocopherols, sweet potatoes, carrots, 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), 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, manganese amino acid chelate, taurine, glucosamine hydrochloride, 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
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Ingredients Analysis: What Makes Blue Buffalo Wilderness Good?
- High-Quality Protein Sources: The first three ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, and dehydrated chicken. These provide a concentrated source of animal protein, which is essential for muscle development and overall health. Chicken meal and dehydrated chicken contain significantly more protein than fresh chicken.
- Wholesome Grains: Oatmeal, barley, and brown rice are included as carbohydrate sources. While some owners prefer grain-free options, these grains offer fiber and nutrients.
- Omega Fatty Acids: Salmon meal and flaxseed provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, important for skin and coat health.
- Antioxidant-Rich Ingredients: Blueberries, cranberries, and sweet potatoes offer antioxidants that support the immune system.
- Added Supplements: The inclusion of taurine, chelated minerals, and vitamins demonstrates an effort to provide a well-rounded nutritional profile.
Controversial Ingredients:
- Tomato Pomace: This is a byproduct of tomato processing. While it provides fiber, it’s considered a filler ingredient by some.
- Dried Yeast: While nutritious for some, it can be an allergen for sensitive dogs.
- Sodium Selenite: A less desirable form of selenium compared to selenium yeast.
Nutrient Analysis: Is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Balanced?
Blue Buffalo Wilderness boasts an above-average protein content, near-average fat, and below-average carbohydrates compared to typical dry dog food. The dry matter analysis shows:
- Protein: 38%
- Fat: 17%
- Carbs: 38%
The fat-to-protein ratio is about 42%. This nutrient profile suggests a significant amount of meat content in the kibble.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recall History
It’s important to be aware of any recall history when choosing a dog food brand. You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
More Blue Buffalo Reviews
There are other Blue Buffalo reviews also posted on this website.
Our Rating of Blue Buffalo Grain Inclusive and Grain Free Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet is a grain-inclusive and grain-free dry dog food using a significant amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.
Final Word: Is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Good Dog Food for Your Dog?
Overall, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a highly recommended dog food. Its focus on high-quality protein sources, inclusion of beneficial supplements, and balanced nutrient profile make it a good option for many dogs. However, consider any potential sensitivities your dog may have to ingredients like dried yeast or tomato pomace. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog’s individual needs.
