Blue Buffalo Cat Food Review

Reviews March 19, 2021

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Blue Buffalo Cat Food Review

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Why Should You Trust This Review?

  • I’ve been a cat mom for 30 plus years
  • I have volunteered at animal shelters for over 15 years
  • I frequently review and confirm information with veterinarians
  • I conducted 12+ hours of research on this cat food and bought the food with my own money

About Blue Buffalo Cat Food

Blue Buffalo Pet Foods started as a family-owned company out of Wilson, Connecticut back in 2002. Blue Buffalo was incorporated into General Mills in 2019. The company states that they do all their manufacturing within the United States.

Blue Buffalo is known in the industry for offering high protein dry cat food made with quality ingredients. All of their foods are locally sourced using U.S. ingredients that are high quality and natural. All of their products undergo onsite and third party laboratory testing to ensure high quality.

Blue Buffalo is one of the nation’s leading natural pet food companies, providing natural foods and treats for both dogs and cats under its BLUE Life Protection Formula, BLUE Wilderness, BLUE Basics, BLUE Freedom and BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet lines.

The company, through the Blue Buffalo Foundation, is a leading sponsor of pet cancer awareness and of critical research studies of pet cancer, including causes, treatments and the role of nutrition, at select veterinary medical schools and clinics across the United States.

Blue Buffalo Sourcing And Manufacturing

Parent Company/ Owned by   General Mills
Company Net Worth  1.2 Billion
Dry Food Manufactured  Joplin, Missouri
Wet Food Manufactured Richmond, Indiana
Number of Recipes  111
FDA Approved  Yes

Recall History

  • 2007 – Cat products contained high levels of a potentially toxic substance known as melamine.
  • 2015 – Cat foods and treats contained high levels of a potentially toxic substance known as melamine.

Top 5 Blue Buffalo Cat Food Recipes Reviewed And Analyzed

#1 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 40.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 18.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 4.0% Max
  • Moisture 9.0% Max
  • Taurine 0.15% Min

Ingredients

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Calcium Chloride, Potassium sulfate, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), etc…


To better understand the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.

Deboned chicken is the clean flesh without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken and exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Deboned chicken is highly digestible, an excellent source of amino acids and a good quality protein.

Chicken meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations.

Pea protein is a plant protein and can not replace animal protein. While it maybe high in fiber it is simply a way to increase protein levels in cat food.

Tapioca starch is a highly digestible food source and is important in dry food for shape, texture and density of kibble. This is very important, as mouth feel and the structure of the kibble.

Peas contain high amounts of fiber, lysine and some level of tryptophan. However, peas are often considered a replacement for grain type fillers in grain-free cat foods.


#2 Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 32.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 16.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
  • Moisture 9.0% Max
  • Taurine 0.15% Min

Ingredients

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Pea Protein, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (Source Of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Fiber, Menhaden Fish Meal, Fish Oil (Source Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), DL-Methionine, Calcium Sulfate, Fructooligosaccharide, Calcium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Salt, Cranberries, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Vegetable Juice For Color, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Blueberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Supplement, etc…


To get a better understanding of this Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.

Deboned chicken is the clean flesh without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken and exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Deboned chicken is highly digestible, an excellent source of amino acids and a good quality protein.

Chicken meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations.

Brown rice is considered a whole grain that is filled with antioxidants and fiber. It is considered empty calories for cats and is a carbohydrates cats do not need.

Oatmeal contains antioxidants, such as linoleic acid and vitamin E, which can supplement your cat’s liver, skin, and fur. However oats are considered high in carbohydrates.

Barley contains a small portion of protein and a large portion of carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of select vitamins and minerals such as the B Vitamins, Manganese, and Phosphorus.


#3Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 40.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 20.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
  • Moisture 9.0% Max
  • Taurine 0.2% Min

Ingredients

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Peas, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid and ARA-Arachidonic Acid), Pea Fiber, Calcium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Potassium sulfate, DL-Methionine, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Salt, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), etc…


Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food.

Deboned chicken is the clean flesh without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken and exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Deboned chicken is highly digestible, an excellent source of amino acids and a good quality protein.

Chicken meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations.

Pea protein is a plant protein and can not replace animal protein. While it maybe high in fiber it is simply a way to increase protein levels in cat food.

Tapioca starch is a highly digestible food source and is important in dry food for shape, texture and density of kibble. This is very important, as mouth feel and the structure of the kibble.

Menhaden fish meal is the clean, rendered (cooked down), dried ground tissue of un-decomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil. It can be a good source of essential fatty acids and is very palatable for cats.


#4 Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Pate Chicken Entree Indoor Adult Canned Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 10.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 6.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 2.0% Max
  • Moisture 78.0% Max
  • Taurine 0.01% Min

Ingredients

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavor, Brown Rice, Guar Gum, Powdered Cellulose, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Taurine, Salt, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)


To get a better understanding of this Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Pate Chicken Entree Indoor Adult Canned Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.

Chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.

Chicken broth is rich in vitamins, minerals and collagen. These components can help improve your cat’s digestion and overall immunity.

Chicken liver contains high amounts of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals and is an amazing source of omega 3 and six fatty acids.

Natural flavor can mean several things and qualifies as being extracted from a natural source. This might mean it came from meals or by-products.

Brown rice is considered a whole grain that is filled with antioxidants and fiber. It is considered empty calories for cats and is a carbohydrates cats do not need.


#5 Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Adult Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 9.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 6.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 2.0% Max
  • Moisture 78.0% Max
  • Taurine 0.01% Min

Ingredients

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Ground Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Cellulose, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Taurine, Cranberries, Blueberries, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), d-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Choline Chloride, Salt


Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Adult Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food.

Chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.

Chicken broth is rich in vitamins, minerals and collagen. These components can help improve your cat’s digestion and overall immunity.

Chicken liver contains high amounts of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals and is an amazing source of omega 3 and six fatty acids.

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including healthy beta-carotene.

Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent natural energy source. They are good for promoting muscle tone, clear eyesight, and healthy bones but can be hard for some cats to digest.


Is Blue Buffalo A Good Cat Food?

Blue Buffalo Wilderness does offer grain-free cat food using a significant amount of named meat and meals as its main source of animal protein. However, the average protein content, and protein boosting ingredients like pea products and oatmeal makes it an average cat food brand at best.

While Blue Buffalo is a reputable brand with loyal customers, it does have a few recalls under it’s belt. The wet food selections do seem like the better choice with meat being the first ingredient and usually only one filler ingredient and few thickening agents.

Where Is Blue Buffalo Cat Food Sold?

Blue Buffalo Cat Foods are available in most grocery store chains, pet stores and big box stores, although varieties may vary. You can also purchase Blue Buffalo online through Amazon, Chewy, and various pet food retailers.

Amy is the founder of Cat Mania and a Certified NAVC Pet Nutritionist. She is the proud owner of two cats and a dog and her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care, nutrition, and product reviews.
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