Blue Buffalo and Hill's Science Diet represent different philosophies in dog nutrition. Blue Buffalo emphasizes natural ingredients and marketing appeal, while Hill's focuses on clinical research and veterinary science. Here's how they compare.
Brand Overview
Blue Buffalo
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut
- Philosophy: Natural ingredients, "True Blue Promise"
- Parent Company: General Mills
- Price Point: Mid to premium
- Approach: Marketing-driven, natural focus
Hill's Science Diet
- Founded: 1939
- Headquarters: Topeka, Kansas
- Philosophy: Science-based nutrition
- Parent Company: Colgate-Palmolive
- Price Point: Premium
- Approach: Research-driven, vet-recommended
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Blue Buffalo | Hill's Science Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Price Range | $$ - $$$ | $$$ |
| Research Investment | Moderate | Extensive |
| Vet Recommendation | Some | High |
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes |
| Prescription Lines | No | Yes (Prescription Diet) |
Ingredient Philosophy
Blue Buffalo
Approach:
- Real meat first ingredient
- No poultry by-products
- No corn, wheat, or soy (many formulas)
- LifeSource Bits added
- Natural preservatives
Marketing Focus:
- "Wholesome" and "natural"
- Appeals to health-conscious owners
- Clear ingredient messaging
Hill's Science Diet
Approach:
- Clinically proven nutrition
- Ingredients chosen for function
- May include by-products (nutritious organ meats)
- Research-backed formulations
- Therapeutic options available
Science Focus:
- Feeding trial tested
- Veterinary nutritionist formulated
- Published research backing
Nutritional Comparison
Protein Content
- Blue Buffalo: 24-34% (varies by formula)
- Hill's Science Diet: 21-27% (adult formulas)
- Blue Buffalo tends slightly higher
Fat Content
- Blue Buffalo: 14-18%
- Hill's Science Diet: 13-16%
- Similar ranges
Key Differences
Blue Buffalo:
- Higher protein in many formulas
- LifeSource Bits antioxidants
- More grain-free options
Hill's Science Diet:
- Clinically precise nutrition
- Condition-specific formulas
- Prescription Diet available
Product Lines
Blue Buffalo
- Life Protection: Core line
- Wilderness: High protein, grain-free
- Basics: Limited ingredient
- Freedom: Grain-free
- True Solutions: Targeted health support
Hill's Science Diet
- Adult: Standard maintenance
- Puppy/Senior: Life stage specific
- Perfect Weight: Weight management
- Sensitive Stomach & Skin: Sensitivities
- Large/Small Breed: Size-specific
- Prescription Diet: Veterinary therapeutic (separate line)
Veterinary Perspective
Hill's Science Diet
- Consistently recommended by veterinarians
- Often sold in vet clinics
- Backed by decades of research
- Prescription Diet is veterinary gold standard
- Trusted for therapeutic nutrition
Blue Buffalo
- Mixed veterinary opinions
- Less research backing
- Quality ingredients acknowledged
- Some vets cautious about marketing claims
- Grain-free concerns apply
Price Comparison
Average Cost (30 lb bag)
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: $55-65
- Hill's Science Diet Adult: $65-75
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: $65-75
- Hill's Perfect Weight: $70-80
Hill's generally costs 10-20% more than Blue Buffalo.
Recall History
Blue Buffalo
- Multiple recalls over the years
- 2016: Significant quality issues
- Settled lawsuit over ingredient claims
- Quality control has improved
Hill's Science Diet
- 2019: Vitamin D excess recall
- Generally strong safety record
- Rigorous quality control systems
- Transparent about issues when they occur
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Blue Buffalo If:
- You prefer natural ingredients marketing
- Your dog thrives on it
- Budget is a consideration
- You want to avoid by-products
- LifeSource Bits appeal to you
Choose Hill's Science Diet If:
- You value veterinary recommendation
- You want research-backed nutrition
- Your dog has specific health needs
- You trust clinical feeding trials
- You might need Prescription Diet options
Special Considerations
For Health Conditions
Hill's has a significant advantage:
- Prescription Diet for specific conditions
- Clinically proven therapeutic formulas
- Veterinary supervision options
- Research-backed health claims
Blue Buffalo's True Solutions targets some conditions but lacks the clinical research depth of Hill's Prescription Diet.
Grain-Free Options
- Blue Buffalo: Many grain-free choices
- Hill's: Limited grain-free (follows FDA guidance)
Given FDA concerns about grain-free diets and heart disease, Hill's conservative approach may be prudent.
Our Verdict
For Most Dogs
Hill's Science Diet has the edge for:
- Research and clinical backing
- Veterinary trust
- Therapeutic options if needed
- Consistent quality
Blue Buffalo Works Well For:
- Dogs already thriving on it
- Owners preferring natural marketing
- Budget-conscious premium buyers
Bottom Line
Both provide complete nutrition, but Hill's offers stronger scientific backing. Blue Buffalo appeals more to marketing-conscious consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hill's more expensive?
Hill's invests heavily in research, feeding trials, and clinical studies. This science-based approach costs more but provides proven results. You're paying for research backing.
Is Blue Buffalo as good as Hill's?
Both provide complete nutrition. Blue Buffalo has quality ingredients. Hill's has more research backing and veterinary trust. "Better" depends on your priorities—marketing appeal vs. clinical research.
Do vets get paid to recommend Hill's?
Vets aren't paid to recommend Hill's. However, Hill's invests in veterinary education and provides products to vet clinics. Vets recommend Hill's because they trust the research, not due to payments.
Which is better for sensitive stomachs?
Hill's Sensitive Stomach & Skin is clinically formulated and well-regarded. Blue Buffalo Basics is also good. For true digestive issues, Hill's research backing gives confidence.
Can my dog switch between these brands?
Yes, transition gradually over 7-10 days. Both are quality foods, so most dogs adapt well with proper transition.