Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan are two of the most popular premium dog food brands in America. Both offer quality nutrition, but they take different approaches. Here's an in-depth comparison to help you choose.
Brand Overview
Blue Buffalo
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut
- Philosophy: "True Blue Promise" - real meat first, no poultry by-products
- Parent Company: General Mills (acquired 2018)
- Price Point: Mid to premium
- Signature Feature: LifeSource Bits (antioxidant blend)
Purina Pro Plan
- Founded: 1986 (Purina since 1894)
- Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri
- Philosophy: Science-based nutrition backed by research
- Parent Company: Nestlé Purina
- Price Point: Mid to premium
- Signature Feature: Live probiotics, extensive veterinary research
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Blue Buffalo | Purina Pro Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.71/5 |
| Price Range | $$ - $$$ | $$ - $$$ |
| Primary Protein | Deboned meat | Meat (chicken, salmon) |
| Veterinary Research | Limited | Extensive |
| Grain-Free Options | Many | Limited (FDA concerns) |
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes |
| Recalls | Multiple | Few |
Ingredient Quality
Blue Buffalo
Strengths:
- Real meat as first ingredient
- No poultry by-products
- No corn, wheat, or soy (many formulas)
- LifeSource Bits antioxidant blend
- Natural ingredients focus
Considerations:
- Multiple recalls in history
- Some "peas" heavy formulas
- Marketing-driven ingredient choices
Purina Pro Plan
Strengths:
- Quality named proteins
- Live probiotics in many formulas
- Research-backed formulations
- Fewer recalls historically
- Veterinary nutritionist developed
Considerations:
- Some by-products in formulas
- Includes corn in some recipes
- Less "natural" marketing appeal
Nutritional Comparison
Protein Content
- Blue Buffalo: Typically 24-34% protein
- Purina Pro Plan: Typically 26-30% protein
- Both offer quality animal protein sources
Fat Content
- Blue Buffalo: Typically 14-18%
- Purina Pro Plan: Typically 15-18%
- Similar ranges, appropriate for adult dogs
Special Features
Blue Buffalo:
- LifeSource Bits (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants)
- No artificial preservatives
- Omega fatty acids
Purina Pro Plan:
- Live probiotics for digestive health
- EPA/DHA in many formulas
- Glucosamine in large breed formulas
Product Line Comparison
Blue Buffalo Lines
- Life Protection: Core line
- Wilderness: High protein, grain-free
- Basics: Limited ingredient
- Freedom: Grain-free
- Baby Blue: Puppy formulas
Purina Pro Plan Lines
- Complete Essentials: Standard adult
- Sensitive Skin & Stomach: Sensitivities
- Sport: Active dogs
- Large Breed: Size-specific
- Puppy/Senior: Life stage specific
Price Comparison
Average Cost (30 lb bag)
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: $55-65
- Purina Pro Plan: $55-65
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: $65-75
- Purina Pro Plan Sport: $60-70
Similar pricing overall, with premium lines slightly higher for both.
Veterinary Perspective
What Vets Often Say
Purina Pro Plan:
- Generally recommended by veterinarians
- Backed by extensive feeding trials
- Research published in peer-reviewed journals
- Often stocked in vet clinics
Blue Buffalo:
- Mixed veterinary opinions
- Some concerns about marketing over science
- Quality ingredients but less research backing
- Grain-free lines face FDA scrutiny
Recall History
Blue Buffalo
- 2010: Vitamin D excess recall
- 2016: Multiple product recalls
- 2017: Lead content concerns
- Settlement paid for ingredient mislabeling
Purina Pro Plan
- Fewer major recalls
- Better track record overall
- More rigorous quality control systems
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Blue Buffalo If You:
- Prefer "no by-products" formulas
- Want LifeSource Bits antioxidants
- Like natural ingredient marketing
- Your dog thrives on it
- Prefer to avoid corn/wheat/soy
Choose Purina Pro Plan If You:
- Value veterinary research backing
- Want live probiotics
- Prefer proven feeding trial results
- Your vet recommends it
- Want lower recall risk
The Grain-Free Factor
Blue Buffalo
- Offers many grain-free options
- Wilderness line is grain-free focused
- FDA concerns apply to grain-free formulas
Purina Pro Plan
- Limited grain-free options
- Emphasizes grain-inclusive formulas
- Following FDA guidance on grain-free
Recommendation: Consider grain-inclusive formulas from either brand given FDA concerns about grain-free diets.
Our Verdict
For Most Dogs
Purina Pro Plan edges ahead due to:
- Stronger research backing
- Better recall history
- Veterinary endorsement
- Live probiotics benefit
Blue Buffalo is Good For
- Dogs thriving on it currently
- Owners preferring "natural" marketing
- Specific dietary preferences
Both Are Quality Options
Either brand provides complete nutrition when chosen appropriately for your dog's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for puppies?
Both offer quality puppy formulas. Purina Pro Plan Puppy has more research backing and DHA for brain development. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue is also well-formulated. Either works well.
Which is better for sensitive stomachs?
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (salmon) is highly regarded and contains probiotics. Blue Buffalo Basics is also effective. Pro Plan's probiotics give it a slight edge.
Is Blue Buffalo worth the extra cost?
Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan are similarly priced. Blue Buffalo's LifeSource Bits and "no by-products" policy appeal to some owners. Whether it's "worth it" depends on your values and your dog's response.
Why do vets often recommend Purina Pro Plan?
Purina invests heavily in nutritional research and feeding trials. Their products are formulated by veterinary nutritionists with published research. Many vets trust this science-based approach.
Can I switch between these brands?
Yes, transition gradually over 7-10 days mixing increasing amounts of new food with decreasing amounts of old food.
Related Resources
- Blue Buffalo vs Hill's Science Diet
- Purina Pro Plan vs Royal Canin
- Best Dry Dog Food
- Compare Dog Foods - Side-by-side comparison