Blue Buffalo vs Wellness
Two of the most popular natural dog food brands go head-to-head. We compare ingredients, pricing, product lines, and ratings to help you choose.
At a Glance
| Metric | Blue Buffalo | Wellness |
|---|---|---|
| Products Available | 220+ | 149+ |
| Average Rating | 4.49/5 | 4.46/5 |
| Total Reviews | 116,000+ | 34,000+ |
| Parent Company | General Mills | WellPet LLC |
| Price Range | $$-$$$ | $$-$$$ |
| USA Made |
Blue Buffalo
Founded in 2002 and acquired by General Mills in 2018. Known for their "LifeSource Bits" - a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Emphasizes "real meat first" philosophy.
Product Lines:
- • Life Protection - Core everyday line
- • Wilderness - High-protein, grain-free
- • Freedom - Grain-free options
- • Basics - Limited ingredient diets
- • True Solutions - Targeted nutrition
Wellness
Founded in 1997, one of the pioneers of natural pet food. Owned by WellPet LLC (also owns Old Mother Hubbard, Eagle Pack). Focus on balanced, complete nutrition.
Product Lines:
- • Complete Health - Everyday nutrition
- • CORE - High-protein, grain-free
- • Simple - Limited ingredient
- • Bowl Boosters - Toppers and mix-ins
- • TruFood - Baked, natural recipes
Blue Buffalo Pros
- Wide variety of formulas
- LifeSource Bits for added nutrition
- Widely available in stores
- Strong customer reviews
Blue Buffalo Cons
- Past recall history
- Higher price point
- Some formula changes after acquisition
Wellness Pros
- Longer industry track record
- CORE line highly rated for protein
- Better value on some lines
- Good limited ingredient options
Wellness Cons
- Fewer retail locations
- Some dogs don't like taste
- Past recalls (though less frequent)
Top Blue Buffalo Products
Top Wellness Products
The Verdict
Both brands offer quality natural dog food. Choose Blue Buffalo if you want wider variety, easier availability, and appreciate the LifeSource Bits concept. Choose Wellness if you prefer a company with longer natural food experience, want the high-protein CORE line, or are looking for slightly better value.
For dogs with allergies, both brands offer limited ingredient options—Blue Buffalo Basics and Wellness Simple are comparable. For high-protein needs, compare Blue Buffalo Wilderness vs Wellness CORE.
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