Natural Balance and Blue Buffalo are both premium brands emphasizing natural ingredients and specialized nutrition. Here's how these competitors compare.
Brand Overview
Natural Balance
- Founded: 1989
- Headquarters: Burbank, California
- Parent Company: J.M. Smucker Company
- Philosophy: "Food for a lifetime"
- Price Point: $$ - $$$ (Premium)
- Specialty: Limited Ingredient Diets
Blue Buffalo
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut
- Parent Company: General Mills
- Philosophy: Natural ingredients, "True Blue Promise"
- Price Point: $$ - $$$ (Premium)
- Specialty: LifeSource Bits
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Natural Balance | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price (26-28 lb) | $50-65 | $55-70 |
| L.I.D. Focus | Primary specialty | Available |
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes |
| Product Range | Moderate | Extensive |
Ingredient Philosophy
Natural Balance
- "Buy with Confidence" testing program
- Limited Ingredient Diets pioneer
- Novel proteins available
- No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives
- Science-based formulation
- Allergy-focused options
Blue Buffalo
- Real meat first
- "True Blue Promise" standards
- LifeSource Bits (antioxidants, vitamins)
- No poultry by-products
- No corn, wheat, or soy (many formulas)
- Natural focus
Nutritional Comparison
Protein Content
- Natural Balance L.I.D.: 21-24%
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: 24-26%
- Natural Balance Original Ultra: 26-28%
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: 32-36%
- Blue Buffalo generally higher protein
Fat Content
- Natural Balance: 10-14%
- Blue Buffalo: 14-18%
- Blue Buffalo has more fat content
Key Differences
Natural Balance:
- Lower protein/fat (moderate)
- Allergy-friendly focus
- Novel protein expertise
- "Buy with Confidence" testing
Blue Buffalo:
- Higher protein options
- LifeSource Bits
- More aggressive marketing
- Wider variety
Product Lines
Natural Balance
- L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets: Flagship allergy-friendly line
- Original Ultra: Whole body health
- Fat Dogs: Weight management
- Vegetarian: Meat-free option
- Life stage/size specific: Puppy, senior, small breed
Blue Buffalo
- Life Protection: Core line
- Wilderness: High protein, grain-free
- Basics: Limited ingredient
- Freedom: Grain-free
- True Solutions: Targeted health
- Baby Blue: Puppy specific
Blue Buffalo offers more variety.
Price Comparison
Per 26-28 lb Bag
- Natural Balance L.I.D.: $55-65
- Blue Buffalo Basics: $55-65
- Natural Balance Original Ultra: $50-60
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: $55-65
Prices are comparable for similar products.
Limited Ingredient Expertise
Natural Balance Advantage
- Pioneer in limited ingredient diets
- Wider L.I.D. variety
- More novel protein options in L.I.D.
- "Buy with Confidence" ingredient testing
- Proven track record for allergies
Blue Buffalo
- Basics line offers L.I.D.
- Fewer novel proteins
- Good but not specialized
- Less allergy-focused heritage
For dogs with allergies, Natural Balance has more expertise.
Novel Proteins
Natural Balance L.I.D.
- Duck
- Venison
- Bison
- Salmon
- Lamb
- Chicken (single source)
Blue Buffalo Basics
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Duck
- Lamb
Natural Balance offers more novel protein variety.
Quality and Safety
Natural Balance
- "Buy with Confidence" testing (9 tests per batch)
- Some historical recalls
- Smucker ownership provides resources
- Strong allergen controls
Blue Buffalo
- Multiple recalls over the years
- Settled ingredient mislabeling lawsuit
- Improved under General Mills
- Generally reliable now
Both have had recalls; Natural Balance has better testing protocols.
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Natural Balance If:
- Your dog has food allergies
- Limited ingredient diets needed
- Novel proteins required
- "Buy with Confidence" testing appeals
- Allergy management is priority
Choose Blue Buffalo If:
- You want more product variety
- LifeSource Bits appeal
- Higher protein preferred
- Your dog doesn't have allergies
- Specialized health formulas needed
Our Verdict
For Allergies
Natural Balance is the clear winner:
- L.I.D. pioneer and expert
- More novel protein options
- Rigorous testing program
- Allergy-focused heritage
For General Feeding
Blue Buffalo offers:
- More variety
- Higher protein options
- LifeSource Bits
- More specialized formulas
The Bottom Line
If your dog has allergies or needs limited ingredient diets, Natural Balance is the better choice. For general feeding with more variety, Blue Buffalo wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for allergies?
Natural Balance L.I.D. is specifically designed for allergies and offers more novel proteins. Blue Buffalo Basics is adequate but less specialized. For serious allergies, Natural Balance is the better choice.
What is "Buy with Confidence"?
Natural Balance tests each batch for 9 different contaminants and posts results online. This transparency gives allergy-prone dogs' owners confidence in ingredient accuracy.
Which has better quality?
They're comparable in overall quality. Natural Balance excels in allergy control; Blue Buffalo excels in variety and protein content. Choose based on your dog's needs.
Are the grain-free options safe?
Both have grain-free formulas that face FDA DCM concerns. Consider grain-inclusive options from either brand. Consult your veterinarian about grain-free feeding.
Can I switch between these brands?
Yes, transition gradually over 7-10 days, especially if your dog has food sensitivities. Go slowly with any dietary changes.