Nutro and Blue Buffalo are both premium natural dog food brands targeting health-conscious pet owners. Here's how these popular competitors compare in quality, value, and nutrition.
Brand Overview
Nutro
- Founded: 1926
- Headquarters: Franklin, Tennessee
- Parent Company: Mars, Inc.
- Philosophy: Clean, simple recipes
- Price Point: $$ - $$$ (Premium)
Blue Buffalo
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut
- Parent Company: General Mills
- Philosophy: Natural ingredients, "True Blue Promise"
- Price Point: $$ - $$$ (Premium)
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Nutro | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price (26-30 lb) | $50-65 | $55-70 |
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes |
| Non-GMO | Yes (most formulas) | Partial |
| Unique Feature | Clean recipes | LifeSource Bits |
Ingredient Philosophy
Nutro
- "Clean recipe" philosophy
- Non-GMO ingredients (most formulas)
- No chicken by-product meal
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives
- Farm-raised chicken/lamb focus
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
Both emphasize natural, quality ingredients.
Nutritional Comparison
Protein Content
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials: 23-26%
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: 24-26%
- Nutro Ultra: 28-30%
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: 32-36%
- Similar ranges in comparable lines
Fat Content
- Nutro: 14-17%
- Blue Buffalo: 14-18%
- Comparable
Key Differences
Nutro:
- Non-GMO commitment
- Simpler ingredient lists
- Focus on "clean" recipes
- Fewer formulas, more focused
Blue Buffalo:
- LifeSource Bits
- More product variety
- Wider marketing reach
- More specialized options
Product Lines
Nutro
- Wholesome Essentials: Core balanced line
- Ultra: Premium superfood blend
- Limited Ingredient Diet: Sensitive dogs
- Size-specific: Small/Large breed
- Life stages: Puppy/Adult/Senior
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 26-30 lb Bag
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials: $50-60
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: $55-65
- Nutro Ultra: $60-70
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: $65-75
Nutro is often slightly less expensive.
Non-GMO Factor
Nutro
- Non-GMO commitment in most formulas
- Clearer sourcing transparency
- Simpler ingredient lists
Blue Buffalo
- Some non-GMO ingredients
- Less explicit commitment
- Focus on "natural" over "non-GMO"
If non-GMO matters to you, Nutro has the edge.
Quality and Safety
Nutro
- Mars quality control resources
- Generally good safety record
- Some recalls but not excessive
- Strong manufacturing standards
Blue Buffalo
- Multiple recalls over the years
- Settled ingredient mislabeling lawsuit
- Improved under General Mills
- Generally reliable now
Both have had issues; Nutro has slightly better track record.
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Nutro If:
- Non-GMO ingredients matter
- Simpler recipes appeal
- Mars quality control reassures you
- Slightly better value preferred
- Clean, straightforward nutrition
Choose Blue Buffalo If:
- LifeSource Bits appeal to you
- You want more product variety
- Specialized formulas needed
- Brand recognition matters
- Your dog already thrives on it
Our Verdict
Nearly Equal Quality
Both brands offer:
- Premium natural ingredients
- Real meat first
- No artificial additives
- Similar nutritional profiles
Slight Advantages
Nutro:
- Non-GMO commitment
- Cleaner, simpler recipes
- Slightly better value
- Fewer product recalls
Blue Buffalo:
- LifeSource Bits
- More product variety
- Wider availability
- More specialized options
The Bottom Line
Both are quality premium options. Nutro offers cleaner, simpler recipes at slightly better value. Blue Buffalo offers more variety and specialized options. Choose based on your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better quality?
They're comparable in quality. Nutro emphasizes cleaner, simpler recipes; Blue Buffalo offers more variety. Neither is clearly superior—it depends on your priorities.
Does non-GMO actually matter for dogs?
There's no scientific evidence that non-GMO is healthier for dogs. However, if it aligns with your values or you prefer simpler ingredients, Nutro's commitment may appeal to you.
Which is better for allergies?
Both have limited ingredient options (Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet, Blue Buffalo Basics). Either works well for sensitive dogs. Nutro's simpler recipes may be easier to navigate for allergy identification.
Is Nutro owned by Mars a concern?
Mars owns many pet food brands and has strong quality control. Nutro maintains its own formulas and standards. The corporate ownership generally improves manufacturing quality.
Can I switch between these brands?
Yes, transition gradually over 7-10 days. They're similar enough that most dogs adapt well.