Taste of the Wild and Blue Buffalo are both popular premium brands that appeal to owners seeking quality ingredients and natural nutrition. Here's how these competitors compare.
Important Note: Grain-Free Concerns
Both brands offer grain-free options. Be aware:
- FDA has investigated links between grain-free diets and heart disease (DCM)
- Both brands have grain-inclusive alternatives
- Consult your veterinarian about grain-free feeding
Brand Overview
Taste of the Wild
- Founded: 2007
- Manufacturer: Diamond Pet Foods
- Philosophy: Ancestral diet, novel proteins
- Price Point: $$ (mid-premium)
- Specialty: Exotic proteins, grain-free focus
Blue Buffalo
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut
- Parent Company: General Mills
- Philosophy: Natural ingredients, "True Blue Promise"
- Price Point: $$ - $$$ (premium)
- Specialty: LifeSource Bits, natural marketing
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Taste of the Wild | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price (28-30 lb) | $45-55 | $55-70 |
| Novel Proteins | Yes (bison, venison) | Limited |
| Grain-Free Focus | High | Moderate |
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes |
| Product Range | Moderate | Extensive |
Ingredient Philosophy
Taste of the Wild
- Novel proteins (bison, venison, wild boar)
- Grain-free focus (with some alternatives now)
- "Ancestral diet" marketing
- Sweet potato carbohydrates
- Probiotics included
Blue Buffalo
- Real meat first
- "True Blue Promise" standards
- LifeSource Bits (antioxidants)
- No poultry by-products
- Multiple grain-free and grain-inclusive options
Nutritional Comparison
Protein Content
- Taste of the Wild: 28-32%
- Blue Buffalo: 24-34% (varies by line)
- Both offer high protein options
Fat Content
- Taste of the Wild: 15-18%
- Blue Buffalo: 14-18%
- Similar ranges
Unique Features
Taste of the Wild:
- Probiotics (K9 Strain)
- Novel proteins
- Consistent formulation
Blue Buffalo:
- LifeSource Bits
- Wider product range
- More specialized formulas
Product Lines
Taste of the Wild
- High Prairie: Bison and venison
- Pacific Stream: Smoked salmon
- Wetlands: Duck
- Sierra Mountain: Lamb
- Ancient Grains: Grain-inclusive alternatives
- Prey: Limited ingredient
Blue Buffalo
- Life Protection: Core line
- Wilderness: High protein, grain-free
- Basics: Limited ingredient
- Freedom: Grain-free
- True Solutions: Targeted health
- Baby Blue: Puppy
Blue Buffalo offers significantly more variety.
Price Comparison
Per 28-30 lb Bag
- Taste of the Wild: $45-55
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: $55-65
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: $65-75
Taste of the Wild offers better value at this quality level.
Novel Proteins
Taste of the Wild Advantage
Offers truly novel proteins:
- Bison
- Venison
- Wild boar
- Duck
- Smoked salmon
These are ideal for dogs with common protein allergies.
Blue Buffalo
- Primarily chicken, beef, lamb, fish
- Some limited ingredient options
- Less exotic protein variety
The Grain-Free Factor
Taste of the Wild
- Built on grain-free concept
- Now offers Ancient Grains line (grain-inclusive)
- Many formulas still grain-free
Blue Buffalo
- Offers both grain-free (Wilderness, Freedom) and grain-inclusive (Life Protection)
- More flexibility to choose
Given FDA concerns, both brands' grain-inclusive options are safer choices.
Quality and Safety
Taste of the Wild
- Made by Diamond Pet Foods
- Diamond has had historical recalls
- Quality has improved
- Good value for quality
Blue Buffalo
- Multiple recalls in history
- Settled ingredient mislabeling lawsuit
- General Mills ownership improved quality control
- Generally reliable
Both have had quality issues but have improved.
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Taste of the Wild If:
- You want novel proteins
- Budget is a consideration
- Your dog has common protein allergies
- You want probiotics included
- Better value matters
Choose Blue Buffalo If:
- You want more product variety
- LifeSource Bits appeal to you
- You need specialized formulas
- Brand recognition matters
- Your dog thrives on it
Our Verdict
For Value
Taste of the Wild wins:
- Better price point
- Comparable quality
- Novel proteins
- Probiotics included
For Variety
Blue Buffalo wins:
- More product lines
- More specialized options
- Better brand recognition
Overall
Both are quality options. Taste of the Wild offers better value; Blue Buffalo offers more variety. Consider grain-inclusive options from either brand given FDA concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better quality?
They're comparable in quality. Taste of the Wild offers better value; Blue Buffalo has more variety. Neither is clearly superior in ingredient quality.
Are the grain-free versions safe?
FDA concerns exist about grain-free diets and heart disease. Both brands now offer grain-inclusive alternatives (Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains, Blue Buffalo Life Protection) that may be safer.
Which is better for allergies?
Taste of the Wild's novel proteins (bison, venison) may be better for dogs with chicken/beef allergies. Blue Buffalo Basics offers limited ingredient options. Neither is a substitute for veterinary guidance.
Why is Taste of the Wild cheaper?
Diamond Pet Foods manufactures efficiently at scale. Blue Buffalo's marketing costs and General Mills ownership may contribute to higher prices. The quality difference doesn't justify Blue Buffalo's premium.
Can I switch between these brands?
Yes, transition gradually over 7-10 days. Both are quality foods, and most dogs adapt well.