Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance are two prominent names in the dog food industry. In this article, we’ll delve into a direct comparison of these brands, evaluating their ingredients, quality of constituents, protein content, overall value for the price, and their respective recall histories to guide pet owners in making an informed choice.
Blue Buffalo Vs. Natural Balance: An In-Depth Ingredient Comparison
Blue Buffalo Pros:
- Real Meat First: Blue Buffalo often leads with real meat, like chicken, lamb, or fish, as their primary ingredient. This ensures that the dog food offers high-quality protein sources which are essential for muscle development.
- LifeSource Bits: Unique to Blue Buffalo, these are cold-formed bits that contain a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re meant to boost the immune system and aid in oxidative balance.
- Grain-Free Options: For dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities, Blue Buffalo provides grain-free options that avoid common allergens like corn, wheat, or soy.
Blue Buffalo Cons:
- Use of Meal: In some of their recipes, Blue Buffalo uses meat meals, like chicken meal or fish meal. While these are still protein-rich, they are processed more heavily than whole meats.
- Price Point: Given the high-quality ingredients, some of Blue Buffalo’s offerings can be pricier than other brands.
Natural Balance Pros:
- Limited Ingredient Diet (LID): Natural Balance is renowned for its LID formulas. These are designed for dogs with sensitivities, ensuring that the ingredient list is short and easily digestible.
- Wide Protein Variety: From venison to duck to bison, Natural Balance offers a wider range of unique protein sources. This is especially helpful for dogs with specific protein allergies.
- No Artificial Flavors or Colors: Natural Balance prides itself on not using any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in its recipes.
Natural Balance Cons:
- Grain-Inclusive Formulas: While they offer grain-free options, many of Natural Balance’s formulas include grains. Some dogs might be sensitive to grains like barley or oat groats which can be found in their recipes.
- Potato Content: Some of their grain-free options rely heavily on potatoes as the primary carbohydrate. While not inherently bad, it can be an issue for dogs with potato sensitivities.
Direct Comparison:
- Protein Content: Both brands offer high protein content, but the source of protein varies. Blue Buffalo often uses real meat, whereas Natural Balance might utilize alternative meat sources. The choice comes down to a dog’s specific dietary needs and potential allergies.
- Carbohydrates: While both offer grain-free options, the type of carbohydrate differs. Blue Buffalo might use peas or tapioca, whereas Natural Balance often uses potatoes in its grain-free recipes.
- Additives and Supplements: Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits provide a mix of essential nutrients. In contrast, Natural Balance keeps its formulas simple, sometimes requiring pet owners to supplement if they desire additional vitamins or minerals.
In this tug-of-war between Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance, it’s evident that both brands have their strengths. Blue Buffalo shines with its LifeSource Bits and emphasis on real meat, while Natural Balance stands out for its unique protein offerings and LID recipes. Deciding on the better brand largely depends on a pet’s specific needs, sensitivities, and the pet owner’s preferences. It’s always advisable to consult with a veterinarian when making changes to a dog’s diet or when in doubt about the best nutritional choice.
Compare Pricing & Discounts: Blue Buffalo vs. Natural Balance
| Brand |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Balance | 35% Off 1st Autoship | See Current Pricing & Deals |
| Blue Buffalo | 35% Off 1st Autoship | See Current Pricing & Deals |
Recalls & Lawsuits: Blue Buffalo Vs. Natural Balance
Both Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance, like many pet food companies, have faced recalls and legal challenges in the past. Here, we delve into the specifics of these incidents to provide consumers with a clearer picture of each brand’s safety and reliability record.
Blue Buffalo Recalls & Lawsuits:
- 2017: A recall was issued for Blue Buffalo’s BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs, due to the product potentially containing elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones. Ingestion of high amounts could lead to symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, and weight loss.
- 2016: The company recalled a single production run of Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones due to potential salmonella contamination. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and humans handling it.
- 2015: Blue Buffalo announced a recall for one lot of its Life Protection Formula Dog Food products because of the presence of excessive moisture and mold.
Natural Balance Recalls & Lawsuits:
- 2012: Natural Balance issued a voluntary recall for some of its dog food formulas due to the potential for salmonella contamination. No illnesses had been reported at the time of the recall.
- 2010: The brand recalled certain dry pet food products due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall affected several varieties of its kibble for dogs and cats.
- 2007: Natural Balance faced two significant recalls. The first was due to melamine contamination, a concern that affected many pet food companies that year. Later, a separate recall was issued for botulinum toxin, a bacterium that could cause botulism, found in some canned dog foods.
Natural Balance Recalls & Lawsuits:
- Blue Buffalo: In 2015, Blue Buffalo settled a class-action lawsuit for $32 million. The lawsuit alleged that the company misled consumers by claiming its products were free of poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that were, in fact, present in some of its products. Blue Buffalo acknowledged that a “substantial” and “material” portion of its pet food sold to consumers contained poultry by-product meal, despite advertisements suggesting otherwise.
- Natural Balance: As of the last update, Natural Balance had not faced any significant lawsuits related to their pet food. However, it’s always wise to stay informed and regularly check for any new litigation or claims against brands.
It’s essential to remember that recalls can occur in even the most reputable brands due to various factors such as supply chain issues or ingredient sourcing. While these recalls provide important insights, they do not necessarily reflect the current quality or safety of the brand’s offerings. Always monitor recalls and consult with your veterinarian regarding the best dietary options for your pets.
Compare Pricing & Discounts: Blue Buffalo vs. Natural Balance
| Brand | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Natural Balance | 35% Off 1st Autoship | See Current Pricing & Deals |
| Blue Buffalo | 35% Off 1st Autoship | See Current Pricing & Deals |
Our Verdict – Blue Buffalo vs. Natural Balance: Who Wins?
In comparing Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance dog foods, several factors stand out. Blue Buffalo’s commitment to high protein content is notable, while Natural Balance offers a diverse range of unique protein sources for varied diets. Both brands prioritize high-quality ingredients, but Blue Buffalo faced significant scrutiny with its recall and lawsuit related to misleading ingredient claims. Natural Balance has had recalls but lacks such controversies. Given the recall history and overall ingredient transparency, we lean towards Natural Balance as the preferable choice for those prioritizing a consistent track record. However, individual pet needs and preferences remain paramount.
Blue Buffalo vs. Natural Balance: Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the primary ingredients in Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance dog foods? Blue Buffalo often emphasizes real meat, fish, or poultry as their primary ingredient, supplemented by whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Natural Balance, on the other hand, offers a diverse range of proteins, including some unique options like bison or venison, and often uses sweet potato or legumes as a primary carbohydrate source.
- Are grains used in these brands? While Blue Buffalo has grain-free options, they also offer formulas containing grains. Natural Balance also provides both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets, catering to a wide range of canine dietary needs.
- Do either of these brands offer specialized diets for specific health issues? Yes, both brands have lines of food targeted for specific health concerns. Blue Buffalo has their “Veterinary Diet” line, while Natural Balance offers “L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets” for dogs with food sensitivities.
- How do protein contents typically compare between the two brands? Both brands emphasize high-quality protein sources. However, Blue Buffalo often slightly edges out in protein content due to its emphasis on meat-first formulas, while Natural Balance may have slightly lower protein percentages but offers unique protein sources.
- Which brand is more affordable? Prices can vary based on the specific product line and where you purchase, but generally, Blue Buffalo is often priced a bit higher than Natural Balance. However, it’s essential to consider the specific nutritional and health benefits each brand offers to determine value.
- Have there been recalls associated with either brand? Yes, both brands have faced recalls in the past. Blue Buffalo had notable recalls due to issues like potential mold presence and misleading ingredient claims. Natural Balance has also had recalls, typically due to potential contaminants, but has not faced significant controversies like Blue Buffalo.
- Do these brands offer options for all life stages? Absolutely. Both Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance provide dog foods formulated for puppies, adults, and senior dogs, ensuring that nutritional needs are met at every life stage.
- What kind of quality control measures do these companies have? Both brands emphasize their commitment to quality control. Blue Buffalo states they use high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers and have rigorous quality checks. Natural Balance similarly stresses the purity and safety of their ingredients, with testing protocols to ensure product quality.
- Are there vegetarian or vegan options available in either brand? Natural Balance offers a vegetarian formula, which can also be suitable for vegan diets, as it contains no animal products. Blue Buffalo does not have a vegan or vegetarian-specific line, as they emphasize animal proteins in their formulations.
- Do they have products suitable for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities? Yes, both brands cater to dogs with food sensitivities. Natural Balance’s “L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets” is specially formulated for such dogs. Similarly, Blue Buffalo offers specific lines like “Basics” that limit ingredients to cater to dogs with sensitivities.
- Where are these dog foods manufactured? Blue Buffalo dog foods are primarily made in the United States, with some ingredients sourced globally. Natural Balance also manufactures its products in the U.S., ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Do these brands use artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives? Both Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance emphasize natural ingredients and avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They prioritize the health and well-being of pets in their formulations.
- Which brand offers more variety in terms of flavors and protein sources? While both brands offer a diverse range of flavors and protein sources, Natural Balance slightly edges out in terms of unique protein offerings, such as duck, venison, and bison.
- How do the brands prioritize sustainability in their ingredient sourcing? Both brands prioritize sustainable and responsible sourcing, though they may not explicitly market themselves as “eco-friendly.” It’s always recommended to check specific product lines for more details on sustainability practices.
- Where can I buy Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance dog foods? Both brands are widely available. They can be found in pet specialty stores, some larger supermarkets, and online retailers. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and check for promotions across different platforms.
Compare Pricing & Discounts: Blue Buffalo vs. Natural Balance
| Brand | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Natural Balance | 35% Off 1st Autoship | See Current Pricing & Deals |
| Blue Buffalo | 35% Off 1st Autoship | See Current Pricing & Deals |
Toledo, United States.
