Does Blue Wilderness have grain
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food Review (Dry)
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.
After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.
The second ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
The third ingredient is dehydrated chicken. Dehydrated chicken is considered a meat concentrate and contains more than four times as much protein as fresh chicken.
Plus (unlike chicken meal) dehydrated chicken is not exposed to high temperatures during processing, so it preserves more of the meats natural nutrients.
The fourth ingredient is oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.
The fifth ingredient is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The sixth ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The seventh ingredient is tomato pomace. Tomato pomace is a controversial ingredient, a by-product remaining after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup.
Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler.
Just the same, theres probably not enough tomato pomace here to make much of a difference.
The next ingredient is salmon meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.
Fish meal is typically obtained from the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.1
The ninth ingredient is chicken fat. This item is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
After the natural flavor, we find flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.
However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Blue Buffalo product.
With 7 notable exceptions
First, we find alfalfa pellets. Although alfalfa meal is high in plant protein (about 18%) and fiber (25%), this hay-family item is more commonly associated with horse feeds, chicken rations, hog rations and other formula feeds.
Next, we note the use of alfalfa nutrient concentrate, a vitamin and mineral-rich extract made from alfalfa.
Even though it contains over 50% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And plant-based products like this can notably affect the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
In addition, chicory root is rich in inulin, a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in certain roots and tubers.
Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, its also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract.
Next, we find dried yeast, which can be a controversial item. Dried yeast contains about 45% protein and is rich in other healthy nutrients.
Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.
Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.
Whats more, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is something weve not been able to scientifically verify.
In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, we feel yeast should be considered a nutritious addition.
We also note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.
Next, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
And lastly, this recipe uses sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 38%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 38%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 37% and a mean fat level of 15%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 40% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.
Which means this Blue Buffalo product line contains
Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the flaxseed, alfalfa products and dried yeast, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a significant amount of meat.
Blue Wilderness Dog Food Review 2024 Update: Best Ancestral Diet?
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Meet Blue Wilderness Dog Food
Blue Wilderness dog food brand is inspired by the ancient roots and history of dogs. Canines were once ferocious meat eaters who thrived on a high protein and grain free diet but over time dog food manufacturers have replaced these ingredients with corn, wheat, and other fillers because they are cheaper and easier to source.
Blue Wilderness prides themselves on creating food that is 100% grain free and uses only the finest all-natural ingredients with real meat taking center stage in everything they serve.
Every food from Blue Wilderness contains real meat as the first ingredient and no by-products, artificial preservatives, corn, or soy.
- Parent Company: Blue Pet Products, Inc. a subsidiary of General Mills, Inc.
- Founded in: 2002
- Made in: Wilton, Connecticut
- Made by: A variety of manufacturers, CJ Foods, Ainsworth, ProPet, Triple T, and more.
- Available at: Chewy, Amazon, Petsmart, Target
- Types of Food: Dry, wet, treats
- Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes
- Recalled in Past? : Yes
Behind the Brand
The story of Blue Wilderness starts with the Bishop family and their dog Blue. While Blue was struggling with cancer, the family started to research dog food and the ingredients that most manufacturers include in their formula.
They discovered that so many of the ingredients included in dog food are harmful to our pet's and they vowed to put a stop to it.
This discovery set the Bishop family on a mission to create a pet food brand that is not afraid to take on the pressing issues. They produced food that appeals to each type of dog with a wide variety of unique needs; they created Blue Buffalo.
Working alongside holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, the Bishop family designed a formula with real meat and vegetables as the main ingredients. Blue Buffalo sets the standard for pet health across the country, and today they pilot the best-selling pet food brand in the United States.
Blue Wilderness Dog Food Review
In this section, were breaking down three of the most popular offerings from Blue Wilderness to help you make the best buying decision for your canine.
IMAGE | PRODUCT |
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Denali Dinner
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Flatland Feast
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Snake River Grill
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Beef & Chicken Grill Canned
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Recipe
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Senior Recipe
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Duck Biscuits
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Best Sellers
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Denali Dinner
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Flatland Feast
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Snake River Grill
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Beef & Chicken Grill Canned
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Senior Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Duck Biscuits
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky
1. Blue Wilderness Chicken Recipe
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
With real chicken as the very first ingredient, this high-protein, grain-free recipe helps maintain and build lean muscle mass. Contains omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.
This dog food is their most popular offering, and it's most likely because it is one of the most standard proteins in a dogs diet.
While Blue Wilderness prides themselves on creating food that is high in protein, we were somewhat relieved to see that the food balances out in terms of nutrients.
This high protein dog food contains 34% protein, 15% fat, and 6% fiber. We find this balance to be essential for your dog because they need this protein to maintain healthy energy and muscle development.
This is packed with chicken, duck, salmon, apples, spinach, blueberries and pumpkin, everything their body needs to sustain a healthy development.
It also contains life-source-bits that consist of vitamins and minerals that support healthy muscle development, strong bones and teeth and a healthy coat.
High-quality protein promotes strong muscles and high-energy while calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins ensure your dog's teeth and bones remain healthy for the extent of their life.
That said, if your dog is not highly active and lives in small quarters, they might not be able to handle this amount of protein, so you want to make sure you get a professional opinion.
The food balances out well though with calcium, phosphorous, and other essential vitamins to help bones, teeth, and joint function.
There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors anywhere in this food, but we cant get past the LifeSource bits issue with this food. Blue should do something to disguise them better because they seem to be almost inedible by many of the critical reviews.
96% of reviewers online say they love this dog food and would recommend Blue Wilderness Chicken Recipe.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Menhaden Fish Meal
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
With real deboned salmon as the key component, this protein-rich, grain-free meal helps build and boost his muscle system. It features easy to digest carbs such as sweet potatoes and peas to help fuel your pets active lifestyle.
Blue Wilderness Salmon Recipe is a grain-free dry dog food formulated for the nutritional needs of adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. Inspired by the diet of wild wolves, this recipe is packed with real animal proteins that dogs instinctively crave.
The most plentiful ingredient in this recipe is real deboned salmon. Salmon is naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids. It is also rich in flavor and is easy to digest. If your dog is a fan of fish, this recipe could be the one for him.
While it is called a salmon recipe, it actually has chicken meal and menhaden fish meal. These animal proteins make up most of the 34% protein content of this recipe. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated protein source that also provides glucosamine which supports joint health. Menhaden fish meal is also a source of omega 3 fatty acids.
This grain-free recipe features healthier sources of carbohydrates such as peas, tapioca starch, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. It also has plant-based ingredients that are high in fiber such as flaxseed and dried tomato pomace. Fiber helps move food along the digestive tract.
It has superfoods that are rich in antioxidants, such as cranberries, blueberries, barley grass, and turmeric. Antioxidants help support cellular and immune health.
This salmon recipe has Blue Buffalos exclusive LifeSource Bits. LifeSource Bits has a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support the immune system, life stage requirements, and healthy oxidative balance. These bits are cold-formed to ensure the retention of nutrients.
Like all Blue Buffalo formulas, this salmon recipe contains no artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives. It has no by-product meat meals or unnamed meats. It contains no corn, soy, or wheat.
Numerous dogs love the intense fish flavors of this kibble. This high protein meal packs a lot of flavor from salmon, chicken meal, chicken fat, and menhaden fish meal.
Some pet owners find the smell a bit too strong. Others take this as an indicator of the high animal protein content of the kibbles. Overall, this is highly recommended if your dog likes fish. It is packed with multiple nutrients and health benefits.
However, if you are looking for chicken-free dog food, this is not the one for you. Some buyers were confused as the label says no chicken/ poultry by-product meals. This means that it does not have chicken by-product meals or poultry by-product meals. It does contain chicken meal and chicken fat. Both are high quality animal ingredients.
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Denali Dinner
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Tapioca Starch, Pea Protein, Peas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
A protein-dense recipe which features a blend of wild salmon, venison and halibut. Contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives.
Blue Wilderness Denali Dinner is a grain-free dry dog food for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This multi protein recipe is inspired by the best that Alaskan wilderness has to offer. Made with only high quality fish and venison, this recipe will help your dog maintain a leaner muscle mass.
While it is called a salmon, venison, and halibut recipe, venison and halibut are actually only the fifth and sixth animal protein sources in this Denali formula. Debone salmon is the most plentiful ingredient, followed by menhaden fish meal. The third and fourth animal protein sources are chicken meal and dried egg product.
All of these protein sources are high quality animal proteins that also give this meal a lot of flavor. Palatability is very important in dog food. It can have all the nutrients you can put in kibbles, but if your dog doesn't like it, he will not get any of the health benefits.
It has chicken fat, fish oil, and crab meal that make this meal even tastier. Chicken fat and fish oil are both rich in omega fatty acids that help support heart, skin, and coat health.
Made with highly digestible carb sources, this Blue Buffalo Wilderness recipe has tapioca starch, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots. It has flaxseed that provides fiber to help aid digestion.
Naturally nutritious fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, cranberries, kelp, and dried chicory root among others are included in this recipe. This salmon, venison, and halibut recipe is also fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced meal with every serving.
It also contains the cold-formed LifeSource Bits. These bits provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and healthy oxidative balance.
This recipe is free from artificial enhancers such as colors, flavors, or preservatives. It has no unnamed meats or by-product meals. No corn, wheat, or soy are included in this recipe.
According to feedback from pet parents, dogs seem to love the meat-rich formula. They enjoy the rich and savory Alaskan Frontier flavors of this recipe.
Dog owners also purchase this grain-free formula for the high quality of the ingredients that go into each bag. They are confident that with Blue Buffalo Wilderness, they are feeding their dogs only healthy and natural food.
However, some buyers have noticed a change in the size and shape of the kibbles.
Overall, this Denali Dinner is a great option for dogs who crave intense flavors in their meals. It is packed with nutrients and has no questionable ingredients that could trigger common allergies in dogs.
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Flatland Feast
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This fowl feast contains tasty protein sources: duck, turkey and quail. It contains proprietary LifeBits, a precise blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants chosen by experts. Prepared using a cold-formed process that preserves their potencywhich means maximum health benefits for your pooch.
Blue Wilderness Flatland Feast Turkey, Quail & Duck Formula is a grain-free dry dog food for adult pups of breeds and sizes. This tasty poultry feast is made of high quality animal proteins. At 30% protein, these crunchy kibbles will help dogs maintain lean and strong muscles.
The most plentiful ingredient is real deboned turkey. Turkey is a lean, easy to digest protein. This Flatland Feast recipe also has chicken meal. Chicken meal is a high quality, concentrated source of protein and glucosamine, which supports joint health. It also has menhaden fish meal, deboned quail, and deboned duck.
Aside from protein that dogs need for muscle development and energy, these animal ingredients also give this dry dog food a rich and savory flavor. Chicken fat also gives the crunchy kibbles an additional flavor boost, as well as essential fatty acids for skin and coat health.
The fruits and vegetables in this Flatland Feast are also nutrient dense. The sources of carbohydrates are hearty, easy to digest veggies such as peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, B vitamins, beta carotene, phytochemicals, carotenoids, and antioxidants that help support the immune system.
Other antioxidant rich ingredients in this Blue Buffalo Wilderness are carrots, cranberries, blueberries, turmeric, and barley grass. Antioxidants help support cellular health.
To help promote healthy digestion, it has fiber rich ingredients such as flaxseed and dried tomato pomace. These help move food along the digestive tract for better digestion.
Dried chicory root is included as a source of natural probiotics. Probiotics help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Many experts believe that the key to good overall health is through digestion. Probiotics help improve digestion, which in turn helps the body absorb more nutrients.
This formula has the brands exclusive LifeSource Bits. These bits provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and healthy oxidative balance.
Flatland Feast contains none of the common allergy triggers for dogs, such as corn, wheat, or soy. It has no by-product meals or unnamed animal ingredients. This dry food is naturally packed with flavor and has no artificial enhancers or preservatives.
One of the highest rated products from the brand, it is loved by so many dogs. The rich flavors of poultry and fish seem to be irresistible to a lot of pups.
Many pet parents attribute their dogs healthy skin and shiny coats to this Blue Buffalo Wilderness recipe. Even sensitive dogs are thriving on this formula, and are no longer having allergic reactions.
Some dog owners have also noticed an increase in their pups energy levels. They take this as a sign of good overall health that they get from this Flatland Feast formula.
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Snake River Grill
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Trout, Chicken Meal (source of glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This recipe is packed with an optimal blend of unique proteins, fat and healthy complex carbs, and it all comes with a flavor that will have his inner carnivore howling with delight.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Snake River Grill Trout, Venison & Rabbit Formula is a grain-free dry dog food formulated for the nutritional needs of adult dogs. Inspired by the hunting ground of wolves, the Snake River recipe has the rich flavors of fish and game in every crunchy kibble.
The most plentiful ingredient is deboned trout. Trout is rich in protein and omega fatty acids. It is also quite easy to digest. Aside from deboned venison and rabbit, Snake River Grill has chicken meal and menhaden fish meal. These are both high quality, concentrated sources of protein.
All of these fish, game, and chicken ingredients give Blue Buffalo Wilderness Snake River Grill Trout, Venison & Rabbit Formula a meaty and savory flavor that dogs instinctively crave.
This grain-free recipe has only nutritious vegetables and fruits as sources of carbohydrates and fiber. It has peas, tapioca starch, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots among others. It has flaxseed and dried tomato pomace that are high in fiber for better digestion.
Superfoods such as turmeric, dried kelp, alfalfa, and barley grass give Blue Buffalo Wilderness Snake River Grill Trout, Venison & Rabbit Formula nutrients that help promote overall good health and a strong immune system.
This formula for adult dogs has omega fatty acids that promote heart, skin, and coat health. It has glucosamine from chicken meal that supports joint health. Snake River Grill has calcium and phosphorus that help promote strong bones and teeth in pups. This recipe is fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition with every meal.
This fish and game recipe has the exclusive LifeSource Bits. LifeSource Bits has a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support the immune system, life stage requirements, and healthy oxidative balance. These bits are cold-formed to ensure the retention of nutrients.
Like all Blue Buffalo Wilderness recipes, Snake River Grill does not have any of the common allergy triggers such as wheat, corn, or soy. It contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
This is another hit among dogs. Aside from enjoying their meals, sensitive dogs are doing quite well on this recipe. Many owners of dogs suffering from allergies have noticed significant improvement in their dogs skin condition since replacing their old food with this recipe. The dogs seem to be thriving on this high protein grain-free recipe.
However, some buyers decided to switch brands due to the strong odor of this Blue Buffalo Wilderness recipe. The high percentage of fish and game in the formula has given the kibbles a very strong odor. You may need an airtight container to store this food in.
If you have a sensitive dog who suffers from allergies (except chicken allergy), we highly recommend that you try the Snake River Grill formula. It is packed with flavor, nutrients, and multiple health benefits.
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Beef & Chicken Grill
First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Potatoes
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
A multi-protein, mouthwatering canned meal. Made from chicken and beef swimming in chicken broth, this savory food is also free from gluten and grains making it a great choice for sensitive pets.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Beef & Chicken Grill is a grain-free wet dog food formulated for the needs of adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This canned food is for dogs who love the smooth, easy to chew texture of pates.
Made of real beef and chicken, this pate is packed with loads of meaty flavors. Chicken liver gives this recipe an even richer taste and texture.
It has chicken broth which makes this pate a flavorful way to add more hydration to your dogs diet. As it is enriched with vitamins and minerals, it can be served on its own as a meal or with kibble as a meal enhancer.
This grain-free loaf has potatoes as its source of carbohydrates. Potatoes also add more texture to this meaty recipe. They are easily digestible carbohydrates that have vitamins B & C, potassium, iron and magnesium.
This beef and chicken recipe also has flaxseed. Flaxseed is a rich source of essential omega 3 fatty acids that promotes healthy skin and coat. It is also a great source of fiber that aids digestion by helping food move along the digestive tract.
While the list of ingredients is quite simple at only 6 main ingredients, it does contain carrageenan. Some experts claim that carrageenan may potentially contribute to certain conditions in dogs.
This canned pate is free from artificial enhancers such as flavors, preservatives, and colors. It is grain and gluten-free, and has none of the fillers that commonly cause allergies in dogs.
According to feedback from dog parents, this canned food is enjoyed by a lot of pups. They gobble down the meaty pate and lick their bowls clean. Even picky senior pups seem to love it.
Some dog owners have even commented that this wet dog food smells quite good. It does not have the unpleasant smell of cheaper canned pet foods.
If you have a picky pooch who prefers pate style wet foods, this may be the one for you. It is quite meaty from the beef and chicken, and not too loaded with veggies as it only has potatoes and flaxseed in it.
7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Specifically tailored to meet the nutritional needs of a large breed puppy. It is filled with ARA and DHA which is commonly found in their mom's milk, in order to help develop renal and brain health.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken Recipe is a grain-free dry food formulated for the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. Large breed puppies need a lot of protein to help them build strong and lean muscles. They need a lot of nutrients to help them grow into big, healthy dogs.
Chicken is one of the most popular proteins among dogs. It is important that young puppies' appetites are stimulated with highly palatable foods. With deboned chicken and chicken meal as the most plentiful ingredients in this recipe, the kibbles are guaranteed to be packed with a lot of flavor. These high quality protein sources are also easy to digest, even for young pups.
It has chicken fat and fish oil as sources of omega fatty acids that support heart, skin, and coat health. Menhaden fish meal also provides omega fatty acids, as well as protein and flavor.
This dry food for large breed puppies has DHA and ARA. These are fatty acids found in mothers milk that help support cognitive development and renal health. This Blue Buffalo Wilderness formula has calcium and phosphorus to help promote strong bones and teeth in puppies. It has L-carnitine to help support their metabolism and burn fat efficiently.
This puppy food has only nutritious fruits and vegetables as sources of carbohydrates and fiber. It has peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots among others.
It also has LifeSource Bits. These bits provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and healthy oxidative balance.
This grain and gluten-free puppy food has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It has 0 by-product meals, unnamed animal ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.
Many owners of puppies with allergies are raving about this kibble. According to them, this dry food has helped alleviate their pups allergy symptoms. The puppies skin and coat condition has significantly improved after being switched to this recipe.
While numerous puppies have thrived on this recipe, a few owners stated that their puppies stomachs did not seem to agree with this recipe. They encountered issues such as loose stools and gas.
8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Senior Recipe
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Fish Meal, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Protein
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Made from premium ingredients, this grain and gluten free formula is fortified chondroitin and glucosamine to support your senior trooper's mobility and joint health.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Senior is a grain-free dry dog food made especially for senior pups. According to the brand, this chicken-free recipe is inspired by the diet of wolves who have roamed the American West for centuries. This dry food is ideal for senior dogs who are allergic to chicken protein.
This red meat recipe has deboned beef as the most abundant ingredient. Beef is a flavorful protein that supports muscle development and energy. Aside from beef, this Blue Buffalo Wilderness recipe also has fish meal and beef meal. These are high quality, concentrated sources of protein.
Deboned venison and lamb are also included in this meaty recipe. These are both lean protein sources that are rich in savory flavors. All of the animal proteins in this recipe help senior dogs maintain a lean muscle mass.
The fat sources are canola oil and fish oil. This formula for seniors has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support heart, skin, and coat health. It has glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which help maintain and rebuild joint cartilage.
Taurine is included in this recipe to help maintain heart health. It also has DHA which helps maintain healthy cognitive and retinal function. L-carnitine is also added to help reduce the storage of body fat and the amount of fat in the bloodstream.
This grain and gluten-free recipe has easy to digest sources of carbohydrates, such as tapioca starch, potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes. Fiber rich ingredients like dried tomato pomace and flaxseed improve digestion by helping move food along the digestive tract.
This senior dog food has superfoods like blueberries, cranberries, barley grass, parsley, turmeric, and dried kelp that are rich in antioxidants that support cellular health.
This food for senior dogs has Blue Buffalos exclusive LifeSource Bits. These bits provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and healthy oxidative balance.
Numerous owners of senior dogs just love this Rocky Mountain Recipe. Their picky senior dogs enjoy having this meaty recipe for their meals.
Dogs tend to become picky with food as they get older. They start preferring certain tastes and textures over others that they used to like. It is very important to keep their appetites stimulated to keep them healthy and nourished.
Like other Blue Buffalo Wilderness recipes, this Red Meat Senior formula has helped dogs find relief from their allergies. Sensitive dogs skin conditions have improved with this grain, gluten, and chicken free recipe.
As it is formulated to keep senior dogs healthy, some owners have noticed that their dogs are fuller for longer. They are satisfied in between meals, and no longer raid food storage or the trash.
It is a highly recommended food for older dogs, especially those sensitive to chicken. It is highly palatable and packed with nutrients that are much needed by aging dogs.
9. Blue Wilderness Grain-Free Duck Biscuits
First 5 Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
For all the meat lovers, these crunchy biscuits are brimming of natural protein from duck and chicken meal. These are free from grains which is great for hypersensitive pets, these have naturally crunchy texture cleans teeth.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Duck Biscuits are grain-free treats suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. If your dog is a fan of crunchy cookie or biscuit treats, this could be the one for him. They can be given as training treats or as a light snack to your pups.
These crunchy treats are packed with protein at 30%. Made with real duck and chicken meal, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats is loaded with meaty goodness. Chicken fat gives it an extra boost of flavor. It also has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and lustrous coats.
These grain-free treats are made with potatoes and flaxseed. It does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy. Naturally tasty, these biscuits have no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
According to feedback from buyers, dogs just go nuts for these Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Duck Biscuits Grain-Free Dog Treats. They love the intense duck and chicken flavors of these crunchy biscuits.
While the size may be just right for many dogs, it can be quite large to be used as training rewards for small breed dogs. Fortunately, the biscuits can be easily broken into little pieces.
Overall, this duck biscuit is a great tasting snack that has a clean ingredient list. It has no questionable ingredients, and is packed with protein.
10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky
Complete Ingredients List: Chicken, Sugar, Salt
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Made with just chicken and a little sugar and salt, these chicken strips pack a protein-filled punch of flavor your good buddy will howl over. Treat your furry companion right with these wonderfully chewy treats!
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky are grain-free treats that adult dogs can happily chew on. Made of pure chicken meat, these jerky treats are naturally high in protein.
These limited ingredient treats are perfect for sensitive dogs. They contain no grains, gluten, or any fruit or vegetable ingredient. These jerkies are made for meat loving dogs.
It has sugar and salt to help enhance the chickens flavor. Keep in mind that these jerkies are treats that are not meant to be consumed in large amounts, or served to dogs as a meal replacement.
These Blue Buffalo Wilderness jerkies can be given as an occasional treat to keep them occupied, or as a light snack.
These chewy treats contain no artificial enhancers such as colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Dogs just love chewing on this chicken jerky. They enjoy these 100% pure chicken meat jerkies so much and even ask their owners for more. As it is pure meat, it is highly recommended for picky dogs.
What Types of Dog Foods Does Blue Wilderness Offer?
Within the Blue Wilderness brand, they offer a wide array of different pates and kibble. Each food stands tall to its promise of focusing on real meat as the main ingredient and no grain, corn, or soy in any of their formulas.
Its worth mentioning that a high protein diet is not for every kind of dog and you want to test this type of food out before fully committing. Protein is fuel for dogs, but like humans, they do benefit from a balanced diet of carbs and fat as well.
Excessive protein in a dogs diet puts pressure on their kidneys through urination, and their bodies can only handle so much protein. Its important to talk with your veterinarian about whether a high protein diet is the right choice for your pup.
Rocky Mountain Recipe
Blue Buffalo talks about dogs comparison to wolves and how they roamed the American West surviving on a diet rich in proteins. That is their thinking behind creating Rocky Mountain Recipe; to include more of the meats dogs love and less of the filler they dont want.
This formula contains meat as the first ingredient and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables alongside it.
Rocky Mountain Recipe Dry Options:
- Red Meat
- Rabbit
- Bison
- Healthy Weight Red Meat
Rocky Mountain Recipe Wet Options:
Denali Dinner
This blend from Blue was designed to mimic wolves diets in the Alaskan wilderness. The formula includes wild-caught salmon, venison, halibut, and crab meal as the core proteins. Alongside the meat, youll find sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries, cranberries, and carrots.
Every food from Blue also includes their Lifesource Bits so even if your dog is eating a primarily protein-based diet they still receive immune boosts and healthy minerals from this portion of their food.
Denali Dinner Food Options:
- Denali Dinner Dry
- Denali Dinner Wet
- Denali Biscuit Treats
Wilderness Trail Trays/Tubs
The food trays comes served in a single portion tray with a wide variety of flavors including beef, chicken, turkey, and duck.
The tubs come in an 8-ounce tub and feature flavors like beef, venison, chicken, duck, and turkey. Theyre a bit larger than the trail trays so for a smaller dog they would serve as more than one meal.
Blue Wilderness Recall History List:
Blue Wilderness has had a series of recalls since their founding in 2002. Here they are listed in reverse chronological order.
- March 2017 Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food was recalled for having elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone.
- February 2017 Wilderness Trail Trays Duck, Beef, Chicken, and Turkey get recalled for issues with packaging and possible aluminum contamination.
- November 2015 Cub Size Wilderness Chew Bones get recalled for potential salmonella contamination.
- October 2010 Blue Wilderness Chicken Flavored dry dog foods get recalled for potentially containing high levels of Vitamin D.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Blue Wilderness has an excellent reputation online with 910 five star reviews out of 1049 on their most popular food brand from Chewy. Reviewers state that their dogs love the flavor of the food and they seem to enjoy every bite they take.
Many customers have also said the added fiber in this food helps regulate their stools and help them digest their food better.
Common complaints seem to involve a bad smell, possible changes in ingredients, and trouble eating the LifeSource Bits.
Positive Reviews
Looking for a high protein food
- We were looking for a high protein option for our one-year-old pitbull to help build his muscle tone. There are a lot of great options, but they can get costly. Blue Wilderness allows us to provide our dog with a higher quality of food, higher protein, and it's within our budget. The dog loves the taste, and it has been great for him. Chewy Customer
Helps stomach issues
- We tried a lot of food for our Doberman. He has bad gas and normally runny stools. This food has the high protein he needs PLUS high fiber. It has helped the smell of his gas and more solid stools. It's also cheaper than a lot of things we have tried. We will continue using this brand moving forward! Chewy Customer
Our Dogs Approve
- I have two lab/pit bull mix pups, and we started them on authority, and it was good but decided to try our luck with Blue and haven't gone back. They love it, and it gives them a lot of energy throughout the day. Their coats have also become so much healthier along with their skin! Definitely, recommend! Chewy Customer
Negative Reviews
Good food if your dogs will eat it
- I do not doubt that this is very high-quality food. I was excited that my dogs initially seemed to like it. However, after a week or so, we started finding uneaten life source bits around the kitchen. A few days after that, they just ignored the bowls until they got hungry enough to eat something they didnt like. Its too expensive for my beagles not to enjoy. Back to the drawing board. Chewy Customer
Smart Bits
- I love this food, and my dogs thrive on it. However, that being said the smart bits are a complete waste of space and money. My smart dogs will NOT eat the smart bits, and it makes a huge mess. I've asked Blue if they can make a bag without them I am THAT frustrated by it! Chewy Customer
Not Great This Time
- Won't order this again. My dogs usually love this food but not this time. Not sure if the recipe was changed, but the pieces are larger the usual. When I first started purchasing this brand is smelled a little fishy, but the smell isn't there in that batch. Chewy Customer
Summary
Overall, with sky-high positive ratings, a seemingly endless variety of options, and all-natural ingredients in every bite; Blue Wilderness appears to be leading the pack in the realm of healthy dog food options.
Within the Blue product line, you and your pup are sure to find something that will please their palette and your wallet.