Blue Buffalo vs Purina One Dog Food: Which is Better for Your Dog?

Blue Buffalo vs Purina One: Which Dog Food is Better?

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your furry friend, Blue Buffalo and Purina One are two of the most popular brands. But which one is truly better for your dog? Here's an in-depth comparison of Blue Buffalo vs Purina One dog food to help you decide.

Brand History and Company Reputation

Blue Buffalo was founded in 2002 by Bill Bishop after his family dog Blue was diagnosed with cancer. Shocked by the poor quality ingredients in commercial dog foods, Bishop vowed to create a better and healthier pet food. The company prides itself on using high-quality natural ingredients and avoiding fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.

Purina One was launched in 1986 by Nestle Purina, one of the largest pet food companies globally. Purina has over 85 years of experience in pet nutrition and employs hundreds of animal nutritionists and veterinarians. However, as a big commercial brand, some critics argue Purina sacrifices quality for mass production.

Ingredient Quality and Safety

When comparing the ingredients between Blue Buffalo and Purina One, Blue Buffalo comes out on top. Blue Buffalo's recipes feature real meat like chicken, lamb or fish as the first ingredient. They use wholesome grains like oats and barley, and include fruit and veggie antioxidants like carrots, cranberries, and kelp.

In contrast, Purina One uses more plant-based proteins like soy and corn gluten meal. Many formulas contain poultry by-product meal, which can consist of organs and body parts like beaks and feet. Overall, Blue Buffalo relies on more premium ingredients while keeping recipes simple.

Regarding safety, both brands conduct extensive quality testing and are frequently tested by third parties. Neither brand has had any major recalls recently, though Blue Buffalo had a few in earlier years from 2007-2015.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

A key ingredient that sets Blue Buffalo apart is their exclusive LifeSource Bits. These vitamin and antioxidant rich bits contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, and superfoods like spinach, blueberries, kelp, and pumpkin.

Studies show that these whole food ingredients provide nutritional benefits like healthier skin and coat, improved immune function, increased energy, and better digestion. The LiveSource Bits help give dogs complete and balanced nutrition.

For joint health, both brands include glucosamine and chondroitin. However, Blue Buffalo also includes natural sources of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from fish oil, flaxseed, and sunflower oil. These omega fatty acids help reduce inflammation and promote mobility.

Types of Recipes Offered

Both Blue Buffalo and Purina One provide a wide selection of recipes tailored to different life stages, sizes, and dietary needs. Puppy, adult, mature and senior/veterinary formulas are available, along with both dry kibble and wet/canned foods.

For dogs with food sensitivities, Blue Buffalo has more grain-free options as well as recipes specially formulated for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Blue also caters better to owners seeking non-GMO ingredients without artificial colors or preservatives.

One advantage of Purina One is that they offer more budget-friendly recipes. While still moderately priced, Blue Buffalo products tend to cost 20-30% more than Purina. Purina One's SmartBlend line provides a decent quality food for more budget-conscious owners.

Taste and Flavor Options

Pet owners report that dogs seem to find Blue Buffalo more palatable and enjoyable to eat. Blue Buffalo features chunks of real meat mixed with crunchy LifeSource Bits for a texture dogs love. Purina One's smooth pate texture may not be as appealing for fussy eaters.

Blue Buffalo provides formulas focused on enhancing flavor like their Chicken & Trout recipe. Their Wilderness line also replicates the taste of a high protein, natural wolf-like diet. Beyond standard chicken and beef flavors, Purina One has less unique flavor choices.

Company Reputation and Reviews

As a trusted brand in pet specialty stores, Blue Buffalo enjoys a loyal following and largely positive reviews. The majority of owners say it improves their dogs' health, energy, coat, and digestion. Some dogs dislike the LifeSource Bits, but wetting the food helps.

Purina One gets more mixed owner reviews. While some dogs thrive on it, others seem to do better when switched to a higher end brand. Some pet parents dislike the heavy grain content and inclusion of by-product meals. There are also more quality control complaints.

Pricing Differences

On average, Blue Buffalo dry dog food costs about $2.50 - $4.50 per pound. Their canned food ranges from $3.50 - $5 per 13 oz can. While pricier than grocery brands, Blue Buffalo offers good value for the quality.

Purina One dry kibble costs approximately $1.50 - $3 per pound. Their wet food is typically $2 - $3 per 13 oz can. This makes Purina One one of the more affordable premium-type dog foods sold at pet stores.

When it comes to bang for your buck, Blue Buffalo edges out Purina. The higher meat content, more natural ingredients, and nutrient-dense LifeSource Bits make the higher cost worthwhile for many pet parents.

The Verdict: Blue Buffalo is the Superior Brand Overall

When comparing these two popular dog food brands, Blue Buffalo comes out on top as the higher quality option. With more premium ingredients, unique health blends like LifeSource Bits, and a focus on natural nutrition, Blue Buffalo is the closest thing to a homemade diet.

While Purina One isn't a bad choice, the heavier use of corn, soy, and by-product meals puts Blue Buffalo nutrition ahead. Just be prepared to pay 20-30% more for the better ingredients. However, many owners find the investment pays off with a healthier, happier dog.

As with any dog food, your individual dog's needs should be considered. Some dogs do well on a budget brand, while others thrive on high-end foods. Try out sample sized bags to see which your dog likes best. Switching gradually between brands can also help identify any digestive issues.

At the end of the day, your dog can't tell you if one brand is better than another. Watch for signs of good health like energy, appetite, weight, coat condition, and stool consistency. Choose the dog food that aligns with your budget while providing complete nutrition tailored for your dog.

FAQs

Which dog food brand has better ingredients?

Blue Buffalo dog food uses higher quality ingredients overall compared to Purina One. Blue Buffalo features real meat as the first ingredient while Purina One often uses plant-based proteins. Blue also includes more fruits, veggies, and supplements.

Is Purina One unhealthy for dogs?

Purina One dog food is not considered unhealthy, but it does contain more fillers like corn, soy, and wheat than higher tier brands. The inclusion of by-product meals also gives some owners pause. While decent, it's not the highest quality dog food.

Does Blue Buffalo cost more than Purina One?

Yes, Blue Buffalo pet foods are about 20-30% more expensive on average than Purina One recipes. You'll typically pay around $2.50-$4.50 per pound for Blue Buffalo dry kibble versus $1.50-$3 per pound for Purina.

Which brand is better for small dogs?

Both brands offer formulas tailored for small breed dogs. However, Blue Buffalo's small breed recipes tend to have fewer fillers and higher meat content. Many small dogs do well on grain-free Blue Buffalo formulas.

Does Purina One contain any recalls?

Purina One had one recall in 2016 due to potential mold contamination. Blue Buffalo has been recalled several times from 2007-2015 due to concerns like elevated thyroid levels. Both meet stringent safety standards today.