Both Blue Buffalo and NutriSource are well-known brands in the pet foods market. They provide high-quality dog and cat foods. They both mostly use healthy ingredients which is why they stand out. But that is not enough to make them the best. So, what is the difference?
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Blue Buffalo vs. NutriSource Companies
Nutro was founded in 1947 in Perham, Minnesota under the name Pine Lakes Feed Company by Darrell ‘Tuffy’ Nelson. Kenny, Darrell’s son, partnered with his dad after graduating from college to create Tuffy’s Dog Food Company which has expanded and grown tremendously since. NutriSource is currently under the KLN Family Brands.
Blue Buffalo was founded in 2003 by Bill Bishop and has been known as a natural pet food company producing natural dog food and treats such as BLUE Life Protection Formula, BLUE Wilderness, BLUE Basics, BLUE Freedom, and BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet lines. In 2018, Blue Buffalo was sold to General Mills which has managed to grow its sales 10% annually from 2018 to 2021.
Blue Buffalo vs. NutriSource Nutrition/Ingredients
On the one hand, NutriSource has the upper hand when it comes to protein content. It offers 3.3%, 1.2%, and 1.0% more protein than Blue’s wet dog food, wet cat food, and dry dog food. Blue Buffalo exceeds NutriSource at dry cat foods with 0.3%.
Blue Buffalo vs. NutriSource Pricing
When it comes to price, both brands are affordable but NutriSource is on the lower end of the spectrum.
Blue Buffalo vs. NutriSource Suitability
Blue Buffalo’s line of products is suitable for all types of dogs, unlike NutriSource which is unfit for hunting dogs. In addition, the brand is not easily accessible like Blue Buffalo. The latter also offers a range of flavors with its 339 recipes against NutriSource 69. However, the latter has zero recalls.
Blue Buffalo vs. NutriSource Comparison Table
| Factor | Blue Buffalo | NutriSource |
| Taste | Uses real meat as the primary ingredient. Premium ingredients. | Uses meat as the first ingredient sometimes & wholesome grains |
| Founded | Founded in 1947 | Founded in 2003 |
| Nutritional Value | Only exceeds NutriSource cat food protein content with 0.3% | Leads in terms of protein content in wet dog & cat foods plus dry dog food |
| Product Line | Six product lines: Freedom, Basics, Veterinary Diet, Wilderness, Carnivora & TrueSolutions | |
| Price | Can be costly | Science Diets are very expensive |
| Product Safety | Very many Blue Buffalo food recalls (2007 – 2017 ). | ZERO recalls |
Verdict: Blue Buffalo vs. NutriSource
Overall, both brands offer protein-rich recipes which are balanced for all life stages but Blue Buffalo prevails in flavor variety. And while not readily available, NutriSource is cost-effective and safe (without recalls) which is why we choose it.
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Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com
