Blue Buffalo vs Purina
Blue Buffalo against Purina, measured across 104 and 98 kibble recipes: 30.9% vs 30.8% protein on a dry matter basis, 36% vs 35% starch, and 0 vs 0 FDA recalls in the last five years.
How They Differ
- Protein is close: 30.9% for Blue Buffalo and 30.8% for Purina on a dry matter basis.
- Starch is similar, about 36% for Blue Buffalo and 35% for Purina as fed.
Side by Side
| Measure | Blue Buffalo | Purina | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 104 | 98 | 1,540 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 30.9%20.0% to 51.1% | 30.8%20.5% to 38.6% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 15.5%10.0% to 22.2% | 16.5%9.1% to 22.7% | 16.0% |
| Starch, as fedEstimated, not measured. It is what is left of the guaranteed analysis once protein, fat, fiber and moisture are taken out, with ash assumed at 6%. That leftover is mostly starch but also carries sugars and the fiber a crude-fiber test misses, so read it as a close estimate rather than an exact figure. Measured as fed, the same basis as the bag. | 36%14% to 49% | 35%18% to 50% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 387323 to 479 | 408330 to 534 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 89% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 1% | 5% | |
| Most used proteins | Chicken 69%, Fish 63%, Egg 46% | Chicken 76%, Egg 52%, Fish 51% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | Corn 79%, Wheat 65%, Soy 70% | |
| By-products | 0% | 69% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None | None | |
| Made by | General Mills | Nestlé Purina |
Brand figures are averages over every kibble recipe we review from that brand, with the lowest and highest recipe underneath. Freeze-dried, frozen, wet food and toppers are left out so the numbers compare like with like, and so are prescription diets, which are fed for a medical condition on a vet's advice. Protein and fat are on a dry matter basis, starch and calories as fed.
The Closest Matching Recipes
Brand averages hide the recipe you would actually buy. These are the pairs that come closest on protein, fat and starch, preferring recipes built on the same main protein, which is where a like-for-like choice gets made.
Blue Life Protection Formula Adult Dog Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 27%
Fat 16%
Starch 40%
Purina Beyond Simply Farm-Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 27%
Fat 16%
Starch 40%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- The brands overlap more than the averages suggest: Blue Buffalo runs from 20% to 51% protein and Purina from 21% to 39%, so the right recipe matters more than the name on the bag.
Recall History
FDA recall notices from the last five years that name the brand or its maker. Older notices sit in each brand's archive below: still on the record, but not counted, since a recall that old says more about how a company used to run than how it runs now.
Blue Buffalo
No FDA recalls for Blue Buffalo in the last five years.
Purina
No FDA recalls for Purina in the last five years.
About the Brands
Blue Buffalo
Blue is the pet food brand of the Blue Buffalo Company, which has been owned by General Mills since 2018. Its dog food lines include Life Protection Formula, Wilderness, Basics, Freedom and the fresh Love Made Fresh range. The company says its recipes start with real meat and exclude corn, wheat, soy and poultry by-product meals.
Based in Wilton, CT, since 2003. Every Blue Buffalo food we review
Purina
Purina is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the pet food business of Nestlé, which is based in St. Louis, Missouri. Its dog food brands include Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Dog Chow, Beneful and Alpo.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, since 1894. Every Purina food we review
More Brand Comparisons
How we compare: every figure comes from the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list of recipes we review, not from the brands' own claims. Starch is our estimate, since no manufacturer prints it. Figures refreshed September 29, 2026.