Iams vs Blue Buffalo
Iams against Blue Buffalo, measured across 21 and 107 kibble recipes: 28.1% vs 30.9% protein on a dry matter basis, and 40% vs 36% starch.
How They Differ
- Blue Buffalo runs higher in protein: 30.9% against 28.1% on a dry matter basis, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Blue Buffalo is lower in starch, about 36% of the food as fed against 40%.
Side by Side
| Measure | Iams | Blue Buffalo | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 21 | 107 | 1,601 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 28.1%22.2% to 33.3% | 30.9%20.0% to 51.1% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 15.5%10.0% to 20.0% | 15.5%10.0% to 22.2% | 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. | 40%32% to 50% | 36%14% to 49% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 377325 to 453 | 388323 to 479 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 90% | 100% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 0% | 1% | |
| Most used proteins | Chicken 95%, Egg 95%, Lamb 14% | Chicken 70%, Fish 64%, Egg 46% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 95%, Wheat 0%, Soy 24% | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | |
| By-products | 95% | 0% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None1 older in the archive | None2 older in the archive | |
| Made by | Mars | General Mills |
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.
Iams Proactive Health Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Salmon Dry Dog Food
Protein 27%
Fat 18%
Starch 41%
Blue Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 27%
Fat 18%
Starch 40%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- For an active or working dog, or one that needs to hold muscle, Blue Buffalo puts more protein in each bowl.
- If you are cutting back on starch, Blue Buffalo starts lower.
- The brands overlap more than the averages suggest: Iams runs from 22% to 33% protein and Blue Buffalo from 20% to 51%, 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.
Iams
No FDA recalls in our record for Iams in the last five years.
Archive: 1 older recall
Iams; Eukanuba. Limited lots of Iams and Eukanuba dry dog and cat food (P&G)
Blue Buffalo
No FDA recalls in our record for Blue Buffalo in the last five years.
Archive: 2 older recalls
BLUE Wilderness, Rocky Mountain Recipe. Dog food
Blue Wilderness. Cub Size - Wild Chews
About the Brands
Iams
IAMS is a dog and cat food brand owned by Mars, Incorporated and run by Mars Petcare US, which is based in Franklin, Tennessee. Its dry dog food lines include Proactive Health and Advanced Health. The company describes its food as science-backed nutrition formulated by Ph.D. animal nutritionists.
Based in Franklin, Tennessee, since 1946. Every Iams food we review
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
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 October 10, 2026.
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