Instinct vs Blue Buffalo
Instinct against Blue Buffalo, measured across 38 and 107 kibble recipes: 34.3% vs 30.9% protein on a dry matter basis, and 32% vs 36% starch.
How They Differ
- Instinct runs higher in protein: 34.3% against 30.9% on a dry matter basis, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Instinct is lower in starch, about 32% of the food as fed against 36%.
- Instinct is more calorie dense, 463 kcal per cup on average against 388, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
- Instinct leans grain-free: 71% of its kibble recipes against 1%.
Side by Side
| Measure | Instinct | Blue Buffalo | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 38 | 107 | 1,601 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 34.3%26.7% to 41.7% | 30.9%20.0% to 51.1% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 19.3%12.1% to 23.9% | 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. | 32%22% to 40% | 36%14% to 49% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 463368 to 537 | 388323 to 479 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 100% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 71% | 1% | |
| Most used proteins | Fish 79%, Chicken 74%, Turkey 58% | Chicken 70%, Fish 64%, Egg 46% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | |
| By-products | 0% | 0% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None2 older in the archive | None2 older in the archive | |
| Made by | Agrolimen | 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.
Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 28%
Fat 16%
Starch 40%
Blue True Solutions Large Breed Care Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 27%
Fat 16%
Starch 40%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- For an active or working dog, or one that needs to hold muscle, Instinct puts more protein in each bowl.
- For a dog that gains weight easily, Blue Buffalo is less calorie dense, so a normal-looking portion carries fewer calories.
- If you are cutting back on starch, Instinct starts lower.
- If your vet has suggested a grain-inclusive diet, Blue Buffalo has more of those recipes to choose from.
- The brands overlap more than the averages suggest: Instinct runs from 27% to 42% 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.
Instinct
No FDA recalls in our record for Instinct in the last five years.
Archive: 2 older recalls
Instinct®. Instinct® Raw Chicken Formula for dogs
Instinct® Raw. Pet food
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
Instinct
Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, which does business as Instinct Pet Food and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The brand is known for raw pet food, including frozen raw meals, freeze-dried raw meals, raw toppers and kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw pieces, along with wet food for dogs and cats.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, since 2002. Every Instinct 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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