Natural Balance vs Blue Buffalo
Natural Balance against Blue Buffalo, measured across 37 and 108 kibble recipes: 24.9% vs 27.7% protein and 42% vs 36% starch, as fed.
How They Differ
- Blue Buffalo runs higher in protein: 27.7% against 24.9% as fed, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Blue Buffalo is lower in starch, about 36% of the food as fed against 42%.
- Natural Balance leans grain-free: 51% of its kibble recipes against 1%.
Side by Side
Protein and fat:
| Measure | Natural Balance | Blue Buffalo | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 37 | 108 | 1,742 in total |
| Protein, as fed | 24.9%18.0% to 32.0% | 27.7%18.0% to 46.0% | 27.2% |
| Fat, as fed | 12.0%7.5% to 16.0% | 13.9%9.0% to 20.0% | 14.4% |
| 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. | 42%34% to 53% | 36%14% to 49% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 366314 to 410 | 387323 to 479 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 92% | 100% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 51% | 1% | |
| Most used proteins | Chicken 38%, Fish 22%, Duck 16% | Chicken 70%, Fish 65%, Egg 45% | |
| 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 | Ethos Pet Brands | 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. Everything is as fed, the way the bag prints it; the switch above the table shows protein and fat on a dry matter basis instead, which takes the water out so foods of different moisture compare evenly. Why we use 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.
Natural Balance Gentle Balance Dry Dog Food
Protein 28%
Fat 16%
Starch 34%
Blue True Solutions Small Breed Care Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe for Small Breed Adult Dogs Dry Dog Food
Protein 28%
Fat 16%
Starch 36%
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.
- 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: Natural Balance runs from 18% to 32% protein as fed and Blue Buffalo from 18% to 46%, 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.
Natural Balance
No FDA recalls in our record for Natural Balance in the last five years.
Archive: 2 older recalls
Natural Balance. Correction to date codes in May 4 2012 Natural Balance recall
Natural Balance. Certain dry dog and cat foods made at Diamond Gaston, SC plant
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
Natural Balance
Natural Balance Pet Foods makes dry and wet dog and cat food and treats, including its Limited Ingredient, Original Ultra, Health Protection and Specialized Nutrition lines. The brand is part of Ethos Pet Brands, which also owns Canidae.
since 1989. Every Natural Balance 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 20, 2026.
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