NutriSource vs Blue Buffalo
NutriSource against Blue Buffalo, measured across 57 and 107 kibble recipes: 29.4% vs 30.9% protein on a dry matter basis, and 36% vs 36% starch.
How They Differ
- Protein is close: 29.4% for NutriSource and 30.9% for Blue Buffalo on a dry matter basis.
- Starch is similar, about 36% for NutriSource and 36% for Blue Buffalo as fed.
- NutriSource is more calorie dense, 431 kcal per cup on average against 388, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
- NutriSource leans grain-free: 47% of its kibble recipes against 1%.
Side by Side
| Measure | NutriSource | Blue Buffalo | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 57 | 107 | 1,601 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 29.4%24.4% to 42.2% | 30.9%20.0% to 51.1% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 16.7%8.9% to 23.3% | 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. | 36%24% to 44% | 36%14% to 49% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 431340 to 531 | 388323 to 479 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 100% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 47% | 1% | |
| Most used proteins | Fish 74%, Turkey 61%, Chicken 56% | Chicken 70%, Fish 64%, Egg 46% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 0%, Wheat 4%, Soy 0% | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | |
| By-products | 0% | 0% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | 1Latest 2021 | None2 older in the archive | |
| Made by | KLN Family 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. 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.
NutriSource Grain-Free Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 31%
Fat 13%
Starch 37%
Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Senior Red Meat Dry Dog Food
Protein 31%
Fat 13%
Starch 37%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- For a dog that gains weight easily, Blue Buffalo is less calorie dense, so a normal-looking portion carries fewer calories.
- If your vet has suggested a grain-inclusive diet, Blue Buffalo has more of those recipes to choose from.
- Blue Buffalo has fewer FDA recalls in our record over the last five years (0 against 1). Read the list below before counting it against NutriSource: most recalls cover a few lots, not a whole range.
- The brands overlap more than the averages suggest: NutriSource runs from 24% 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.
NutriSource
Nutri Source. Pure Vita Salmon Entrée Dog 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
NutriSource
NutriSource is a dog and cat food brand made by Tuffy's Pet Foods, part of the Nelson family's KLN Family Brands in Perham, Minnesota. Its lines include NutriSource, PureVita, Choice and Element Series, with dry food, wet food, treats and toppers. The company says its recipes are built around its Good 4 Life gut-health system.
Based in Perham, MN. Every NutriSource 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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