Rachael Ray Nutrish vs Blue Buffalo
Rachael Ray Nutrish against Blue Buffalo, measured across 12 and 108 kibble recipes: 24.6% vs 27.7% protein and 42% vs 36% starch, as fed.
How They Differ
- Blue Buffalo runs higher in protein: 27.7% against 24.6% 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%.
- Blue Buffalo is more calorie dense, 387 kcal per cup on average against 346, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
Side by Side
Protein and fat:
| Measure | Rachael Ray Nutrish | Blue Buffalo | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 12 | 108 | 1,742 in total |
| Protein, as fed | 24.6%20.0% to 26.0% | 27.7%18.0% to 46.0% | 27.2% |
| Fat, as fed | 12.8%8.0% to 14.0% | 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%39% to 47% | 36%14% to 49% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 346280 to 385 | 387323 to 479 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 100% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 17% | 1% | |
| Most used proteins | Chicken 92%, Beef 33%, Turkey 33% | Chicken 70%, Fish 65%, Egg 45% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 50%, Wheat 8%, Soy 58% | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | |
| By-products | 0% | 0% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None | None2 older in the archive | |
| Made by | Post Holdings | 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.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 26%
Fat 14%
Starch 39%
Blue Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 26%
Fat 15%
Starch 39%
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.
- For a dog that gains weight easily, Rachael Ray Nutrish is less calorie dense, so a normal-looking portion carries fewer calories.
- If you are cutting back on starch, Blue Buffalo starts lower.
- The brands overlap more than the averages suggest: Rachael Ray Nutrish runs from 20% to 26% 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.
Rachael Ray Nutrish
No FDA recalls in our record for Rachael Ray Nutrish in the last five years.
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
Rachael Ray Nutrish
Rachael Ray Nutrish is a dog and cat food and treats brand owned by Post Holdings and managed by its Post Consumer Brands pet food division, which the brand's website calls For All Tails Pet Care. The Rachael Ray name is a trademark of Ray Marks Co., LLC used under license. The brand is known for its tie to celebrity cook Rachael Ray and says it has enabled over $95 million in donations through The Rachael Ray Foundation through 2024.
Based in Lakeville, MN, since 2008. Every Rachael Ray Nutrish 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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