Wellness vs Blue Buffalo
Wellness against Blue Buffalo, measured across 63 and 104 kibble recipes: 33.9% vs 30.9% protein on a dry matter basis, 35% vs 36% starch, and 0 vs 0 FDA recalls in the last five years.
How They Differ
- Wellness runs higher in protein: 33.9% against 30.9% on a dry matter basis, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Starch is similar, about 35% for Wellness and 36% for Blue Buffalo as fed.
- Wellness is more calorie dense, 415 kcal per cup on average against 387, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
- Wellness leans grain-free: 46% of its kibble recipes against 1%.
Side by Side
| Measure | Wellness | Blue Buffalo | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 63 | 104 | 1,540 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 33.9%23.3% to 42.2% | 30.9%20.0% to 51.1% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 15.0%8.9% 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. | 35%24% to 48% | 36%14% to 49% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 415334 to 510 | 387323 to 479 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 100% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 46% | 1% | |
| Most used proteins | Chicken 62%, Turkey 44%, Fish 38% | Chicken 69%, Fish 63%, 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 | None | None | |
| Made by | Wellness Pet Company | 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.
Wellness CORE Grain Free Wild Game Duck, Turkey, Boar, Rabbit Dry Dog Food
Protein 38%
Fat 17%
Starch 29%
Blue Wilderness Small Bite Chicken Wholesome Grain Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 38%
Fat 17%
Starch 29%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- For an active or working dog, or one that needs to hold muscle, Wellness 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 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: Wellness runs from 23% 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.
Wellness
No FDA recalls for Wellness in the last five years.
Blue Buffalo
No FDA recalls for Blue Buffalo in the last five years.
About the Brands
Wellness
Wellness is a dog and cat food brand made by Wellness Pet Company, which also owns WHIMZEES, Old Mother Hubbard, Holistic Select, Sojos and Eagle Pack. Its dog food lines include Complete Health and CORE, and the company says its recipes use natural, protein-forward ingredients. Wellness Pet Company is owned by the private equity firm Clearlake Capital.
Based in Burlington, MA, since 1997. Every Wellness 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 September 29, 2026.