Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan: Which is better?

Choosing the right food is a crucial choice for pet parents. With many options out there it can feel overwhelming. Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan are choices known for their quality and loyal customer base.

Both brands claim to offer top-notch nutrition tailored to our pet's needs. However, figuring out which is superior requires examining their ingredients, nutritional value and overall advantages. We'll delve into every aspect of what each brand offers from ingredient quality to dietary requirements so you'll have all the details necessary to pick the ideal nutrition, for your furry companion.

Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan: Ingredient Comparison

Dog owners are often engaged in discussions about the most suitable food choices for their furry companions. These brands offer a range of products designed to cater to aspects of a pet's life including their breed size, age and specific health needs. One key question is how these brands stack up the ingredients they use and the overall composition of their foods.

Protein Sources

Blue Buffalo: Puts meat at the forefront featuring premium proteins such as deboned chicken, turkey and fish. This emphasis on meats supports healthy muscle growth and overall well being catering to pet owners who prioritize natural minimally processed ingredients.

Purina Pro Plan: Prioritizes real meat as the main ingredient but often incorporates meat-by-product meals like poultry by-product meals. While these by-products offer nutrients some pet owners may perceive them less favorably, than whole meat options. Nevertheless, Purina Pro Plan is recognized for providing nutrition and top-quality protein sources.

Grains

Blue Buffalo: Offers grain-free options for pets with sensitivities to grains. They use whole grains like brown rice and barley in their recipes to provide essential nutrients and fiber. Note that grain-free diets are not always necessary for dogs and may not be suitable for all pets.

Purina Pro Plan: Includes grains in their formulas like rice, corn, and barley. Grains are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, which can be beneficial for dogs.

Fruits and Vegetables

Blue Buffalo: includes a variety of fruits and vegetables in their recipes to offer a range of essential nutrients. They have a feature called "LifeSource Bits" that are created using cold-forming techniques to preserve the nutritional value containing a specific mix of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals recommended by experts, in veterinary and animal nutrition.

Purina Pro Plan: integrates fruits and vegetables into their products although they do not emphasize this aspect much. Nevertheless, Purina Pro Plan enriches its formulas with vitamins, minerals and probiotics to support health and strengthen the immune system.

Special Dietary Needs

Both companies provide a variety of choices tailored to requirements, such as managing weight and catering to sensitive stomachs.

Blue Buffalo offers grain-free options and novel protein sources for pets with specific dietary needs.

Purina Pro Plan offers a veterinary range designed to address specific health issues, like kidney health and diabetes control.

Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan: Recall History

When choosing canine food, the company's recall history is a crucial factor to consider. Recalls indicate that a product has been deemed unsafe for consumption, often highlighting potential quality control issues.

Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan, two of the most popular canine food brands, have markedly different recall histories. Since 2016, Blue Buffalo has experienced three recalls, while Purina Pro Plan has had just one.

Blue Buffalo Recalls:

March 2017: A batch of canned dog food was recalled due to potentially high levels of beef thyroid hormone.
2016: Two separate recalls were issued. One was for the Life Protection Formula Dog Food due to excessive moisture and mold, and the other was for Blue Divine Delights and Blue Wilderness Trail Trays due to quality issues with the foil seals on the cups.

Purina Pro Plan Recall:

March 2016: Select lots of Beneful and Purina Pro Plan wet dog foods were recalled because they might not have contained the recommended levels of vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand has better protein resources: Blue Buffalo or Purina Pro Plan?

Both Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan offer high-quality protein sources in their kibbles. Main ingredients in Blue Buffalo include deboned chicken, turkey, and fish, while Purina Pro Plan may include meat-by-product meals in their recipes.

Do both brands offer grain-free options?

Yes! Both of them offer grain-free options.

Which dog food brand is more cost-effective: Blue Buffalo or Purina Pro Plan?

Generally, Purina Pro Plan is a more cost-effective option compared to Blue Buffalo. However, the price may vary depending on the specific product and retailer.

Do Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan offer puppy-specific formulas?

Yes, both brands offer puppy-specific formulas to cater to the nutritional needs of growing puppies.

Do Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan offer formulas for senior dogs?

Yes! Both brands offer formulas designed for senior dogs.

Are Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan approved by AAFCO?

Yes! Both Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).