Taste of the Wild vs Blue Buffalo: Which Dog Food Wins?
Choosing a dog food is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make for your pet's health. Two names dominate the conversation: Taste of the Wild and Blue Buffalo. Both are popular, both emphasize natural ingredients, and both have loyal followings. But they have very different origins, philosophies, and track records.
This head-to-head comparison breaks down brand history, recall records, recipe variety, ingredients, pricing, and manufacturing so you can decide which food belongs in your dog's bowl.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Taste of the Wild | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Parent company | Diamond Pet Foods (family-owned) | Founded 2003 by Bill Bishop |
| Recipe count | 3 formula lines | 187 recipes |
| Exotic proteins | Yes (bison, venison, wild boar) | No |
| Veterinary diets | No | Yes (14 recipes) |
| Made in USA | 100% | Mostly, but some in Thailand |
| Recall history | Fewer recalls | More extensive |
| Price range | $$$–$$$$ | $$$–$$$$$ |
Brand Overview
Taste of the Wild is owned by Diamond Pet Foods, a family-owned company run by the Schell and Kampeter families. The brand builds recipes around ecological themes like prairie, wetland, and riparian ecosystems, and markets three formula lines: original, Ancient Grains, and PREY Limited Ingredient. Every bag is manufactured in six US-based facilities across California, Kansas, South Carolina, Missouri, and Arkansas — meaning it's made entirely in the USA.
Blue Buffalo was founded in 2003 by Bill Bishop after his Airedale terrier, Blue, was diagnosed with cancer. The company now offers a massive 187 recipes across lines including Baby Blue, Basics, Freedom, Life Protection, Natural Veterinary Diet, True Solutions, and Wilderness. Blue Buffalo owns two facilities in Joplin, Missouri and Richmond, Indiana, but also contracts with other US plants — and some foods are made in Thailand.
The takeaway: Taste of the Wild is smaller, USA-made, and exotic-protein focused. Blue Buffalo offers enormous variety, including veterinary diets, but with some overseas production.
Recall History and Safety Comparison
Food safety is a top concern, and both brands have recall histories — but they differ significantly.
Taste of the Wild: Its parent company, Diamond Pet Foods, initiated a recall in 2012 for suspected Salmonella contamination, then recalled products again that same year for Salmonella. Overall, Taste of the Wild has had fewer recalls than Blue Buffalo.
Blue Buffalo: The recall history is more extensive. In 2007, Blue Buffalo was involved in the major melamine recall. In 2016, the company recalled products for mold issues tied to recipes containing sweet potatoes. In 2017, it recalled products for elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone. Blue Buffalo also issued recalls for two wet recipes over possible aluminum contamination and packaging problems.
Recalls can happen to any pet food company, and both brands have taken steps to address issues. But if a simpler recall history matters to you, Taste of the Wild has an edge. Always stay informed about current recalls, and avoid dangerous mistakes you're making with your dog's food like improper storage that can compound safety risks.
Product Lines and Recipe Options
When it comes to sheer variety, Blue Buffalo wins. Its 187 recipes span Baby Blue, Basics, Freedom, Life Protection, Natural Veterinary Diet, True Solutions, and Wilderness. Notably, the Natural Veterinary Diet line includes 14 veterinarian-designed wet and dry recipes.
Taste of the Wild counters with three focused lines: original, Ancient Grains, and PREY Limited Ingredient. Within those lines, it offers exotic proteins like bison, venison, and wild boar — options Blue Buffalo doesn't provide — plus recipes themed around prairie, wetland, and riparian ecosystems.
Both brands offer limited ingredient, grain-free, grain-inclusive, and chicken-free options. So if you need a grain-free or grain-inclusive diet, both have you covered. If you need a veterinary diet, only Blue Buffalo offers that. If you want exotic proteins, only Taste of the Wild provides them.
For example, Taste of the Wild's High Prairie recipe includes water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and peas. Blue Buffalo's Life Protection Chicken & Brown Rice is a chicken-based, grain-inclusive recipe. These illustrate the different approaches: novel proteins and ecological themes versus a vast spectrum from basic to specialized diets.
Ingredients and Nutritional Analysis
Both brands emphasize natural ingredients, but their nutritional philosophies diverge.
Taste of the Wild leans on exotic proteins — water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, bison, venison, and wild boar. These ingredients are uncommon in other brands, making Taste of the Wild a strong pick for dogs with protein sensitivities or owners wanting a more ancestral-style diet. If your dog struggles with digestion, this aligns well with strategies for the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Blue Buffalo includes trademarked LifeSource Bits in every dry food — antioxidant-rich kibble pieces designed to support immune health. Its Life Protection Chicken & Brown Rice is a chicken-based, grain-inclusive recipe, and the brand covers grain-free and grain-inclusive needs across its lineup.
Both brands offer limited ingredient, grain-free, grain-inclusive, and chicken-free options, so most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Taste of the Wild's exotic proteins set it apart for novel-ingredient seekers, while Blue Buffalo's LifeSource Bits add a unique antioxidant component.
Sourcing matters too: Taste of the Wild is made entirely in the USA, while some Blue Buffalo foods are made in Thailand. For owners who prioritize human-grade dog food with clear ingredient sourcing, that's a meaningful difference.
Hands-On Experience and Owner Considerations
Price, availability, and your dog's specific needs should drive the final decision.
Pricing: Taste of the Wild ranges from $$$ to $$$$, while Blue Buffalo ranges from $$$ to $$$$$. Blue Buffalo can be more expensive at the high end, likely due to its specialized veterinary diets and larger recipe selection. Taste of the Wild is generally more affordable, especially considering its USA-made status.
Dietary restrictions: Both brands offer limited ingredient, grain-free, grain-inclusive, and chicken-free options, so most dogs can find a fit. If your dog requires a veterinary diet, Blue Buffalo's Natural Veterinary Diet line with 14 veterinarian-designed recipes is a major advantage. If you want exotic proteins like bison, venison, or wild boar, Taste of the Wild is the only option between the two.
Recall history: Taste of the Wild has had fewer recalls. Blue Buffalo's include the 2007 melamine incident, a 2016 mold recall, a 2017 beef thyroid hormone recall, and recalls for aluminum contamination and packaging problems. Taste of the Wild's parent company recalled products in 2012 for Salmonella. Taste of the Wild's record is cleaner.
Manufacturing location: Taste of the Wild is made entirely in the USA; some Blue Buffalo foods are made in Thailand. If supporting US-made products matters, Taste of the Wild is the clear choice.
Feeding tips: Whichever brand you choose, hydrating dry dog kibble can improve palatability and hydration. And if you're weighing kibble against raw, our guide to raw dog food vs. dry kibble breaks down gut health and digestion differences. You can also boost any bowl with superfoods to feed them now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taste of the Wild better than Blue Buffalo? Neither is universally "better." Taste of the Wild wins on USA-made sourcing, exotic proteins, and a simpler recall history. Blue Buffalo wins on variety and veterinary diets.
Which brand has more recalls? Blue Buffalo has a more extensive recall history, including the 2007 melamine recall, a 2016 mold recall, and a 2017 beef thyroid hormone recall. Taste of the Wild's parent company recalled products in 2012 for Salmonella.
Does Blue Buffalo make dog food in Thailand? Yes — Blue Buffalo owns facilities in Missouri and Indiana but also contracts with other US plants, and some foods are made in Thailand.
Which brand is better for dogs with allergies? Taste of the Wild's exotic proteins (bison, venison, wild boar) and limited-ingredient lines make it a strong option for protein sensitivities. Blue Buffalo also offers limited-ingredient and chicken-free formulas.
Which is cheaper? Taste of the Wild is generally more affordable, ranging from $$$ to $$$$, while Blue Buffalo ranges from $$$ to $$$$$.
The Verdict
The best food depends on your dog's individual needs, your budget, and your priorities. Both brands have loyal followings but excel in different areas.
- Choose Taste of the Wild if you want exotic proteins, 100% USA-made quality, and a cleaner recall record.
- Choose Blue Buffalo if you need maximum variety, veterinary diets, or specific formula lines like Wilderness or Basics.
For breed-specific guidance, see our best food for French Bulldogs and best senior dog food guides. Whichever you pick, transition slowly and monitor your dog's response.
Source: K9 of Mine
