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Last night over supper, I was talking with my dad, who has a Golden Retriever named Clyde, about different dog food options.
We have been feeding our dogs Hills Prescription Diet Z/D for years. It is a hypoallergenic recipe that we started buying for Sophie.
Since Clyde also has allergies, my dad has been feeding a grain-free diet, but the vet recently recommended he consider feeding a different food that contained grains. We debated the pros and cons of going with the Hill’s Z/D.
Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that my dad frequently travels with Clyde and needs a food he can get anywhere, which is why Blue Buffalo was appealing to him.
My dad was concerned that if he went with a prescription food that he would have a hard time getting it when on the road.
After discussing Clyde’s needs, I told my dad I would look into a couple of different options for food for Clyde and let him know what I found.
What’s Important When Choosing a Dog Food?
The best food in the world is worthless if your dog refuses to eat it!
The obvious elements are things particular to your dog’s health needs.
The second group of factors is based on exterior items not related to your dog.
Your Dog’s Needs
Health – GI issues such as chronic pancreatitis or irritable bowel disease, heart or kidney disease, allergies, and so on
Age
Size
Weight
Taste
Energy Level
Specific to the Dog Food
Where the ingredients are sourced
Where the food is manufactured
Ingredients
Price
Availability
The dog food company’s reputation
Comparison of Blue Buffalo vs. Science Diet
Ingredients
Winner: Blue Buffalo
I compared each of their top sellers, and though the two brands are very similar, Blue Buffalo had enhanced their food with probiotics.
Though Science Diet wasn’t my pick for this category, I still liked that their ingredient list contained superfoods like flaxseed, broccoli, and cranberries.
Variety
Winner: Blue Buffalo
Click the image for more info
Blue Buffalo offers six different food lines and a higher number of protein options.
Each of the varieties has various recipes for specific needs such as:
Blue Buffalo is a popular brand that’s oft compared to other brand. Check out Blue Buffalo vs Fromm, Royal Canin, or Purina Pro Plan!
Hill’s Science Diet’s Company History
Science Diet is a brand produced by the Hill’s corporation.
Hill’s started in the 1930s, when a blind man, Morris Frank, reached out to Dr. Mark Morris. Mr. Frank had a seeing-eye dog named Buddy, who was suffering from kidney failure due to a lack of proper nutrition.
Dr. Morris and his wife Louise came up with a dog food formula that would later be known as k/d. Initially, they shipped the food in glass jars, but after they broke several times, they transitioned to cans.
In 1948 Dr. Morris teamed up with Burton Hill, a packing company in Kansas.
Mr. Hill and Mr. Morris partnered up, expanding to include a research laboratory where they later developed four more foods.
What started as a mission to help one dog evolved into a business that now produces over 50 different pet food formulas focusing on different life stages and health issues.
Finally, in 1976, the Colgate-Palmolive bought the Hill’s brand and continued to grow the company.
Dog food recalls happen due to contamination, concerns over ingredients, and other factors.
Let’s see if either Blue Buffalo or Science Diet have had to recall their dog food products.
Note that these were parent company recalls which didn’t affect Science Diet
Science Diet’s Recalls
In the last 12 years, Science Diet has not had any recalls impacting their dog food.
However, the Hill’s corporation did have two different dog food recalls, with the largest recall in their history happening earlier this year.
Click the plus symbol for a complete list of Hill’s Science Diet’s recalls.
Science Diet Recall List
January 2019
This recall was due to the possibility of toxic amounts of vitamin D in the food[6]. The initial recall in January later expanded to recalls in March and May.
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food, 12.5 oz, 12-pack SKU 3389[7]
Lot Code/Date Code: 102020T21
June 2014
This recall only impacted 62 bags of food distributed amongst vet offices in California, Hawaii, and Nevada[8]. The recall was due to suspected Salmonella poisoning.
The food impacted was:
Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed 15.5 lbs. with Best Before Date/Production code 08 2015 M094
Blue Buffalo Recalls
In the last 12 years, Blue Buffalo has had seven recalls.
Click the plus symbol for a complete list of Blue Buffalo’s recalls.
Blue Buffalo Recall List
March 2017
Only a single wet food was included in this recall, which was due to the high content of beef thyroid hormones in the food[9].
Blue Wilderness® Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food
February 2017
One variety of canned dog food was involved in this recall. The recall was initiated due to possible aluminum contamination[10].
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Healthy Weight, Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables, 12.5 ounce can
February 2017
This recall was based on a packaging error[11]. The foil tops of these foods had quality issues. There were 13 Blue Devine Delights in the 3.5 oz cup and 4 Blue Wilderness Trail Trays.
BLUE Divine Delights impacted in the recall:
Filet Mignon Flavor in Gravy
New York Strip Flavor in Gravy
Prime Rib Flavor in Gravy
Rotisserie Chicken Flavor in Gravy
Filet Mignon Flavor
Porterhouse Flavor
Grilled Chicken Flavor
Top Sirloin Flavor
Angus Beef Flavor
Roasted Turkey Flavor
Bacon, Egg and Cheese
Sausage, Egg and Cheese Flavor
Steak and Egg Flavor
Blue Wilderness Trail Trays impacted in the recall:
Duck Grill
Beef Grill
Chicken Grill
Turkey Grill
May 2016
Blue Buffalo had a recall of one of the Life Protection formulas due to high moisture and the potential it contained mold[12].
Life Protection Formula Impacted:
30lb Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish & Sweet Potato
November 2015
Just one lot of one type of dog chew was included in the recall, which was because of possible salmonella contamination[13].
Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones
October 2010
Three dog food recipes were part of this recall, because of a potential excess of Vitamin D[14].
Dry Dog Foods impacted in the recall:
5#, 11#, 24# Blue Wilderness Chicken Flavor dry dog food
11#, 24# Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Formula Salmon and Potato Recipe dry dog food
30# Blue Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Large Breed Adult dog food
April 2007
This recall impacted several other dog food companies, due to melamine contamination. All of Blue Buffalo’s Canned Dog Foods, as well as all of the Blue Dog Treats, was recalled[15].
Final Thoughts
Both brands have their strong points and are generally well-received by our canine companions.
I like the large variety of options Blue Buffalo carries, plus their general availability.
Science Diet has a strong reputation and I still stand by their parent company’s food, Hill’s Z/D.
When my dogs are feeling well it’s their first pick.