Welcome to our review of Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food Review

An arrangement of seven cans of Blue Buffalo Wilderness wet dog food are displayed against a white background.

Disclosure: As a Chewy affiliate, we earn commissions for qualifying purchases.

List of products

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Products

Ratings

AAFCO

Puppy Turkey & Chicken Grill Recipe

4.5

Growth

Turkey & Chicken Grill Recipe

4.3

Maintenance

Beef & Chicken With Grains Recipe

4.3

Maintenance

Turkey & Chicken With Grains Recipe

4.4

Maintenance

Chicken & Salmon with Grains Recipe

4.4

Maintenance

Beef & Chicken Grill Recipe

4.2

Maintenance

Duck & Chicken Grill Recipe

4.3

Maintenance

Chicken & Salmon Grill Recipe

4.2

Maintenance

Trout & Chicken Grill Recipe

4.2

Maintenance

Adult Healthy Weight Turkey & Chicken Grill Recipe

4.1

Maintenance

Senior Turkey & Chicken Grill Recipe

4.1

Maintenance

This dog food line has 11 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Duck & Chicken Grill Recipe shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

Packaging of high-protein Blue Wilderness dog food, emphasizing wild-caught duck and chicken ingredients for a nutritious, grain-free canine diet.

Ingredients

Duck, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Potato Protein, Flaxseed, Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this review of Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food.

Primary Ingredients

Duck is a novel protein used in limited-ingredient dog foods formulated for pets with food sensitivities. As raw, skinless meat, each 100 g provides 18.99 g of high-quality protein to support lean muscle and 5.95 g of fat for sustained energy.

Additionally, it is a natural source of selenium (≈14 µg per 100 g), essential for metabolism, energy production, and thyroid health.

→ Chicken is another high-quality protein used in this dog food. It’s made by removing the bones from fresh chicken, leaving nutrient-rich meat. It supplies essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and energy, and it’s easy to digest.

However, since chicken is a common allergen, it may not suit pets with poultry sensitivities.

Deboned chicken (raw, skinless) provides about 22.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Chicken broth is a common, safe ingredient in this dog food, added for its flavor and moisture. It provides a savory chicken taste many dogs enjoy. It enhances the food’s overall moisture content—supporting hydration, especially in dogs that need to increase their water intake.

Potatoes serve as a gluten-free carbohydrate source, providing energy, fiber (2.2g per 100g), and nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. They are easy to digest and often used in grain-free formulas.

However, their high starch content and glycemic index (which causes rapid blood sugar spikes) may not be suitable for dogs with diabetes.

Potato protein is derived directly from the tuber or from an industrial byproduct called potato fruit juice. It provides superior nutrition compared to many cereal proteins, particularly in terms of essential amino acids.

It can be readily extracted using techniques such as ion exchange and is commonly used to enhance the protein content of dog food.

From duck to potato protein, this deconstructed visual shows the real food components that build Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food's robust formula.

Secondary Ingredients

The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this review of Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food.

Flaxseed is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help keep skin healthy, make coats shiny, and reduce inflammation in dogs.

Every 100g of ground flaxseed contains around 18g of protein, 37.3g of fat, 34.4g of carbs, and 23.1g of fiber.

Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived additive used in wet dog foods as a thickener and stabilizer.

While generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some studies and owner reports suggest it may cause digestive issues, inflammation, or other health concerns.

You can avoid it by choosing foods with alternative thickeners like guar gum or cassia gum.

Guar gum is a common ingredient in wet dog food, primarily used as a thickening and binding agent to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation.

Flaxseed (6), carrageenan (7), and guar gum (8) create the ideal texture in Duck & Chicken Grill Recipe.

Other Ingredients

Cassia gum is used as a thickening and gelling agent in wet dog foods. It helps improve the texture and consistency of the food.

Potassium chloride is a source of potassium, an essential mineral that supports fluid balance and muscle function in dogs.

Salt contains the electrolytes sodium and chloride. It helps maintain fluid balance and supports the normal functioning of organs and the nervous system.

The Duck & Chicken Grill Recipe includes other beneficial ingredients further down the list to support your dog’s health. However, we won’t explore them in detail here due to the scope of this Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food Review.

Core dry rub components for a Duck & Chicken Grill Recipe, featuring Cassia Gum, Potassium Chloride, and Salt.

Nutrient Sources - Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food

Nutrient

Sources

Protein

Duck, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Potato Protein, Flaxseed

Fat

Duck, Chicken, Flaxseed

Carbohydrate

Potatoes, Flaxseed

Fiber

Potatoes, Flaxseed

Vitamins

This dog food explicitly lists added synthetic vitamins A, D3, E, and the complete B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12), ensuring stability and shelf life.

Vitamin C is not included, which is appropriate because dogs synthesize it endogenously. Vitamin K is omitted as well, since it is typically obtained from the diet and produced by intestinal bacteria.

Overall, the formula delivers a well-rounded, stable vitamin profile that supports canine health effectively.

Minerals

This dog food’s mineral profile appears well-formulated and sufficient, covering all essential needs like zinc, iron, copper, and selenium.

Zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and cobalt are chelated (bound to amino acids), significantly enhancing their absorption and bioavailability.

Non-chelated minerals like potassium (chloride/iodide), sodium (chloride), and selenium (selenite) are present in standard forms that are effective but less bioavailable.

Ingredient Concerns

While duck is the first ingredient, “chicken” and “chicken broth” also appear prominently. For dogs with poultry allergies or sensitivities, this combination could be problematic.

The recipe includes multiple thickeners (including carrageenan). Carrageenan, derived from red seaweed, is used in pet food as a thickening and stabilizing agent to improve texture and palatability.

While generally recognized as safe, studies suggest it may cause gastrointestinal inflammation in sensitive dogs, though the evidence remains debated.

It uses sodium selenite, an inorganic form of selenium. While it is cheaper, it is less bioavailable and carries higher toxicity risks compared to selenium yeast. Selenium yeast, a natural and organic alternative, offers superior absorption and is gentler on digestion, making it a safer choice overall.

This Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food Review highlights both the strengths and potential concerns in the formulation, giving pet owners a clearer picture of what to expect from this popular wet dog food line.

Nutrient Analysis

Moisture=78% Max

Method of Analysis

Protein

Fat

Carbs

Fiber

→ Guaranteed Analysis

10%

9%

1%

1.5%

→ Dry Matter Basis

45.5%

40.9%

4.5%

6.8%

→ Calorie Content Basis

30.4%

66.5%

3%

NA

Macronutrient Percentages Protein Fat Carbs 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 10.0% 9.0% 1.0% Guaranteed Analysis 45.5% 40.9% 4.5% Dry Matter Basis 30.4% 66.5% 3.0% Calorie Content Basis

Normal dog food typically contains (18-35)% protein, (30–50)% carbohydrates and (9–25)% fat on a dry matter basis.

However, Duck & Chicken Grill Recipe contains 45.5% protein, 40.9% fat, and approximately 4.5% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

This makes it High in protein, High in fat, and Low in carbohydrates.

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Duck & Chicken Grill Recipe contains 45.5% protein and 40.9% fat on a dry matter basis.

These levels exceed the minimum requirements for adult maintenance set by AAFCO and FEDIAF standards, ensuring the food provides sufficient protein and fat to support your dog’s overall health.

For Adult Maintenance Protein Fat 0 10 20 30 40 50 18.0% 5.5% AAFCO 21.0% 5.5% FEDIAF (95 kcal/kg) 18.0% 5.5% FEDIAF (110 kcal/kg) 45.5% 40.9% Actual Present

Every recipe in Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“BLUE Wilderness Duck and Chicken Grill Food for Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.”

The statement indicates that the recipe meets AAFCO nutrient requirements based on laboratory nutrient analysis, but it does not confirm that the food has undergone AAFCO-approved feeding trials.

Lab analysis verifies that the nutrient levels meet the required standards on paper, whereas feeding trials demonstrate real-world performance in dogs, including digestibility, palatability, and overall health outcomes.

Cost Analysis

Cost Metrics

12.5-oz, case of 12

→ Cost per Unit

$39.70

→ Cost per Oz

$0.27

→ Cost per Can

$3.31

The table outlines the cost breakdown for the “Duck & Chicken Grill Recipe,” sold in a case of twelve 12.5-oz cans. The total case price is $39.70, which equates to approximately $3.31 per can and about $0.27 per ounce. These figures make it easier to compare costs across different products and package sizes.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off (up to $20) on your first order. For a case of 12, the cost is $39.70, but on Autoship, it drops to $25.80, saving $13.9.

Note: Prices are subject to change based on retailer, location, and availability.

Pros and Cons - Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food

Pros

  • High-Quality Novel Protein Source
  • High Protein Content
  • Free from animal by-products, corn, wheat and soy
  • Offers Omega‑3 and Omega‑6 for Skin & Coat Health
  • Chelated Minerals for Better Absorption
  • Antioxidants, Vitamins & Minerals for Immunity

Cons

  • Presence of potential allergens
  • Contains carrageenan
  • Multiple gums/thickeners (guar gum, cassia gum)

Recalls and Safety

As of Oct 10, 2025, Blue Buffalo has issued several recalls affecting dog and cat foods. The most recent FDA-documented recall occurred in March 2017 for certain products due to elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone.
 

Stay Safe: Join Our Recall Alert Program!

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Our Rating

Our dog food rating system rated the Duck & Chicken Grill Recipe at 4.3 out of 5, while the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.27 out of 5.

Final Verdict

This article gives a basic look at dog food ingredients, but you should always ask your vet for specific advice. Your dog may have different needs, and an expert’s help is important.

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