Welcome to our review of Blue Buffalo Premier Blend Dog Food.

Blue Buffalo Premier Blend Dog Food Review

Name: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Dry Dog Food Review
Item: Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness Premier Blend with Meaty Cuts Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food
Rating: 4.25
Author: Samuel James

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

List of products

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Adult Chicken with Tender Meaty Cuts	4.3	Maintenance
→ Adult Salmon with Tender Meaty Cuts	4.2	Maintenance

This dog food line has 2 recipes. Reviewing both isn’t possible. The review of Adult Chicken Recipe shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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Ingredients

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Chicken, Barley, Dried Tomato Pomace, Salmon Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Vegetable Glycerin, Tapioca Starch, Dried Egg Product, Beef Meal, Potassium Chloride, Gelatin, Salt, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Fish Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate, L-Threonine, Dried Chicory Root, Calcium Carbonate, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, DL-Methionine, Dried Cultured Whey, Choline Chloride, Vegetable Juice for color, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Taurine,

Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this review of Blue Buffalo Premier Blend Dog Food.

Primary Ingredients

→ Deboned chicken is a high-quality protein used in premium dog foods. 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 meal is rendered chicken meat that has been dried and ground, and it typically includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.

It has a higher protein concentration—approximately 65%—compared to deboned chicken, making it beneficial for muscle development.

Additionally, chicken meal is a natural source of glucosamine, a key component in supporting cartilage and joint health.

→ Brown rice is a gluten-free grain that provides B vitamins, minerals, and energy from healthy carbs. Its fiber helps digestion and is safe for dogs with gluten sensitivities.

100g of raw long-grain brown rice contains 7.25g protein, 3.31g fat, 76.7g carbohydrates (including 3g fiber).

→ Oatmeal is a nutritious, gluten-free grain packed with B vitamins that help provide pets with lasting energy.

It is made by removing the hull from oats, then steaming and flattening them into the recognizable flakes used in dog foods.

→ Dried chicken, as the name suggests, is essentially chicken that has been dehydrated to remove moisture, resulting in a more protein-dense ingredient compared to fresh meat.

It provides essential amino acids that help support muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall health in dogs.

Secondary Ingredients

The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this review of Blue Buffalo Premier Blend Dog Food.

→ Barley provides pets with soluble fiber, carbohydrates, and B vitamins for digestive health, but its gluten content is a primary concern for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.

Gluten can trigger reactions in gluten-sensitive dogs, so barley-based diets should be carefully considered for these pets.

Each 100g serving of dehulled barley contains 12.5g of protein, 2.3g of fat, and 73.5g of carbohydrates (including 17.3g of fiber).

→ Dried Tomato pomace is a byproduct of processing tomatoes into products like sauces, ketchup, juices, purees, and concentrates.

It consists of the dried and ground skins, pulp, and crushed seeds of tomatoes. It provides soluble fiber and the antioxidant lycopene.

→ Salmon meal is rendered salmon that has been dried and ground. It typically includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.

Salmon meal has a high protein concentration—approximately 60–70%—making it an excellent ingredient for supporting muscle maintenance and development.

It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a strong immune system.

Other Ingredients

→ Chicken fat is the fat separated from chicken tissues during rendering. It is commonly used in dog food as a concentrated energy source and flavor enhancer.

It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, and is often preserved with mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness.

→ Natural flavor is an ingredient derived from plant or animal sources used to enhance taste and palatability.

It is commonly added to pet food to make it more appealing to dogs and may be sourced from herbs, meats, or concentrated extracts of animal products.

→ 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.

The Adult Chicken 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 review.

Nutrient Sources - Blue Buffalo Premier Blend Dog Food

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Chicken, Barley, Dried Tomato Pomace, Salmon Meal, Flaxseed, Dried Egg Product, Beef Meal, Gelatin, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Fish Meal, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Sweet Potatoes, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast
Fat	Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Chicken, Barley, Dried Tomato Pomace, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat, Flaxseed, Dried Egg Product, Beef Meal, Fish Meal, Dried Yeast
Carbohydrate	Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Dried Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Tapioca Starch, Dried Egg Product, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast
Fiber	Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Dried Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast

Vitamins

This dog food provides a complete profile of essential vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and C. Dogs synthesize vitamin K internally and may also obtain small quantities from other ingredients.

Most vitamins are synthetic, which ensures controlled dosing. The addition of mixed tocopherols helps preserve vitamin stability during storage.

There appear to be no major vitamin gaps. Overall, the blend supports balanced nutrition and contributes to a solid shelf life.

Minerals

The Adult Chicken Recipe contains all essential minerals, meeting canine nutritional needs. Chelated minerals (zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid chelates) offer superior bioavailability, as amino acid bonding enhances absorption in the gut.

Non-chelated minerals (such as sulfates, carbonates, phosphates, iodate, and selenite) are common sources but are less effectively absorbed. Notably, selenium is provided as sodium selenite (inorganic) rather than the superior selenium yeast (organic), which offers better absorption.

Overall, the mineral profile is sufficient, and the enhanced bioavailability of key minerals through chelation is a significant strength.

Ingredient Concerns

Including several rendered ‘meals’ (chicken meal, salmon meal, beef meal, and fish meal) can be a formulation tactic to boost measured protein content while keeping costs down. Dogs may also be allergic to any of these protein sources, so pet owners should be aware.

The recipe uses ‘ingredient splitting‘ to make certain ingredients appear lower on the list. Grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are listed separately, but combined, they could outweigh the primary protein.

Ingredients like natural flavor, vegetable juice for color, and fish meal are vague or lack detail about their sourcing and processing methods, which may concern pet owners seeking full transparency.

This Blue Buffalo Premier Blend 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 dry dog food line.

Nutrient Analysis

Moisture=10% Max

Method of Analysis	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber
→ Guaranteed Analysis	33%	15%	28%	6%
→ Dry Matter Basis	36.7%	16.7%	31.1%	6.7%
→ Calorie Content Basis	33.9%	37.4%	28.7%	NA

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

However, Adult Chicken Recipe contains 36.7% protein, 16.7% fat, and approximately 31.1% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

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

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Adult Chicken Recipe contains 36.7% protein and 16.7% 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.

Every recipe in Blue Buffalo Premier Blend Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“BLUE Wilderness Premier Blend with Chicken and Tender Meaty Cuts Plus LifeSource Bits for Adult 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	4.5-lb bag	24-lb bag
→ Cost per Unit	$31.99	$93.98
→ Cost per Pound	$7.11	$3.92
→ Cost per Serving	$1.85	$1.02

The cost comparison for Blue Buffalo Premier Blend Dog Food’s Adult Chicken Recipe highlights a clear scale advantage for the larger bag.

While the 4.5-lb bag requires a lower initial outlay, its cost per pound ($7.11) and per serving ($1.85) are substantially higher. The 24-lb bag demands a greater upfront investment but offers a much lower cost per pound ($3.92) and per serving ($1.02), resulting in significant long-term savings.

For owners committed to this formula, the 24-lb bag provides the best overall value, delivering superior economy per feeding despite its higher initial price.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off (up to $20) on your first order. For a 24-lb bag, the cost is $93.98, but on Autoship, it drops to $73.98, saving $20.

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

Pros and Cons - Blue Buffalo Premier Blend Dog Food

Pros

Multiple High-Quality Animal Protein Sources
Offers Omega‑3 and Omega‑6 for skin and coat health
Contains probiotics for gut health
Taurine Enriched
Chelated minerals for better absorption

Cons

May not suit dogs with poultry allergies
Presence of multiple meals to boost protein level
Lack of transparency about the source of some ingredients
Ingredient Splitting can be seen
Presence of common allergens

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.

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Our Rating

Our dog food rating system rated the Adult Chicken Recipe at 4.3 out of 5, while the Blue Buffalo Premier Blend Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.25 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.