Welcome to our Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dry Dog Food Review, covering ingredients, nutrition, cost, and quality.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dry Dog Food Review
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- Published: June 10, 2025
- Last Updated: June 10, 2025
Disclosure: As a Chewy affiliate, we earn commissions for qualifying purchases.
List of products
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet dog food line includes 17 recipes, making a full review of each one impractical. The Adult Salmon variant serves as a representative example of the line’s overall quality, nutritional profile, and ingredient standards.
Ingredients
Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Fish Meal, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Chicory Root, L-Threonine, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Salt, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp,
Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Taurine, 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 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dry Dog Food Review.
Primary Ingredients
→ Deboned Salmon, known for its rich protein and omega-3 fatty acid content, supports healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Each 100-gram serving of raw, farm-raised salmon contains approximately 20.3 grams of protein and 13.1 grams of fat, making it a balanced and nutritious primary source of protein for your dog’s diet.
Additionally, salmon contains selenium, which supports metabolism, energy production, and thyroid function in dogs.
→ 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.
→ 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.
→ 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.
→ 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).
Secondary Ingredients
The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dry Dog Food Review.
→ 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).
→ 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.
→ 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.
Other Ingredients
→ Fish meal is a concentrated protein source made by cooking, drying, and grinding fish (often whole fish or leftover parts) into a powder.
It retains many benefits of whole fish, like omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and fur, but its quality depends on where the fish comes from and it’s processing method.
→ 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 Salmon 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 Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dry Dog Food Review.
Nutrients | Sources |
|---|---|
Protein | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, Tomato Pomace, Fish meal, Flaxseed, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Chicory Root, Sweet Potatoes, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast |
Fat | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat, Fish meal, Flaxseed, Dried Yeast |
Carbohydrate | Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Chicory Root, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast |
Fiber | Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Chicory Root, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast |
Vitamins
This dog food includes nearly all essential vitamins—A, D3, E, C, and a full spectrum of B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12). Vitamin K isn’t listed, but small amounts can come from ingredients like kelp and alfalfa, with dogs also synthesizing some themselves.
Most vitamins are synthetic, ensuring consistent dosage, though natural sources like carrots and blueberries offer added benefits. Mixed tocopherols help protect vitamin stability during storage. The formula appears well-rounded. The only potential gap is the absence of direct vitamin K supplementation.
Overall, the vitamin profile is strong and supportive.
Minerals
Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dry Dog Food Review shows that the Adult Salmon Recipe provides essential minerals: zinc, iron, copper, manganese, calcium, potassium, iodine, and selenium.
Chelated forms (zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid chelates) boost absorption. Non-chelated minerals like zinc sulfate and ferrous sulfate are less bioavailable but still usable.
Selenium from sodium selenite works, though selenium yeast would be better for absorption and stability. Overall, the strong mineral profile supports canine health, growth, and immune function.
Ingredient Concerns
The use of salmon meal, chicken meal, and fish meal increases the food’s protein concentration. While meals are nutritionally valuable, their combined placement suggests a focus on protein density.
This isn’t inherently problematic but could dilute the proportion of whole meat like Deboned Salmon.
Oatmeal, barley, and brown rice contribute significant amounts of carbohydrates, making the formula unsuitable for dogs that require a strict low-carbohydrate diet.
This product 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.
Nutrient Analysis
Moisture=10% Max
Method of Analysis | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
→ Guaranteed Analysis | 34% | 15% | 27% | 6% |
→ Dry Matter Basis | 37.8% | 16.7% | 30% | 6.7% |
→ Calorie Content Basis | 34.9% | 37.4% | 27.7% | NA |
Normal dog food typically contains 30–50% carbohydrates, 18–35% protein, and 9–25% fat on a dry matter basis.
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Salmon Recipe however, contains 37.8% protein, 16.7% fat, and approximately 30% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.
This makes it high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates.
Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Salmon Recipe contains 37.8% protein and 16.7% fat on a dry matter basis.
These levels exceed the minimum requirements for adult dog maintenance set by AAFCO and FEDIAF standards, ensuring the food provides sufficient protein and fat to support a dog’s overall health.
Every Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet recipe meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.
AAFCO Statement
“BLUE Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet with Salmon and LifeSource Bits for Adult Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.”
The statement means the recipe’s nutrient levels were tested in a lab but not through actual feeding trials with dogs.
Both methods ensure nutritional adequacy, though feeding trials provide practical validation.
Cost Analysis
Cost Metrics | 4.5-lb bag | 13-lb bag | 24-lb bag | 28-lb bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
→ Cost per Unit | $19.98 | $39.99 | $73.98 | $85.98 |
→ Cost per Pound | $4.44 | $3.08 | $3.08 | $3.07 |
→ Cost per Seving | $1.16 | $0.8 | $0.8 | $0.8 |
The cost metrics table shows that purchasing larger bags of dog food offers significantly better value compared to smaller ones.
The 4.5-lb bag costs $19.98, translating to $4.44 per pound and $1.16 per serving, making it the most expensive option. In contrast, the 13-lb, 24-lb, and 28-lb bags have a much lower and nearly identical cost per pound of around $3.07–$3.08 and a consistent cost per serving of $0.80.
Therefore, for consumers seeking better value and long-term savings, purchasing a 13-lb bag or larger is more economical. Shop now .
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Pros and Cons - Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dry Dog Food Review
Pros
- Real salmon as the main ingredient
- Balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 for skin and coat health (flaxseed, fish oil)
- Contains probiotics for gut health
- Taurine enriched
- Chelated minerals for better absorption
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
- Oatmeal, barley, and brown rice may be unsuitable for dogs on grain-free or low-carb diets
- Presence of multiple meals to boost protein level
- Use of natural flavor
- Presence of Potential pesticide or insecticide residues from plant-based ingredients
- Potential Allergens for Sensitive Dogs
Recalls and Safety
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Our Rating
The Adult Salmon Recipe received a 4.2 out of 5 rating, compared to an average rating of 4.1 for the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet.
Final Verdict of Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dry Dog Food Review
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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