Welcome to our review of Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dog Food.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Dog Food Review

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List of products

Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Salmon Recipe for Puppies	4	Growth
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Puppy Chicken	4	Growth
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Puppy Grain-Free Chicken Recipe	4.1	Growth
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Large Breed Puppy Chicken	4.1	Growth
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Adult Chicken	4.6	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Adult Duck	4.6	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Adult Salmon	4.6	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Adult Healthy Weight Chicken	4.4	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Adult Dog Grain-Free Chicken Recipe	4.5	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Adult Dog Grain-Free Salmon Recipe	4.5	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Adult Small Bite Chicken	4.4	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Small Breed Adult Chicken	4.5	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Large Breed Adult Chicken	4.6	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Large Breed Adult Salmon	4.5	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Adult Large Breed Healthy Weight Chicken	4.6	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Senior Chicken	4.3	Maintenance
→ Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Senior Dog Salmon Recipe	4.4	Maintenance

This dog food line has 17 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Salmon Recipe shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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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, 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 review of Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dog Food.

Primary Ingredients

→ Deboned salmon, known for its rich protein and omega-3 fatty acid content, supports healthy skin and a shiny coat.
It is the primary source of protein in many high-quality dog foods.

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 Nature’s Evolutionary Diet 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 the fish species and its 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 Nature’s Evolutionary Diet 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 Dog Food.

Nutrient Sources - Nature's Evolutionary Diet Dog Food

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, Dried Tomato Pomace, Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Sweet Potatoes, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast
Fat	Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat, Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Dried Yeast
Carbohydrate	Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, Dried Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast
Fiber	Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, 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 all essential vitamins, including synthetic A, D3, E, and a full B-complex. Vitamin C is included as a stable source. Vitamin K is absent, but dogs can synthesize it and may also obtain small amounts from ingredients such as alfalfa.

The synthetic vitamins and natural preservatives, including mixed tocopherols, ensure good shelf-life stability. Overall, the formula appears well-rounded.

Minerals

The Adult Salmon Recipe provides essential minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, manganese, calcium, potassium, iodine, and selenium.

Chelated forms (zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid chelates) improve absorption. Non-chelated minerals like zinc sulfate and ferrous sulfate are less bioavailable but still usable.

Selenium from sodium selenite is effective, although selenium yeast would offer better absorption and stability. Overall, the strong mineral profile supports canine health, growth, and immune function.

Ingredient Concerns

The primary issue lies in the protein sources. Although “Deboned Salmon” is listed first, the significant presence of multiple rendered meat meals (salmon meal, chicken meal, and fish meal) suggests the formula relies heavily on these concentrated, pre-cooked powders to boost its protein percentage. Some dogs may also be allergic to these protein sources.

The inclusion of vague components like “natural flavor” is another concern, as it does not specify the source and may hide low-value ingredients or potential allergens.

Additionally, the recipe contains grains such as oatmeal, barley, and brown rice, which may be unsuitable for dogs with grain sensitivities.

This product also uses sodium selenite, an inorganic form of selenium. While it is cost-effective, it is less bioavailable and carries higher toxicity risks compared to selenium yeast.

This 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	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 (18-35)% protein, (30–50)% carbohydrates and (9–25)% fat on a dry matter basis.

However, Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Salmon Recipe contains 37.8% protein, 16.7% fat, and approximately 30.0% 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 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 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 Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dog Food line 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 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	13-lb bag	24-lb bag	28-lb bag
→ Cost per Unit	$21.98	$50.99	$76.98	$85.97
→ Cost per Pound	$4.88	$3.92	$3.21	$3.07
→ Cost per Serving	$1.27	$1.02	$0.84	$0.80

The cost analysis of Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dog Food shows a clear economies-of-scale principle, where larger bags offer significant long-term savings.

While the 28-lb bag has the highest upfront cost, it provides the lowest cost per pound ($3.07) and per serving ($0.80).

The smaller 4.5-lb bag is more manageable and less expensive initially but costs over 58% more per pound.

For dedicated feeders, the 28-lb bag of Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dog Food provides the best overall value, maximizing savings per serving despite its larger initial investment.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off (up to $20) on your first order. For a 28-lb bag, the cost is $85.97, but on Autoship, it drops to $65.97, saving $20.

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

Pros and Cons - Nature's Evolutionary Diet Dog Food

Pros

Real deboned salmon as the first ingredient
High protein content for strong muscle development
Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
Free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives
No chicken or poultry by-product meals

Cons

Contains chicken meal, which can cause allergic reactions in dogs sensitive to chicken
Generic “fish meal” ingredient
Ingredient splitting can be seen
Includes tomato pomace, often seen as a filler
Unspecified “natural flavor”

Recalls and Safety

As of Dec 2, 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 Salmon Recipe at 4.6 out of 5, while the Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.39 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.