Welcome to our Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Dry Dog Food Review, covering ingredients, nutrition, cost, and quality.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Dry Dog Food Review

By: Samuel James
Published: June 15, 2025
Last Updated: June 15, 2025

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

List of products

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Adult Chicken with Tender Meaty Cuts	4.2	Maintenance
→ Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Adult Salmon with Tender Meaty Cuts	4.3	Maintenance
→ Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Large Breed Adult Chicken with Tender Meaty Cuts	4.5	Maintenance
→ Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Senior Chicken with Tender Meaty Cuts	4.4	Maintenance

This dog food line has 4 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Adult Chicken with Tender Meaty Cuts shows the quality, nutrition, and ingredients 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 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Dry Dog Food Review.

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 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Dry Dog Food Review.

→ 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 with Tender Meaty Cuts 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 Premier Blend Dry Dog Food Review.

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

Vitamins

This dog food includes a complete profile of essential vitamins: A, D3, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and C. The dog’s body may synthesize vitamin K, or it may derive it in small amounts from other ingredients.

Most vitamins are synthetic, ensuring controlled dosing but raising questions about bioavailability compared to natural sources. The use of mixed tocopherols helps preserve vitamin stability during storage.

No major vitamin gaps appear, though the absence of listed vitamin K might be a concern. Overall, the blend supports balanced nutrition with a solid shelf life.

Minerals

This dog food contains all essential minerals, meeting canine nutritional needs. Chelated minerals (Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese Amino Acid Chelates) offer superior bioavailability as the amino acid bonding enhances absorption in the gut.

Non-chelated minerals (like Sulfates, Carbonates, Phosphates, Iodate, Selenite) are common sources but less effectively absorbed. Notably, selenium comes as sodium selenite (inorganic) rather than superior selenium yeast (organic). Selenium yeast offers better absorption.

Overall, the mineral profile is sufficient, and the enhanced bioavailability of key minerals through chelation is a significant strength. This is an important aspect highlighted in this Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Dry Dog Food Review.

Ingredient Concerns

Ingredient splitting can be seen as: Chicken is broken into multiple entries—Deboned Chicken, Dried Chicken, and Chicken Meal. Chicken is also a common allergen and may not be suitable for dogs with a poultry allergy.

The use of chicken meal, salmon meal, beef meal, and fish meal boosts protein concentration. While these meals supply concentrated amino acids, their placement after whole meats on ingredient lists indicates a focus on protein density —something to note if you prefer more whole meat in your dog’s diet.

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

However, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Adult Chicken with Tender Meaty Cuts 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 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Adult Chicken with Tender Meaty Cuts contains 36.7% 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 Premier Blend Recipe 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 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
→ Cost per Unit	$31.22	$64.98	$93.98
→ Cost per Pound	$6.94	$5	$3.92
→ Cost per Serving	$1.81	$1.3	$1.02

The cost analysis of the dog food across different bag sizes shows that the larger the bag, the more cost-effective it becomes.

The 4.5-lb bag, priced at $31.22, has the highest cost per pound at $6.94 and the highest cost per serving at $1.81.

In contrast, the 13-lb bag is more economical at $5.00 per pound and $1.30 per serving. The best value comes from the 24-lb bag, with the lowest cost per pound at $3.92 and the lowest cost per serving at $1.02.

This trend shows that larger bags result in greater savings.

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Pros and Cons - Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Dry Dog Food Review

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
Oatmeal, barley, and brown rice may be unsuitable for dogs on grain‑free or low‑carb diets
Presence of common allergens

Recalls and Safety

Blue Buffalo has recalled its dog food six times over the years.

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Our Rating

The Adult Chicken with Tender Meaty Cuts achieved a 4.2/5 rating, which is comparable to the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend Dry Dog Food Line’s 4.3/5 score.

Final Verdict of Blue Buffalo Wilderness Premier Blend 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.