There are dozens of different dog foods in the marketplace today. And whether you have a completely healthy dog or one that has dietary restrictions due to allergies or sensitivities, it’s best to know which options may be best for your pup. Some dogs respond better to dry foods, while others may respond better to wet dog meals. And there are two dog brands specifically that tend to stand out in the marketplace: Iams and Blue Buffalo. In this article, we’re going to cover these brands and compare them to help you decide which one is beneficial for your dog. A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Blue Buffalo
Check Latest PriceThe clear winner in this dog food competition is Blue Buffalo. The brand simply offers better products. While they definitely aren’t the biggest dog food brand on the market. It has significantly more market saturation than Iams, and its products are inclusive of dogs that are older or suffering from health conditions.
About Iams
A product of Procter and Gamble, Iams dog food products surprisingly hit the scene way back in 1946. The brand was named after an animal nutritionist, the company’s founder, Paul Iams. Since then, the company has been led by veterinarians and nutritionists to provide healthy pet food formulas and healthy food options for both dogs and cats. Iams offers both wet and dry food options and operates in Ohio–the state in which it was founded. They have affordable prices and are a great option for dog owners on a budget or who need simple meals for their pets. Pros
Prices are less expensive
Multiple retail locations
Caters to different breed sizes
Offers wet and dry products
Cons
Few flavor options
Ingredients aren’t all-natural
Few specialized diet meal options
About Blue Buffalo The Blue Buffalo pet food brand originated just 20 years ago, which is not long compared to other notable dog Brands. However, they’ve managed to take a sizable share of the marketplace in their two decades of operation. They offer dry and wet meal plans for both cats and dogs, and their number of dietary supportive meals is more than notable. Blue Buffalo’s approach to creating pet food is one that’s holistic and aimed at optimal nutrition. This brand is an ideal pet food option for owners who want to find sustainable, whole foods, and all-natural ingredients for their pets. The company is based in Wilton, Connecticut, and they also have facilities in four other states, including one in California. So, if you’re a dog owner with a pup that has allergy symptoms, GI problems, food sensitivities, or other health issues, this brand may be best for providing you with more specialized dietary options. Pros
Whole foods/natural Ingredients
Specialized formulas
Variety of flavors
Affordable
Caters to various breeds and ages
Cons
Not available on brand’s site
Notable product recalls
3 Most Popular Iams Dog Food Recipes
- Iams Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food
Check Latest PriceHere is a great meal to give your pup in the afternoon or in the evening as a quick snack. It’s made from high-quality chicken protein to help encourage muscle growth and strength. It’s also full of powerful antioxidants that provide great immune support. This specific meal contains prebiotics and a specialized blend of fiber to help keep your dog regular and promote good health. It’s made with farm-raised chicken and the size of the Kibbles or smaller, which is helpful for puppies and dogs with chewing issues. Pros
Premium source chicken
Contains antioxidants
Has prebiotics and fiber
Cons
Limited flavors
Serving size of small
- Iams ProActive Health Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Check Latest PriceThis dry dog food was formulated for adult dogs specifically and is packed full of protein-rich chicken. It also contains L-Carnitine to help support a healthy immune system. This recipe contains natural prebiotics and a substantial amount of fiber to support regularity and is easy digestion. If you have a dog suffering from weight issues, this mail can help to support weight management, as it has less than 17% fat. The chicken and eggs sourced for this meal help to support muscle growth and bone integrity. Pros
Supports overweight dogs
Has fiber and prebiotics
Contains L-Carnitine
Premium-quality chicken
Cons
Limited flavor options
Pricey
- Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Check Latest PriceThis specific puppy food is perfect for large breeds. It contains premium sourced protein and features 22 key nutrients that can help your pup develop strong bones and muscles. It also includes omega-3 to help with brain development and cognition. All chicken in this meal is farm-raised and sufficient enough to fulfill daily protein requirements. This formula was designed to support large breeds, but it’s also suitable for medium-sized breeds as well. Pros
Has omega-3 fatty acids
Premium-sourced chicken
Contains 22 key nutrients
Cons
Few flavor options
No small breed version
3 Most Popular Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recipes
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables & Brown Rice Canned Dog Food
Check Latest PriceBlue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe is one of the most popular items on Chewy.com it gets real reviews and is one of the best food options for your dog. It’s made from natural ingredients, has high-quality protein coming, and also includes garden fruits and veggies. If you’re looking for a satiating meal that provides your dog with essential minerals and vitamins, this is it. It’s created to support lean muscle mass and it’s perfect for the growing pup or adult dog. You’ll be happy to know that this product is also free of soy, wheat, corn, and artificial flavors and preservatives. These cans can be bought individually or in a 12-pack case. Pros
High-quality protein
Packed with nutrients
Excellent serving size
Cons
Few flavor options
Pricier than dried food
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Check Latest PriceHere is a meal that has high-quality protein and beneficial omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. If you’re looking for a formula that can help improve your dog’s skin and coat as well as supply its daily protein needs, look no further. This formula contains several antioxidants, vitamins, and chelated minerals for optimal nutrition. It’s also free of chicken by-products, soy, corn, and wheat. So if your dog needs a little immune support or has a sensitive stomach, this meal recipe may help. This all-natural formula is a kibble meal that helps to promote tartar removal. Pros
Have antioxidants and minerals
Easy to prepare
Free of by-products and preservatives
Rich in protein
Cons
Pricier
Limited flavor options
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Stew Hearty Beef Stew Grain-Free Adult Canned
Check Latest PriceThis hearty beef stew is perfect for growing dogs and larger breeds. It is packed full of beef protein and is irresistibly tasty. It’s also gluten-free and contains natural grains as healthy carbohydrates. It’s packed in a tasty gravy and it’s full of vegetables and fruits so that your dog has a daily supply of minerals and vitamins. This formula was made to promote a healthy lifestyle and advanced muscle growth. So if your dog is lacking in protein, or seemingly growing at the speed of light, here is a meal to consider. Also free of artificial flavors, soy, corn, wheat, and preservatives. Pros
Quality beef protein
Popular flavor
Has antioxidants and nutrients
For all breeds
Cons
Pricier than other products
Portions are large
Recall History of Iams and Blue Buffalo Iams has only had two product recalls: one in 2010 and another in 2010. Both recalls were due to potential Salmonella contamination. Blue Buffalo has had six product recalls from 2010-2017, also due to issues with salmonella. Other issues included low propylene, mold, melamine, and excessive vitamin D.
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Iams Dog Food Vs Blue Buffalo Comparison Taste It seems that Blue Buffalo takes the lead when it comes to flavor options. Their beef stew and chicken rice meals are best-selling items on Chewy.com, and they have more flavors to offer overall. Nutritional Value It seems that these brands’ products actually have similar nutritional values. For many Iams products, 10-17% protein, 2% fat, and roughly 81% moisture seem to be the norm for wet meals. And Blue Buffalo’s wet food options are about the same. Their dry food options are roughly the same and nutritional content, with the exception that they have less moisture. So, it looks like the nutritional content wouldn’t be significant if you have a dog breed that is less active or sedentary. However, being that Blue Buffalo has a lot of high-protein meals, this may be ideal if you have a dog that is very active or larger.
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A post shared by Blue Buffalo (@bluebuffalo)
Price Surprisingly, these food brands don’t have huge differences when it comes to pricing, but there are some differences here. And this goes for both wet and dry meal options. A 24-lb bag of dry food from Blue Buffalo is about $50, while Iams has 24-lb bags for $34. A 12-pack of Iams wet food is currently $18 on Chewy, while a 12-pack of wet food from Blue Buffalo hovers around $18 to $20 on average. Keep in mind that Blue Buffalo also has more specialized dog food options, which can also raise their costs. Selection Blue Buffalo definitely has more food flavor options and dog products than Iams. The brand also has more food catering to dietary restrictions or specific health conditions. Iams offers 13 different dry food options at the moment.
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Overall As you may guess, Blue Buffalo seems to be the better option here–toe for toe. They have more offerings, a bigger market presence, and they cater to dietary restrictions. However, if you’re on a budget, or don’t care about flavor variety (granted your pup isn’t a picky eater), Iams is a good brand to consider. They are known in the pack community and have quality products to offer. Conclusion It’s Blue Buffalo for the win in this race. They have more products, more flavors, and include more specialized meal options in their product lineup. And the good thing is that they aren’t the priciest brand on the market, though they may be a bit pricier than Iams. They may be the better brand if you have a dog with an active lifestyle or health issues. But if your dog is healthy and here on a budget, Iams can fulfill the task of providing you with a good list of dog food products–granted it’s a limited list. Their wet and dry ingredient list is just enough to keep your pup full and give it the nutrition that it needs. Sources
https://bluebuffalo.com/ https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food https://www.chewy.com/
There are dozens of different dog foods in the marketplace today. And whether you have a completely healthy dog or one that has dietary restrictions due to allergies or sensitivities, it’s best to know which options may be best for your pup.
Some dogs respond better to dry foods, while others may respond better to wet dog meals. And there are two dog brands specifically that tend to stand out in the marketplace: Iams and Blue Buffalo. In this article, we’re going to cover these brands and compare them to help you decide which one is beneficial for your dog.
A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Blue Buffalo
Check Latest PriceThe clear winner in this dog food competition is Blue Buffalo. The brand simply offers better products. While they definitely aren’t the biggest dog food brand on the market. It has significantly more market saturation than Iams, and its products are inclusive of dogs that are older or suffering from health conditions.
About Iams
Check Latest Price
The clear winner in this dog food competition is Blue Buffalo. The brand simply offers better products. While they definitely aren’t the biggest dog food brand on the market. It has significantly more market saturation than Iams, and its products are inclusive of dogs that are older or suffering from health conditions.
A product of Procter and Gamble, Iams dog food products surprisingly hit the scene way back in 1946. The brand was named after an animal nutritionist, the company’s founder, Paul Iams.
Since then, the company has been led by veterinarians and nutritionists to provide healthy pet food formulas and healthy food options for both dogs and cats. Iams offers both wet and dry food options and operates in Ohio–the state in which it was founded. They have affordable prices and are a great option for dog owners on a budget or who need simple meals for their pets.
Pros
Prices are less expensive
Multiple retail locations
Caters to different breed sizes
Offers wet and dry products
Cons
Few flavor options
Ingredients aren’t all-natural
Few specialized diet meal options
About Blue Buffalo
The Blue Buffalo pet food brand originated just 20 years ago, which is not long compared to other notable dog Brands. However, they’ve managed to take a sizable share of the marketplace in their two decades of operation. They offer dry and wet meal plans for both cats and dogs, and their number of dietary supportive meals is more than notable.
Prices are less expensive
Multiple retail locations
Caters to different breed sizes
Offers wet and dry products
- Prices are less expensive
- Multiple retail locations
- Caters to different breed sizes
- Offers wet and dry products
Few flavor options
Ingredients aren’t all-natural
Few specialized diet meal options
- Few flavor options
- Ingredients aren’t all-natural
- Few specialized diet meal options
Blue Buffalo’s approach to creating pet food is one that’s holistic and aimed at optimal nutrition. This brand is an ideal pet food option for owners who want to find sustainable, whole foods, and all-natural ingredients for their pets.
The company is based in Wilton, Connecticut, and they also have facilities in four other states, including one in California. So, if you’re a dog owner with a pup that has allergy symptoms, GI problems, food sensitivities, or other health issues, this brand may be best for providing you with more specialized dietary options.
Pros
Whole foods/natural Ingredients
Specialized formulas
Variety of flavors
Affordable
Caters to various breeds and ages
Cons
Not available on brand’s site
Notable product recalls
3 Most Popular Iams Dog Food Recipes
- Iams Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food
Check Latest PriceHere is a great meal to give your pup in the afternoon or in the evening as a quick snack. It’s made from high-quality chicken protein to help encourage muscle growth and strength. It’s also full of powerful antioxidants that provide great immune support.
This specific meal contains prebiotics and a specialized blend of fiber to help keep your dog regular and promote good health. It’s made with farm-raised chicken and the size of the Kibbles or smaller, which is helpful for puppies and dogs with chewing issues.
Whole foods/natural Ingredients
Specialized formulas
Variety of flavors
Affordable
Caters to various breeds and ages
- Whole foods/natural Ingredients
- Specialized formulas
- Variety of flavors
- Affordable
- Caters to various breeds and ages
Not available on brand’s site
Notable product recalls
- Not available on brand’s site
- Notable product recalls
Here is a great meal to give your pup in the afternoon or in the evening as a quick snack. It’s made from high-quality chicken protein to help encourage muscle growth and strength. It’s also full of powerful antioxidants that provide great immune support.
Pros
Premium source chicken
Contains antioxidants
Has prebiotics and fiber
Cons
Limited flavors
Serving size of small
- Iams ProActive Health Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Check Latest PriceThis dry dog food was formulated for adult dogs specifically and is packed full of protein-rich chicken. It also contains L-Carnitine to help support a healthy immune system. This recipe contains natural prebiotics and a substantial amount of fiber to support regularity and is easy digestion.
If you have a dog suffering from weight issues, this mail can help to support weight management, as it has less than 17% fat. The chicken and eggs sourced for this meal help to support muscle growth and bone integrity.
Premium source chicken
Contains antioxidants
Has prebiotics and fiber
- Premium source chicken
- Contains antioxidants
- Has prebiotics and fiber
Limited flavors
Serving size of small
- Limited flavors
- Serving size of small
This dry dog food was formulated for adult dogs specifically and is packed full of protein-rich chicken. It also contains L-Carnitine to help support a healthy immune system. This recipe contains natural prebiotics and a substantial amount of fiber to support regularity and is easy digestion.
Pros
Supports overweight dogs
Has fiber and prebiotics
Contains L-Carnitine
Premium-quality chicken
Cons
Limited flavor options
Pricey
- Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Check Latest PriceThis specific puppy food is perfect for large breeds. It contains premium sourced protein and features 22 key nutrients that can help your pup develop strong bones and muscles. It also includes omega-3 to help with brain development and cognition.
All chicken in this meal is farm-raised and sufficient enough to fulfill daily protein requirements. This formula was designed to support large breeds, but it’s also suitable for medium-sized breeds as well.
Supports overweight dogs
Has fiber and prebiotics
Contains L-Carnitine
Premium-quality chicken
- Supports overweight dogs
- Has fiber and prebiotics
- Contains L-Carnitine
- Premium-quality chicken
Limited flavor options
Pricey
- Limited flavor options
- Pricey
This specific puppy food is perfect for large breeds. It contains premium sourced protein and features 22 key nutrients that can help your pup develop strong bones and muscles. It also includes omega-3 to help with brain development and cognition.
Pros
Has omega-3 fatty acids
Premium-sourced chicken
Contains 22 key nutrients
Cons
Few flavor options
No small breed version
3 Most Popular Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recipes
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables & Brown Rice Canned Dog Food
Check Latest PriceBlue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe is one of the most popular items on Chewy.com it gets real reviews and is one of the best food options for your dog. It’s made from natural ingredients, has high-quality protein coming, and also includes garden fruits and veggies.
If you’re looking for a satiating meal that provides your dog with essential minerals and vitamins, this is it. It’s created to support lean muscle mass and it’s perfect for the growing pup or adult dog. You’ll be happy to know that this product is also free of soy, wheat, corn, and artificial flavors and preservatives. These cans can be bought individually or in a 12-pack case.
Has omega-3 fatty acids
Premium-sourced chicken
Contains 22 key nutrients
- Has omega-3 fatty acids
- Premium-sourced chicken
- Contains 22 key nutrients
Few flavor options
No small breed version
- Few flavor options
- No small breed version
Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe is one of the most popular items on Chewy.com it gets real reviews and is one of the best food options for your dog. It’s made from natural ingredients, has high-quality protein coming, and also includes garden fruits and veggies.
Pros
High-quality protein
Packed with nutrients
Excellent serving size
Cons
Few flavor options
Pricier than dried food
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Check Latest PriceHere is a meal that has high-quality protein and beneficial omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. If you’re looking for a formula that can help improve your dog’s skin and coat as well as supply its daily protein needs, look no further.
This formula contains several antioxidants, vitamins, and chelated minerals for optimal nutrition. It’s also free of chicken by-products, soy, corn, and wheat. So if your dog needs a little immune support or has a sensitive stomach, this meal recipe may help. This all-natural formula is a kibble meal that helps to promote tartar removal.
High-quality protein
Packed with nutrients
Excellent serving size
- High-quality protein
- Packed with nutrients
- Excellent serving size
Few flavor options
Pricier than dried food
- Few flavor options
- Pricier than dried food
Here is a meal that has high-quality protein and beneficial omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. If you’re looking for a formula that can help improve your dog’s skin and coat as well as supply its daily protein needs, look no further.
Pros
Have antioxidants and minerals
Easy to prepare
Free of by-products and preservatives
Rich in protein
Cons
Pricier
Limited flavor options
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Stew Hearty Beef Stew Grain-Free Adult Canned
Check Latest PriceThis hearty beef stew is perfect for growing dogs and larger breeds. It is packed full of beef protein and is irresistibly tasty. It’s also gluten-free and contains natural grains as healthy carbohydrates. It’s packed in a tasty gravy and it’s full of vegetables and fruits so that your dog has a daily supply of minerals and vitamins.
This formula was made to promote a healthy lifestyle and advanced muscle growth. So if your dog is lacking in protein, or seemingly growing at the speed of light, here is a meal to consider. Also free of artificial flavors, soy, corn, wheat, and preservatives.
Have antioxidants and minerals
Easy to prepare
Free of by-products and preservatives
Rich in protein
- Have antioxidants and minerals
- Easy to prepare
- Free of by-products and preservatives
- Rich in protein
Pricier
Limited flavor options
- Pricier
- Limited flavor options
This hearty beef stew is perfect for growing dogs and larger breeds. It is packed full of beef protein and is irresistibly tasty. It’s also gluten-free and contains natural grains as healthy carbohydrates. It’s packed in a tasty gravy and it’s full of vegetables and fruits so that your dog has a daily supply of minerals and vitamins.
Pros
Quality beef protein
Popular flavor
Has antioxidants and nutrients
For all breeds
Cons
Pricier than other products
Portions are large
Recall History of Iams and Blue Buffalo
Iams has only had two product recalls: one in 2010 and another in 2010. Both recalls were due to potential Salmonella contamination.
Quality beef protein
Popular flavor
Has antioxidants and nutrients
For all breeds
- Quality beef protein
- Popular flavor
- Has antioxidants and nutrients
- For all breeds
Pricier than other products
Portions are large
- Pricier than other products
- Portions are large
Blue Buffalo has had six product recalls from 2010-2017, also due to issues with salmonella. Other issues included low propylene, mold, melamine, and excessive vitamin D.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Blue Buffalo (@bluebuffalo)
Iams Dog Food Vs Blue Buffalo Comparison
Taste
It seems that Blue Buffalo takes the lead when it comes to flavor options. Their beef stew and chicken rice meals are best-selling items on Chewy.com, and they have more flavors to offer overall.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Blue Buffalo (@bluebuffalo)
A post shared by Blue Buffalo (@bluebuffalo)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Nutritional Value
It seems that these brands’ products actually have similar nutritional values. For many Iams products, 10-17% protein, 2% fat, and roughly 81% moisture seem to be the norm for wet meals. And Blue Buffalo’s wet food options are about the same.
Their dry food options are roughly the same and nutritional content, with the exception that they have less moisture. So, it looks like the nutritional content wouldn’t be significant if you have a dog breed that is less active or sedentary. However, being that Blue Buffalo has a lot of high-protein meals, this may be ideal if you have a dog that is very active or larger.
Price
Surprisingly, these food brands don’t have huge differences when it comes to pricing, but there are some differences here. And this goes for both wet and dry meal options. A 24-lb bag of dry food from Blue Buffalo is about $50, while Iams has 24-lb bags for $34.
A 12-pack of Iams wet food is currently $18 on Chewy, while a 12-pack of wet food from Blue Buffalo hovers around $18 to $20 on average. Keep in mind that Blue Buffalo also has more specialized dog food options, which can also raise their costs.
Selection
Blue Buffalo definitely has more food flavor options and dog products than Iams. The brand also has more food catering to dietary restrictions or specific health conditions. Iams offers 13 different dry food options at the moment.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @schistkovamanuela
Overall
As you may guess, Blue Buffalo seems to be the better option here–toe for toe. They have more offerings, a bigger market presence, and they cater to dietary restrictions. However, if you’re on a budget, or don’t care about flavor variety (granted your pup isn’t a picky eater), Iams is a good brand to consider. They are known in the pack community and have quality products to offer.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @schistkovamanuela
A post shared by @schistkovamanuela
Conclusion
It’s Blue Buffalo for the win in this race. They have more products, more flavors, and include more specialized meal options in their product lineup. And the good thing is that they aren’t the priciest brand on the market, though they may be a bit pricier than Iams.
They may be the better brand if you have a dog with an active lifestyle or health issues. But if your dog is healthy and here on a budget, Iams can fulfill the task of providing you with a good list of dog food products–granted it’s a limited list. Their wet and dry ingredient list is just enough to keep your pup full and give it the nutrition that it needs.
Sources
https://bluebuffalo.com/ https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food https://www.chewy.com/
Sources
https://bluebuffalo.com/ https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food https://www.chewy.com/
