We’ve always been a fan of healthy dog diets, and Blue Wilderness makes some of the very best available. One of THE most popular Blue Buffalo brands, we thought this line of kibbles deserved its very own set of reviews. Why? Because there’s just so much to love about meat-rich, gluten-free dog food.Of course, we’ll be looking at some puppy options, grain-free formulas, hypoallergenic recipes, and a nice Blue Wilderness Senior Food for those older dogs. With exciting flavors like ‘Beef and Chicken Grill’ and ‘Adult Alligator and Catfish’ to choose from, we’re almost tempted to try them out ourselves…but we’d probably better not!
Quick Review: Top-5 Dog Foods From Blue Wilderness
 | Best Adult Food Blue Buffalo Wilderness HP GF Toy
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| | Best Puppy Food Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe
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| | Best Hypoallergenic Food Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
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| | Best Canned Food Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Puppy Wet
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| | Best Senior Food Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Senior Wet
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Who Is Blue Wilderness?
You can rest assured that Blue Wilderness products are all made by Blue Buffalo. At the time of writing this review, the Blue Wilderness line includes 82 products. All of which take their inspiration from our pet’s very close relatives — wolves! All products are therefore meat-based and rich in protein. But that’s not all; Blue Wilderness has varied and interesting flavors of treats, cans, and kibble for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
If you haven’t already looked at our special page about Blue Buffalo, the company behind Blue Wilderness, we recommend you take a little peek. But otherwise, here are some key background facts:
- Blue Buffalo was started with the idea of creating healthy dog food. How’s that for a good start!;
- Blue Buffalo has been around for more than a decade and was inspired by the founding family’s pet dog, who died early. The family decided to look into making better food for dogs, and started up Blue Buffalo;
- All Blue Buffalo food is manufactured in the USA; and
- The company’s products are developed alongside in-house vets and professional nutritionists.
What’s Special About Blue Wilderness?
So what about the Wilderness brand? What does it offer that’s different from your average supermarket pet food, and how does it compare with other Blue Buffalo products?
There are a few distinguishing features of Blue Wilderness food that, in our opinion, make it a particularly healthy choice for dogs. These are:
- All Blue Wilderness food is made without grains;
- Compared to generic supermarket brands, it uses high-quality ingredients; and
- Blue Wilderness tends to offer higher levels of protein than other Blue Buffalo recipes.
Wet and dry foods aren’t the only categories you’ll find in Blue Wilderness, either, the line has an extensive range of stew, loaf, and tray-style dinners that help you mix things up for your doggy best friend.
Blue Wilderness Dog Food Recalls
The most recent Blue Wilderness dog food recall (to date) occurred in 2017 when Blue Buffalo voluntarily recalled their Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Dinner. The concern related to the potential effects of specific hormones in one batch of cans. Some ‘Trail Trays’ from the Wilderness line were also recalled in the same year as they hadn’t been sealed properly.
Two years earlier, some Wilderness bone chews were taken off the market because of suspected possible contamination with salmonella. This only concerned one particular lot size.
Why the Blue Wilderness Puppy Food Reviews and Blue Wilderness Dog Food Reviews?
Apart from everything we’ve just listed, Blue Wilderness offers a guarantee of:
- No dubious add-ins (by-products or fillers);
- Zero synthetic preservatives;
- All-natural colors; and
- A reliable, trusted reputation.
Let’s have a look!
Our Blue Wilderness Dog Food Reviews
The Blue Wilderness Grain Free Dog Food Reviews
As we’ve mentioned, all Blue Wilderness dog foods are made to be 100% grain- and gluten-free. With such ample choice, therefore, we’ve opted to review the most special-sounding kibbles!
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Bayou Blend High Protein Grain Free
Pros
- Offers a generous 30% protein, part of the reason it’s a suitable ‘All Life Stages’ food;
- Contains DHA, another reason why it’s made for growing pups as well as adults;
- Glucosamine is included, a healthy inclusion for breeds that are susceptible to joint complications;
- Includes probiotics for hassle-free digestion; and
- Bayou catfish for a novel dining experience. Now, how’s that for variety!
Cons
- While it’s certainly full of novel proteins, this recipe still contains chicken.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
Pros
- “Toy-bite” pieces offer an easy and stress-free eating experience;
- They also help reduce the risk of choking for our smaller dogs;
- Chicken and glucosamine-containing chicken meal contribute to a whopping 36% protein;
- Glucosamine offers protection against common joint ailments; and
- At 424 k/Cal per cup, it’s perfect for little dogs with quicker digestive systems.
Cons
- Not really, this blend even includes blueberries and carrots for vitamins!
The Blue Wilderness Puppy Food Reviews
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness HP G Natural Large Breed
Pros
- Certified nutrition for larger-breed pups, so our German Shepherds, Labs, Golden Retrievers, and Pitbulls won’t be getting too much calcium!
- Contains fiber and healthy carbs from nutritious sources, including sweet potato and kelp;
- ARA and DHA are both found within fish oil, which this blend includes;
- Also has the Omega acids that your puppy needs for a silky, shiny coat; and
- Provides him with 35% protein!
Cons
- Unfortunately, pups who are allergic to potato won’t be able to eat this particular recipe.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain
Pros
- Omega acids provide skin protection for your growing pal;
- Offers DHA for vision, to help puppy develop keen eyesight;
- Provides natural Vitamin C from cranberries and blueberries;
- No by-product meals (as with all Blue Wilderness food!); and
- It’s made with manageable bits — small kibble, in other words — to help puppy chew properly!
Cons
- Contains potato.
The Hypoallergenic Blue Wilderness Dog Food Reviews
Blue Wilderness doesn’t technically offer hypoallergenic food as yet, you’ll need to look for a Blue Basics formula (or our giant Hypoallergenic Dog Food Review!) to find sensitive skin and sensitive stomach dog foods. What they do offer, however, is some pretty awesome Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
Pros
- Real boneless salmon’s our very first ingredient;
- Also features menhaden meal, a neat source of Omega acids;
- Glucosamine comes from chicken meal (rather than by-products);
- Provides 15% fat; and
- Includes non-meat proteins like egg and peas.
Cons
- None!
The Blue Wilderness Canned Dog Food Reviews
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness HP GF Natural Puppy Wet Dog Food
Pros
- Delicious turkey’s our starring ingredient — a lean protein that’s commonly thought of as a superfood thanks to its B12, B6, and zinc content;
- Flaxseed has been included, a lovely source of Omega acids;
- This loaf-style canned dinner is naturally preserved;
- Provides your pup with DHA-rich fish oil; and
- The tantalizing flavor comes from delicious chicken broth.
Cons
- If we’re really going to nit-pick at this otherwise delicious, wholesome blend, there are no leafy vegetables in here. But otherwise, it’s pretty awesome!
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness HP GF Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
Pros
- It’s deliciously meaty without any by-products;
- Totally skips all the grains, including the all-too-common wheat and corn;
- Suitable for all stages of the doggy life cycle;
- All-natural preserving agents are used, such as guar gum; and
- Supplemented with all those essential vitamins, including B vitamins for Bounce!
Cons
- None to be found here!
Blue Wilderness Senior Dog Food Review
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness HP GF Natural Senior Wet Dog Food
Pros
- Turkey, peas, and chicken all come together to provide your senior dog with 8% protein;
- Older dogs with some missing teeth or weaker jaws will have no difficulty eating this;
- Real turkey’s the top ingredient;
- Includes iron supplements to reduce the risks of anemia; and
- At 437 k/Cal per can, it gives your older dog enough energy to stay active and healthy.
Cons
- None to be found!
FAQ
What do veterinary professionals think of Blue Buffalo Wilderness?
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is considered one of the top of the line brands on the market. With having quality protein options and natural ingredients, it is one of the best diets available in stores. Since their diets are so high in protein, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a wonderful option for growing puppies and active adults. This is also a great diet option for underweight canines that need to build lean muscle mass. If your furry friend falls into any of these categories, your vet may even recommend this diet!
Why is there rosemary oil in my dog’s food?
We’re probably used to seeing rosemary in sprig form, on our roast chicken or turkeys. In dog food, rosemary actually plays a role as a natural preserving agent. The herb is sometimes used in extract form rather than oil form, and often replaces synthetic agents such as BHA. It contains free radical-fighting antioxidants, and AAFCO-approved dog food will usually have only a small amount of it. Some dogs have been known to react badly to rosemary, so always consult your vet if you have concerns about your pet’s health.
Why am I seeing more and more ‘exotic’ ingredients in dog food?
As you’ll see in our Blue Wilderness dog food reviews, ingredients like alligator and bison are starting to become slightly more common. Undeniably, there is competition between manufacturers, with unique offerings being one way to stand out. However, there are some dietary reasons behind why owners might choose to buy dog food with novel or ‘exciting’ ingredients.
One main reason is that mixing up protein ingredients can help to reduce your dog’s risk of overexposure to any one meat or animal. Our pets tend not to get as much variety as we do, and over the long-term, some can develop intolerances to very common meats — chicken and beef are two examples. So-called ‘exotic’ foods are simply one way to reduce the risk of overexposure to certain foods. However, we always advise that you go straight to get a vet’s advice if you suspect allergies may be a concern.
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When our Staffie was about eight years old she started walking around the house a lot less. When she did, she would hobble a little weirdly so we took her to the vet, who diagnosed her with hip dysplasia. He recommended we include more glucosamine in her diet but we’re not big on supplements so our vet suggested we try that exact Blue Wilderness senior food.
We haven’t seen any deterioration since we transitioned her to it and she seems to like the taste a lot. It’s a relief because before she was getting worse and worse but now that’s at least slowed considerably. Good brand, consistent quality – I recommend that Blue Wilderness dog food in particular for older dogs.
Kendra, we had a pretty similar issue with our Chowsky but sadly it started pretty early when he was only three. Luckily we were able to get him to his vet and he also said glucosamine tablets were the way to go.
Turns out Heston would not even swallow the chewable tablets, no matter how we tried to hide them. We even covered some with peanut butter but no luck. However, he will eat the same Blue Wilderness formula you mentioned and his walking is much better. A real lifesaver!
I’m thinking about changing my puppy (Yorkshire Terrier) to something other than his current Blue Buffalo puppy food in a few weeks. He is 6 months now and appears to like it but I want to try something without any gluten. Is Blue Wilderness a good dog food? If so which one is best for a Yorkshire Terrier?
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your question! We are big, big fans of Blue Wilderness, and we consider it a very competitive balance of healthy ingredients and friendly pricing! If you are looking for a small breed dog food that is gluten-free, and your Yorkie puppy is already fond of Blue Buffalo, we reckon he’ll love the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free blend (#2 just above).
It is designed for easy eating, with small kibble pieces for little mouths and jaws. It’s also high in protein and healthy fats, an optimal nutrient profile for the fast metabolism of your smaller pooch. We know from first-hand experience that Yorkies love the flavor, too!
Helen/GPF Team
Hey, Julie, I could not recommend Blue Wilderness more highly, honestly. I have been through them all with my dogs over the years – I mean, big and small dogs, brands like Eagle Pack, TOTW, Hill’s, Beneful, you name it. There are cheaper foods, yes, but Blue Wilderness makes great quality kibble and you can absolutely find something for a small dog like your Yorkie. Try the second one, the high protein recipe, my last Poodle loved that.
I read about the Blue Wilderness dog food recall a couple of years ago because I am always going into the FDA website (I’m a very protective dog mom!). Nice to see it written here, I enjoy being able to see everything about a brand in one place and it saves me time.