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35% OFF
Blue Buffalo &
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Blue Buffalo &
Holistic Select
First Auto-Ship w/ Code: PAWDIET20
15% OFF
Blue Buffalo
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Blue Buffalo vs. Holistic Select
In this comparison article for Blue Buffalo vs Holistic Select, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Blue Buffalo and Holistic Select, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Holistic Select vs Blue Buffalo comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Blue Buffalo Review Page or Holistic Select Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Holistic Select vs. Blue Buffalo
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food vs. Holistic Select Dog Food
| Dry Dog Food | Blue Buffalo | Holistic Select |
| Crude Protein | 29.5% | 31.4% |
| Crude Fat | 15.3% | 15.9% |
| Crude Fiber | 6.8% | 5.8% |
| Wet/Canned Dog Food | Blue Buffalo | Holistic Select |
| Crude Protein | 40.0% | 54.5% |
| Crude Fat | 26.2% | 27.3% |
| Crude Fiber | 7.4% | 4.5% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.
As you can see, Blue Buffalo and Holistic Select guarantee a similar amount of crude protein. For wet dog foods, Holistic Select provides significantly more protein (about 14.51% more).
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Like protein, fats are an essential part of a dog's body. Fats are needed for the proper development and function of the canine body.
Blue Buffalo and Holistic Select both provide roughly the same amount of crude fat. With regards to wet dog food, Holistic Select and Blue Buffalo also provide roughly the same amount of crude fat.
There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude fiber content of the two brands. For wet dog foods, Blue Buffalo typically provides a little more fiber (about 2.85% more).
Blue Buffalo Cat Food vs. Holistic Select Cat Food
| Dry Cat Food | Blue Buffalo | Holistic Select |
| Crude Protein | 37.5% | 37.0% |
| Crude Fat | 16.8% | 18.1% |
| Crude Fiber | 6.2% | 4.3% |
| Wet/Canned Cat Food | Blue Buffalo | Holistic Select |
| Crude Protein | 45.8% | 47.3% |
| Crude Fat | 24.3% | 30% |
| Crude Fiber | 8.1% | 4.5% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food
Cats require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Eleven of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining eleven are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these eleven essential amino acids.
Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude protein. With regards to wet cat food, Holistic Select and Blue Buffalo also provide roughly the same amount of crude protein.
Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food
There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):
- Help transport nutrients across cell membranes
- Fats produce metabolites, which help control inflammation
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
- Slow the growth of yeast infections
- Fats improve the taste/texture of food.
Blue Buffalo Pet Food Ingredients vs. Holistic Select Pet Food Ingredients
Blue Buffalo and Holistic Select both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Blue Buffalo.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Holistic Select.
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Blue Buffalo.
Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Holistic Select.
Product Safety: Recall History of Blue Buffalo & Holistic Select?
Blue Buffalo has been recalled 9 times.
- Nov. 25, 2015: Salmonella
- Nov. 6, 2015: Presence of Propylene Glycol
- May 31, 2016: Mold
- March 18, 2017: elevated beef throid hormone
- Feb. 14, 2017: presence of aluminum
- March 3, 2017: Foil Seal Packaging Problem
- Oct. 8, 2010: toxic levels of vitamin D
- April 19, 2007: Melamine
- April 26, 2007: Melamine
According to our records, Holistic Select has never been recalled.
Price Comparison: Which Brand Is More Expensive?
| Dry Dog Food | Blue Buffalo | Holistic Select |
| Per Pound | $3.42 | $3.33 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0021 | $0.0020 |
| Wet Dog Food | Blue Buffalo | Holistic Select |
| Per Pound | $5.09 | $4.87 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0100 | $0.0086 |
The average cost-per-lb is heavily influenced by the varying amounts of moisture present in each brand's food products (wet vs. dry food, dry vs. freeze-dried food, etc). However, the average cost-per-kcal eliminates the influence of moisture. Therefore, the average cost-per-kcal is the better metric to consider.
If you'd like to calculate the average cost-per-day or cost-pet-year of feeding Blue Buffalo or Holistic Select, input your pet's weight into our cost analyzer widget.
Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference between two brands. However, the actual price that you'll pay for Blue Buffalo or Holistic Select will depend on your shopping habits.
Pet owners who use our price comparison feature typically save more than 25% off retail prices for Blue Buffalo and Holistic Select. In addition, we currently have some great coupons for our readers.
- 20% Off First Auto-Ship @ PetFlow (Use Code PAWDIET20)
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- 15% Off The Entire Site @ OnlyNaturalPet (Use Code AFPAWDIET)
Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!
Where To Buy Blue Buffalo Pet Foods
You can purchase Blue Buffalo pet foods from the following stores:
Where To Buy Holistic Select Pet Foods
You can purchase Holistic Select pet food products from these retailers:
Type Of Pet Foods Available
| Product | Blue Buffalo | Holistic Select |
| Dry Dog Food | 93 Recipes | 16 Recipes |
| Wet Dog Food | 94 Recipes | 3 Recipes |
| Dog Treats | 50 Treats | None |
| Dry Cat Food | 42 Recipes | 3 Recipes |
| Wet Cat Food | 59 Recipes | 5 Recipes |
| Cat Treats | 16 Treats | None |
Top Rated Blue Buffalo Recipes
Top Rated Holistic Select Recipes
