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Blue Buffalo vs Kirkland Signature

Blue Buffalo vs. Kirkland Signature

In this comparison article for Blue Buffalo vs Kirkland Signature, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Blue Buffalo and Kirkland Signature, 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 Kirkland Signature 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 Kirkland Signature Review Page.

Guaranteed Analysis: Kirkland Signature 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. Kirkland Signature Dog Food

Dry Dog FoodBlue BuffaloKirkland Signature
Crude Protein29.5%27.5%
Crude Fat15.3%15.3%
Crude Fiber6.8%5.4%
Wet/Canned Dog FoodBlue BuffaloKirkland Signature
Crude Protein40.0%44.4%
Crude Fat26.2%27.8%
Crude Fiber7.4%5.6%

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, Kirkland Signature and Blue Buffalo guarantee a similar amount of crude protein. For wet dog foods, Kirkland Signature provides more protein (about 4.41% 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.

Kirkland Signature and Blue Buffalo both provide roughly the same amount of crude fat. With regards to wet dog food, Kirkland Signature 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. With regards to wet dog food, Blue Buffalo and Kirkland Signature also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.

Blue Buffalo Cat Food vs. Kirkland Signature Cat Food

Dry Cat FoodBlue BuffaloKirkland Signature
Crude Protein37.5%34.8%
Crude Fat16.8%15.9%
Crude Fiber6.2%5.9%

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.

If you look at the average percentages of crude protein, you'll notice that Blue Buffalo typically guarantees 2.70% more protein. This is a fairly small difference between Blue Buffalo and Kirkland Signature, but still worth mentioning.


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.

Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude fat.


Blue Buffalo Pet Food Ingredients vs. Kirkland Signature Pet Food Ingredients

Blue Buffalo and Kirkland Signature both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:

Canola Oil
Pea Protein
Tomato Pomace
Powdered Cellulose

Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Blue Buffalo.

Garlic
Caramel
Caramel Color
Dried Tomato Pomace

Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Kirkland Signature.

Organic Canola Meal
Organic Pea Protein
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Organic Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

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.

Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex

Product Safety: Recall History of Blue Buffalo & Kirkland Signature?

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, Kirkland Signature has never been recalled.


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:


281 Recipes In-Stock Today

135 Recipes In-Stock Today

262 Recipes In-Stock Today

14 Recipes In-Stock Today

Where To Buy Kirkland Signature Pet Foods

You can purchase Kirkland Signature pet food products from these retailers:


Type Of Pet Foods Available

ProductBlue BuffaloKirkland Signature
Dry Dog Food93 Recipes12 Recipes
Wet Dog Food94 Recipes1 Recipes
Dog Treats50 TreatsNone
Dry Cat Food42 Recipes3 Recipes
Wet Cat Food59 RecipesNone
Cat Treats16 TreatsNone

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