Natural Balance vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food (2026): LID Specialist vs General Natural Brand
Quick Verdict
| Category | Natural Balance | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | Good | Good |
| Price (avg bag) | ~$55–$65/26 lb | ~$55–$65/30 lb |
| AAFCO Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Food sensitivities, LID formulas | General natural, antioxidants, variety |
Brand Overview
Natural Balance was founded in 1989 by actor Dick Van Patten and is now owned by Smucker’s (JM Smucker acquired the brand in 2020). Natural Balance built its reputation on Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) formulas for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.
Blue Buffalo is General Mills’ natural pet brand. While it has LID (Basics) options, its strength is in general natural feeding with LifeSource Bits, massive variety, and no by-products or major fillers.
Ingredient Comparison
Natural Balance LID Sweet Potato & Fish features salmon, salmon meal, and sweet potato as the only protein and carb sources. Designed to minimize allergen exposure. No corn, wheat, soy, or dairy. Simple, clean ingredient list.
Blue Buffalo Basics LID Turkey & Potato features deboned turkey, turkey meal, and potatoes. Includes LifeSource Bits. Slightly more ingredients than Natural Balance LID, but still a clean limited formula.
Nutritional Comparison
| Nutrient | Natural Balance LID Sweet Potato & Fish | Blue Buffalo Basics LID |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 21% | 22% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 10% | 12% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4% | 4% |
| Calories (kcal/cup) | ~354 | ~342 |
Pros and Cons
Natural Balance
Pros
- Purpose-built LID formulas with very few ingredients
- Excellent for dogs with confirmed food allergies
- Novel protein sources (duck, fish, venison)
- Vet-recommended for food elimination trials
- Predictable, consistent ingredient lists
Cons
- Lower protein than most premium natural brands
- Owned by Smucker’s
- Less variety for dogs without sensitivities
- Multiple recalls in 2012–2013
Blue Buffalo
Pros
- LifeSource Bits antioxidant blend
- Wider variety including LID (Basics) options
- No by-products, corn, wheat, soy
- Massive retail distribution
Cons
- Multiple recalls (2017, 2019)
- Basics LID has more ingredients than Natural Balance LID
- Owned by General Mills
Best For
Choose Natural Balance if: Your dog has diagnosed food allergies and you need a true minimal-ingredient formula for an elimination trial or ongoing allergy management.
Choose Blue Buffalo if: Your dog is healthy without confirmed sensitivities and you want variety, LifeSource Bits, and wide availability.
Alternatives
- [Canidae vs Blue Buffalo](/compare/canidae-vs-blue-buffalo)
- [Natural Balance vs Purina Pro Plan](/compare/natural-balance-vs-purina-pro-plan)
- [Wellness vs Purina Pro Plan](/compare/wellness-vs-purina-pro-plan)
- [Full Natural Balance Review](/reviews/natural-balance-dog-food)
FAQ
Is Natural Balance LID good for allergy dogs? Yes. Natural Balance LID is specifically designed for food sensitivities and is commonly recommended by vets for elimination diet trials.
Has Natural Balance been recalled? Yes. Natural Balance had recalls in 2012–2013 for elevated vitamin D. They have not been recalled since the Smucker’s acquisition.
Is Blue Buffalo Basics LID as good as Natural Balance LID? Both are solid LID options. Natural Balance has fewer ingredients per formula, making it slightly purer for strict elimination diets.
Which has more protein? Both are similar—22% for Blue Buffalo Basics LID vs. 21% for Natural Balance LID.
Does Natural Balance have grain formulas? Yes. Natural Balance offers both grain-free LID and grain-inclusive LID formulas.
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