Nulo vs Blue Buffalo Cat Food (2026)
Quick Verdict
| Category | Nulo | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | Very Good | Good |
| Price | ~$28–$38/12 lb | ~$25–$38/7 lb |
| AAFCO Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | High protein, low glycemic, active cats | Affordable natural, LifeSource Bits |
Overview
Nulo cat food features 37%+ protein from 80% animal sources with BC30 probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) and low-glycemic carbs. Blue Buffalo is the natural market leader with LifeSource Bits and True Blue Promise.
Ingredient Comparison
Nulo: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon first. BC30 probiotic. Chickpeas and lentils as carbs. 80% animal protein sources.
Blue Buffalo: Deboned chicken first. LifeSource Bits. No by-products, corn, wheat, soy.
Nutritional Snapshot
| Nutrient | Nulo | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 37% | 30% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 17% | 12% |
Pros and Cons
Nulo
Pros
- 37% protein from 80% animal sources
- BC30 probiotic
- Low-glycemic carbs
- No corn, wheat, soy
Cons
- More expensive
- Less widely available
Blue Buffalo
Pros
- LifeSource Bits
- More affordable
- Wide variety and availability
Cons
- Lower protein (30%)
- Multiple recalls
Best For
Choose Nulo if: High-protein, low-glycemic nutrition for active or athletic cats.
Choose Blue Buffalo if: Affordable natural food with antioxidant blend for a healthy adult cat.
Alternatives
- [Nulo vs Purina Pro Plan](/compare/nulo-vs-purina-pro-plan)
- [Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan Cat](/compare/blue-buffalo-vs-purina-pro-plan-cat)
FAQ
Is Nulo good for diabetic cats?
Nulo’s low-glycemic carbs and high protein support stable blood glucose. Tiki Cat is the gold standard for diabetic cats, but Nulo is a strong dry food option.
What is BC30 probiotic?
Bacillus coagulans—a shelf-stable probiotic that survives manufacturing and supports gut microbiome health.
Has Nulo cat food been recalled?
No recalls on record.
Is Blue Buffalo Wilderness or Nulo better?
Nulo at 37% protein slightly edges Blue Buffalo Wilderness at ~40% (raw/freeze-dried included). Both are excellent grain-free options.
Which is better for weight management?
Nulo has a dedicated weight management formula. Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight is also available.
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