Hepper blog

Search our database of over 9,984 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians.

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Life’s Abundance vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Our 2026 In-Depth Comparison

By Ashley Bates
Share
Ask us a question in the comments
Life’s Abundance vs. Blue Buffalo Dog Food

It seems popular dog food brands grow by the day. Pet owners are constantly wondering what the best nutrition really is for their dog.

Blue Buffalo and Life’s Abundance have a lot in common. They have similar recipe lines and premium ingredients. However, we compared them side by side, and we have a favorite. Read below to find out what you can expect from each company and decide which one of them is your pick.

A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Blue Buffalo

When we have the opportunity to analyze two popular dog food brands, we want to make sure we give our readers the best information possible. Now, we will look at Life’s Abundance and Blue Buffalo—two notably reputable companies.

We’ve found tons of things we liked about each one, but we have to say, nothing compares to the ingredient selection and product lines of Blue Buffalo.

Rating Image Product Details
Our Favorite
Winner
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Lamb Brown Rice Recipe Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
  • Signature LifeSource bits
  • No harsh grains
  • Whole lamb is #1 ingredient
  • Second place
    Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Stew Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Stew
  • High moisture content
  • Grain-free for gluten sensitivity
  • Great topper for dry kibble
  • Third place
    Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth
  • Excellent for everyday pup nutrition
  • Contains fatty acids found in mothers milk
  • Contains DHA and other vital ingredients
  • About Life’s Abundance

    Life’s Abundance is an exciting company. They make incredibly nutritious dog food and have just as much of a hand in human and feline wellbeing. They aim to create the best toxin-free products to reduce the impact of negative factors on our environment.

    About Blue Buffalo

    Blue Buffalo was created from a place of love. Owners had a dog named—you guessed it—Blue, an airedale terrier. When the family fell on hard times trying to manage Blue’s sudden health decline, they turned to their kitchen to make specialized meals.

    Blue Buffalo has developed a series of delicious dry kibble meals, wet canned food, and delicious treats. Using their signature antioxidant-rich LifeSource bits, they infuse their recipes with plentiful nutrients.

    Blue Buffalo is considered a premium dog food that customers rely on to nourish their pets. It is a trusted company that’s earned a solid rapport with other businesses, shelters, and individuals.

    Here we’re going to take a look at both companies’ three best recipes. This gives you a little idea about each brand’s variety and ingredient selection.

    1. Life’s Abundance Lamb Meal and Brown Rice

    Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
    Main Ingredients:Lamb meal, egg product, ground brown rice, oat groats, pearled barley, sunflower oil, whitefish meal
    Calories:427 per cup/ 3,709 per bag
    Protein:26.0%
    Fat:16.0%
    Fiber:5.0%
    Moisture:10.0%

    Life Abundance Lamb Meal and Brown Rice is an outstanding dry dog food recipe. The lamb is a novel protein in most cases, meaning it’s less likely to trigger allergies than other protein sources. It is considered one of the most nutrient-dense dark meats.

    This recipe contains live species-specific probiotics with a specialized proprietary prebiotic and fiber blend. This combination of ingredients promotes optimal digestion and creates a healthy gut so your pet can stay regular.

    It also has immune support to keep your dog their healthiest and foster excellent vitality. Thanks to the eggs, Life Abundance will work to nourish the skin and coat. This extra protein kick also has fatty acids to nourish your dog from the inside out.

    Pros

    • Lamb is #1 protein source
    • Filled with species-specific probiotics
    • Focuses on immune and digestion support

    Cons

    • All life stages isn’t for every dog, despite the title

    2. Life’s Abundance Canned Pork and Venison Gluten-Free

    Canned Pork & Venison
    Main Ingredients:Pork, venison, dried peas, lentils, natural flavor, flaxseed, dicalcious phosphate
    Calories:179 per can/ 1,148 per package
    Protein:10.0%
    Fat:5.0%
    Fiber:1.5%
    Moisture:78.0%

    Life’s Abundance Canned Pork and Venison dog food is a terrific recipe for meals or topper foods. It has a medley of healthy ingredients to boost your pup’s appetite, appealing to the pickiest eaters.

    This recipe contains pork and venison as two primary proteins. Luckily, each of these proteins is novel for most dogs, meaning they’re unlikely to trigger allergies. It is rich in protein and moisture, making it easily digestible and highly nutritionally beneficial.

    Rather than using potentially harmful grains, this recipe contains legumes like lentils to add carbohydrates to the dish. In a single serving, there are 179 calories.

    This recipe is so nutrient-dense that it’s suitable for pregnant and nursing mothers. We think this is a real hit and versatile for many dietary needs.

    Pros

    • Grain-free recipe for gluten sensitivity
    • Pork is a novel protein in most cases
    • Moisture and nutrient-dense recipe

    Cons

    • Might get expensive as a standalone diet

    3. Life’s Abundance All Life Stages

    All Stage Dog Food
    Main Ingredients:Chicken meal, ground brown rice, oat groats, chicken fat, egg product, dried tomato pomace, pearled barley
    Calories:458 per cup/ 3,706 per bag
    Protein:26.0%
    Fat:16.0%
    Fiber:5.0%
    Moisture:10.0%

    Life’s Abundance All Life Stages is an ideal food choice for any pup. You can count on this recipe to cater to the health of each stage of life, providing nutrient-rich ingredients and wholesome nutrition.

    This recipe contains over 10,000,000 CFU live probiotics, making it entirely nourishing for the gut. Instead of potentially irritating grains, it includes easy-to-digest options like brown rice and oat groats.

    The calorie content in this recipe is pretty high, and we recommend this particular recipe for high-energy puppies and dogs. It has a moderate protein level, starting with chicken meal as the first ingredient.

    Pros

    • Great for high-energy dogs
    • Live probiotics and easy-to-digest grains
    • All life stages

    Cons

    • Not specifically for puppies

    1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
    Main Ingredients:Deboned lamb, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
    Calories:377 per cup
    Protein:24.0%
    Fat:14.0%
    Fiber:5.0%
    Moisture:10.0%

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is the way to go if you’re in the market for an everyday adult maintenance diet. It’s formulated with LifeSource Bits, which are antioxidant-packed soft morsels that add flavor and nutrients to the recipe.

    Using lamb instead of other common proteins can be a terrific option for dogs with allergies. However, according to the guaranteed analysis, overall protein content is pretty low, coming in at 24.0%.

    Rather than using grains, this recipe has easily digestible ingredients like brown rice, oatmeal, and barley. It’s soothing to the stomach, helping the digestive tract function properly. There are never any irritating ingredients like artificial flavors and fillers.

    We are pretty impressed with this recipe, and we have to say our canine testers agree—it’s yummy and healthy.

    Pros

    • Signature LifeSource bits
    • No harsh grains
    • Whole lamb is #1 ingredient

    Cons

    • Lower protein

    2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Stew

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Stew
    Main Ingredients:Beef, beef broth, water, chicken liver, chicken, dried egg product, peas, potatoes
    Calories:325 per can
    Protein:8.5%
    Fat:3.0%
    Fiber:1.5%
    Moisture:82.0%

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Stew is a delicious recipe that your pup can’t resist. It is flavorful and aromatic—but most importantly, healthy. It works fantastically as an addition to dry kibble, or you can feed this food as a standalone diet.

    This chunky stew is delightful in the bowl, providing a delicious gravy your dog will lap up in no time. The wholesome beef broth has tons of moisture to keep your pet hydrated.

    This recipe is grain-free, but even puppies sensitive to gluten can enjoy it without issue. If your dog isn’t gluten intolerant, this can make a suitable topper for a grain-inclusive kibble.

    Because of the high protein content and rich vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, Wolf Creek Stew is an extremely well-rounded recipe that can keep any canine healthy. However, it’s pretty pricy.

    Pros

    • High moisture content
    • Grain-free for gluten sensitivity
    • Great topper for dry kibble

    Cons

    • Expensive for primary diet

    3. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE

    Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth
    Main Ingredients:Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, menhaden fish meal
    Calories:398 per cup
    Protein:27.0%
    Fat:16.0%
    Fiber:5.0%
    Moisture:10.0%

    Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE is a recipe specifically formulated for puppies under a year of age. It has just the right nutrients to support your little one’s growing muscles and developing brain.

    This is Blue’s version of their standard Life Protection Formula, but it’s only for puppies. The kibble uses fatty acids that are found in mother’s milk to help promote healthy skin, muscles, coat, and overall health, and the recipe’s DHA feeds the brain so your pup can be mentally sharp.

    We enjoyed so much about this recipe and think it’s a great choice for a start in life. However, your pup might develop sensitivities or allergies that prevent them from eating standard recipes like this.

    Pros

    • Excellent for everyday pup nutrition
    • Contains fatty acids found in mothers milk
    • Contains DHA and other vital ingredients

    Cons

    • Puppy might develop allergies

    Recall History of Life’s Abundance and Blue Buffalo

    Recall history is really important when you’re looking at dog food. It shows how often a company fails to produce quality food as well as the steps they take to resolve their issues. Blue Buffalo has received quite a few recalls over the past several years. We searched extensively and could find nothing to show that life’s Abundance has ever had a recall in the past.

    Life’s Abundance & Blue Buffalo Comparison

    We will closely examine the recipes, the type of ingredients they offer, how they compare, and how they are similar.

    Recipe Comparison—Blue Buffalo

    Life’s Abundance Lamb Meal and Brown RiceBlue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Lamb and Brown Rice
    Main Ingredients:Lamb meal, egg product, grown brown rice, oat groats, pearled barley, sunflower oil, whitefish mealDeboned lamb, fish meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, pea starch, peas, chicken fat
    Calories:427381
    Protein:26.0%22.0%
    Fat:16.0%14.%
    Fiber:5.0%5.0%
    Moisture:10.0%10.0%

    As you can see, both of these companies have similar recipes. You can see that both recipes contain the same title—Lamb and brown rice.

    If you take a look at the main ingredients on the back of the bags, you will see that both companies use lamb as their number one ingredient. However, Blue Buffalo uses deboned lamb as the first ingredient, whereas Life’s Abundance uses lamb meal. While it might seem like deboned lamb is the best choice, some argue that land meal is a more concentrated protein and, therefore, more nutritious.

    The next ingredient in the recipes is egg product for Life’s Abundance and fish meal for Blue Buffalo. Both of these ingredients are incredibly high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

    Next, you can see a series of easily digestible grains listed for both recipes. We want to point out that Blue Buffalo does contain peas which have become a controversial ingredient in dog food. However, because it is grain inclusive, peas add an extra carbohydrate and dose of protein to the formula.

    Life’s Abundance contains 427 calories per cup. Blue Buffalo is slightly under that, measuring 381 calories per cup. Both of these calorie contents are suitable. However, because the life’s abundance brand is for all life stages, you will notice an increase in the calorie content to make it ideal for seniors, puppies, and nursing mothers.

    Both companies have matching fiber and moisture content. That means in both of the bags, you will find exactly the same measurements. That’s not uncommon to see with premium dog foods, and both percentages are more than adequate for a base diet.

    Ultimately, we think a wider range of dogs could benefit from Blue Buffalo’s recipe. They have real deboned lamb as the first ingredient, providing a whole protein source. They also have lower calorie and fat content with adequate protein.

    Life’s Abundance falls slightly behind, but we think the choice is clear.


    Taste

    Edge: It’s a Tie!

    Both companies succeed when it comes to taste. Our dogs did not seem to have much of a preference; they ate both of them without an issue and seemed to enjoy every moment. Because there was no difference in their reaction between the two recipes, we have to say it’s a tie.


    Nutritional Value

    Edge: Life’s Abundance

    Both companies use a protein source as the number one ingredient in their recipes and provide top-notch nutritional content to promote healthy immune and digestive systems.

    However, when you compare the ingredients side by side, you see that Life’s Abundance uses cleaner, more nutrient-dense ingredients than Blue Buffalo.

    One concern here might be that Life’s Abundance has a denser calorie count. However, you have to remember that these recipes are designed for all life stages, which completely makes up for that influx of caloric content.


    Price

    Edge: Blue Buffalo

    Of the two companies, Blue Buffalo definitely has the better price. In some cases, it is almost half the cost of Life Abundance.

    Even though it is a premium food, Blue Buffalo has different prices. The more traditional standard everyday diets cost less, while the specialized veterinary diets can get expensive.


    Selection

    Edge: Blue Buffalo

    When it comes to selection, we have to hand it to Blue Buffalo. They have a pretty comprehensive line of dog food. They have specialized diets, everyday nutrition, age-specific recipes, and different textures.


    Availability

    Edge: Blue Buffalo

    Blue Buffalo is a very widely available brand of dog food that you can find nearly anywhere. On the other hand, Life’s Abundance is exclusively available on their website and nowhere else. Because life’s Abundance has more to offer than just dog food, the company does not primarily focus on canines. So when it comes to being accessible, blue wins this category.


    Recalls

    Edge: Life’s Abundance

    As we discussed earlier in the article, recalls are incredibly important to look at when you’re deciding which brand is best. Even though Blue Buffalo has experienced several recalls, they’re always quick to take responsibility and correct the situation.

    However, because Life’s Abundance has no known recalls to date. We have to give this to them.


    Overall

    Edge: Blue Buffalo

    We think Blue Buffalo steals the first slot. Here’s a breakdown of why.

    Blue Buffalo:

    • Products are more readily available
    • Has a modest calorie count
    • Has extensive product lines
    • Maintains company integrity
    • Offers signature Lifesource Bits
    • Works on most budgets

    In Conclusion

    As a pet owner, you know what’s best for your dog. If you are having any trouble deciding, always check with a veterinary professional for an expert opinion. There might be other factors in play that could influence what your dog needs based on their circumstances.

    We think either one of these brands would be excellent for feeding your canine. However, Blue Buffalo beat Life’s Abundance in our comparison categories. It is Blue for the win for us!

    Sources

    Get Hepper In Your Inbox

    Pet care tips from our vets and experts, straight to your inbox.

    List

    Select all that apply.

    You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

    Ashley Bates
    Authored by

    Ashley Bates

    Join the conversation

    Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.

    Rate this post
    Required to post. Only our editors see your rating.
    Who should see this?

    A human reviews every comment before it appears. Your email is never published.

    Picked to go with this article

    Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Blue Buffalo has earned quite a good reputation among pet owners since its beginnings in 2002. The company had a modest start working to find true holistic pet…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·
    Abound vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Our 2026 In-Depth Comparison

    Abound vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Our 2026 In-Depth Comparison

    Walking into a store and seeing the aisle packed full of various dog food brands can be overwhelming. You might go straight for a brand you see on television o…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·
    Blue Buffalo vs Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Review 2026: Comparison & Winner

    Blue Buffalo vs Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Review 2026: Comparison & Winner

    Picking the right dog food can be difficult, especially given how misleading much of the packaging can be. Unless you know exactly what to look for, it’s easy…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·
    Victor vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: 2026 Comparison

    Victor vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: 2026 Comparison

    It seems like dog food keeps getting more and more expensive, but you love your pup too much to feed him a cheap food that’s, well, cheap. However, it can be h…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·

    Keep reading

    More stories you might like

    Where Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food Made? Brand Facts & FAQ

    Blue Buffalo is a popular dog food that is marketed as being "natural." But where is Blue Buffalo dog food made? Is it made in the United States, or does it co…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·
    Where Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food Made? Brand Facts & FAQ

    Blue Buffalo vs. Purina Pro Plan Dog Food: 2026 Comparison

    If you want to stop feeding your dog the cheapest kibble you can find on the shelf and give her something a little more nutritious, you would do well to consid…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·
    Blue Buffalo vs. Purina Pro Plan Dog Food: 2026 Comparison

    Orijen Dog Food vs. Blue Buffalo: Key Differences

    Orijen and Blue Buffalo are well-established premium dog food brands, but which one is better? We want our pets to have the best nutrition in food that they lo…

    Chelsie Fraser
    By Chelsie Fraser ·
    Orijen Dog Food vs. Blue Buffalo: Key Differences

    Blue Buffalo vs Taste of the Wild Dog Food: 2026 Comparison

    Many veterinarians today are recommending premium dog foods. The more that science understands the dietary needs of canines, the more that dog food companies r…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·
    Blue Buffalo vs Taste of the Wild Dog Food: 2026 Comparison

    Canidae vs. Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Our 2026 In-Depth Comparison

    There is a seemingly endless list of dog food options on shelves and online and choosing the right brand for your dog can seem daunting. As well as choosing fo…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·
    Canidae vs. Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Our 2026 In-Depth Comparison

    15 Most Popular Dog Food Brands (2026 Update)

    With hundreds of pet food brands on the market—and numerous product lines—it can be extremely challenging to find the right food for your dog. There are many f…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·
    15 Most Popular Dog Food Brands (2026 Update)

    American Journey vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: 2026 Comparison

    Finding a dog food that’s worthy of being served to your pup can be a real chore. Even if you just focus on the premium foods, the different ingredients and nu…

    Nicole Cosgrove
    By Nicole Cosgrove ·
    American Journey vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: 2026 Comparison

    Pro Pac Dog Food Vs. Blue Buffalo: Our 2026 Comparison

    Pro Pac Ultimates Heartland Choice Chicken & Potato Grain-free Recipe and Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe are similar in…

    Brooke Bundy
    By Brooke Bundy ·
    Pro Pac Dog Food Vs. Blue Buffalo: Our 2026 Comparison