Wellness CORE and Blue Buffalo Wilderness are two of the most popular high-protein, "ancestral diet" inspired lines from major brands. Both target owners who believe in higher-protein, lower-carb feeding. Here's how they compare.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Wellness CORE | Blue Buffalo Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Protein content | 34-38% | 32-38% |
| Price (24lb) | $75-95 | $70-90 |
| Recall history (parent brand) | Clean (Wellness) | Multiple 2010-2017 |
| Recipe variety | Multiple formulas | Many formulas |
| Owner | Berwind Corporation | General Mills |
Wellness CORE Strengths
- Parent brand Wellness has excellent recall history
- Quality protein from named animal sources
- Multiple specific formulations (Original, RawRev, Wild Game, Reduced Fat)
- Generally well-regarded by veterinary nutritionists
- Privately owned (longer-term quality focus)
Wellness CORE Concerns
- Mostly grain-free (DCM concerns)
- Slightly more expensive than Wilderness
- High protein not necessary for many pets
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Strengths
- Wider variety of formulations
- LifeSource Bits (added vitamin matrix)
- Slightly cheaper
- Both grain-free and grain-inclusive options in product family
- Specific formulas for different needs
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Concerns
- Parent brand has multiple recall history (2010-2017)
- Some formulas in early FDA DCM investigation
- Mostly grain-free
- Marketing has been aggressive/sometimes misleading
The DCM Question
Both lines are primarily grain-free, putting them in the FDA's investigation category for diet-associated DCM. For at-risk breeds (Golden Retrievers, large breeds with cardiac concerns), neither is the safest choice.
Both brands now offer grain-inclusive options (Wellness Complete Health, Blue Buffalo Life Protection) that address this concern. If you want a high-protein experience without grain-free, those are better choices.
Recall History Matters
This is the most meaningful difference. Wellness has had essentially one recall (2007 during industry-wide melamine contamination). Blue Buffalo had multiple recalls between 2010-2017 for various issues.
Quality control matters. Consistent clean histories suggest better manufacturing systems.
Which to Pick
Pick Wellness CORE if: Recall history matters to you, you want quality protein from a brand with consistent track record, willing to pay slightly more.
Pick Blue Buffalo Wilderness if: You want more variety of formulations, you appreciate LifeSource Bits, you want slightly lower cost.
Better Alternatives
For high-protein at similar quality with better DCM-safety:
- Wellness Complete Health (grain-inclusive Wellness)
- Acana Wholesome Grains
- Purina Pro Plan (better research, grain-inclusive)
FAQ
Is high protein actually necessary?
For active dogs, yes — higher protein supports muscle. For sedentary indoor pets, standard 25-30% protein is plenty.
Should I worry about DCM?
If your dog is a high-risk breed or has cardiac concerns, choose grain-inclusive formulas instead.
The Bottom Line
Both decent high-protein choices. Wellness CORE wins on recall history and brand consistency. Blue Buffalo Wilderness offers more variety and slightly lower cost. For safer high-protein options, consider grain-inclusive variants.