As one of America's leading premium pet food brands, Blue Buffalo dog food has garnered significant attention - both positive and negative. While the company markets itself as a provider of high-quality, natural pet nutrition, recent years have seen mounting concerns about product safety and quality control issues.
This comprehensive review examines the controversies surrounding Blue Buffalo dog food, from FDA investigations to consumer complaints, helping pet owners make informed decisions about their dogs' nutrition.
Reported Health Issues and Consumer Concerns
Multiple pet owners have documented serious health issues in their dogs after consuming Blue Buffalo products. Common complaints include:
- Severe digestive problems (diarrhea and vomiting)
- Lethargy and decreased energy levels
- Unexpected changes in appetite
- Immediate food regurgitation
In one notable case, a beagle owner reported their dog experiencing immediate vomiting after consuming Blue Buffalo Freedom Beef for Adults. These symptoms resolved completely after switching to a different brand.
FDA Investigations and Heart Disease Concerns
Perhaps the most serious controversy surrounding Blue Buffalo dog food involves its potential connection to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The FDA identified Blue Buffalo as one of 16 dog food brands potentially linked to this serious heart condition.
The investigation revealed:
- 31 reported cases of DCM in dogs eating Blue Buffalo products
- Ranked 6th highest in DCM-related complaints among all dog food brands
- No official recalls were issued despite these concerns
Vitamin D and Calcium Level Issues
Research from Michigan State University uncovered concerning findings regarding Blue Buffalo's Wilderness Chicken Recipe. The study identified a correlation between elevated blood calcium levels in dogs and consumption of this specific formula.
Additional concerns include:
- Multiple cases of hypercalcemia linked to vitamin D toxicosis
- Reports of dogs requiring veterinary intervention
- Blue Buffalo's internal investigation claiming no formulation abnormalities
Quality Control and Company Response
Despite investing "tens of thousands of dollars" in product testing, Blue Buffalo's response to these issues has been mixed. The company maintains that they:
- Use only high-quality ingredients
- Source real chicken exclusively from U.S. suppliers
- Employ veterinarians and animal nutritionists in product development
However, critics point to apparent gaps in quality control and inconsistent responses to serious consumer complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Buffalo dog food linked to heart problems like canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
Yes, Blue Buffalo was identified by the FDA as one of 16 dog food brands potentially linked to DCM. The agency received 31 reports of DCM in dogs consuming Blue Buffalo products, making it the sixth highest in reported cases.
What health issues have pet owners reported after feeding their dogs Blue Buffalo products?
Common reported issues include severe digestive problems (diarrhea and vomiting), lethargy, decreased energy levels, and food regurgitation. Some cases have also involved elevated blood calcium levels and vitamin D toxicity.
Has the FDA issued any recalls or warnings about Blue Buffalo dog food due to safety concerns?
Despite receiving 87 consumer complaints and identifying potential links to DCM, the FDA has not issued official recalls or public warnings specifically for Blue Buffalo products.
How does Blue Buffalo respond to allegations of vitamin D toxicity and hypercalcemia in dogs?
Blue Buffalo reports conducting extensive internal testing, spending "tens of thousands of dollars" analyzing batches. The company maintains they found no abnormalities in their formulations despite documented cases of vitamin D toxicity.
What should I do if my dog shows signs of illness after eating Blue Buffalo dog food?
If your dog exhibits any unusual symptoms after consuming Blue Buffalo products, immediately:
- Stop feeding the product
- Document all symptoms
- Preserve the product packaging and lot number
- Consult your veterinarian
- Report the incident to both the FDA and Blue Buffalo