Nutro vs. Blue Buffalo vs. Kirkland Dog Food: Which One Is Best for Your Pet? 🐕🍲
Choosing the right food for your dog is critical for their overall health and well-being, but with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming. Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Kirkland Signature (Costco’s in-house brand) are popular choices, each offering different benefits, ingredients, and price points. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences, pros, and cons of these three brands to help you make an informed decision for your furry friend.
Key Takeaways: Fast Facts About Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Kirkland Dog Food
- Which brand has the best ingredients? Blue Buffalo focuses on natural, high-quality ingredients, but Nutro offers a more streamlined, limited-ingredient approach, while Kirkland provides a budget-friendly, yet solid option.
- What about special dietary needs? Nutro is great for dogs with food sensitivities due to its limited ingredients, Blue Buffalo has extensive grain-free options, and Kirkland offers solid nutrition for the price.
- Price comparison? Kirkland is the most affordable, followed by Nutro, with Blue Buffalo being the most premium option.
- Which is better for large breeds? Blue Buffalo and Kirkland have dedicated formulas for large breeds, while Nutro’s high-protein options can benefit active large dogs.
- Does one brand stand out for senior dogs? Blue Buffalo and Nutro both offer senior-specific formulas, focusing on joint health and maintaining weight in older dogs.
🏆 Nutro vs. Blue Buffalo vs. Kirkland Dog Food: Side-by-Side Comparison
Brand | Key Features | 💡 Why It’s Great | Price Range ($/lb) |
---|---|---|---|
Nutro | Limited ingredient diets, farm-raised chicken, non-GMO. | Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, and digestive issues. High-quality, limited ingredients. | $1.50 – $2.50 |
Blue Buffalo | Grain-free options, LifeSource Bits (antioxidants), holistic ingredients. | Excellent for dogs needing grain-free or premium nutrition. Includes LifeSource Bits for extra nutrients. | $2.50 – $3.50 |
Kirkland Signature | Affordable, balanced nutrition, made by Diamond Pet Foods. | Best budget option. Offers a great balance of quality and price, with no artificial preservatives or flavors. | $0.90 – $1.25 |
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget but still want to provide high-quality food, Kirkland Signature offers the best value. For dogs with food sensitivities, Nutro’s limited ingredient options are excellent, while Blue Buffalo shines for owners looking for a premium, grain-free solution.
🥩 Which Brand Has the Best Protein Sources?
The quality and type of protein in your dog’s food are crucial for their muscle development, energy levels, and overall health. Here’s how these brands compare:
- Nutro: Known for using real meat as the first ingredient, Nutro typically features farm-raised chicken, lamb, or venison. Nutro also prides itself on using non-GMO ingredients, making it a great choice for pet owners focused on natural, minimally processed food.
- Best for Dogs With Sensitivities: Nutro offers a limited-ingredient diet (LID), which is perfect for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs. The simpler ingredient list reduces the risk of adverse reactions.
- Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo also uses real meat as the first ingredient in most of its formulas, such as deboned chicken, lamb, or salmon. Additionally, Blue Buffalo incorporates its signature LifeSource Bits, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Best for Variety: Blue Buffalo has a wide range of formulas, including grain-free options and high-protein blends like Wilderness, making it a versatile choice for different dietary needs.
- Kirkland Signature: Kirkland Signature, manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, uses quality proteins like chicken, lamb, and salmon. While it doesn’t have as many premium ingredients as Blue Buffalo or Nutro, it still delivers solid nutrition at a lower price point.
- Best for Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Kirkland is a solid option if you’re looking to balance cost and quality without sacrificing protein content.
💡 Pro Tip: If your dog has a sensitive stomach or food allergies, Nutro’s limited-ingredient options are likely your best bet. For active or working dogs that need high-protein diets, Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness line provides the extra boost of protein and nutrients.
🌾 Which Brand Is Best for Grain-Free Diets?
Grain-free diets have become increasingly popular for dogs, especially for those with grain sensitivities. Here’s how Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Kirkland measure up in this category:
- Nutro: Nutro offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free options. The grain-free formulas still focus on high-quality proteins, and they eliminate grains like corn, wheat, and soy, which can trigger allergies in some dogs.
- Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo excels in the grain-free category, with its popular Wilderness line offering high-protein, grain-free formulas. In addition, their Freedom line is specifically tailored for dogs who need grain-free diets due to allergies.
- Kirkland Signature: Kirkland’s Nature’s Domain is its grain-free option, featuring quality protein sources like salmon and sweet potatoes. This line is highly affordable and provides good grain-free nutrition at a fraction of the price of premium brands.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re specifically looking for grain-free options for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, Blue Buffalo is the leader in variety and formulation. However, Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain is a great budget-friendly grain-free option.
🦴 Which Brand Offers the Best Options for Senior Dogs?
Senior dogs have unique nutritional needs, including lower calories, joint support, and easy-to-digest ingredients. Here’s how these brands support your aging pup:
- Nutro: Nutro’s Senior formula is designed with fewer calories to support healthy weight maintenance in older dogs. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health—crucial for senior dogs that might suffer from arthritis or hip dysplasia.
- Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Senior formula focuses on supporting joint mobility and maintaining lean muscle mass in older dogs. It also includes LifeSource Bits for an extra boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help with immune system support as your dog ages.
- Kirkland Signature: Kirkland offers a Mature Dog formula with similar benefits, including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Although not as premium as Blue Buffalo, Kirkland’s senior formula provides excellent value for the price, making it a great choice for pet owners on a budget.
💡 Pro Tip: For dogs with more advanced joint issues or other senior health concerns, Blue Buffalo’s Senior formula is a superior choice due to its comprehensive nutrient profile. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly senior food, Kirkland Signature performs well at a fraction of the cost.
💵 Which Brand Offers the Best Value for the Price?
While premium ingredients are important, balancing cost with quality is often a top priority for dog owners. Here’s how these three brands stack up when it comes to value:
- Nutro: While Nutro falls into the mid-to-premium price range, it’s well worth the cost for dogs with food sensitivities or specific dietary needs. The non-GMO ingredients and high protein content offer excellent nutrition for the price.
- Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo is the most expensive of the three, but it also delivers on premium nutrition, especially for pet owners looking for grain-free or holistic diets. The LifeSource Bits and holistic ingredients justify the price for pet parents looking for premium-quality food.
- Kirkland Signature: Kirkland offers the best value for money, particularly in its Nature’s Domain and Mature Dog formulas. Though it doesn’t include some of the higher-end ingredients found in Blue Buffalo, it provides a nutritionally sound product at a much lower price point.
💡 Pro Tip: For budget-conscious dog owners, Kirkland Signature offers high-quality nutrition at the lowest price, making it a solid choice if premium ingredients aren’t a top priority. For those willing to spend more on specialized diets, Blue Buffalo is worth the investment.
Final Recap: What You Need to Know About Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Kirkland Dog Food
- Nutro: Great for dogs with food sensitivities; offers limited-ingredient diets and high-quality protein sources.
- Blue Buffalo: Ideal for pet owners seeking premium, grain-free, or specialized diets with added health benefits like LifeSource Bits.
- Kirkland Signature: The best option for those on a budget, offering solid nutrition without breaking the bank.
When it comes to choosing between Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Kirkland Signature, the best option will depend on your dog’s specific needs, your budget, and your preferences for premium or limited-ingredient diets. 🐕🍖
Q: I’ve heard that Blue Buffalo has had recalls in the past. Is it still a safe option for my dog?
Yes, Blue Buffalo has had recalls in the past, but it remains a reputable brand with a strong commitment to high-quality ingredients and safety. Here’s a detailed look into the recall history and what it means for you as a pet owner:
- Past Recalls: Blue Buffalo has experienced recalls primarily due to potential contamination or labeling errors. For example, in 2010, the brand had a recall for potential excess levels of vitamin D, and in 2016, they recalled certain batches for possible mold contamination. While concerning, it’s important to note that these recalls were proactively initiated by the company and represent a small fraction of their overall product line.
- Improved Safety Measures: Since these incidents, Blue Buffalo has significantly strengthened its quality control protocols. They now employ a multi-step system, including rigorous ingredient testing, batch sampling, and third-party audits, to ensure that their products meet strict safety standards. Blue Buffalo also partners with reputable manufacturers and has invested in state-of-the-art facilities to further minimize the risk of contamination.
- Transparency with Consumers: One positive aspect of Blue Buffalo is their commitment to transparency. They are quick to notify consumers of any potential issues and provide detailed information about the recall on their website. This level of openness helps build trust, especially when compared to brands that may delay or obscure recall information.
- Nutritional Quality: Despite past recalls, Blue Buffalo continues to offer high-quality, nutritious formulas with real meat as the first ingredient and added LifeSource Bits—a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These are designed to support immune health, making it a premium option for those looking for holistic, natural nutrition for their dogs.
💡 Pro Tip: While recalls can happen to any brand, staying informed is key. Consider subscribing to pet food recall alerts to ensure you’re always up to date on any potential issues with your dog’s food. For pet owners who value transparency and premium ingredients, Blue Buffalo remains a safe and nutritious choice.
Q: How does Kirkland Signature compare to Nutro in terms of ingredients for dogs with food sensitivities?
Both Kirkland Signature and Nutro have options for dogs with food sensitivities, but they cater to these needs in different ways. Here’s how they stack up:
- Nutro’s Limited Ingredient Diet (LID): Nutro excels when it comes to dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, thanks to its Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) line. These formulas use a single protein source (like lamb or venison) and limited carbohydrate sources to minimize the number of potential allergens. Nutro also avoids common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, and their recipes focus on simple, non-GMO ingredients. This makes Nutro a top choice for pet owners who need to carefully manage their dog’s diet due to allergies or digestive issues.
- Kirkland Signature’s Grain-Free Options: Kirkland Signature, particularly the Nature’s Domain line, also offers grain-free formulas with protein sources like salmon and sweet potatoes, which can be beneficial for dogs with grain sensitivities. However, Kirkland doesn’t provide the same level of ingredient simplicity as Nutro, meaning it’s not specifically tailored for severe food allergies. That said, it’s a great budget-friendly option for dogs with mild grain sensitivities or for pet owners looking for a high-quality grain-free formula without breaking the bank.
- Ingredient Transparency: Nutro emphasizes transparency with its non-GMO ingredients and absence of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Kirkland Signature also avoids artificial preservatives and provides a good ingredient profile, but it doesn’t have the same limited-ingredient focus as Nutro, making it more suitable for general dietary sensitivities rather than specific allergen avoidance.
💡 Pro Tip: For dogs with severe food allergies or digestive issues, Nutro’s Limited Ingredient Diet is likely the better choice due to its simplified ingredient list and focus on avoiding common allergens. However, for dogs with mild sensitivities or those needing a grain-free option on a budget, Kirkland Signature is a solid, cost-effective choice.
Q: My dog has a sensitive stomach. Is Nutro or Blue Buffalo better for digestion?
Both Nutro and Blue Buffalo offer formulas specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs, but there are key differences between the two brands when it comes to digestion:
- Nutro’s Focus on Simplicity: Nutro’s Limited Ingredient Diet formulas are ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These recipes contain a minimal number of ingredients, making it easier to avoid potential triggers for digestive upset. Nutro uses easily digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and single-source proteins, which help reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, Nutro avoids grains, corn, and soy, all of which can contribute to digestive problems in some dogs.
- Blue Buffalo’s Digestive Care Formula: Blue Buffalo offers the Basics line, which is specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This line features limited-ingredient recipes similar to Nutro’s, but with the added benefit of Blue’s LifeSource Bits, which include prebiotics to support gut health. These antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals help maintain a healthy digestive system, while the formulas exclude common allergens like poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy.
- Fiber and Probiotics: Blue Buffalo’s Basics line and Nutro’s Wholesome Essentials both include added fiber sources like pumpkin and chicory root, which aid digestion and help regulate bowel movements. Blue Buffalo takes it a step further by incorporating probiotics in some of its formulas, which can be beneficial for dogs prone to diarrhea or constipation.
💡 Pro Tip: If your dog suffers from chronic digestive issues, Blue Buffalo’s formulas, with added prebiotics and probiotics, might be more effective for promoting long-term gut health. However, if your dog is sensitive to multiple ingredients, Nutro’s simpler, limited-ingredient formulas could help avoid unnecessary digestive triggers.
Q: Which brand is best for puppies: Nutro, Blue Buffalo, or Kirkland Signature?
Puppies require food that is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs for growth, development, and energy. Here’s how each brand supports puppies:
- Nutro Puppy Formula: Nutro offers a dedicated Puppy line, which focuses on easy-to-digest proteins like chicken and lamb. Nutro Puppy formulas include DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain development and vision in young dogs. The formulas are also free from artificial additives, and Nutro’s focus on natural ingredients makes it a great choice for puppies with sensitive stomachs.
- Blue Buffalo Puppy Formula: Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Puppy and Wilderness Puppy lines are packed with high-quality protein to support healthy muscle growth. The addition of LifeSource Bits—a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—helps boost a puppy’s immune system during its most critical development stages. Blue Buffalo also offers grain-free options for puppies with grain sensitivities, making it ideal for pet owners seeking premium nutrition.
- Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula: Kirkland’s Puppy formula provides solid nutrition at a budget-friendly price. It includes chicken as the primary protein source and is fortified with DHA for brain development, just like the more expensive brands. While it may not have the premium features like LifeSource Bits or limited ingredients, it offers an excellent value for the price and still meets AAFCO standards for puppy nutrition.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for premium nutrition with added brain and immune support, Blue Buffalo’s Puppy formula is a top choice. For a more affordable option that still provides essential nutrients for growing pups, Kirkland Signature delivers great value without sacrificing quality.
Q: Are any of these brands good for weight management?
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being, especially if they are prone to obesity or have joint issues. Here’s how each brand approaches weight management:
- Nutro Ultra Weight Management: Nutro’s Ultra Weight Management formula is crafted with lean proteins and lower fat content to help dogs maintain a healthy weight. It includes a blend of superfoods like chia seeds, coconut, and kale, which provide essential nutrients without adding excess calories. The formula is also designed to promote muscle maintenance while reducing fat, making it ideal for less active or overweight dogs.
- Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight: Blue Buffalo’s Healthy Weight formula focuses on lean protein and fiber-rich ingredients to help dogs feel full longer, which reduces the likelihood of overeating. It also includes L-carnitine, which aids in fat metabolism, making it a great choice for dogs needing to shed a few pounds. Blue Buffalo’s commitment to natural ingredients ensures that even their weight control formulas remain high in quality, with no by-products or artificial additives.
- Kirkland Signature Weight Management: Kirkland offers a Weight Management formula that is both affordable and nutritionally sound. It’s lower in calories but still includes quality proteins like chicken and is enriched with fiber to keep dogs feeling full. While it doesn’t have some of the more premium features like L-carnitine, it’s a fantastic option for owners on a budget who want to manage their dog’s weight effectively.
💡 Pro Tip: For dogs that need serious weight management, Blue Buffalo offers the most comprehensive formula with the added benefit of L-carnitine for fat metabolism. However, for owners looking for a more affordable option, Kirkland’s Weight Management formula provides great results at a lower price.
Q: I have a large breed dog, and I’m concerned about joint health. Which brand—Nutro, Blue Buffalo, or Kirkland—provides the best support for large breed dogs, especially for joint health?
For large breed dogs, especially those prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia or arthritis, nutrition plays a critical role in long-term health and mobility. Here’s a deep dive into how each brand supports joint health in large breed dogs:
- Nutro Large Breed Formula: Nutro offers a dedicated Large Breed formula designed specifically for dogs over 50 lbs. This formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin, two key ingredients that support joint cartilage and maintain healthy joint function. Nutro also focuses on lean proteins, such as chicken and lamb, to support muscle development without adding excessive calories that could put extra strain on the joints. Additionally, Nutro uses non-GMO ingredients and avoids common allergens, making it a great choice for large breed dogs with food sensitivities or joint concerns.
- Blue Buffalo Large Breed Formula: Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Large Breed formula is highly regarded for its focus on joint health. Like Nutro, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, but it also includes Blue’s LifeSource Bits, which are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that support overall health and reduce inflammation. Blue Buffalo’s inclusion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from sources like flaxseed helps maintain joint flexibility and reduce inflammation, which is crucial for active or aging large breed dogs. Furthermore, the protein sources are of high quality, such as deboned chicken or lamb, to promote lean muscle without extra weight on the joints.
- Kirkland Signature Large Breed Formula: Kirkland offers a Large Breed formula as part of its Nature’s Domain line, which includes both glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. While Kirkland doesn’t have as many added extras (such as LifeSource Bits or omega-3-rich ingredients), it still provides a well-rounded, budget-friendly option for joint care in large dogs. With high-quality proteins like chicken or lamb as the first ingredient, and a reasonable amount of glucosamine, Kirkland ensures that even at a lower price point, your dog’s joint health is supported.
💡 Pro Tip: For large breed dogs with existing joint issues or those at risk for conditions like hip dysplasia, Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Large Breed formula offers the most comprehensive joint support due to its added omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. However, Nutro is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for non-GMO, limited ingredient options. For pet owners on a budget, Kirkland’s Large Breed formula provides reliable joint support without compromising quality.
Q: My dog has allergies, and I’m trying to avoid common allergens like chicken and grains. Which of these brands offers the best options for dogs with food allergies?
If your dog has food allergies, choosing a food that avoids common allergens like chicken, wheat, corn, and soy is essential. Here’s a detailed comparison of how Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Kirkland handle allergen-free formulas:
- Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet (LID): Nutro shines when it comes to dogs with food sensitivities. Their Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) line eliminates chicken, grains, and other common allergens, focusing on novel proteins like venison, duck, or lamb, and using simple carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes. Nutro’s limited-ingredient formulas also avoid soy, corn, and wheat, which are frequent triggers for dogs with food allergies. The brand emphasizes using non-GMO ingredients and no artificial flavors or preservatives, making it a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
- Blue Buffalo Basics: Blue Buffalo’s Basics line is specifically designed for dogs with food sensitivities. This line features limited ingredients, single protein sources like turkey, salmon, or duck, and it avoids chicken, which is a common allergen. The Basics line is also grain-free, and Blue Buffalo eliminates soy, corn, and wheat from these recipes. Additionally, it includes LifeSource Bits, which provide a boost of antioxidants and nutrients without adding unnecessary fillers that could irritate your dog’s system.
- Kirkland Nature’s Domain: While Kirkland doesn’t specifically market their food for dogs with allergies, their Nature’s Domain Grain-Free line offers a great alternative for dogs needing to avoid grains. The Salmon and Sweet Potato formula, in particular, is a good choice for dogs with chicken or grain allergies, as it uses fish as the primary protein source and contains no grains, corn, or soy. However, Kirkland may not offer as many novel protein options as Nutro or Blue Buffalo, so if your dog has more complex allergy needs, you may need a more specialized brand.
💡 Pro Tip: If your dog has multiple food allergies or needs to avoid chicken, Nutro’s Limited Ingredient Diet line offers the best variety of novel protein sources and is the most allergy-friendly. For pet owners looking for grain-free, allergy-sensitive food at a lower price, Kirkland Nature’s Domain is a solid option.
Q: My dog is very active and needs a high-protein diet. Which brand—Nutro, Blue Buffalo, or Kirkland—has the best formulas for high energy dogs?
Active dogs, especially those involved in sports, hiking, or working roles, require food that is rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats to maintain their energy levels and muscle mass. Here’s a breakdown of how each brand caters to high-energy dogs:
- Nutro Ultra: Nutro’s Ultra line is a fantastic option for active dogs needing a higher protein intake. The Ultra formulas incorporate a trio of proteins—typically chicken, lamb, and salmon—which provide a variety of amino acids necessary for building and maintaining lean muscle. The formula is also enriched with superfoods like chia seeds, coconut, and blueberries, which support overall health and provide a source of healthy fats. Nutro’s high-protein options are designed to give your active dog sustained energy throughout the day.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness line is a top choice for high-energy dogs. It’s one of the most protein-rich formulas available, with deboned chicken, salmon, or beef as the first ingredient. The Wilderness formulas are grain-free, which helps prevent any excess carbohydrates that could slow down your active dog, while still providing healthy fats from fish oils and flaxseed to support joint health and maintain stamina. Additionally, Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits add a boost of antioxidants, supporting your dog’s immune system and recovery after intense activity.
- Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain: Kirkland’s Nature’s Domain line is also a solid choice for active dogs, particularly their Salmon and Sweet Potato formula. While it’s not as protein-heavy as Blue Buffalo, it still provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats from salmon, making it a reliable, budget-friendly option for dogs with moderate activity levels. Kirkland’s formulas are grain-free, which helps support sustained energy levels without unnecessary fillers.
💡 Pro Tip: For dogs with extremely high energy needs, such as those involved in sports or working roles, Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness line is the best option due to its higher protein content and quality fat sources. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for moderately active dogs, Kirkland Nature’s Domain provides great value while still meeting energy needs.
Q: I’m concerned about sustainability and the environmental impact of my dog’s food. Which brand is the most eco-friendly?
Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are becoming more important to many pet owners. Here’s how Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Kirkland measure up in terms of their environmental practices:
- Nutro: Nutro is committed to sustainability, particularly when it comes to ingredient sourcing. The brand emphasizes using non-GMO ingredients and supports sustainable farming practices. Nutro is also transparent about where they source their proteins, using farm-raised or responsibly sourced meat in their formulas. Additionally, Nutro has reduced its environmental impact by focusing on minimal processing and simple, whole-food ingredients, which require fewer resources to produce.
- Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo is also committed to using natural ingredients, but their emphasis is more on the holistic health of the dog than on sustainability. However, Blue Buffalo does partner with responsible suppliers for their protein sources and works to avoid the use of harmful additives and by-products, which indirectly supports environmental health. While Blue Buffalo doesn’t have a major sustainability focus, their commitment to quality ingredients from trusted sources ensures that their environmental impact is minimized compared to lower-quality, mass-produced brands.
- Kirkland Signature: Kirkland Signature, produced by Diamond Pet Foods, is less transparent about its environmental impact and sourcing practices. While the brand doesn’t make sustainability a core focus, it does aim to offer high-quality ingredients at an affordable price. However, if sustainability is a top concern for you, Kirkland might not be the leading choice compared to brands like Nutro that are more vocal about eco-friendly initiatives.
💡 Pro Tip: If sustainability and environmental responsibility are top priorities for you, Nutro is the leader in this area, with its commitment to non-GMO ingredients and responsible sourcing. Blue Buffalo also makes a decent eco-friendly choice due to its focus on natural ingredients, but it may not be as eco-focused as Nutro.