Both Open Farm and Blue Buffalo offer high-quality pet food with various benefits. Open Farm stands out for its transparency, ethical sourcing, and sustainability efforts, while Blue Buffalo provides specialized veterinary diets and a wider range of formulas. The choice between the two depends on individual priorities, such as ingredient traceability, specific dietary needs, and concerns about recall history.
| Attribute | Open Farm | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Sourcing Transparency | Customers can trace each ingredient to its geographic origin. Provides information about third-party certifications and safety test results. Uses 3rd party certified proteins and non-GMO fruits, veggies, and superfoods. | Most ingredients are sourced from the USA, with some (like lamb and venison) from New Zealand, Australia, or the United States. They do not source any meats, proteins, fruits, grains, or vegetables from China. |
| Protein Source and Quality | Uses real meat or fish as the primary ingredient. Meats are sourced from humanely raised, antibiotic-free animals certified by Animal Welfare. Fish is Ocean Wise-approved and wild-caught. Ensures the vast majority of protein in their dry food recipes comes from animal ingredients. | Real meat is the first ingredient in most recipes. Uses various meat sources, including chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and fish. They do not use chicken or poultry by-product meals. |
| Grain-Free Options Availability | Offers grain-free options and grain-inclusive recipes using ancient grains. | Offers grain-free options in product lines like Blue Freedom, using sweet potatoes and peas as carbohydrate sources. |
| Life Stage Suitability | Offers recipes formulated for all life stages, including specific formulas for puppies and seniors. | Provides formulas tailored for different life stages, including puppy, adult, and senior. |
| Specific Dietary Needs | Provides options for pets with sensitivities, including grain-free, gluten-free, and single-protein formulas. They also offer specialized solutions for digestive issues. | Offers specialized formulas for specific needs like weight management and sensitive stomachs. The Blue Basics line is designed for dogs with food sensitivities. They also have veterinary diets for gastrointestinal support. |
| Artificial Additives | Does not use artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They use a premium preservative and natural antioxidant that is formulated with a proprietary blend of mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E). | Their foods do not contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. |
| Omega Fatty Acid Content | Recipes include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They source fats primarily from coconut oil. | Many formulas include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health. |
| Digestibility and Stool Quality | Formulates recipes to ensure strong digestive tracts, including ingredients like pumpkin and chicory root. Some recipes, like the Digestive Health Pollock & Oatmeal, are specifically designed for dogs with digestive sensitivities and to maintain stool quality. | The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI formulas are designed to be highly digestible and promote ideal stool quality. Some formulas contain prebiotic fiber to support a healthy gut. |
| Brand Reputation and Recall History | Aims to transform the ingredients and the entire production ethos. Open Farm has never been recalled according to the FDA, AVMA, and to the best of our knowledge. However, in December 2024, Open Farm initiated a voluntary withdrawal of select lots and products due to the identification of small pieces of soft plastic film in select lots. | Blue Buffalo has had several recalls. Recent recalls include those in 2017 for elevated beef thyroid hormone levels, metal contamination, and packaging issues. As of 2025, there are no active recalls. |
| Packaging Sustainability | Committed to sustainability, with a goal of zero waste to landfill by the end of 2025. They offer recyclable packaging and have partnered with TerraCycle for a bag recycling program. | Information on the sustainability of Blue Buffalo's packaging is limited. |
| Price | Higher than regular kibble | Premium brand, may be more expensive than other pet food brands. |
| Ratings | Generally receives positive customer reviews for its high-quality ingredients, transparency, and ethical sourcing. | Dog Food Advisor gives Blue Buffalo an overall brand rating of 4.5 stars. |