Blue Buffalo Admits to Bull****ing Pet Parents; Lawsuit with Nestle-Purina Heats Up
Blue Buffalo admitted the truth in court yesterday: A “substantial” and “material” portion of Blue Buffalo pet food sold over the past several years contained poultry by-product meal, despite pervasive advertising claims to the contrary. Blue Buffalo asked the Court for additional time to file an Amended Complaint in the litigation, naming its ingredient suppliers as Defendants.
The admission came almost one year to the day when Purina filed a lawsuit against Blue Buffalo for false advertising after testing revealed the presence of poultry by-product meal in some of Blue Buffalo’s top selling pet foods.
In its original suit, Purina alleged independent tests showed that Blue Buffalo uses chicken by-products, egg shells, rice hulls and artificial preservatives in its products — despite claims to the contrary. Blue Buffalo has continued to make claims in its advertising that none of its pet foods contains animal by-products thereby implying that Blue pet foods are healthier for pets than competitive foods that contain by-products.
A lab report by Windsor Laboratories, which Purina submitted in the civil lawsuit, alleged several of Blue Buffalo’s pet foods contained poultry by-product meal which contained “between 22 and 24 % poultry byproduct meal, egg shell and raw feather.”
THE BY-PRODUCT BLUES
Animal by-products, the much-maligned pet food ingredient, probably tops most consumers list of ingredients to avoid: A concern that Blue’s advertising campaign exploited. Indeed, when Blue Buffalo commissioned consumer research and discovered that pet owners have strong ideas of what they don’t want their animals eating—above all, anything called a by-product– they discovered the basis for their marketing campaign: “Consumers just don’t like the sound of ‘byproduct,’ says Bill Bishop, the Chairman of Blue Buffalo.
What is chicken (or poultry) by-product meal? Generally speaking, it’s ground-up chicken necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines and it’s not supposed to include feathers (although Purina’s testing found feathers). Animal by-products generally are thought to include organs — lung, spleen, kidney, brain, liver — blood, bone, fatty tissue, stomach and intestines. Which, under certain circumstances, could be perfectly fine ingredients, as long as they were not rendered. Unfortunately, meat meals are typically the result of rendering, a process involving one of the meat industry’s most revolting aspects of dealing with slaughterhouse waste.
But, the central issue is not whether by-products are bad for pets to eat, it’s about Blue Buffalo’s insistent claim that their pet food did not contain ground-up chicken intestines and feet, when in fact it probably did or still does (no one is certain).
HISTORY DOES REPEAT ITSELF
An eerily familiar story involving Blue Buffalo emerged back in 2007, when Purina and many other major brands recalled tons of dog and cat food after the FDA found it was contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical traced to Chinese suppliers. However, Blue Buffalo arrogantly ran advertisements bragging that its products didn’t contain the chemical. Unfortunately, it turned out not to be correct, and Blue Buffalo eventually had to pull a third of its product line. At the time, Blue Buffalo said it had been “deliberately deceived” by one of its contract manufacturers. Sound familiar?
THROWING THE SUPPLIER UNDER THE BUS
Blue Buffalo now claims it had no way of knowing the bags contained by-product meal. A manufacturer is responsible for knowing what’s in its product, which a simple audit of its supply chain would have revealed what Purina discovered after reviewing the documentation.
San Francisco-based Wilbur-Ellis admitted that following a review of its facilities – in response to concerns about product mislabeling – it “revealed poor record-keeping and operational processes at its facility in Rosser, Texas, and the mislabeling of pet food ingredients that were sold to companies that formulate food for pets.” But, Wilbur-Ellis hastened to add that although mislabeled, albeit illegal, “the products sold were all commonly used in pet food and safe for pets to consume.”
Bishop explained, that when the company learned that Wilbur-Ellis screwed up and had accidentally mislabeled some ingredients, he complained that although Blue was “ordering and paying for 100% chicken meal, at times they were receiving shipments that contained poultry by-product meal.”
SELLING THE SIZZLE NOT THE STEAK
Contrary to its carefully cultivated reputation for authenticity, Blue Buffalo’s advertising campaign, as it turns out, was built on a claim that should have been verified. And the image of the little family run business up against Big Pet Food isn’t exactly accurate either: Blue Buffalo is, in fact, owned by a big Wall Street firm and they outsource all their manufacturing, as do most pet food manufacturers.
Started in 2002, Blue Buffalo was propelled by advertising techniques Bill Bishop honed as an ad man on Madison Avenue where he ran ad campaigns for for brands such as Kool-Aid, Tang, Tareyton cigarettes (“I’d rather fight than switch”), and later SoBe, a beverage company he co-founded in the 1990s. Blue Buffalo last year racked up an impressive $1 billion in sales, making it America’s fastest-growing major purveyor of pet food and the largest specializing in the all-natural kibble niche.
Bishop realized that getting into the pet food market by starting small with contract manufacturers making the product was a no-brainer and that all one had to do was, “Slap on a good label, come up with a slogan, and off you go.” He already knew it would be a cinch to pull the wool over consumer’s eyes, because, as he said, “There were already a lot of smoke and mirrors in how pet food was advertised, and that was the sort of stuff we were good at.”
Being the consummate ad man, one who might still believe that any publicity is good publicity, one can’t help but speculate that the wily Bishop has lured Purina into a fight where attention is the real objective.
AN APOLOGY, A RECALL, AND A REFUND
All consumers have received thus far in this debacle in the way of an apology (if you can even call it that) is the wishy-washy half-admission that Blue Buffalo products “may” contain undeclared by-products. If Blue Buffalo sold products to consumers with by-products, has products in the marketplace that are mislabeled, I would expect Blue Buffalo to withdraw those products from the market.
However, despite this admission, Blue Buffalo still has failed to acknowledge complete responsibility for betraying consumer trust in their brand:
- They still have not informed consumers of the presence of poultry by-product meal is or may have been in certain formulas;
- They still have not revealed if the mislabeled product(s) were removed from the market or which brands may still be on the market or in consumer’s homes;
- They still have not issued a recall;
- They still have not offered refunds for purchases of said product;
- Instead, they have chosen to place the entire blame at the feet of its suppliers.
Perhaps Blue Buffalo isn’t necessarily worse than other brands, but there’s no real evidence it’s any better and therein lays the crux of the matter – that consumers were ripped off.
Quite simply, the very least consumers deserve in an unreserved apology for the deception, the lies that seduced pet parents to buy a pet food brand that they were told was better than other brands and superior in quality for the health and well being of their beloved pets.
While consumers are angry and hurt by the deception, Bishop shrugs and says, “What can you do? Litigation is part of modern business.”
SOURCES:
http://www.petfoodhonesty.com/pressrelease.php
http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2014-07-24/blue-buffalo-vs-dot-purina-in-dog-food-fight-over-nutrition-claims
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504 Comments
Barbara Bergman
I have been buying this based on the claim that this company did not use crap and slaughter house floor scraps. Have spent hundreds over the years based on what appears to be lies. Maybe we should find a page to start a multi million dollar class action law suite.
Christy Bennett Broohaha
Agreed
Inea Atenveldt
Unfortunately, the only one who makes any money in a class action lawsuit is the LAWYER. He gets 50% off the top, and the plaintiffs get to split what’s left.
Barbara Fixsen
I’ve never fed my dog anything but BB, and when we got our second dog (rescue) we switched her from Eukaneuba to BB and she did great… she is now 10+ years old, and has the energy of a pup. I am not thrilled about the lies and mis labeling, but my dogs are happy and healthy.
lynn
My Pekingese is14and eats Blue Buffalo without any side effects.
veterinary medicine thoughts
I am always so amazed by the number of people who value what they read online or from their breeder over their veterinarians recommendation. Why do people even bring their pet to them and ask their opinion about foods when all they do is argue if they hear a brand veterinarians recommend that they don’t agree with? Why waste your money and ask their advice if your not going to listen to them anyhow? They went to school for years and have a DVM after their name and pass their boards but yet people value something anyone can post on the internet about foods or from someone who breeds pets for a living over a doctor. It never fails to amaze me. All I can do is shake my head and wonder why some people think the way they do.
Christine
Vets who sell dry foods in their practices, do so for one reason and one reason alone, MONEY. Perhaps you should all do some studies on the history of pet nutrition and the manufacturing of pet food from the 1950’s on. Then you will clearly understand when the beginning of dis-ease and cancers began in companion animals, hardly not coincidental with the onset of that wonderful new invention of DRY FOODS (sarcasm).
The world of pet nutrition is changing, slowly but surely. And the vets and top veterinary facilities in this country, DO NOT RECOMMEND dry foods for any companion animals. Check for yourself. Corn, wheat, soy, and gluten will cause underlying issues amongst a menagerie of other health problems.
Too many vets practices are strictly in business for the financial gain. If they continue to sell products which will affect the health of your animals, additional services and visits will be required, chi ching ! It’s unfortunate to learn the hard way, at the expense of the lives of the poor victims, who suffer and die at the hands of incompetent veterinary care. And they always have an excuse. The same vet who killed one with an overdose for hyperthyroid disease, went on to charge $1000’s, for every test known to vet-kind, still unable to determine the cause of the unexplainable diarrhea. Gee, but funny, less than a week after completely removing Blue Buffalo Indoor Heath cat food, like MAGIC, formed, round bowel movements replaced the mess this food created. And then the subsequent vet who wanted to operate on a 19 yr old male for crystals, or start yet another directly on insulin right away. Once this crack cocaine like dry food was eliminated entirely and replaced with wet canned food and supplements were introduced to provide renal / enteric support, everything changed for all these affected cats.
Check and see how many hours are actually dedicated to nutrition, during those “YEARS” of basic veterinary studies. You’ll be shocked to realize they are hardly qualified to make nutritional recommendations, with such a minimal amount of hours; but will gladly do so, to increase incoming revenue. Veterinary care is at best, mediocre, and I am thankful for having the vocational background and education for human nutrition, fitness, and wellness, which can be applied to the furry friends. The top veterinary facilities and specialists in this country are far and few in between, but at least I know our animals, are guaranteed the best care with the industry leaders and specialists. And it’s a relief to have an intelligent conversation with like minded professionals, when it comes to nutrition.
I feel so sorry for the animals being fed not only Blue Buffalo, but Science Diet, Royal Canine as well as any other dry foods. And the ones who are surrendered by owners to shelters and KILLED for litter pan issues and urinating outside the box. Anyone who has ever suffered a kidney infections, knows the discomfort and pain associated with this, and imagine the poor animals who cannot express their pain any other way, and continuing to be fed dry food, ruining their kidneys, affecting their heath, and causing their untimely deaths.
And for everyone who believes annual vaccinations are necessary, check and see how many decades it’s been since the last reported case of rabies was documented for indoor pets. The health consequences of over vaccinating pets is another area, critical for people to educate themselves on, TITER TESTING is the way of the future.
Rip Ringo, it wasn’t bad enough your poor leg had to be amputated for that sarcoma caused by being over vaccinated for rabies, that of course, your wondeful veterinarian had no qualms of administering.
CHI CHING, CHI CHING, CHI CHING. WAKE UP PEOPLE, WAKE UP.
Sue
Christine,
I agree wholeheartedly with your statement, especially the part about veterinarians and the importance of titer testing. I take all of my pets to the vet every year for their check ups and I’m constantly having to argue with them NOT to give them anymore vaccinations. The “shot every year” system was only put into place to insure that pet owners would bring their pets in regularly, not for any health benefits, beyond the initial dose. But due to state law, I MUST have my dog vaccinated regularly for rabies and distemper or be denied a dog license, which of course is the law…own a dog, it must be licensed. I also feed my animals homemade diets. My cats eat raw food and the look of horror on vets’ faces is priceless. I don’t know what they think I’m feeding them but it is very well balanced and carefully prepared. Since taking my dog off of kibble 3+ years ago, he no longer suffers from gas, weight gain, diarrhea, ear infections or tartar build up on his teeth. He is shiny, slim, and full of energy. His homemade diet is also less expensive than those “premium” foods on pet store shelves. Yes it’s a bit more work to prepare but, I’m already cooking for the humans in my household, why should my pets get cheated out of good, healthy food? And all that crap you heard growing up about, “never feed your pets table scraps”, is just that, crap. That was a genius marketing campaign invented by Purina to get people to buy their dry kibble. It was only made for convenience, nothing more.
pamela carlin
I too fed my cats the raw diet when I first purchased them, and they did very well. They started to become bored w/ it and I switched to Fancy Feast caned and Taste of the Wild dry.
I would have preferred to keep them on raw but I gave in to their wishes. They are 6 yrs old now and doing fine, so far.
Roger Jermyn
our Vet is actually the one that recommended BB
Devon Jenna
You can’t always trust a vet… When one of my cats was finally diagnosed with a chicken allergy, my vet recommended their own hypoallergenic cat food for her. I tried it and didn’t see an improvement. That’s when I checked the ingredients and noticed there was in fact chicken in it. I pointed this out on the next vet visit. The vet had no idea.
anonymous
I am always so amazed by the number of people who value what they read online or from their breeder over their veterinarians recommendation. Why do people even bring their pet to them and ask their opinion about foods when all they do is argue if they hear a brand veterinarians recommend that they don’t agree with? Why waste your money and ask their advice if your not going to listen to them anyhow? They went to school for years and have a DVM after their name and pass their boards but yet people value something anyone can post on the internet about foods or from someone who breeds pets for a living over a doctor. It never fails to amaze me. All I can do is shake my head and wonder why some people think the way they do.
Sue
anonymous;
Veterinarians do not learn anything about animal nutrition in vet school. The only course offered is lectured by representatives from the 3 biggies: Purina, Hills Science Diet and Iams. They are taught how to sell their products in their offices. This was admitted to me by at least 2 veterinarians in the last 10 years. It is NEVER a waste of time to research and learn about the food you are feeding your pets and the companies that produce it. Things are changing all of the time. There are corporate buy outs, ie: Iams being sold to P & G in the 1990’s. I was feeding my cat Iams at the time this sale occurred. When the new “revised” cat food formula hit the shelves, my cat started having bloody stools which took my vet a while to figure out it was his food. Iams went from being a quality food to bargain basement crap that made my cat very sick. Yes vets go to school for years but unfortunately, nutrition is not one of the subjects that is offered.
kathy
I am totally shocked on this one! Have been feeding my dog blue for 3 years now she has never had any of theese problems. She never vomits or had bad bowels….my 15 year old cat is still doing good on this food has lots of energy…my 2 year old male cat has never ever got sick or vomit from this bb food either…so crazy my best friend switched her dog to bb and has never been sick after the change…????? until i see a difference in my animals from this food i will not take them off of this!! People really need to read this guys story about his dog food and why he went into business! !!
Anonymous
Its not the same story that his marketing campaign put out for everyone else as when he has his reps go out to major stores to train them on how to sell the food in major stores. I’ve had to sit through those because of where I worked in the past. Young dogs coming into the hospital with liver issues who have only been on that food from the time they were weaned, kittens with urinary tract infections and full of crystals at very young ages. How about the story of his personal dog Blue having cancer and him putting the animal on this food and that is why it is labeled to extend your pets life and is listed as holistic, while he was actually paying for chemo treatment for his dog. Also bet they didn’t tell you that the entire nutrients that your pets need could be found in the life source bits which most pets hated eating because of how bad they tasted and the actual kibble being filler. Also most animals with allergies are not actually allergic to corn! Its usually the protein source that they have issues with!
Carol from Texas
Sons mini-Aussie died, only fed BB of bowel irritation per vet.(15weeks of age). Food recommend by breeder
bill
You people are all idiots. Just raging fucking idiots
Anonymous
Bill, what a intelligent, informative post…
Anonymous
Duck van patten Natural Balance or Merrick all the way baby
Tammy Brown
I agree with you there,except, When any pet food is sold to the major stores, they are kept in warehouses so there is always supply. These foods sit in uncontrolled temperature trucks, on shipping docks (rat fecies and disease on outside of bags go straight into your home) and average 18 months in the U.S. Before our pets actually get the bag. After 6months, what is written on the bag begins to loose it’s nutritional stated value and eventually becomes old. Our pets deserve strict guidelines and way more than AFCO allow. video of AFCO pres saying sure, your next door neighbor’s dead dog “fluffy ” could be in your pet food, it’s protein! Take a closer look. Scroll down and watch videos and ingredient comparisons http://www.PetLink2Life.com
Best thing I ever did for my pets 10 years ago!!!!
Anonymous
I own 4 cats down from the 6 I had so I thought I could afford to pay for a better product. I have have made 3 trips to the vet because the cats cough like they are dying, have gas and running stools. My vet told me to return the BB and the problems have cleared up. I don’t like companies that play with my cats health. Where the lawsuit?
Beth Buckley
False advertisement. Lies, deception. I will no longer purchase this product.
Karen Bartell Winkle
Great scam you got going here. Badmouth products, insist you’re “the expert” and want “the consumer” to pay you $50 for your opinion. Wow. Plus a book worth $18 million in sales. But no real information on pet foods.
Peter
Karen, I think you have the wrong person/website.
Marko M. Vegano
I feed my dogs V-Dog. No animal product what so ever.
nikkio13Nikki
I feed my dog Pioneer…but he does get BB treats…how bad are those?
Dywane
I have feed my cats bb because of the claim someone needs to sue them for not giving us what we paid for
Colleen Ward Dobrzynski
I am extremely angry and don’t take it too kindly being ripped off! No wonder why this 6 1/2 month old pup is always hungry and his stools are always runny. Always has gas. I only purchase this product because my husband is a health nut and wanted the best for the newest member of the family. I will never purchase any products by Buffalo Blue again. No control of the suppliers is totally bull shit. I just suspect that the chairman didn’t think that he would get caught.
L Fleetwood
Switch to Royal Canin or Eukaneuba. Unlike BB, they don’t farm out their manufacturing, they have veterinary nutritionists on staff and they verify the ingredients of their foods. If you don’t mind paying a premium price, at least get premium food.
Nancy deWinter
Bothe Royal Canine and Eukaneuba are full of corn, by-products and fillers. Read the label. My 6 cats have been on B.B. for 3yrs and have no problems, vet calls or anything else. They are silky, never throw up, energetic, smart and extremely healthy, including my 16yr old, playful and ” in charge” I will never switch.
Holly Wrege
since when did Royal Canine have corn, the one I fed had no corn listed, I switched over to diamond naturals when RC decided to shrink the bag size and raise the price several dollars.
Anonymous
Holly,
Diamond Naturals has had it’s fair share of problems. It’s products are produced in plants that are ‘shared’ with other pet foods being processed there also. So, ingredients can be mixed and picked up from the machinery etc. Their products have been recalled many times. I personally would not use any Diamond Natural products for that reason. I do hope you have continued good luck.
Tammy Brown
Don’t forget about the massive pet food recall back in 2007 ! Royal Canine, Diamond all 4,000 plus products were made in the same facilities. If one product is compromised, it can get into all of them. they were all taken off the shelves. Mass production of pet products not only runs that risk but has to keep up with need for having enough product to supply all the stores. The bags often sit at rat infested shipping docks( that’s how so many tainted bags over the years caused human salmonella poisoning). Only way to ensure safety, trust and real cutting edge news is to watch up to date news video, learn about necessary advice given by the top Holistic Vet/Nutritional Scientist in our nation Dr. Jane Bicks. Her bio is extraordinary and is on the site www PetLink2Life.com
Just continue to scroll down to watch important news video, check out the blog which has been ongoing for almost 2 decades. A free monthly newsletter gives fantastic info necessary to stay on top of your pets needs. The company has Lifesabundance has never had a recall. That is why the company doubled in size and moved into a new facility. I’m thankful I found it 10 plus years ago and have never been disappointed. All my best to you and your Pets! Tammy Brown http://www.PetLink2Life.com
P.S There is a price comparison area which will amaze you because there are no middle men!! They offer wholesale prices to everyone and are at your door in 2-3 business days and all products are 100% money back guaranteed!!
TRUTH
What happened to good ol’ Alpo? While growing up, we never had issues with our fourteen year old dog who loved Alpo.
Anonymous
Alpo is the worst.
VoiceofReason
I was thinking the same thing. As a kid, our dogs ate Purina Dog Chow with some tasty table scraps and lived to be 13 years old.
LM
While I am disturbed by BB’s lack of transparency and failure to own up to misleading advertising (whether deliberate or not) I’ve fed my dogs BB for years. I foster dogs and have had an even dozen through here in the past two years, and all have been healthy and in good coat. No vomiting or other issues.
Teresa
Well,I am not surprised they all lie and yes you too Blue . You better hope my cat that has kidney failure was not caused by your so called great food. You can’t trust anyone or anything anymore in the country I Love. Stop letting other countries do the dirty work because it’s cheaper. Companies are getting CHEAPER ALL YOU WANT IS EVIL MONEY YOU DON’T CARE, ANYONE SURPRISED? NO I HATE WHAT THIS GREAT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HAS BECOME. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED. PEOPLE YOU BETTER WAKE UP BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE. BUT YOU WANT TO GREELY. I WILL NEVER BUY YOUR FOOD AGAIN AND I’LL SPREAD WHAT YOU HAVE DONE.
Helen
Ok. No more Blue Buffalo in this house.
We are finished using their product!
Dolly
I have fed my boxer who is 2 blue buffalo and he likes it but would always throw up and I thought it was due to boxer stomach. He’s underweight and I feed him so much and this could be the reason why.i really thought blue buffalo was a top dog food. I recently got a puppy a mastador and he eats bb puppy food.
I will def change my dog food anyone know of a great food to get??
Katie
Exactly why my dogs were taken off commercial foods & placed on a raw diet 6yrs ago. Their skin & fur is healthier, teeth are all still there & healthy w/only a minimal amount of tartar on the geriatric (16yo) Pomeranians-unheard of-& we never once brushed them, allergies disappeared & haven’t had a single health problem since. Proof is in the pudding for me, feed a dog what they’re MEANT to eat & all is well, otherwise…ppl are killing their pets out of laziness. JS
Kristine
Are you just feeding raw or are you adding something to the raw?
Roxanne Sherman
I did the same thing… we switched to raw and have happy healthy pets!
Janet
yes!
when dog’s food is cooked, it doesn’t have the same nutritional benefits that it does raw.
aside from the ‘icky’ factor, it’s much more convenient than cooking for your dog.
polly eats raw ground chicken/bone mix, ground beef/bone mix, beef by-products, ground bone, chicken necks, pork chops, liver, hearts, marrow bones, water packed tuna and sardines, the occasional plain yogurt and more. i’m lucky in that i’ve found a local abattoir that packages frozen raw dog food and it’s definitely less expensive than a ‘good’ kibble.
kaylyn
What does it matter either way what’s in the pet food? If the dog or cat where wild they’d be eating the whole carcass of said animals. Dogs eat way more grosser things. So I really wouldn’t worry about it
Vickie
I have used this brand for 4 years no problems! The headline article says poisoning? No where in the artical does it state one dog or cat has been poisoned . sounds like it was written by a Purina spokesman. Although , I do not like the fact they lied, and they are responsible for the suppliers ! Get it together Blue. I also noticed some of the products that were mentioned by people here in their responses to the artical HAVE BEEN RECALLED!
I make my four scotties food and only give BB dry as a snack.
dianaiam
http://www.petfoodhonesty.com/
Ann
I dont’ know what to think…I thought I was buying a grain free top notch product…so what is the recommendation for cat and dog food? It appears everyting has been adulterated.
L Fleetwood
The veterinarian that I work for reccomends: Royal Canin, Eukaneuba/iams, Purina one or pro plan, and hills/science diet.
Sue
Orijen pet food is made in their own facility in Canada and they are very transparent about how & where their ingredients are sourced. They are also truly grain-free. They also make “Acana” which is their slightly less expensive line which is also very good but some have grains and some are grain-free. They are only sold at small, specialty pet stores and online.
Tammy Brown
Don’t worry, there is a grain free pet food with zero of the issues going throughout the U.S. Concerning pet food. Do your due diligence for your pets and your wallet. http://www.Petlink2Life.com Scroll down to watch videos and learn from the blog maintained for over 10 years. I thank God someone introduced me !!!
Anonymous
The link you provided doesn’t work.
me
Okay I don’t feed my dogs or cats blue but know people that do and never have had any issues all food to me is basically the same I feed my dogs Iams and nutro natural choice and science diet it’s all about what my dogs and cats want and will eat I have switched trying to get them to al eat the same thing it’s all about the dog or the cat and what food they will like and eat not what you want to feed them some are picky some aren’t Blue Buffalo is good food just like some may say pedigree is good oh well let them eat what they want if it upsets their stomach switch to something else just like us you go get food they say this and that is in it is it really pesticides bugs etc come on are food is just as bad as every kind of dog food ugh people let it go it is what it is
Laurie
About three years ago at Christmas we had to rush one of our twin yorkies to the vet. We were told his intestines were basically damaged and he was staring to shut down. We found a miracle vet specializing in GI in dogs. He told me if I would have kept my dog on their dog food this would not have happened. We spent thousands of dollars on medication and treatment and he is still alive. Needless to say I will never buy Blue Buffalo again…EVER! YOU CAN MAIL ME MY REIMBURSEMENT CHECK!!!!!!!
Anonymous
This is NOT a surprise… those of you that have used it with bad results…. why the hell did you continue to use it? Seriously…. get a clue ! If it is heavily advertised, sold in a big box store DO NOT BUY IT! PERIOD!
Anonymous
When i got my dog, the breeder feed him puppy chow, it was horrible! I never wanted to feed my dog bb, he eats wellness. And we have never had any tummy issues. And his coat is great.
patty
I never fed my dogs BB I have always fed them pedigree puppy and pedigree small bites I never ever had a problem with their products. All I see is BB Is very expensive. I will stick to pedigree I have for over 30 years no problems at all with my dogs. They are very healthy
sparkinson1212
Pedigree is like THE WORST food you could feed your dog….. Don’t bash other foods when you clearly have no effing clue about what good dog food is. Personally I do not feed my dogs kibble because of all the chemicals that are in processed food. My dogs are fed raw, all day every day and they are very healthy. However if you do want to feed your dog kibble feed them a good brand, not Pedigree, it is literally the shittiest food to feed a dog next to Beneful. If you do not like the prices of decent dog food, don’t own a dog.
Cris
And this angry, factual statement about why Pedigree should not be used is based on…..?
lettucehavewhirledpeas7
A reply to Cris, who mentions Pedigree, and questions why it should not be used: Reading the ingredient list: Reason #1. The first ingredient is Corn, (many dogs are allergic to it, or cannot digest it, as well it being prone to develop deadly molds known as mycotoxins.). #2. is MEAT AND BONE MEAL, (Hello, This is a BY-PRODUCT, what this article above is all about.), which is rendered from diseased, disabled, dying, and euthanized animals. #3. is Corn Gluten Meal, CGM – a cheap source of protein, to which many animals become allergic. #4. Animal Fat, (it goes into the rendered meat and bone meal category). #5. Preserved with Bha preservative. #6. Soy meal, (GMO). #7,8,9 are wheat, rice and beet pulp, (all fillers). #10. Natural flavor, (nothing “natural” about it). #11. Salt. #12. Vegetable Oil (Linoleic Acid, Preserved with Bha/Bht), #13. Vitamins sourced from China. And lastly: Food Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2).
.
Do these ingredients sound like a food that a dog would eat and remain healthy until old age? The only reason they eat it is because it’s been enhanced with “Natural Flavors”, whatever they are. This info sourced from http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com. You can read her references there.
Note: Pedigree is only one of a myriad of other brands with very similar ingredients.
Peter
Consumers interpret the term “Natural flavors” as beneficial, but it really doesn’t mean anything. More importantly, manufacturers spend fortunes on research to develop palatants, generally, animal fats that are sprayed on dry foods at the end of the process. The palatants get dogs and cats to eat foods which they would normally never touch.
christine
I work in a shelter in a petstore. Blue buffalo sales people walk around trying to get customers. Its weird that a company would do that. I been grabbing cans of thier wetfood and giving it to my dog. He had such bad loose stools he was having accidents in the house. Never agian!
albalovescholo
i do not know why i chose you, Christine, to reply to, but here goes:
loose stools after changing pet foods is actually normal. if a companion animal has been eating the same food for a while, and the food is changed, there will be stomach upset, which is why it is recommended that one always mix some of the new with some of the old, to wean them off of one, and onto another nutritional profile.
that said, i have no personal knowledge, or experience with the animals discussed herein. i do like BB, but the complaints here regarding the lapses in judgement in the supply lines, as well as the manufacturing lines seem entirely valid–internal validity and all.
…am doing research. all i know is that i HATE to feed my babies that chewy, taffy-like, plasticine meat-like stuff. Hill’s uses that stuff…where is the animal product? it looks like my beef replacement chunks, but harder to look at.
E
Since BB outsource everything, that means they can’t possibly know what is in their product unless they audit the manufacturers, all of them. They don’t audit the manufacturers. So they have no idea what is in their product. So even that part of what Mr. Bishop has to say is baloney too.
That quality has declined is probably because Blue Buffalo squeezed their contract manufacturers. I know all too well how that game is played. Get 3 companies, and tell them that if they cut the price that company gets more business. That creates a race to the bottom, and has the inevitable outcome of terrible product that kills or sickens animals that eat it.
Peggy
I fed Blue Buffalo to my Great Dane for years; he had constant diarrhea. I chalked it up to finicky stomachs some Great Danes have, and I would give him anti-diarrheal pills and boiled hamburger and rice till he got better, then gradually switch to his dog food. I bought an Australian Labradoodle puppy who was eating Orijen puppy food. I figured I may as well switch to Orijen for my Dane, as well. That was over 6 months ago; he’s never had diarrhea since, and it had been a weekly occupancy previously. Orijen is more expensive, but you feed less, so it’s a wash. The main thing is the health of my animals.
Jill
I have fed Blue Buffalo exclusively for 3 1/2 – 4 years with wonderful results for my 3 Jack Russells. Their coats
improved as did their appetites. I have NEVER had any of the issues everyone else is complaining about. My oldest dog is now 14 and he runs around like an 8 year old whenever we’re on a walk!! For me personally, it’s been a great food.
Nancy Ryan Schulman
I feed my dogs BB after feeding my cavalier kings charles Purina Light and “Healthy” which gave him pancreatitis and he almost died. He had bloody stools, vomiting and had to be put on extensive antibiotics. I will NEVER use a PURINA product again.
Betty
i am LIVID! my cat was diagnosed with IBD and i was spending money left and right trying to find a cat food that didn’t have chicken in it when trying to find a food that wouldn’t upset his stomach. i live near boston and during one of our many blizzards this winter we almost lost him as he quit eating due to acid reflux (giving him 1/3 tablet of pepcid a/c got him to eating again until we could get to the vet). he was bone thin. blue was one i fed him b/c of their advertising on what was NOT in their foods. this makes me want to cry.
Marcia Skiff
Buffalo Blue is not Poisoning Pets-that is the name of the article for everyone to notice. If you read the article throughout it is only about the fact of chicken meal versus chicken by products. This is they way Lawyers and Big companies make their money. One company is making another company change their marketing. Do not always believe everything that is posted until you understand the entire issue. There is absolutely NO TRUTH that either the manufacturers of the products that go into any of the dog food produced under the Buffalo Blue name is poisonous or has poisoned any pet of any kind.
Peter
Marcia Skiff, I disagree. When you insist that “There is absolutely NO TRUTH that either the manufacturers of the products that go into any of the dog food produced under the Buffalo Blue name is poisonous or has poisoned any pet of any kind”, you are making an overbroad assumption.
The issue about what a manufacturer states is “in the bag” can be critical to consumers who need to avoid certain ingredients. That could be for medical reasons, as an example. If that consumer purchases a product relying on that information, the animal who eats it could indeed be “poisoned,” or suffer health consequences. Many pet guardians (including myself) struggle mightily for pets with allergies, which can be food or environmental, and, in which at the least, food sensitivities act as a cross-trigger. The reaction can be strong and multi-fold: it isn’t just an issue of some scratching or red skin… it can be serious outbreaks in the face, eyes, ears, body, feet… everywhere… that can take weeks or months to attempt to control, often, with little success.
Regardless of how this issue was revealed, it does mean that consumers cannot rely on claims of quality or ingredients from BB. We simply cannot. BB clearly is not monitoring its supply chain, and that is a responsibility they hold on behalf of the consumer who supports the company. Its fair to interpret that the consumer is paying for something that may be other than what s/he is led to believe. In response, BB blames others and apparently will not take effort to compensate consumers who paid premium prices for their products. Pet guardians are in the adversarial position we are in today, because manufacturers are using pet food to recycle garbage, and it is my determination to avoid certain ingredients, because they are “poison.” And byproducts, by my definition, can be made from “poisonous” ingredients.
I don’t believe the BB is terrible food. But it may indeed have poisonous ingredients.
Kathy
I have used blue buffalo for about a year with my dog and cat. Just this past week I noticed my cat is vomiting and my dog has diarrhea. Guess it’s time to change.
Anonymous
I used to feed and recommend BB religiously, until in the last year or so both my dogs have become increasingly itchy and developed anal gland problems. Switching them to Acana/Orijen cleared both these issues up very quickly.
V
Yeah I stopped using this dog food a year or so ago – the regular bouts of diarrhea were just too much.
Christine
Feeding dry food, BLUE BUFFALO, SCIENCE DIET, ROYAL CANIN or any other brands for that matter, should be considered animal NEGLECT AND ABUSE. And anyone who believes otherwise, or uses VETS WHO SELL THIS GARBAGE, needs to #1, EDUCATE themselves and #2, PROBABLY STOP EATING MCDONALDS THEMSELVES. It may be convenient, but it’s only a matter of time before the animal’s health is compromised. But that will put more money in the vet’s pockets.
It wasn’t until we ELIMINATED BLUE BUFFALO ENTIRELY from our household two years ago, and switched to 100% wet food only, that the bowel and diarrhea issues that went undiagnosed after spending $1000’s, finally disappeared. Really ? Coincidental ?
WHAT COMES OUT, MUST GO IN. THINK ABOUT IT.
Anonymous
your experience…
Sandra
Tricky. For a long time I offered my cat her choice of BB dried food and a variety of canned offerings. Given the choice, she won’t eat the canned stuff. I learned this after her adopted brother cat passed away. Turned out he was the only one who ate the canned and she really prefers the dried.
Sylvia Allen
They need to reimburse customers. Should be tarred and feathered. Companies need to be held accountable but never are. It’s ridiculous!!! My dogs have had very loose stools and vomiting. Gee, guess thats the reason. No excuse for this. Throw the book at them!!
Anonymous
What about the poor humans. Let’s test the hot dogs and processed meat. Nitrates and whatever else is in them. Hormones antibiotics etc. My dog wont even eat them.
Nicole.
us humans choose for ourselves what we eat. our animals eat when we feed them. give your head a shake.
Anonymous
I have used Fromm Four Star Naturals for years, sometimes grain free, sometimes with grains. Fromm Family has their own mill in Wisconsin, no outsourcing and NO recalls ever. Do not agree that you should buy from large companies. Purina and other big companies have had their share of questionable quality dog food.
Estee
We just stopped using Blue Buffalo a couple months ago due to the vomiting and diarrhea that became more and more frequent to the point it was happening after every feeding. We thought he was getting into something outside, but as soon as we stopped giving it to him the stomach issues stopped.
Anonymous
Scam article.
My zoo has always been fine. Will continue to use this line.
June
Oh, please, Mr. Anonymous, if you are claiming a scam, please provide your proven source.
Anonymous
I have a 12 year old Pomeranian who has eaten BB her entire life…she is extremely healthy and does not look or act her age. I dont mind paying a little more for it knowing it has kept her healthy and active.
Kristin
I AGREE! (have a 7 year old chihuahua)
Garrett
She could very well be very healthy. She also has likely been eating chicken by-product meal at an increased price compared to any other pet food brand. Congrats.
Anonymous
Always buy pet food from a large reputable manufacturer. They have the best ingredients, quality control, and the product is fresh because it sells off the shelf fast. Never had any food problem with my dogs or cats!
Peter
Uh… “a large reputable manufacturer”? I think the point of this essay is that a reputation that consumers rely upon may be built on a false foundation.
Tammy Brown
On the contrary, that’s the last place a I would ever trust. Big companies have had 50 plus recalls each over the years. The AFCO regulation is a joke, videos prove the president saying – sure your neighbors dead dog fluffy could be in you pet food bag- after all it’s protein! What is allowed is cutting corners and taking chances with pets health. There are going on 2,000 pet food recalls since 07 and it’s because essentially nothing has changed. Maybe a new look on the bag. Lack of controls allow anything to be written on the outside of the bag as long as there is even a scant of it in the bag. I learned something 10 years ago, Don’t trust anything bought in stores. 99%of pet foods are made in the same facility, just one bad ingredient compromises all of them. Due your homework and keep your $ in your pocket and your pets out of the expensive Vet offices. Take some time to watch video, go to the blog, compare products and see what is guaranteed and what is not. See what essential vitamins and minerals are not guaranteed per serving in the top selling pet food. My Very Best to you and your pet, Tammy Brown.
www.PetLink2Life.com
As for Costco Brand, they too are mass produced. They are also not a pet food company but a wholesale human product store that saw the $ they could make and are!!! No different! Real personal experience- I shopped at Costco 2months before the March 07 4,000 plus pet product recall. I was approached from Costco workers with a coupon offering a $5.00 discount today only on Benefil. I say numerous people running around getting these coupons into customers hands. I went home and learned that there was a huge recall on Benefil! I called Costco and spoke with the Manager of that facility and said stop the coupons and take the product Off the Shelves NOW. I knew what they were up to, they had so much product the wanted to get it out of their stores and fast. Horrible, it’s all about making a buck, now you know!!!
http://www.PetLink2Life.com Scroll down to see all the info!!!!
Anonymous
NEVER USE BLUE BUFFALO
Peter
A primary focus of BB management seems to be coming up with excuses. So the chairman of BB, Mr. Bishop, complains that although Blue was “ordering and paying for 100% percent chicken meal, at times they were receiving shipments that contained poultry by-product meal.” What about the consumer who paid for 100% chicken meal? BB has simply not acknowledged the need for transparency and respect for its customers. BB has not compensated customers in any way and has no plans to, ever. This all just gets forgotten? And we are supposed to keep patronizing the business?
You are absolutely correct: a company that outsources its manufacturing process is responsible for auditing its suppliers. If BB put half the effort that they put into blaming everyone but themselves into monitoring its contract manufacturers, we would all have gotten better products.
Mandy B
Totally agree. They’re good at 2 thinks – advertising and finger pointing. They refuse to own up to anything.
Mirsades
I used to feed Blue Buffalo to my cat until he started vomiting…..to the point of almost every meal…..a couple years ago. Because of this I believe he developed IBD. I have spent alot of money on tests and medications, and still do, to help him live out the rest of his life. He was only 2 years old then, he’s 4 now. I am very upset with this company and would never feed their product again!!!!!
Tammy Brown
I’m sorry for you and your cat!! Vets these days are trusting those big companies to give them honest information. After all shouldn’t they trust the companies that spend the time teaching them the limited nutritional advise they receive in Vet school? Obviously no! These are companies that make huge claims and have millions invested in advertising. Unfortunately AFCO doesn’t regulate what’s said on the bags of pet food. A scant of something could be inside and the outside advertising on the bag could be stressing the need for this ingredient. It dosesn’t even have to be in each per serving meal, it could just be a tiny amount on the bottom of the bag. Their is no rhyme or reason that AFCO allows this to occur. They just don’t put health and safety first. I have an answer that I found 10 years ago. Dr. Jane Bicks is internationally renown for her expertise in Pet food nutrition. Her Bio is extensive over 30 years and has given back to shelters and rescues that are making a difference. Scroll down and watch Videos, exceptional on going recall info and free monthly newsletters. She makes herself available to answer questions and is the hands on developer to Lifesabundance . Wholesale prices are available to anyone and 100% money back guarantee if you choose to order. This is the Safest and most Healthy Pet products site you will ever need. The knowledge you will attain will give you a heads up on anything you need to know. The blog has been ongoing foe going on 20 years with video!! Never once has Lifesabundance had a pet food recall which is not the case of the 99% pet companies in the U.S. Do your due diligence for your wallet and the safety and health for your family pet.
MY Best, Tammy Brown http://www.PetLink2Life.com
P.S. What is advertised on the bag is 100% guaranteed to be fresh ( within 4-6 weeks of manufacturing). Made in small batches to control safety and freshness. Wholesale prices offered to everyone because there is no advertising and middlemen. Products made in mass quantities are on the average 18 months old and have little to no nutritional benefit left by the time someone buys them in a store and feeds them to their pet. Bags bought in Stores have had issues with salmonella poisoning contaminating kitchen and responsible for humans ending up in hospital because of bags sitting on rat infested shipping docks . These are just a few facts I’ve learned on this site over 10 years. I wouldn’t feel comfortable having a pet without access to this site!
http://www.PetLink2Life.com Please share this info with other pet owners or Vet Professionals!!
Our Pets depend on us!
Jeannie Brooks
I had a very similar situation with my Pozzi. I didn’t know for years and years he was allergic to the grains and developed IBD, a serious condition. I switched to Science Diet/Hills cat food for cats with food allergies. It did him in. He was allergic to that too.He got pancreatitis, and suffered terribly before he died. It’s a terrible tragedy. He was only 15.
Anonymous
I used to feed Blue Buffalo to my cat until he started vomiting…..to the point of almost every meal…..a couple years ago. Because of this I believe he developed IBD. I have spent alot of money on tests and medications, and still do, to help him live out the rest of his life. He was only 2 years old then, he’s 4 now. I am very upset with this company and would never feed their product again!!!!!