Rachael Ray Nutrish vs Blue Buffalo

Rachael Ray Nutrish comes out ahead, winning 3 of 3 categories when we put their best-selling products side by side across 3 categories. Each is graded out of 100 on recalls, WSAVA nutrition standards, owner ratings and value, using the same data as our full rankings.

Dry dog food: Rachael Ray Nutrish wins

Rachael Ray Nutrish's Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe scores 73 to 70. The biggest difference is safety and recall record, where Rachael Ray Nutrish leads by 7.0 points.

Rachael Ray NutrishBlue Buffalo
ProductReal Chicken & Veggies RecipeLife Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice
GradeC (73/100)C (70/100)
Safety and recalls30/3023/30
Nutrition standards (WSAVA)14/2515.8/25
Owner rating4.5★ (5,527)4.7★ (29,400)
Value$0.86 per 1,000 kcal$1.37 per 1,000 kcal
Brand-line recalls since 201604
Made byJ.M. Smucker pet foods (sold to Post Holdings in 2023)Blue Buffalo (General Mills)

Wet dog food: Rachael Ray Nutrish wins

Rachael Ray Nutrish's Savory Favorites Variety Pack (tubs) scores 68 to 60. The biggest difference is safety and recall record, where Rachael Ray Nutrish leads by 9.9 points.

Rachael Ray NutrishBlue Buffalo
ProductSavory Favorites Variety Pack (tubs)Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner
GradeC (68/100)D (60/100)
Safety and recalls30/3020.1/30
Nutrition standards (WSAVA)14/2515.8/25
Owner rating4.5★ (11,100)4.5★ (2,712)
Value$0.27 per oz$0.24 per oz
Brand-line recalls since 201604
Made byJ.M. Smucker pet foods (sold to Post Holdings in 2023)Blue Buffalo (General Mills)

Dry cat food: Rachael Ray Nutrish wins

Rachael Ray Nutrish's Indoor Complete Chicken, Lentils & Salmon scores 75 to 66. The biggest difference is value, where Rachael Ray Nutrish leads by 6.9 points.

Rachael Ray NutrishBlue Buffalo
ProductIndoor Complete Chicken, Lentils & SalmonTastefuls Indoor Chicken & Brown Rice
GradeB (75/100)C (66/100)
Safety and recalls30/3025.5/30
Nutrition standards (WSAVA)14/2515.8/25
Owner rating4.6★ (5,816)4.6★ (4,255)
Value$1.12 per 1,000 kcal$3.01 per 1,000 kcal
Brand-line recalls since 201604
Made byJ.M. Smucker pet foods (sold to Post Holdings in 2023)Blue Buffalo (General Mills)

Questions

Is Rachael Ray Nutrish better than Blue Buffalo?

Rachael Ray Nutrish comes out ahead, winning 3 of 3 categories in our grades. Dry dog foods: Rachael Ray Nutrish 73, Blue Buffalo 70. Wet dog foods: Rachael Ray Nutrish 68, Blue Buffalo 60. Dry cat foods: Rachael Ray Nutrish 75, Blue Buffalo 66. Scores are out of 100.

Which is cheaper, Rachael Ray Nutrish or Blue Buffalo?

For dry dog foods, Rachael Ray Nutrish costs less ($0.86 per 1,000 kcal vs $1.37 per 1,000 kcal). For wet dog foods, Blue Buffalo costs less ($0.27 per oz vs $0.24 per oz). For dry cat foods, Rachael Ray Nutrish costs less ($1.12 per 1,000 kcal vs $3.01 per 1,000 kcal).

Have Rachael Ray Nutrish or Blue Buffalo had recalls?

Since 2016 we found 0 recalls for Rachael Ray Nutrish brand lines and 4 for Blue Buffalo. Each brand page lists them with sources.

Prices, ratings and recalls checked October 2026. We compare each brand's top-selling product in each category. How we grade.