Brand Histories

Hill's Science Diet History

The history of Hill’s Science began in 1939. A blind man named Morris Frank asked his veterinarian to help his guide dog named Buddy,with kidney failure. The said vet had already researched the impact of poor diet on dogs and tailored a specific diet for Buddy.Hebelieved Buddy's illness was the result of poor nutrition, so he developed a new pet food with his wife, Louise Morris, in their kitchen. 

In 1948, Dr. Morris contracted with Burton Hill of the Hill Packing Company in Topeka, Kansas, to can the food with a new name, Canine k/d, and licensed Hill to produce his pet food formulas.In 1976, the Colgate-Palmolive Company purchased Hill's Pet Nutrition. 

Today,Hill's Science Diet has grew into a globally recognized corporation that manufactures over 50 varieties of pet food recipes that focus on animals different health issues and life stages.Hill's pet food products are available in 86 countries around the world. The company sales reached $1 billion in 1999, and continues to grow each year. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Science Diet’s slogan is “lifelong health starts with science”. They are also available on every online pet food platform and in most pet stores too. 

Blue Buffalo History

Blue Buffalo is a very big brand in the pet food market, and they were established back in 2003 in Connecticut by the Bishop family. In fact, it’s gone from being a small, independent operation to being purchased by General Mills for billions of dollars in 2018.

The company got started thanks to a dog named Blue. The Bishop family adopted a young pup by the name of Blue, who was their loyal companion for many years until one fateful day that changed the course of their lives.Blue was diagnosed with cancer.After heroically battling the illness, Blue died, but the family never forgot their loyal pet and decided to create better dog food. They worked with veterinarians and nutrition experts to come up with natural formulas with complete and balanced nutrition.Blue Buffalo was the result. The food Bishop created was so high quality, it quickly became in demand by owners in similar situations. Word of mouth quickly spread, and in less than twenty years, the brand went from inception to becoming the top natural pet food brand in America.

The company still uses high-quality ingredients, with no animal by-products or cheap fillers. However, they’re not always as good as other foods in their premium price range.

Taste of the Wild History

Taste of the Wild is a brand owned and manufactured by Diamond pet foods, which was founded in 1970 by brothers-in-law Richard Kampeter and Gary Schell.Diamond as a company had, through the decades, suffered from numerous recalls as a result the ongoing challenge of producing premium food for less. But in 2007, they debuted Taste of the Wild as a new era in premium pet food, that used better quality ingredients that would relaunch the ethos of affordable premium food.

All of its foods are manufactured in the USA and are billed as being affordable and using high-quality ingredients. As well as using real meat, fish, or fowl as their primary ingredient, the brand’s recipes also include unique proteins from boar, bison, duck, trout, and venison.Although the foods are manufactured in the USA, Diamond sources its ingredients from countries including Belgium and China.

Taste of the Wild provides a number of grain-free formulas made with real roasted meat. Each of their formulas are meant to be in line with your pet’s ancestral diet, and also has healthy probiotics added into the mix to aid in digestion, support the immune system, and contribute to the overall wellbeing of your dog.

Where To Buy Dog Foods Cheapest?

• Chewy: $7.5 Super Cash Back

• PetFlow: Up to 10% Super Cash Back

• Petco: 2% Super Cash Back

• Amazon

Saving Tip:

If you like online shopping, don't forget to sign up at Extrabux！(What is Extrabux) , then you can enjoy up to 30+% cashback on your purchase from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus! Student Benefits：As long as you are a student at school, you can get a free whole year long VIP Card worth $199.

Extrabux.com cooperates with many merchants, such as: Walmart (Up to 4% cashback), Sephora（4% -5% cash back)，Dior (Up to 6% cash back), Moosejaw (5% -6% cash back), LOOKFANTASTIC (Up to 10% cash back), Microsoft (Up to 7% cash back) and so on. You can save on buying daily necessities, fashion, beauty, electronic products, broadband installation, mobile communication, air tickets, hotels and other aspects of life!

Hill's Science Diet vs. Blue Buffalo vs. Taste of the Wild: Comparison Side by Side

1.Type of Dog Foods

2.Food Ingredients

A healthy, balanced diet is a fundamental component of your pet’s life. Even though our canine companions are carnivorous, they also need plants within their diet.The necessary nutrients for the normal functioning of the dog:

• Proteins 

• Fats

• Carbohydrates

• Mineral substances

• Vitamins

• Water

Hill's Science Diet

Science Diet claims that all of their recipes are based on science.Hill’s combines nutrient-rich, high-quality ingredients in its products, making these balanced foods trusted by veterinarians and recommended for more than 60 years.They believe that natural dog food does not always mean the best for Fido. So, their ingredients aren't always natural, which some consumers do not like. 

Hill’s Science Diet commonly contains the following:

• Animal fat, fish oil and vegetable oil

• Corn, rice, barley, sorghum

• Chicken and turkey, lamb, and eggs

• Cellulose, soy flour, and beet pulp

Controversial ingredients used by Hill’s Science Diet:

They commonly use artificial additives and preservatives, which can be irritating to dogs with sensitive stomachs. They also list artificial flavors such as Chicken liver flavor instead of natural flavors. 

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo only uses natural ingredients in their recipes.They promise never to use by-products, and only real meats.The brand does not add artificial preservatives, fillers, or flavors to their foods. Their recipes are formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists to produce foods that the owners would be happy to feed to their own families.

They use the typical meat sources such as:

• Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Beef and Lamb

• Alligator, Rabbit, Quail, Sardines and Shrimp

They also have Chicken free recipes which many brands do not offer.Most formulas also add various vegetables, fruits,  probiotics, and dried tomato cakes. Each of their formulas is enriched with added vitamins. They also include recognizable fats, such as chicken fat. It is an excellent source of fatty acids.

Unlike other companies, Blue Buffalo does not use ambiguous language when describing the ingredients in its products.

Controversial ingredients used by Blue Buffalo:

• Garlic
  

• Caramel

• Caramel Color

Taste of the Wild

The Taste of the Wild list of ingredients is wide and varied with a selection of whole meats listed as the first ingredient. With meats such as bison, wild boar, salmon, fowl, lamb, and venison, they pride themselves on using good quality meat.

Their grain-free recipes are very nutritious, and their grain inclusive line ‘ancient grains’ use chia seeds, quinoa, millet, and sorghum, reflecting a more natural canine diet.

Taste of the Wild formulates recipes with ingredients such as chicory root and prebiotic fiber to aid regular digestion and promote intestinal health. Natural additives such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bacillus subtilis probiotics promote friendly bacteria in your pups’ gut.

3.Nutrition

According to the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) , each pet food package must have labels with a guaranteed analysis of the nutrient content. In each recipe, the minimum content of raw protein and raw fat should be noted, as well as the maximum content of raw fiber and moisture.

Here, I compare the most important nutrients that our pets need.

• Crude Protein: Protein is an extremely important part of your dog's diet. Without sufficient protein, dogs can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.The minimum protein intake for an adult dog is approximately 18%.

• Crude Fat: Fat is another essential compound for dogs as it delivers energy and fat-soluble vitamins as well promoting good blood pressure and a healthy and strong body. The average adult dog needs a minimum of 5% fat in their diet to stay healthy.

• Crude Fiber: Higher fiber content can assist to satiate a dog’s appetite keeping them feeling fuller for longer as it is an easier way to bulk out food without adding calories. Fiber is also an aid to digestion and keeps your dog’s bowel movements regular and healthy. Fiber in the gut assists with the breakdown of food and allows the body to absorb more of the nutrients and vitamins.

Hill's Science Diet(average)

Blue Buffalo(average)

Taste of the Wild(average)

4.Recalls

Hill's Science Diet has been recalled 4 times:

• June 2014: Potential for salmonella

• November 2015: Labeling issues 

• Jan. 31, 2019: elevated levels of Vitamin D
  

• March 20, 2019: elevated levels of Vitamin D

Blue Buffalo has been recalled 7 times:

• April 2007: Rice protein was contaminated with melamine

• October 2010: elevated levels of Vitamin D

• November 2015: Potential Salmonella contamination with chew bones

• May 2016: excessive moisture and mold

• February 2017: aluminum contamination

• March 2017:  issue with the foil packaging

• March 2017: elevated levels of the naturally occurring hormone

In 2014 Purina filed a claim against Blue Buffalo for false advertising. They discovered poultry by-product meal ingredients in their recipes, despite Blue Buffalo claiming to never to use by-products. After investigation Blue Buffalo admitted that this was true, blaming their supplier, and they corrected the issues.

Taste of the Wild has been recalled 1 times:

The parent company of Taste of the Wild, Diamond Pet Food, has had several recalls of food across their different companies, but only one directly related to the Taste of the Wild brand.May 5, 2012 – Taste of the Wild instigated a recall of their products as a precautionary measure. This was related to a salmonella concern affecting other brands manufactured in Diamond Pet Food facilities. 

5.Price

Hill's Science Diet

Blue Buffalo

Taste of the Wild

6.Taste 

Taste is one of the important considerations while picking the best diet for your dog. Because let’s be honest some dogs are picky when it comes to food.

Science Diet takes whole chicken and chicken meal as their primary meat proteins.Chicken is a highly flavorful meat that dogs just love, ensuring their interest is piqued by either of these diets.

Blue Buffalo earns high marks for its taste that dogs seem to love. Chicken is an extremely flavorful meat, and this whole protein is enriched with both chicken meal and delicious fruits and vegetables to increase its taste. 

All Taste of the Wild products are renowned for being foods that dogs find delicious. This particular food’s wide array of meat-based proteins increases its flavor profile, making it a diet that dogs look forward to enjoying every day. This food Is a favorite amongst families whose dogs are known for being picky eaters. 

When it comes to taste, Hill's Science Diet,Blue Buffalo and Science Diet are in a dead heat tie with all earning high marks from pooches regularly fed these diets.

Most Popular Dog Food of Each Brand

#Hill's Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food

Price: $16.99+ at Chewy

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food provides your pup with precise nutrition for a healthy lifestyle. Made with wholesome ingredients such as savory chicken meal and barley, this nourishing recipe is balanced to meet your pet’s needs, support healthy brain, eye and skeletal development, and promote healthy immune function. Manufactured in the United States, every ingredient meets strict requirements for purity and nutrient content which exceed industry standards. Formulated for puppies up to 1 year of age and pregnant or nursing dogs, this Hill’s Science Diet provides your pooch with the nutrition he needs for a lifetime of health and happiness.

Ingredients

Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Pork Liver Flavor, Fish Oil, Flaxseed, Lactic Acid, Soybean Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Iodized Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Oat Fiber, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas.

#Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Dry Dog Food

Price: $31.78+ at Chewy

Feed your pal the finest natural ingredients featured in Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Dry Dog Food. Made with easily digestible ingredients from proteins, carbohydrates and fats to promote your pal’s optimal nutrient absorption. The veterinary diet contains prebiotic fibers to help balance and maintain your furry best friend’s healthy GI microflora. The healthy holistic formula contains vitamins E and C, plus antioxidant-rich ingredients including blueberries and cranberries to help support a healthy immune system. It’s formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages. Plus, this wholesome, natural diet has both beneficial nutrition and a taste your furry best friend will love.

Ingredients

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Peas, Potatoes, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Pea Fiber, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Dicalcium Phosphate, Pea Protein, Apple Pomace, Salt, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Dried Kelp, Dried Chicory Root, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vegetable Juice for color, Blueberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Taurine, Dried Yeast, Zinc Sulfate, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Ferrous Sulfate, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Copper Sulfate, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.

#Taste of the Wild Smoked Salmon High Protein Real Fish Recipes Premium Dry Dog Food

Price:$19.99+ at Chewy

Modern science proves that dogs share DNA with wolves. With Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, you can satisfy your canine’s cravings from his wild past, while also providing him with the proper ingredients and nutrition he needs to thrive. This fish-protein, grain-free recipe is crafted with sweet potatoes to provide energy for your sensitive sidekick, real smoke-flavored salmon, and fruits and veggies for the antioxidants needed to help your furry explorer live a healthy lifestyle. With this recipe, you can give your dog a taste of the wild!

Ingredients

Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Lentils, Salmon Meal, Smoke-Flavored Salmon, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Conclusion: Which is Better?

Hill's Science Diet,Taste of the Wild and Blue Buffalo are well-respected brands beloved by people and pets. Their commitment to providing dogs with the highest quality ingredients in their kibble makes them excellent brands, especially with both promising the pet owner that the prices won’t break the bank. 

It's important to consider the health, age, and development of the dog before deciding on a type or brand of dog food, especially with a high protein formula of dry dog food.Food choice depends on whether you prefer an all-natural diet or a diet enriched with artificial ingredients that are beneficial for dogs.

If you are looking for a grain inclusive diet and are comfortable with the use of by-products, then Science Diet offers a great selection catering to all life stages and breed sizes.If you prefer an all-natural brand, with a wide variety of grain-free formulas, then Blue Buffalo is more suitable for you. 

However, Taste of the Wild delivered several jabs to Blue Buffalo with a lower price, more protein and types of protein, and the use of purified water. If Taste of the Wild is offered in local stores, then switching to this high-quality but less expensive food would be beneficial to a family's beloved canine and to the household pocketbook.

Best Dog Food: Orijen vs. Acana vs. Fromm vs. Taste of the Wild?

Best Quality Dry Dog Food: Royal Canin vs. Hills Science Diet vs. Purina Pro Plan?

9 Best Dry Dog Food for Dogs with Sensitive Stomach 2024(Buying Guide + 10% Cashback)

Is Pet Insurance Worth It for an Indoor Cat or Dog?

Top 5 Pet Insurance Comparison: Nationwide vs. Lemonade vs. Trupanion vs. Pet Plan vs. Healthy Paws

Extrabux is an international cashback shopping site, offering up to 30% cashback from 10,000+ Stores!

Squarespace, SkinStore, MATCHESFASHION, The Wall Street Journal, NordVPN, Visible, Armani Exchange, Sam's Club, PUMA, AliExpress, Card Cash, NET-A-PORTER, Udacity, Udemy, Selfridges, LOOKFANTASTIC, Vimeo, Coach Outlet, lululemon, PrettyLittleThing, Booking.com, Ripley's Aquarium, iHerb, Groupon, etc.

Join to get $20 welcome bonus now! (How does Welcome Bonus work?)