Does Blue Buffalo Dog Food Cause Cancer in Dogs? The Truth About the Claims and Lawsuits

Ever since my neighbor told me her vet warned her about premium dog foods possibly causing health issues, I’ve been researching like crazy If you’re a dog parent like me who feeds their fur baby Blue Buffalo, you’ve probably heard rumors about it potentially causing cancer These claims are scary and confusing, so I wanted to get to the bottom of it once and for all.

The Big Question: Cancer Risk and Blue Buffalo

When looking at whether Blue Buffalo dog food causes cancer in dogs, there’s no definitive answer according to most sources. The company has faced lawsuits and controversy, but the cancer connection specifically remains complicated.

Blue Buffalo has a long history as a premium pet food brand They’re known for using natural ingredients and have built their reputation on providing high-quality nutrition Many pet owners (including myself for years) have chosen Blue Buffalo precisely because we believed it was healthier than conventional options.

The company offers various formulas including chicken-free options, which is important since some dogs have chicken sensitivities. Their products typically contain:

• Premium protein sources
• Rice as a carbohydrate base
• Antioxidants for immune support
• Vitamins and minerals
• Natural preservatives rather than artificial ones

According to information from Pet Spruce, Blue Buffalo products contain anti-oxidants that may actually help reduce inflammation and potentially reduce cancerous cells in the stomach. That’s quite different from causing cancer!

The Lawsuits and FDA Concerns

Blue Buffalo has faced several lawsuits over the years, which has certainly contributed to consumer concerns. However, these lawsuits haven’t conclusively proven that their food causes cancer.

More recently, in July 2019, the FDA included Blue Buffalo among 16 dog food brands that might be linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – a form of heart failure in dogs. According to the Westfair article, the FDA received 31 reports of DCM involving dogs that were fed Blue Buffalo products.

This heart condition issue appears to be connected to grain-free formulas that contain high proportions of:

• Peas
• Lentils
• Other legume seeds
• Potatoes

It’s important to note that this FDA investigation was about heart problems, not cancer. However, any health concerns with a pet food brand naturally raise questions about other potential issues.

What’s Actually in Blue Buffalo Dog Food?

Let’s look at the ingredients more closely. Blue Buffalo’s primary ingredients typically include:

• Chicken or other meat protein sources
• Brown rice or other grains (in non-grain-free formulas)
• Fruit and vegetables
• Added vitamins and minerals
• Omega fatty acids from flaxseed and fish oil

For the grain-free formulas that were identified in the FDA investigation, the concern centers around the replacement of grains with legumes and potatoes. But this issue is separate from cancer concerns.

Blue Buffalo also claims to avoid:

• By-product meals
• Corn, wheat, and soy
• Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors

Other Health Concerns: Lead Contamination?

There have been questions about lead contamination in dog foods, including Blue Buffalo. Some dog owners report anxiety, clinginess, and other behavioral changes that could potentially be symptoms of lead exposure.

However, Blue Buffalo claims to be among the best in terms of avoiding such contaminants. They recommend their certified organic products for pet owners concerned about potential toxins. But it’s worth noting that even organic canned foods can sometimes contain BPA from packaging.

My Take on the Cancer Question

After digging through all this info, here’s what I think: there’s no conclusive evidence that Blue Buffalo dog food causes cancer. The scientific research simply doesn’t support this claim currently.

That said, there ARE some legitimate concerns about certain formulations – particularly the grain-free recipes – potentially contributing to heart problems in some dogs. The FDA hasn’t called for recalls, but they’ve noted the potential association.

If your dog has specific health issues or sensitivities, it’s always best to consult with your vet about the appropriate diet. Every dog is different, and what works for one might not work for another.

Should You Switch Dog Foods?

If you’re currently feeding Blue Buffalo and your dog is healthy, happy, and thriving, there may be no urgent need to switch. However, if you’re concerned, consider these options:

1. Talk to your vet about your specific dog’s needs and health history
2. Consider non-grain-free formulas if you’re worried about the DCM connection
3. Gradually transition to a new food if you decide to switch (sudden changes can cause digestive upset)
4. Look for AAFCO certification on any dog food you consider
5. Consider rotating foods to provide varied nutrition and reduce dependence on any single brand

Reading Dog Food Labels Like a Pro

Whether you stick with Blue Buffalo or explore other options, learning to read dog food labels is super important! Here’s what to look for:

• Named protein sources (like “chicken” or “beef” rather than “meat”)
• Whole ingredients rather than by-products and fillers
• Limited artificial additives and preservatives
• Appropriate nutrition for your dog’s life stage and health needs

My Final Thoughts

So does Blue Buffalo cause cancer in dogs? Based on current evidence, there’s no definitive link between Blue Buffalo and cancer. The lawsuits and FDA investigations have centered more around misleading marketing claims and potential heart issues with grain-free formulas.

I still believe that Blue Buffalo is generally a good quality dog food, though I’ve personally started rotating between brands to diversify my dog’s nutrient sources. The pet food industry is constantly evolving, and new research emerges regularly.

What matters most is finding a food that works well for YOUR dog’s specific needs. Some dogs thrive on Blue Buffalo, while others might do better with different formulations or brands. Monitor your dog’s health, energy levels, coat quality, and digestion as the best indicators of whether their food is working for them.

Remember that no single dog food is perfect for every dog, and the best diet might change throughout your pet’s life as their needs evolve. Stay informed, work closely with your veterinarian, and be willing to adjust your pet’s diet if needed.

Additional Resources

If you’re concerned about pet food safety in general, here are some helpful resources:

• The FDA’s pet food safety portal
• Your veterinarian (always the best resource!)
• Independent dog food review websites
• Canine nutrition specialists (ask your vet for a referral)

Have you had experience with Blue Buffalo or other premium dog foods? What’s worked well for your furry friend? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!

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Disclaimer: I’m not a veterinarian or animal nutrition specialist. This article is based on research from various sources and my personal experience as a dog owner. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s specific dietary needs.

Blue Buffalo dog food is not inherently “bad,” but it has faced significant controversy regarding marketing claims and potential quality control issues, leading to health concerns for some dogs. While the brand promotes natural ingredients and offers diverse formulas, it has been linked to reports of mold contamination, excessive vitamins, ingredient mislabeling, and, in some studies, a connection to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

There is no single “number one cause” of cancer in dogs; instead, cancer is a complex disease resulting from a combination of genetics, age, environmental factors like exposure to carcinogens (e.g., sun, smoke, chemicals), and potentially diet. Older dogs are significantly more susceptible, possibly due to a weakening immune system, and certain breeds are at higher genetic risk for specific cancers.

There is no single “number 1 healthiest dog food,” as the best food depends on an individual dog’s age, size, breed, and health needs, but reputable brands like Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are often recommended by veterinarians due to their extensive research and adherence to WSAVA guidelines. Fresh and raw diets can also offer benefits like high bioavailability and fewer additives, though they require careful balancing and are often more expensive, according to We Feed Raw and Forbes Vetted. Consulting with a veterinarian is crucial to finding the best diet for your specific dog.

Blue Buffalo has been involved in multiple class action lawsuits related to false advertising. The most prominent was a $32 million settlement in 2016 for claims that the company falsely advertised that its pet foods were free of by-products, grains, and artificial ingredients, when tests found substantial amounts of poultry by-product meal. In 2020, another class action was filed against Blue Buffalo alleging deceptive marketing for its high-carb Blue Wilderness dog food, which the lawsuit claimed contradicts the product’s “inspired by the diet of wolves” marketing.