Blue Wilderness Cat Food: A Comprehensive Review

## Introduction

When it comes to choosing the right cat food for your furry friend, it’s important to consider various factors such as species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. In this comprehensive review, we will take a closer look at Blue Wilderness cat food and evaluate it based on these key criteria.

Brand Overview

Blue Wilderness was created by Bill Bishop in 2002, with the aim of providing natural and high-quality pet food to cat owners. With a background in advertising and consumer products, Bishop brought his marketing acumen to the pet food industry and quickly made Blue Wilderness a prominent player in the market. The brand gained significant popularity and was eventually sold to General Mills for $8 billion, solidifying its position as America’s leading natural pet food company.

Sourcing and Manufacturing

Blue Wilderness works with a variety of pet food manufacturers and suppliers, including Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, ANI/Vita-Line Products, CJ Foods, ProPet, Triple T Foods, and Tuffy’s Pet Foods. Additionally, the company operates its own manufacturing facilities in Joplin, Missouri, and Richmond, Indiana. While specific details about ingredient sourcing are not provided by Blue Wilderness, it is known that their products are made in the United States.

Recall History

Recall history is an important consideration when evaluating the quality and safety of a brand’s products. Unfortunately, Blue Wilderness has had a number of recalls since its inception. In 2017, there were three recalls due to packaging issues, aluminum contamination, and potentially high levels of beef thyroid hormone. In 2016, a limited recall occurred due to excessive moisture levels and the potential for mold contamination. In 2015, recalls were issued for cat treats containing propylene glycol and chewing bones with potential salmonella contamination. In 2010, a recall was initiated due to excess levels of vitamin D, and in 2007, Blue Wilderness was involved in the nationwide melamine recalls.

Controversies and Lawsuits

Blue Wilderness has also faced controversies and lawsuits throughout its history. In 2014, the brand was accused of false advertising by Purina when their products tested positive for animal by-products, which Blue Wilderness claims are not present in their foods. The brand attributed the issue to their ingredient supplier, Wilbur-Ellis, which was also involved in the 2007 pet food recalls associated with melamine contamination. Blue Wilderness was also involved in a class-action lawsuit regarding potentially toxic levels of lead in their foods, although the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. In 2019, the FDA named Blue Wilderness among 16 pet food brands that may be linked to an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and cats, although the investigation remains inconclusive.

Product Variety

Blue Wilderness offers a wide range of cat food options to cater to different dietary preferences and health needs. Their product lines include dry cat food, wet cat food, and veterinary diets. Let’s take a closer look at some of their top recipes:

1. Blue Wilderness Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

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This recipe is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, providing a high level of protein to support your cat’s lean muscle mass. It is grain-free and does not contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. With a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this formula aims to support your cat’s overall health and well-being.

Customer Reviews:

• “My 6-year-old kitty loves this food. He can’t get enough of it. This food was a great next step for him, since it has a similar texture and some similar ingredients.” – CatDog
• “I have been feeding this food to my cat for 8 years and my vet says he is doing great. All my cats are on this.” – Quacker

2. Blue Wilderness Indoor Hairball & Weight Control Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food

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This wet food formula is specifically designed for indoor cats, helping to control hairballs and maintain a healthy weight. It features real chicken as the main ingredient and is supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals. The high moisture content of this wet food helps to support your cat’s hydration and urinary tract health.

Customer Reviews:

• “My cat loves this food and it has helped with her hairball issues. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in hairballs since switching to this formula.” – CatLover123
• “I appreciate that this food helps control my cat’s weight. She has been maintaining a healthy weight since we started feeding her this formula.” – HealthyCatOwner

3. Blue Wilderness Wild Delights Flaked Chicken & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

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This grain-free canned food features a blend of chicken and turkey in a savory gravy, providing a delicious and nutritious meal for your cat. It is packed with high-quality protein to support your cat’s lean muscle mass and contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The flaked texture makes it easy for cats to eat and digest.

Customer Reviews:

• “My picky eater absolutely loves this food. The flaked texture is perfect for him, and I feel good knowing that he’s getting a high-quality meal.” – PickyCatMom
• “I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my cat’s coat since switching to this food. Her fur is shinier and healthier-looking.” – HappyCatOwner

Pricing

Compared to other super-premium and natural brands, Blue Wilderness cat food is relatively affordable. The price may vary depending on the specific product and retailer, but it generally falls within a reasonable range. For example, if you have a 10-lb cat that requires approximately 200 calories per day, Blue Wilderness Freedom canned food would cost around $1.60 per day. While it may be slightly more expensive than budget brands, the quality and variety offered by Blue Wilderness make it a worthwhile investment for many cat owners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Blue Wilderness offers a range of cat food options with a focus on natural ingredients and high protein content. While the brand has faced recalls and controversies, it continues to be a popular choice among cat owners due to its affordable pricing and diverse product variety. When selecting Blue Wilderness cat food, it is important to choose recipes that are rich in animal protein and moisture, with limited added carbohydrate content. As with any pet food, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets your cat’s specific dietary needs.

So, if you’re looking for a cat food brand that combines quality, affordability, and variety, Blue Wilderness may be worth considering.