9Lives vs Blue Buffalo
9Lives is made by Post Holdings Pet Brands (owned by Post Holdings, Inc.), and Blue Buffalo by Blue Buffalo Company (owned by General Mills, Inc.). On KibbleLab, Blue Buffalo averages 8.0 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 6.7 for 9Lives. 9Lives makes food for cats, while Blue Buffalo covers cats and dogs.
9Lives and Blue Buffalo compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Post Holdings Pet Brands | Blue Buffalo Company |
| Parent company | Post Holdings, Inc. | General Mills, Inc. |
| Founded | 2023 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | St. Louis, Missouri, USA | Wilton, Connecticut, USA |
| Products listed | 19 | 59 |
| Serves | Cats | Cats & dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$ | $$$$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands. |
No | No |
PSC accreditedThe Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality. |
No | No |
ScoreThe average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works . |
6.7 (avg of 19) | 8.0 (avg of 59) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
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9Lives vs Blue Buffalo: how they compare
Scores
Blue Buffalo scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.0 out of 10 across 59 scored foods, compared with 6.7 across 19 for 9Lives. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes them
9Lives is made by Post Holdings Pet Brands, owned by Post Holdings, Inc., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2023. Blue Buffalo is made by Blue Buffalo Company, owned by General Mills, Inc., based in Wilton, Connecticut, USA, founded in 2002.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 19 9Lives foods and 59 Blue Buffalo foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, 9Lives or Blue Buffalo?
Blue Buffalo scores higher: it averages 8.0 out of 10 across 59 scored foods, compared with 6.7 for 9Lives. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes 9Lives and Blue Buffalo?
9Lives is made by Post Holdings Pet Brands, which is owned by Post Holdings, Inc. Blue Buffalo is made by Blue Buffalo Company, which is owned by General Mills, Inc.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Blue Buffalo has 59 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 19 for 9Lives.
Where is each brand based?
9Lives is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Blue Buffalo is based in Wilton, Connecticut, USA.
Have 9Lives or Blue Buffalo been recalled?
Neither 9Lives nor Blue Buffalo has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
See the full profiles: 9Lives and Blue Buffalo .
More comparisons
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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.
Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.