Blue Buffalo vs Hill's Science Diet
Blue Buffalo is made by Blue Buffalo Company (owned by General Mills, Inc.), and Hill's Science Diet by Hill's Pet Nutrition (owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Hill's Science Diet averages 8.6 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Blue Buffalo. Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Blue Buffalo does not.
Blue Buffalo and Hill's Science Diet compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Blue Buffalo Company | Hill's Pet Nutrition |
| Parent company | General Mills, Inc. | Colgate-Palmolive Company |
| Founded | 2002 | 1907 |
| Headquarters | Wilton, Connecticut, USA | Topeka, Kansas, USA |
| Products listed | 59 | 73 |
| Serves | Cats & dogs | 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 | Yes |
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 | Yes |
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 . |
8.0 (avg of 59) | 8.6 (avg of 73) |
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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Blue Buffalo vs Hill's Science Diet: how they compare
Scores
Hill's Science Diet scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.6 out of 10 across 73 scored foods, compared with 8.0 across 59 for Blue Buffalo. 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
Blue Buffalo is made by Blue Buffalo Company, owned by General Mills, Inc., based in Wilton, Connecticut, USA, founded in 2002. Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company, based in Topeka, Kansas, USA, founded in 1907.
Standards and range
Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Blue Buffalo does not. Hill's Science Diet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Blue Buffalo is not. KibbleLab lists 59 Blue Buffalo foods and 73 Hill's Science Diet foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Blue Buffalo or Hill's Science Diet?
Hill's Science Diet scores higher: it averages 8.6 out of 10 across 73 scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Blue Buffalo. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Blue Buffalo and Hill's Science Diet?
Blue Buffalo is made by Blue Buffalo Company, which is owned by General Mills, Inc. Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which is owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Hill's Science Diet has 73 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 59 for Blue Buffalo.
Where is each brand based?
Blue Buffalo is based in Wilton, Connecticut, USA. Hill's Science Diet is based in Topeka, Kansas, USA.
Do Blue Buffalo and Hill's Science Diet meet WSAVA criteria?
Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; Blue Buffalo does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.
Are Blue Buffalo or Hill's Science Diet PSC Accredited?
Hill's Science Diet is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.
Have Blue Buffalo or Hill's Science Diet been recalled?
Neither Blue Buffalo nor Hill's Science Diet 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: Blue Buffalo and Hill's Science Diet .
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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.