Blue Buffalo3 oz
20 cans compared
Blue Buffalo vs Nulo
The typical Nulo can gets 5.1% of its calories from carbohydrate, against 7.5% for Blue Buffalo. Blue Buffalo has 7 of 10 recipes under the 10% low-carb line; Nulo has 10 of 10. Below, every number is worked out the same way from each can’s label.
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Blue Buffalo vs Nulo at a glance
Typical values are the middle recipe of each brand. Shares are of calories, so textures compare fairly. Marked cells show the better value where the gap is meaningful.
| Blue Buffalo | Nulo | |
|---|---|---|
| Cans we compare | 10 | 10 |
| Typical carbs, % of calories | 7.5% | 5.1% |
| Carb range | 0–25.5% | 2.3–8.5% |
| Recipes under 10% carbs | 7 of 10 | 10 of 10 |
| Typical protein, % of calories | 42% | 40% |
| Typical fat, % of calories | 53% | 55% |
| Calories per ounce | 30 | 34 |
| Calories per can | 57–157 | 76–197 |
| Recipes with published phosphorus | 0 of 10 | 0 of 10 |
| Typical phosphorus, mg per 100 kcal | — | — |
| Confirmed for kittens | 1 of 10 | 10 of 10 |
| Chicken-free recipes | 0 of 10 | 3 of 10 |
| Fish-free recipes | 2 of 10 | 1 of 10 |
| Textures | Pâté, Flaked, Minced, Chunks in gravy | Pâté, Shreds in broth |
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Lowest-carb can from each brand
The recipe with the smallest share of calories from carbohydrate on each side, leaving out toppers meant for supplemental feeding.
Put these two side by sideNulo2.8 oz
Paté Yellowfin Tuna & Shrimp Recipe
- Carbs
- 2.3%
- Protein
- 54%
- Phosphorus
- not listed
Low carbHigh protein
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Same texture, head to head
For each texture both brands make, the lowest-carb recipe from each.
| Texture | Blue Buffalo | Nulo |
|---|---|---|
| Pâté | Chicken Recipe0% carbs · 34% protein · 119 kcal | Paté Yellowfin Tuna & Shrimp Recipe2.3% carbs · 54% protein · 89 kcal |
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Which to choose, by what your cat needs
For a diabetic or overweight cat
Nulo is the lower-carb line overall. Its lowest-carb recipe is Paté Yellowfin Tuna & Shrimp Recipe at 2.3% of calories; Blue Buffalo’s is Chicken Recipe at 0%. Both brands have recipes under the 10% line (10 of 10 against 7 of 10), so the right recipe matters more than the brand.
For kidney concerns
Blue Buffalo doesn’t publish phosphorus on the pages we checked. Nulo doesn’t publish phosphorus on the pages we checked. Without published values neither brand can be checked for phosphorus from the label alone; ask the maker for a typical analysis.
For kittens
Blue Buffalo has 1 of 10 recipes whose label we could confirm covers growth or all life stages; Nulo has 10 of 10. A missing statement doesn’t mean a can is unsuitable, only that we couldn’t verify it.
For allergies and picky eaters
Chicken-free: Blue Buffalo 0 of 10, Nulo 3 of 10. Fish-free: Blue Buffalo 2 of 10, Nulo 1 of 10. Textures: Blue Buffalo makes pâté, flaked, minced, chunks in gravy; Nulo makes pâté, shreds in broth.
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Questions about Blue Buffalo vs Nulo
Is Blue Buffalo or Nulo lower in carbs?
The typical Nulo can gets 5.1% of its calories from carbohydrate, against 7.5% for Blue Buffalo. Blue Buffalo has 7 of 10 recipes under the 10% low-carb line; Nulo has 10 of 10.
Which has more protein, Blue Buffalo or Nulo?
Nulo. Its typical can gets 40% of calories from protein, against 42% for Blue Buffalo. Blue Buffalo has 0 of 10 recipes over 50% protein calories; Nulo has 3 of 10.
Which is more filling per ounce?
Blue Buffalo. Its cans average 30 calories per ounce against 34 for Nulo, so a cat needs fewer ounces of it to get the same calories.
Do Blue Buffalo and Nulo publish phosphorus?
Blue Buffalo doesn’t publish phosphorus on the pages we checked. Nulo doesn’t publish phosphorus on the pages we checked.
Which is better for a diabetic cat, Blue Buffalo or Nulo?
Carbs are what matter most, and Nulo has the lower-carb line with 10 of 10 recipes under 10%. The best single choice is a specific recipe, not a brand: Chicken Recipe (0%) from Blue Buffalo or Paté Yellowfin Tuna & Shrimp Recipe (2.3%) from Nulo. Change a diabetic cat’s food only with your vet.
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