The scores
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat: B (78/100)
Blue Buffalo Cat: B (76/100)
A 2-point gap within the same grade band. This is one of the closest matchups you'll find — both formulas come from the same manufacturer and share the same quality philosophy. The difference comes down to whether you prefer grain-free or grain-inclusive, not whether one is dramatically better than the other.
How the ingredients compare
Here are the first five ingredients side by side:
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Peas
Blue Buffalo Cat: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
The first two ingredients are identical — both formulas lead with deboned chicken and chicken meal, giving you real animal protein at the top of the list. After that, they diverge completely. Wilderness fills positions three through five with grain-free alternatives (pea protein, tapioca starch, peas), while standard Blue Buffalo uses three whole grains (brown rice, barley, oatmeal). Same starting point, very different philosophies from ingredient three onward.
Where Wilderness pulls ahead
Fish meal as additional animal protein. Wilderness includes fish meal further down the ingredient list, adding another named animal protein source beyond chicken. This gives cats a broader amino acid profile and more of the animal-based nutrition that obligate carnivores are built to process.
Grain-free formula. By replacing grains with pea protein and tapioca starch, Wilderness avoids the carb-heavy grains that can make up a significant portion of a traditional kibble's calorie content. For cats with grain sensitivities or owners who prefer a more protein-forward formula, this is a meaningful advantage.
Higher protein density. With more animal protein sources and no grain-based carbs diluting the formula, Wilderness delivers a higher overall protein concentration. For obligate carnivores like cats, protein density matters — they metabolize protein more efficiently than carbohydrates. Shop on Amazon →
Where Blue Buffalo holds its own
Quality whole grains with actual nutrition. Brown rice, barley, and oatmeal aren't filler grains like corn or wheat. They provide fiber, B vitamins, and sustained energy. For cats that tolerate grains well, these are among the best grain choices available in commercial cat food.
Fewer pea derivatives. Wilderness relies on pea protein and whole peas to replace grains, which means a higher concentration of legume-based ingredients. Standard Blue Buffalo avoids this by using grains instead, resulting in a more varied carbohydrate profile without the pea-heavy approach.
L-Carnitine for weight management. Standard Blue Buffalo includes L-Carnitine, an amino acid that supports fat metabolism and lean muscle maintenance. This is a useful addition for indoor cats or cats prone to weight gain — a practical functional ingredient that Wilderness doesn't emphasize. Shop on Amazon →
The bottom line
This is a close matchup — just 2 points separating two solid B-grade formulas from the same brand. Blue Buffalo Wilderness is the slightly better choice for owners who want a grain-free, protein-focused formula with multiple animal protein sources. Standard Blue Buffalo is the better pick if you prefer grain-inclusive feeding with quality whole grains and don't need to avoid grains. Neither choice is wrong. Both are well above average cat foods, and the best option depends more on your cat's individual needs and tolerances than on the score difference.
Read our full reviews of Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat and Blue Buffalo Cat for the complete ingredient breakdowns.