General Mills, Inc.
Blue Buffalo
Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut, USA • Founded: 2002
Moderate Caution
Acquired by General Mills in 2018, Blue Buffalo is one of the nation's leading premium pet brands. The company has navigated several high-profile voluntary recalls over its 20-year history, primarily concerning moisture/mold concerns, aluminum packaging defects, and elevated beef thyroid hormone levels in canned lines.
Total Recalls on Record
6
Last Action Date
March 2017
Species Covered
Dogs & Cats
Safety Verification
Regulatory Verified
Interactive “Check My Bag” Lot Code Inspector
Verify your specific kibble or canned Blue Buffalo lot number against official FDA dockets.
Recall Archive & Docket History (Blue Buffalo)
FDA-REC-2017-F-0301•March 17, 2017
Nutritional Imbalance: Elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormones in select canned dog food.
Official FDA Docket Finding: Voluntary recall due to potential elevated beef thyroid hormone levels sourced from livestock trachea meat.
Recalled Lots & Product Details:
| Product Name | Packaging Size | Affected Lot Codes | Best-By Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner | 12.5 oz can | LOT 170412 | Exp. 06/07/2019 |
Clinical Symptoms to Monitor:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss despite ravenous appetite
- Elevated heart rate and restlessness
Consumer Return & Refund Protocol:
- Stop feeding affected canned lots immediately.
- Return unopened cans to the retailer for a full refund.
- Hormone levels normalize rapidly once feeding is discontinued.
FDA-REC-2016-F-0199•May 31, 2016
Aflatoxin Mold: Elevated moisture content with potential mold growth in limited Life Protection batches.
Official FDA Docket Finding: Voluntary recall due to excess moisture introducing risk of mold growth inside sealed kibble packaging.
Recalled Lots & Product Details:
| Product Name | Packaging Size | Affected Lot Codes | Best-By Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish and Sweet Potato | 30 lb bag | LOT 160505, LOT 160506 | Exp. 04/11/2017 |
Clinical Symptoms to Monitor:
- Digestive upset
- Mild vomiting
- Refusal to eat
Consumer Return & Refund Protocol:
- Check bag seam for lot code and inspect kibble for visible white/grey surface mold.
- Blue Buffalo customer care processed 100% full replacement vouchers.
Veterinary Health & Triage Tools for Blue Buffalo Owners
Suspect a Problem or Illness from Blue Buffalo?
Pet owners can submit formal complaint reports directly to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Keep your packaging, lot code, and veterinary records intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Buffalo Recalls
Verified regulatory answers to common pet parent questions regarding manufacturing and safety.
No. Blue Buffalo has had zero FDA recalls in 2024, 2025, or 2026. The brand's last documented FDA enforcement action was in 2017 prior to its acquisition by General Mills.
Official FDA Public Safety Notice: PawTrusty is an independent consumer pet health directory that indexes public enforcement reports published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state agricultural departments. PawTrusty is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Blue Buffalo or the FDA. If your pet exhibits acute symptoms of foodborne illness, contact a licensed veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.