In everyday language, the words bison and buffalo are often used interchangeably; nonetheless, they pertain to distinct creatures. This phenomenon is frequent and explains why scientists use the scientific names of animals.
To illustrate, the scientific name for the American bison is Bison bison, while the domestic water buffalo is identified as Bubalus bubalis. In reality, there exist two bison species (one American and another European) and five distinct buffalo species.
At present, it seems that dog food producers utilize the words “bison” and “buffalo” interchangeably, likely in an effort to appeal to customers searching for either term.
Water buffalos are not just used for other purposes, such as meat production. In the US, water buffalo meat is not commonly found in products, although this may change in the future. Despite its quality as a protein source, it is essential to keep in mind that this meat differs from beef and requires proper knowledge before feeding it to your dog.
At the moment, this is not a cause for concern, but it is advantageous to keep it in mind.
6 Best Bison Dog Foods For Your Pooch
If you are contemplating transitioning your dog to a blend that contains bison, the following foods are worth considering.
The majority of these options meet the criteria for being a quality food, and according to owners, their dogs enjoy the taste.
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie
Taste of the Wild High Prairie
Protein-rich with buffalo as #1 ingredient
The primary ingredients of this dog food are buffalo, lamb meal, and chicken meal, which are all rich in protein. Additionally, the product is free from grain, corn, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie is a premium dog food that contains actual roasted meats and emulates the diet of wild canines. This grain-free formula utilizes sweet potatoes and peas as its primary sources of carbohydrates.
Characteristics:
- Made with real roasted meats to give your dog the flavor and nutrition he deserves
- Made exclusively in one of five U.S.-based factories
- Made with bison prepared in two different ways
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain
Protein-packed and grain-free formula
The initial three components of this delectable and wholesome dish include authentic bison, beef meal, and fish meal. It contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Naturally, Blue Buffalo – a company with such a name – has created an exceptional bison-powered diet for dogs. Their Rocky Mountain Recipe is not only nourishing but also delectable, boasting an array of top-notch ingredients and a flavor that even the most finicky pooches will appreciate.
Characteristics:
- Deboned bison is the very first listed ingredient
- Made with flaxseeds to provide your dog with joint- and coat-protecting omega fatty acids
- Made solely in plants located in the USA
3. I and Love and You Naked Essentials
I and Love and You Naked Essentials
Premium kibble with a mix of meats
Lamb, chicken meal, and turkey meal are the top three ingredients in this recipe, accompanied by a combination of prebiotics and probiotics. Bison, on the other hand, is listed far down on the list of ingredients.
I and Love and You’s Naked Essentials Bison & Lamb is a high-end, specialty dog food.
The primary sources of protein in this food are lamb, chicken meal, and turkey meal, which make up the top three ingredients. However, bison is also included in the formula, but further down the list.
Besides containing an impressive 30% protein, this recipe is also free of grains, incorporates prebiotics and probiotics, and is crafted without by-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, rice, artificial flavors, preservatives or colors.
Characteristics:
- Grain-free recipe uses lentils, chickpeas, peas, and sweet potatoes instead of traditional grains.
- Lamb, chicken meal, and turkey meal are first three ingredients
- Includes prebiotics as well as probiotics to aid in digestion, making it a great dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs .
- No by-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, rice, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.
- Includes omega 3 & 6 with the incorporation of flaxseeds and fish oils, aiding in a healthier coat and skin.
4. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast
Holistic bison-based kibble
Made with bison, beef, and egg as the primary sources of protein, this unique blend is free from grains, gluten, and potatoes.
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast is a dog food made with bison meal and free of grains. It is enriched with an assortment of wholesome and flavorful components and contains numerous probiotics as well as fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants to promote healthy digestive and immune system function in your furry friend.
This dog food is suitable for German Shepherds and other dog breeds that often experience food allergies and joint problems. It contains probiotics to aid in digestive health and omega-3 fatty acids to alleviate joint issues.
Characteristics:
- Bison meal is the exclusive animal protein
- Made with four different probiotic strains to support gastrointestinal health
- Contains balanced levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Made in the USA
5. Merrick Grain-Free Buffalo Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free Buffalo Dog Food
Premium, high-protein formula with fresh produce
This high-quality food, which is derived from buffalo meat, consists of 65% protein and healthy fats, while the remaining 35% is composed of produce, fiber, minerals, and beneficial supplements such as omega fatty acids, which enhance the coat’s healthiness.
Merrick’s Grain-Free Buffalo Dog Food is a top-quality dog food that contains healthy ingredients, ensuring your furry friend’s well-being and happiness for an extended period. Moreover, the food comprises various delectable protein sources, making it a favorite among most dogs.
Characteristics:
- Deboned buffalo is the very first listed ingredient
- Made from 65% meat proteins + fat and 35% fresh produce, fiber, minerals, and vitamins
- Contains omega fatty acids to help improve your dog’s coat condition
- Fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect your dog’s joints
6. Solid Gold Wolf King
Solid Gold Wolf King
Protein-packed dog food for athletic dogs
Specially made for big dog breeds, this recipe highlights the inclusion of bison and ocean fish meal as the top two components, along with nourishing wholesome grains.
Solid Gold Wolf King Bison & Brown Rice is a premium dog food suitable for big dogs as it is abundant in protein and contains bison as the first listed ingredient.
The primary components of Wolf King are bison and ocean fish meal, supplemented by an ample supply of nourishing fats and whole grains.
Solid Gold Wolf King also includes probiotics and prebiotics, along with a superfood blend designed to support your canine’s immune-system and help improve digestion.
Characteristics:
- Bison featured as the #1 ingredient (followed by ocean fish meal)
- Probiotics and prebiotics
- Includes healthy grains like brown rice and oatmeal
- Has an impressive superfood blend to boost antioxidant, with ingredients like apples, blueberries, spinach, and broccoli
BONUS: Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Recipe
As updates on recalls and details regarding commercial dog food remain in constant flux, an increasing number of dog owners are selecting to prepare dog food in their own kitchen. While dogs relish home-cooked meals, it’s important to note the differences between preparing food for oneself or human family members and making homemade dog food. Ensuring your pet remains healthy requires adherence to essential guidelines.
Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?
The trend of homemade diets for dogs is increasing because it allows owners to oversee the ingredients and eliminates concerns about potential recalls of commercial dog food. Moreover, individuals are opting for healthier dietary choices, which extends to their canine companions. Proponents of homemade diets argue that they offer more wholesome ingredients compared to processed dog food.
Switching your dog to a homemade diet requires careful consideration as it may not be suitable for everyone.
- Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
- It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
- Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
- If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.
How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs
It is crucial to adhere to a complete and balanced recipe when preparing a homemade diet for your dog. After selecting a suitable recipe with the guidance of your veterinarian, it is time to begin.
- Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
- Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
- Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
- Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
- Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
- Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
- Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.
It is common for pet owners to cook large quantities of food and store them in pre-measured containers in refrigerators or freezers. This can be an effective way to save both money and time, but it is advisable to start with smaller amounts to monitor how your dog responds to the new diet.
Sample Dog Food Recipes
Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal for a 20 lb. Dog
Please seek advice from your holistic veterinarian prior to altering your dog’s diet to ensure it is suitable for their current state of health. Take note of your dog’s weight before any dietary modifications. This will provide a starting point to monitor any weight fluctuations, enabling you to adjust quantities if necessary. The necessary amount of food for a dog may differ, depending on their level of activity, age, and general health.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ground organic turkey thigh (boneless)
- 2 tbsp ground organic turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, hearts)
- ¼ c finely grated organic veggies
- 1 tsp ground raw sunflower seeds
- ½ tsp organic coconut oil
- ½ tsp salmon oil
- 500 mg Calcium Citrate (*must include this!)
Make changes to ingredient quantities depending on your dog’s weight and level of physical activity. The measurements provided earlier are suitable for a 20 lb. dog that doesn’t get much activity. When exercising strenuously, a canine’s caloric intake can increase by four times. Keep track of your dog’s weight and modify the size of meals to fulfill their calorie needs.
- 40 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 2
- 60 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 3
- 80 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 4
Directions:
Boil vegetables and keep them aside. Softly heat the ground turkey thigh and internal organs on medium-low heat. Take it off from the stove when the meat turns white mostly, and a bit of it looks pinkish. Put the boiled veggies in a food processor or spotless coffee grinder and blend until they appear finely grated. Blend all components and serve after ensuring that the mix has cooled adequately to consume.
Hints: When cooking, food’s vitality lowers due to the generated heat. To preserve more of this essential element, opt for slow cooking techniques that will also benefit pets with digestion issues. Blanching and grating veggies can aid in breaking down food and increase nutrient ingestion.
