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Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed vs Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils

Both are grain-free small-breed kibbles, but they pull in different directions. Blue Buffalo Freedom leads with chicken and adds glucosamine for joints, and its 4.7 rating from 163 owners backs it up. Nulo FreeStyle uses salmon and lentils with higher protein (31%) and more omega-3 (1.6%), which suits dogs with chicken sensitivities or dull coats. Pick Blue Buffalo for joint support and a familiar chicken flavor; pick Nulo for higher protein and fish-based omega-3s.

  • Choose the Blue Buffalo Freedom if your small dog needs glucosamine for joints and does well on chicken.
  • Choose the Nulo FreeStyle if you want higher protein, more omega-3s, or a fish-based recipe without chicken.

Prices

  • Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed: $21.98 at Brothers Country Supply (last seen Nov 6)
  • Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils: $24.98 at Chuck & Don's (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed is $3.00 cheaper than the Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils at the latest prices (Nov 6 and Nov 8)
Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Potatoes, 4 lbs.

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Potatoes, 4 lbs.

4.7(163 ratings)
$21.98at Brothers Country SupplyObserved Nov 6, 2026, 11:35 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Brothers Country Supply
Pros
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Glucosamine supports hips and joints
  • No chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat or soy
  • Strong owner rating of 4.7 from 163 reviews
Cons
  • Protein and omega-3 levels not stated on the bag
  • Chicken-based, so not for dogs with poultry sensitivities
  • 4 lb bag runs out fast in multi-dog homes
Nulo
Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils Dog Dry Food

Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils

Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils Dog Dry Food

$24.98at Chuck & Don'sObserved at 11:38 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Chuck & Don's
Pros
  • 31% protein, high for a small-breed kibble
  • 1.6% omega-3 from salmon supports skin and coat
  • L-carnitine helps maintain lean muscle
  • Fish-based recipe for dogs that avoid chicken
Cons
  • No glucosamine listed for joint support
  • No owner rating shown to gauge real-world results
  • Salmon smell is stronger than chicken kibble

What separates them

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small BreedNulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils
First ingredientChickenSalmon
Crude proteinNot stated on the bag; formulated higher for small-breed energy31%
Omega-3Listed in nutrients, level not stated1.6%
Joint supportAdded glucosamineL-carnitine for lean muscle, no glucosamine listed
Grain-freeYes, no corn, wheat or soyYes, lentils replace grains
Protein sourceChicken and turkeySalmon only
Owner feedback4.7 out of 5 from 163 ratingsNo rating shown
Bag size4 lbSmall-breed bag, size varies by listing

Price history

$40.99$17.58
Nov 7Nov 9
  • Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed: lowest $17.58 on Nov 7 at Petco.com; $17.58 on Nov 9.
  • Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils: lowest $22.99 on Nov 9 at Houston Raw Pet Food.

Prices at every store

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed

  • Chewy.comNew

    In stock

    $21.98+ $4.95 shippingObserved at 11:22 PM
    Visit Chewy.com
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $21.98+ $5.99 shippingObserved at 11:20 PM
    Visit Walmart
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $21.98+ $6.99 shippingObserved at 11:22 PM
    Visit Walmart
  • Brothers Country SupplyNew

    Availability unknown

    $21.98Observed Nov 6, 2026, 11:35 PM
    Visit Brothers Country Supply

Also available at

  • Petco.comCheck price at Petco.com
All 13 stores and price history →

Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils

  • Houston Raw Pet FoodNew

    Availability unknown

    $22.99Observed at 11:38 PM
    Visit Houston Raw Pet Food
  • Chuck & Don'sNew

    Availability unknown

    $24.98Observed at 11:38 PM
    Visit Chuck & Don's
  • PetsenseNew

    Availability unknown

    $24.99Observed at 11:38 PM
    Visit Petsense
  • Brown Dog BakeryNew

    Availability unknown

    $24.99Observed at 11:38 PM
    Visit Brown Dog Bakery

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 13 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBlue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small BreedNulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils
size4 lbs—
Food TypeDry Food, Veterinary Diets—
IngredientsCarrot, Potato, Chicken, Turkey, Peas—
PackagingBag—
NutrientsCopper, Calcium, Taurine, Phosphorus, Omega-3, …—
Age GroupAdult—
Special DietsFur & Skin Care, Digestion and Stomach, Joints …—
VitaminsVitamin B, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vit…—
Weight (lb)4.0—
Animal breedSmall Breed—
Animal health concernHip & Joint Care, Energy & Vitality Support, Im…—
Animal lifestageAdult—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBlue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small BreedNulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils
Pet food flavorChicken—
Pet food conditionDry—
Product lineFreedom—
BrandBlue Buffalo—
Meat typeChicken—
Pet food formKibble—
Weight4 lb—
Pet sizeSmall—
Shelf life456 Days—
FormDry

What reviewers say

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed

  • 4.7 / 5163 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 163 ratings, buyers mostly report small dogs eating it readily and doing well on it. Complaints tend to center on price and bag size rather than the food itself.

What people mention
  • PalatabilityPraisedOwners say small dogs eat it without coaxing, even picky ones.
  • Kibble sizePraisedThe pieces are small enough for toy and small breeds to chew comfortably.
  • DigestionMixedMany report firm stools and less gas, while some dogs needed a slow switch to avoid loose stools.
  • CoatPraisedSeveral owners mention shinier coats and less scratching after switching.

Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils

Owners of small breeds generally report good acceptance, smaller stools and shinier coats on this formula. A minority say their dogs turned their noses up at the salmon smell or had loose stools during the switch.

What people mention
  • Kibble sizePraisedOwners say the small pieces suit toy breeds and picky eaters better than standard kibble.
  • Coat conditionPraisedSeveral report shinier coats and less shedding after a few weeks on the food.
  • Stool qualityMixedSome owners see firmer, smaller stools, while others report loose stools during the switch.
  • SmellCriticisedThe salmon-forward smell puts off some dogs and their owners.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a small dog with joint problems?
Blue Buffalo Freedom. It adds glucosamine for joint function and mobility, which Nulo's recipe does not list. Nulo focuses on protein and omega-3s instead.
Which has more protein?
Nulo. It states 31% crude protein. Blue Buffalo does not print a protein percentage on the bag, though it is formulated with raised protein for small-breed energy needs.
Is Nulo better for a dog with chicken allergies?
Yes. Nulo FreeStyle uses salmon as its protein source. Blue Buffalo Freedom leads with chicken and also includes turkey.
Which is better for skin and coat?
Nulo has the edge on paper with 1.6% omega-3 and 2.8% omega-6 from salmon. Blue Buffalo lists omega-3 and omega-6 and markets fur and skin care, but does not state the levels.
Is it worth stepping up to Nulo?
Step up if your dog needs higher protein, more omega-3s, or a chicken-free diet. Stay with Blue Buffalo if joint support matters more or your dog already does well on chicken.

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More comparisons

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  • Grain Free Chicken Whole Food Clusters for Small Breeds vs Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Potatoes, 4 lbs.
  • Grain Free Chicken Whole Food Clusters for Small Breeds vs Nulo FreeStyle Small Breed Salmon & Lentils Dog Dry Food

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best grain-free dog food for small dogs
—
Life StageAdult—
Pet Food TypeDog Food—
Dietary HighlightsGrain Free—
Health BenefitImmune system support—
FlavorChicken—
Flavor VarietyChicken Recipe, Chicken & Potatoes—
Pet TypeDog—
Suitable Health ConcernHip & Joint Care—
Suitable BreedSmall breed dogs—
Suitable ForActive—
Breed SizeSmall Breed—
Texture ConsistencyKibble—
Main IngredientChicken—
Ingredient TypeChicken—
Packaging StyleBag—
Food SubtypeKibble—
Food HighlightsAntioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits—
Crude Protein—31.0%