Blue Buffalo Pet Food Current Sample Policy And Historical Free Offers

Blue Buffalo, a popular pet food brand in the United States, has established a specific approach to product sampling that differs from many other consumer goods companies. Based on available information, the company does not currently offer free samples of its cat or dog food products, but has provided alternative options for pet owners to try their products. This article examines Blue Buffalo's current policies regarding product sampling, historical free sample offers, and alternative methods for consumers to experience their product lines.

Blue Buffalo's Current Stance on Free Samples

According to information directly from Blue Buffalo's official website, the company explicitly states that it does not offer free samples of its pet food products. This policy is clearly articulated in their frequently asked questions section, which notes: "We do not have samples available. There is a 100% satisfaction guarantee that comes with any purchase of a Blue Buffalo product. If for some reason you are not satisfied, you can return the unused portion with your receipt to get a full refund."

This satisfaction guarantee serves as Blue Buffalo's primary commitment to customer satisfaction. Instead of providing free samples to potential customers before purchase, the company allows pet owners to purchase their products and return unused portions if they are not satisfied with the product for their pets. This approach reduces waste for the company while still giving consumers an opportunity to try the products risk-free.

Historical Free Sample Offers

While Blue Buffalo does not currently offer samples, historical records suggest that free samples were available in the past. An archived forum post from January 2008 indicates that the company once provided free samples of their cat or dog food to interested consumers. The post, which appeared on a deals and freebies website, directed users to the Blue Buffalo company website to request these samples.

However, this information is now over a decade old, and there is no evidence that this sample program continued beyond that time period. The significant time difference between this historical offer and the current company policy suggests a strategic shift in how Blue Buffalo approaches customer acquisition and product trials.

Alternative Ways to Try Blue Buffalo Products

Since free samples are not currently available, Blue Buffalo offers several alternatives for pet owners interested in trying their products:

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

The most significant alternative to free samples is Blue Buffalo's 100% satisfaction guarantee. This guarantee applies to all Blue Buffalo products and allows consumers to return unused portions of any purchased product with a receipt for a full refund or exchange. This policy effectively creates a risk-free trial experience for pet owners, though it does require an initial purchase.

Loyalty Program: Good Rewards Powered by Fetch

Blue Buffalo has implemented a loyalty program called "Good Rewards powered by Fetch" that provides benefits to regular customers. According to their website, "Coupons are currently unavailable but our loyalty program, Good Rewards powered by Fetch, gives Pet Parents like you a way to earn rewards every time you buy BLUE. You'll also get special offers in Fetch."

This program allows consumers to accumulate points with purchases, which can then be redeemed for rewards and special offers. While not equivalent to free samples, the program provides ongoing value to customers who regularly purchase Blue Buffalo products.

Product Availability

Blue Buffalo products are widely available through numerous online retailers, making them accessible for consumers who wish to try them through the satisfaction guarantee program. The company provides a complete list of their online retail partners on their website for easy access to their products.

Blue Buffalo Product Information

Understanding Blue Buffalo's product offerings provides context for why consumers might be interested in sampling their products:

Ingredient Philosophy

Blue Buffalo emphasizes quality ingredients in their formulations. All Blue Buffalo diets feature real meat as the first ingredient, and the company adheres to what they call their "True BLUE Promise," which means their diets are made with high-quality natural ingredients and contain NO corn, wheat or soy, NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and NO artificial flavors or preservatives.

Grain and Grain-Free Options

The company offers both grain-containing and grain-free formulas:

For grain-containing formulas, Blue Buffalo uses high-quality whole grains including: - Barley: Whole grain with the hull and bran – an excellent source of soluble fiber, plus carbohydrates and B vitamins for digestive health - Brown Rice: Whole grain that provides essential B vitamins, minerals and high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber - Oats (oat flour & oatmeal): Excellent sources of carbohydrates, protein and nutritional fiber, plus B vitamins for energy - Rye: Grain packed with nutrients, minerals, vitamins and organic compounds

Grain-free formulas use complex carbohydrates from vegetables like sweet potatoes instead of grains.

Product Varieties

Blue Buffalo offers various product lines, including their Wilderness line which features specific ingredients tailored to different nutritional needs. Many of their dry maintenance formulas contain "LifeSource Bits," which are cold-formed to preserve their nutritional value. (Canned formulas do not contain LifeSource Bits due to the cooking process required for canned foods.)

Dental Care Products

Blue Buffalo also offers Dental Bones, which are created to help clean dogs' teeth and freshen their breath. These products are made in the company's U.S. facilities with high-quality, natural ingredients including potatoes, flaxseed, carrots, blueberries, and dehydrated beets (added for color).

Quality Control and Manufacturing

Blue Buffalo emphasizes quality control in their manufacturing process. According to their website, they have strict controls in place to ensure ingredients meet their high standards, including:

• Strict testing
• Ingredient source verification
• Robust quality checks of incoming ingredients at all U.S. manufacturing facilities
• Cleaning verification of equipment and environment

The company also notes that they formulate and manufacture all products to meet criteria outlined by the Global Nutrition Committee of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). All formulas undergo feeding studies, including digestibility and nutrient analyses, to ensure safety and efficacy.

Packaging and Sustainability

Blue Buffalo packaging doesn't currently contain a universal recycling symbol, as the bags are made of a mix of materials selected to ensure product protection. The company recommends checking with local recyclers for specific community requirements regarding packaging disposal.

Charitable Initiatives

Blue Buffalo participates in charitable initiatives, helping feed pets in need through partnerships with organizations like Helen Woodward Animal Center and Stray Rescue of Saint Louis. Through these partnerships, the company donates food and provides adoption assistance to animal shelters across the country.

Contact Information

For consumers with additional questions about Blue Buffalo products, the company provides several contact options: - Phone: (800) 919-2833 - Online contact form available on their website

Conclusion

Based on available information, Blue Buffalo does not currently offer free samples of their pet food products. Instead, the company provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee that allows consumers to return unused portions of purchased products for a full refund or exchange. Historical records from 2008 indicate that free samples were available at one time, suggesting a shift in company policy over the years.

For consumers interested in trying Blue Buffalo products without financial risk, the satisfaction guarantee offers a viable alternative. Additionally, the company's loyalty program provides ongoing rewards and special offers to regular customers. While not equivalent to free samples, these options demonstrate Blue Buffalo's commitment to customer satisfaction and product quality.

Sources

1. Free Sample Blue Buffalo Cat or Dog Food Forum Post
2. Blue Buffalo Frequently Asked Questions