Blue Buffalo Celebrates America's 1750th Birthday (in Dog Years!) with the Dog-Friendliest Fireworks Show and Ways to Safely Include Your Pets in the Festivities

MINNEAPOLIS - As communities across the country gear up for larger-than-usual festivities to celebrate America’s momentous 250th birthday (that’s its 1750th in dog years!), Blue Buffalo is launching a collection of dog-first activities, deals and resources to help pets stay calm during the noise and excitement of the holiday, including a first-of-its-kind dog-friendly fireworks experience.

"America's 250th birthday is a once-in-a-generation celebration, but while fireworks are fun for people, large booms and neighborhood firecrackers make this one of the most stressful times of the year for dogs," said Nicole Ayers, Business Unit Director for Growth Accelerators, North America Pet at General Mills. “We know pets are family, and this year, we're helping pet parents bring less stress and more tail wags to the holiday with enrichment ideas and Love Made Fresh, turning the Fourth of July into a moment the whole family can enjoy.”

Blue Buffalo Launches the Dog Friendliest Fireworks Show

Dropping July 1 on Blue Buffalo’s YouTube channel, the dog-friendliest fireworks show is a five-hour animated experience featuring soothing sounds and visuals inspired by dogs’ favorite things — treats, toys and food. Developed with guidance from canine cognitive scientist Dr. Evan MacLean, Ph.D, the experience is designed to help keep dogs distracted and comfortable during firework displays.

In addition to the show, pet parents can get real-time support on the Fourth of July via Blue Buffalo on TikTok and Instagram by simply tagging or direct messaging the brand for tips, distraction ideas and expert advice when it’s needed most.

Expert-Approved Tips to Help Dogs Manage Fireworks Stress

MacLean also recommends the following tips for keeping dogs engaged and calm during America’s biggest birthday weekend:

1. Let Your Dog Choose Their Safe Space: During stressful events, dogs often seek spaces that feel secure to them. If it’s safe and in a quieter area, let them choose where they feel most comfortable, and close all windows and doors to the outside to help muffle loud sounds. If a dog prefers their crate, secure the crate in a quiet area if possible.
2. Utilize Food & Play During Fireworks: Instead of trying to comfort your dog every time fireworks go off, give them something purposeful to do. Sniffing games, food puzzles and hiding treats or kibble, such as Love Made Fresh meatballs, can help redirect attention.
3. Build a Ritual with a Treat: Create a special ritual that only happens during fireworks or exposure to other loud noises, such as thunderstorms or vacuums. For example, pet parents can share their love of a frozen treat on a sizzling summer day with their dog by freezing Blue Buffalo Love Made Fresh stews using a silicone treat mold or spread in a freezer-safe shallow bowl or dish. Consistently providing a treat to your dog whenever there is a loud noise can help decrease noise phobia as your dog begins to associate the reward with the sound over time. Expert tip: be sure to bring the treat out before the first fireworks begin.
4. Watch for the Recovery Window: Pet parents should not assume that the stress is over once the fireworks end as many dogs will continue to have signs of anxiety after the event. Instead, focus on helping dogs decompress afterwards with plenty of fresh water, a calm and quiet environment, and a return to their normal routine. Providing high quality nutrition is also a simple and convenient way to help during this sensitive time.
5. Build a Fireworks “Survival Kit": Pet parents can build a simple fireworks survival kit with treats, enrichment toys, water and comfort items, such as an article of clothing worn by the pet parent, so that everything is ready before the first BOOM! Pet parents should also consult with their veterinarian who can provide additional support to help decrease fear and anxiety during stressful situations.
6. Lend a Helping Hand: Gentle petting, using long slow strokes is great way to help your pup relax and feel safe. It can reduce stress hormones and promote a sense of calm and connection you can both enjoy.

Blue Buffalo Fourth of July Offers

To help pet parents stock up on food and treats before the celebrations begin — or to call in reinforcements when the neighborhood fireworks start early — Blue Buffalo is partnering with Instacart to offer $4 off a $20 purchase of Love Made Fresh products and Nudges treats with code BLUE1750 from June 25 through July 17.

For more information, visit BlueBuffalo.com, and follow along at @bluebuffalo on social media to get notified as soon as the dog-friendliest fireworks show is available for viewing.

About General Mills

General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names like Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry and more. General Mills generated fiscal 2025 net sales of U.S. $19 billion. In addition, the company’s share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1 billion.

About Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo started with a promise made to a lovable Airedale named Blue who struggled with cancer, the #1 disease-related killer of dogs and cats. His family, the Bishops, wanted to feed him the best food possible, so they searched for food with high-quality ingredients, but decided to create something even better – natural pet food for dogs and cats with nutritious ingredients, real meat first, and some of the highest standards in the industry. Since Day 1, BLUE’s team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists have carefully selected high-quality, natural ingredients and upheld its True BLUE Promise to dog and cat pet parents – real meat as the first ingredient with NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, NO corn, wheat or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives. The result is a portfolio of high-quality, natural food and treats that both dogs and cats love. This simple idea: “Love them like family. Feed them like family.” lives on today in every Blue Buffalo recipe. Visit BlueBuffalo.com to learn more.

Contacts

General Mills Communications
763-764-6364
media.line@genmills.com 

Edelman
Andrea Larson
andrea.larson@edelman.com