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Protein/Carb Ratio - 8/108/10
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Quality of Ingredients - 7/107/10
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Variety - 10/1010/10
Summary
Blue Buffalo is one of the leading holistic dog food brands in the US, and for good reason, too. Their natural US-sourced ingredients, pretty healthy nutritional breakdown, and wide variety of flavors make Blue Buffalo one of our top picks for best dog food.
Quality of Ingredients
Blue Buffalo’s goal is to make their pet food as healthy, holistic, and natural as possible, and to achieve this they make use of only natural ingredients provided by American suppliers. Uniquely, Blue also got in touch with some of the country’s leading veterinarians and animal nutritionists to create their patented LifeSource® bits, which are found in every bag of food and are chock full of vitamins and minerals are chosen specifically because of their cancer-fighting properties. These high quality ingredients are extremely beneficial for adult dogs.
Full Ingredients and Analysis
To get a better analysis of what’s inside this Blue Buffalo Dog Food Reviews, we sampled the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free pet food. Analyzing the first 10 ingredients in dog food is a great way to understand the overall nutrient content of dog food because AAFCO requires all dog food ingredients to be listed in order of predominance by their weight. Here’s a closer look at what’s inside Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free.
Full Ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Starch, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Caramel Color, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Kelp, Turmeric, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Oil of Rosemary, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite.
The Estimated Nutrient Content in this dog food was found to have a healthy nutrient breakdown:
Dry Dog Food Product Line
Blue Buffalo has a number of selections meant to cater to dogs of all shapes and sizes, and most of these varieties also come in canned form as well as treats, to make sure that all of your dog’s needs can be catered to. Senior dogs, young dogs and small breed adults can all benefit from the vitamins and minerals packed in the wet and dry food. The company also rolls out new lines every few years, adapting the newest breakthroughs in pet science to help make some of the healthiest food on the market and to maintain and improve its cancer-fighting edge.
See Related Topic: YaDoggie Dry Dog Food Review + Coupon!
Blue Buffalo dry food contains LifeSourse bits that are full of vitamins and minerals. Their wet food is not mixed with these little kibbles.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Health Benefits and Nutrition
As you can see from the extensive list of ingredients, Blue Buffalo dog food consists of natural ingredients that you may or may not be familiar with. Below is an overview of what some of these ingredients actually are, what they are made of, and how they will benefit your dog in the long run.
Pea Protein
Pea protein contains essential amino acids as well as a being packed full of fiber and carbohydrates. This will help your dog’s digestive system function efficiently.
Chicken Meal
Did you know that chicken meal is made out of off-cuts of meat that are sold for human consumption and is therefore real meat? A lot of the time it is processed and cooked in a special way to produce a special powder.
Chicken meal can either be made with bones or out of deboned chicken. Protein is extremely important for every animal and will boost your dog’s strength and energy levels.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is extracted from oily fish such as salmon. It is considered one of, if not the best, ingredients to add to your dog’s diet especially if your dog is allergic to certain foods or suffers from joint pain.
Fruits and Vegetables
Sometimes we forget that fruits and vegetables are good for our pets too. Berries, carrots, and sweet potatoes are packed full of antioxidants such as beta-carotene and ellagic acid. These antioxidants are important for your dog’s immune system and to keep their cells from the effects of free radicals.
Life Protection
Life Protection is the standard Blue Buffalo product, and also the company’s best seller. Life Protection comes in different packages depending on the size and age level of the dog it is aimed at, each adding extra nutrients (glucosamine and chondroitin for larger breeds, for example) based on the animal’s needs. The food also has no animal by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients in it, making it a good, all-natural choice for your four-legged friend. Blue Buffalo Life Protection is an all-rounder and is a wonderful option for a healthy, happy dog.
Freedom
Freedom is very similar to the Life Protection line, however, the key difference here is the fact that it does not have any grains in it whatsoever. This line is targeted primarily at dogs who may have some food sensitivities or allergies, but it is also a great choice for any who prefer not to give their dogs any kind of grains at all in their diet. Blue Buffalo Freedom is a lifesaver if your furry friend has stomach sensitivity.
Basics
Basics is, to put it simply, an amped-up version of Freedom, specifically designed for dogs with certain allergies or other food sensitivities. Basics has both grain-free and normal versions, and like the Life Protection, all Basics blends are made without any animal by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients. There are also a number of different limited ingredient versions to cater to whatever it is that your dog may need, so you can be fairly assured that whatever restrictions your pup may have, basics will have you covered.
Wilderness
Wilderness takes the natural diet to another level, modeling its recipes on the dietary needs of a wolf, the dog’s wild cousin. By looking at a wolf, Blue believes that they can get in touch with our pet’s evolutionary diet, and meet the needs that nature intended for them. As such, all Wilderness varieties are high protein and grain-free, focusing heavily on the meats that go into it as the primary source of nutrition.
Earth’s Essentials
Blue’s newest entry, Earth Essentials is based on farm to table recipes intended to provide your pets with a natural, fresh meal that meets and exceeds their dietary needs. Unfortunately for those who are against grains, it seems that these factors prominently into most Earth Essential recipes, but rest assured! The grains selected are only the most easily digestible ones available for your dog, and they were chosen specifically because of the benefits that they might be able to add to the food.
Natural Veterinary Diet
The Natural Veterinary Diet is only available through certain veterinarians and requires a prescription in order to purchase it. This line is available with Gastrointestinal Support, Hydrolyzed Dry Food for Food Intolerance, and Weight Management and Urinary Care formulas, and is intended to be sold to pets with severe food sensitivities or with health problems that require a special diet.
How Good is Blue Buffalo Dog Food?
Blue Buffalo is definitely a brand that you can rely on to keep your dog in tip-top condition. It is packed with all of the essentials and is well balanced to ensure your dog is getting the perfect portion of carbs, fats, and proteins. They have been market leaders for many years now and there is a reason for that.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Ratings
Blue Buffalo was awarded 5 stars from the Dog Food Advisor. They state that Blue Buffalo’s dry food is ‘above average’ and that the kibble ‘contains a significant amount of meat’. It is important to state that the Dog Food Advisor does not receive gifts or rewards for its reviews and is not affiliated with any pet food manufacturers so to receive such a high rating says a lot about the brand.
Blue Buffalo Recall history
It is completely normal for companies to recall food products and since 2010, Blue Buffalo has only recalled 6 items. Here is a list of the products recalled and reasons why:
October 8, 2010
Some popular Blue Buffalo products were recalled due to potentially toxic levels of vitamin D in the products. This recall was requested voluntarily by Blue Buffalo and advertised on the FDA’s website.
November 25, 2015
Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones were voluntarily recalled due to fears of Salmonella contamination.
May 31, 2016
Limited batches of their Life Protection Formula Dog Food were voluntarily recalled. Only one batch was recalled due to moisture and mold issues.
February 13, 2017
Due to fears of aluminum contamination in the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Healthy Weight range, this too was a voluntary recall issued by the company itself.
March 2, 2017
Blue Buffalo was worried about the quality of the foil seal on their Blue Divine Delights and their Blue Wilderness Trail Trays and therefore recalled a whopping 17 batches.
March 17, 2017
BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs was voluntarily recalled for fears of it containing too much naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormones.
All of the above recalls were done voluntarily by Blue Buffalo.
Pros of Blue Buffalo Food Products:
- Full of vitamins and minerals
- Dry and wet foods are available
- Popular and reliable brand
- Well-balanced
Cons of Blue Buffalo Food Products:
- High price tag
- Their food is rumored to increase the risk of heart disease
About Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo products are made in accordance with one simple credo: “Love them like family, feed them like family.” To this end, Blue Buffalo tries to create only the highest quality products using natural and healthy ingredients in every bag. Blue Buffalo is also highly proactive in the fight against pet cancer, getting involved in community events around the country, and sponsoring a pet cancer awareness week which raises money each year to study and fight the disease.
Blue Buffalo was founded in 2003 by Bill and Jackie Bishop after the passing of their beloved Airedale Terrier, Blue. Blue had been diagnosed with cancer a few years before, prompting the Bishop family to begin researching animal nutrition to see how it is linked with certain kinds of cancer. To this end, they created the Blue Buffalo pet food company, as well as the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research to help keep our pets as healthy as possible and pioneer cutting edge methods for battling the illness.
Sadly, after several bouts, Blue passed away, but the Bishops keep his memory alive by providing a product that prides itself on being a high quality, anti-oxidant packed food that will help all pets grow as healthy and happy as possible.
Where to Buy
Blue Buffalo can be found in almost every major pet food retail location, as well as a number of smaller stores. Don’t expect to find it on the shelves of your local supermarket, however! Additionally, pet owners can order directly from the company’s website, or even through websites such as Amazon.com and other online pet food sites.
As mentioned earlier, the Natural Veterinary Diet will require a prescription, and as such often might only be available through a veterinarian or a specialty store that caters to these kinds of food, for example, a PetSmart with a Banfield Pet Hospital.
Alternatives
You have probably read a number of Blue Buffalo dog food reviews to help you make your decision on whether the brand is worthy of feeding your pup. Although they have great food that is packed with nutrients, it might not be quite right for your little buddy. Here are some alternatives for you to choose from:
Halo
If you want to feed your dog a protein-rich diet, the Halo dog food is for you. Their low carbohydrate food is great for dogs that suffer from being sluggish and tired.
Merrick
Some of their meals contain probiotics and prebiotics which help with digestion. Their meals are full of salmon and chicken products too.
Iams
Iams is a globally recognized pet food company with plenty of food options. Their food contains real meat and grains.
Nature’s Variety
Here is another high protein option for your pup. It is well known for being a tasty option for your dog and contains meats such as duck meat and chicken.
FAQ
Q: How Good is Blue Buffalo Dog Food?
A: Blue Buffalo dog food is a popular dog food brand with a great reputation. This makes it a great dog food for many dogs.
Q: Blue Buffalo Dog Food Ratings
A: Blue Buffalo is rated on average four out of five stars.
Q: Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recalls?
A: Blue Buffalo has been recalled a few times since it launched. You can see the recall history in the article above.
Q: Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food Safe?
A: Yes, Blue Buffalo is considered to be safe dog food.
I have read numerous reviews, complaints and comments about ‘lead’ in Blue Wilderness Adult Dry Dog Food. Please let me know more about this and if I need to be worried? I realize there may be a certain amount of natural occurring lead but the information I have recently read says the lead content is way over what is deemed ‘safe for consumption’…..
Don’t know about lead, but I do know my puppies had chronic diarrhea and skin issues among other reactions. Found out later from 3 different vets that strongly cautioned/advised us against using BB food. This brand came highly recommended at some of the pet food stores and everything about it looked like a great budget friendly alternative to feeding raw. I am completely disappointed in this brand and just don’t see how it hasn’t been removed from the market. So not worth the risk. I’ve only found a small percentage of positive reviews, but the negative reviews are in the hundreds. This consumer’s trust in BB is forever shaken. No comebacks.
My boston terrier was not feeling well for weeks. Bad gas, and trouble pooing.
Gave him some Blue Buffalo Chicken and Brown Rice , saw some green stuff in the food. Looked into the bag and there were numerous clumps of mold.
Called company, lady essentially said has never happened before, can’t be our fault.
Ridiculous.
Yikes! Did you call Blue Buffalo or the company you purchased from? It very well could have been an issue with storage conditions at the retailer.
I recently got a rescue dog, a 50 lb. Catahoula leopard dog. I fed her blue buffalo lamb dry food. She got a horrible case of diarrhea. I started feeding her boiled chicken breast, rice, and canned pumpkin. When the diarrhea finally cleared up, I add a little blue buffalo back in. Once again, immediate diarrhea. Took her to the vet who confirmed she had no worms or parasites. He said he was not a fan of blue buffalo food. I would not recommend using this food.
My dog had an allergic reaction to this food. She was loosing hair, was lethargic. I do NOT recommend this food!
We had the same reaction with our dogs; digestive issues, skin issues, loss of fur to name just a few. Terrible experience. Hundreds more out there having the same or similar issues.
Wow now i’m worried. My dog loves this food and looks forward to each meal. He licks the bowl clean. He is very healthy and highly energetic. I’ve never seen a reason to be concerned about this brand and it was actually recommended by a good friend. After all these negative reviews though i’m a little concerned. My vet never mentioned anything negative about this food. My dog enjoys this food so much that I feel bad changing it. Maybe it’s the right food for him?