How We Compared Blue Buffalo
In coming up with this review, we compared the foods based on several aspects. These included the type of ingredients used, the specific use of the food, the cost, texture, among others.
We also looked at the reviews and recommendations of Blue Buffalo dog food customers to gauge the different foods.
Which Blue Buffalo Food Is Best
Blue Buffalo Brand is a premium brand in the market, known for its premium dog food and quality recipes, which always contain meat as the first ingredient, and soy and corn. Avoid artificial additives so that our dogs can be healthy. And leave the fillers too. The brand is inspired by their own dog, Blue, for whom they worked specifically to address his health issues while establishing the brand. And they created a healthy dog food with it, which is now one of the best foods on the market today.
The Blue Buffalo brand now has so many food types or recipes and formula combinations that it may seem overwhelming to choose one from among them. We will try to keep your dogs needs in mind and bring you the best products from our range of pet supplies so that you can find the right food more easily.
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 dogs 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.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Adult Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
This is Blue Buffalos best-selling dog food, and theres a reason that its so popular. Its an outstanding mix of price and quality, so you can give your pup a highly nutritious meal without completely draining your bank account.
There are also many size options available, enabling you to save even more money by purchasing in bulk. This Blue Buffalo recipe supports a healthy immune system, muscles, skin, and coat, and it provides all the necessary nourishment for your pup to thrive.
However, its mainly for dogs that live an average active lifestyle. If your dog is on the lazier or more active side of things, youll probably want to go with one of Blue Buffalos other recipes.
- Low protein content for active dogs
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient
Rating:
Blue Buffalo Basics is the brands limited ingredient diet. The dry formula is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Contains no chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy or eggs
- Simple recipe design for gentle digestion
Freedom is Blue Buffalos 100% grain-free and gluten-free dry product line.
- Contains healthy fruits and vegetables
- Gluten-free with no cereal grains
- No corn, wheat, soy or artificial preservatives
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Made To Help Dogs Thrive
HEALTHY MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT: Deboned red meat, game meat, duck, turkey, salmon or trout provides the protein-rich foundation for strong muscle development at all stages. Special formulas for small and large breeds encourage healthy musculature by meeting size-targeted energy and nutrient needs.
HEALTHY HEART: Extra taurine in BLUE Wilderness large breed formulas supports good cardiac health in bigger dogs.
HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT: Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote skin health and a naturally lustrous coat.
STRONG BONES AND TEETH: Calcium, phosphorous and essential vitamins help promote strong bones and teeth in pups. Small breed formulas feature smaller kibble for easier chewing, while large breed formulas have added glucosamine and chondroitin for added joint support.
HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM: Immune-supporting essential vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants promote a robust and healthy canine immune system.
History Of The Blue Buffalobrand
Blue Buffalo is headquartered in Wilton Connecticut where it produces multiple dog food lines. Additionally, they outsource their manufacturing to other food manufacturing companies such as ProPet, Triple T Foods, Ainsworth, Tuffys, and CJ Foods. As a brand, Blue Buffalo often is compared to other major food manufacturers.
The company was founded in 2003 by Bill and Jackie Bishop after their Terrier, Blue died of cancer. Blue Buffalo was created during research into the relationship that nutrition has with certain types of cancer. Blue Buffalo strives to provide high-quality antioxidant packaged food that keeps your pets happy and healthy.
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Blue Wilderness Natures Evolutionary Diet With Chicken
This Blue Wilderness Natures Evolutionary Diet dog food has everything you need for your dog to survive and thrive. The main ingredient is deboned chicken, so you know your dog is getting an adequate, wholesome dose of protein with every bowl.
Each serving contains 409 calories per cup. It has 34.0% crude protein. This is a grain-free selection, with LifeSource Bits containing powerful vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This recipe is ideal if you have a gluten sensitive dog who cannot eat grain but loves the taste of chicken.
Chicken is a protein that can cause irritation in some dogs, so thats something to consider before purchase. Otherwise, this is a nutrient-packed, flavorful selection that your dog is sure to enjoy.
This Blue Wilderness Turkey and Chicken Grill recipe is a wet dog food selection instead of dry kibble. The wet food can be especially beneficial for extra hydration in the diet. Its also easier on the teeth, so if you have a dog with a fragile palette, they may do particularly well with softer foods.
This food contains no poultry by-products, only whole proteins and chicken broth. It contains 10.0% crude protein, along with 478 calories per can. Each can is 12.5 ounces. Comprised of turkey, chicken, and chicken broth, along with added vitamins and minerals, this is a healthily formulated food to give your dog a well-rounded diet.
- Dogs could be sensitive to proteins
- Must apply regular dental hygiene to avoid buildup
Is Blue Buffalo Basics A Good Dog Food Brand
Yes, Blue Buffalo Basics brand is a good dog food brand for pets with food sensitivities and allergies.
Their foods feature high quality proteins and natural fiber sources that aid gentle digestion and boost immunity with natural probiotics, plenty of omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Also read:16 Most Popular Dog Food Brands
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Blue Buffalo Weight Management Formula
Blue Buffalo has several weight management formulas across its sub-brands. Life Protection has three different healthy weight options, as does the Wilderness range.
Blue Freedom, Basics, and True Solutions also have weight management formulas.
Finally, Natural Veterinary Diet includes a weight management option plus urinary care.
What Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Dog Food is a pet food brand dedicated to making healthy and natural recipes for cats and dogs of every age and phase of life. It makes delicious, healthy, wet, and dry dog food for both small and large breeds.
The company makes formulas for personalized dietary needs from skin sensitivities, immune system support, hip and joint health, weight management, digestive care, and many more.
Jackie and Bill Bishop, the founders of Blue Buffalo, began to develop interests in pet health when their Airedale, Blue, developed medical problems. This triggered the brothers to create Blue Buffalo Dog Food made from the finest natural ingredients to boost immunity.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food contains no corn, wheat, colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-product meals. None of the food variants contains dairy or egg, either. The company produces two grain-free dog food lines, an antioxidant-rich âLife Protection formulaâ and a Limited Ingredient line, all made with natural ingredients.
All Blue Buffalo foods contain LifeSource Bits. The âbitsâ are derived from whole source ingredients like fruit and veggies. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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Who Makes Blue Wilderness And Where Is It Produced
Blue Buffalos humble beginnings were in Wilton, Connecticut. It got started because the Bishop family had a beloved dog, Blue, an Airedale Terrier, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. This set things in motion for his owners to find a better diet. They worked with veterinary support and dietary specialists to formulate healthier, natural means of sustenance.
Blue Wilderness is a type of dog food made by Blue Buffalo, which focuses on a grain-free, high-protein diet. The companys mission is to provide excellent food sources that relate as closely to their original nature as possible.
Is Blue Buffalo Considered A Balanced Dog Food
All Blue Buffalo recipes meet or exceed dog food nutrient profiles established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials . These standards are based on the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats published by the National Research Council of the National Academies of Science in Washington, D.C. Each Blue Buffalo recipe is considered complete and balanced for the canine life stage printed on the package.
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Overview Of Blue Buffalo
Bill and Jackie Bishop began to take an interest in pet health issues when their Airedale, Blue, started suffering from health problems. This led them to develop Blue Buffalo Dog Food, which contained only the finest natural ingredients to promote a strong immune system.
Blue Buffalo dog food does not contain by-product meals, wheat, corn, or soy proteins, nor artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. As far as I can see, none of their recipes contain dairy or egg, either. They produce two grain-free lines of dog food, a Limited Ingredient line, and an antioxidant-rich Life Protection line.
All of their foods contain LifeSource Bits, small dark kibbles with a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been âcold-formedâ to help retain the potency of their ingredients. These bits include whole source ingredients from a range of fruit and veg.
Blue Buffalos motto is Love them like family. Feed them like family, a sentiment I believe shines through in the formulation of their recipes.
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Is Blue Buffalo Making Dogs Sick
If your dog has already eaten some Blue Buffalo dog food and he is showing some symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is best to immediately stop feeding him that particular flavor.
If the symptoms persist, you should take your dog to see a veterinarian, since they could be due to anything from intestinal parasites to an allergic reaction.
Its hard to say whether or not Blue Buffalo is making dogs sick. FDA data suggests a possible connection between the brand and DCM, but there are other factors to consider.
Some dogs may have developed DCM after eating Blue Buffalo products. If a dog develops DCM while eating this brand, it might be worth switching foods. Its important to note that many pet owners have used Blue Buffalo for years without issue.
The FDA has not yet concluded its investigation into the deaths and illnesses associated with Blue Buffalo and is continuing its examination into the potential sicknesses caused by the brand.
The FDA is currently working with the company to determine the cause of illness and death in pets that have been reported to be related to Blue Buffalo.
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Recipe And Label Analysis
Blue Buffalo Chicken and Brown Rice Adult was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Blue Buffalo Chicken and Brown Rice Adult
Dry Dog Food
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Fiber = 5.6%
Red denotes controversial item
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Pros
- Blue Buffalo dog food lists meat as the first ingredient, plus it often includes healthy whole grains and vegetables.
- It doesnt contain any artificial flavors or preservatives and stays away from poultry by-product meal, corn, soy and other filler ingredients.
- You can choose from a range of varieties, including senior dog foods, small breed dog foods and limited ingredient dog foods for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
- Most dogs find Blue Buffalo foods palatable and you can select from a wide range of formulas or flavors to appeal to picky eaters.
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Recommended Serving Amounts For Homemade Dog Food
As a general rule, dogs will eat around 2 to 3 percent of their ideal body weight in fresh food daily. Larger breeds may need as little as 1 1/2 percent, and smaller breeds may need as much as 4 percent.
This works out to be approximately:
- 2 pounds of food per day for a 100-pound dog
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of food per day for a 50-pound dog
- 1/2 to 3/4 pound of food per day for a 25-pound dog
- 5 to 6 1/2 ounces of food per day for a 10-pound dog
There is much variation in what the ideal amount should be as it depends on how much your dog weighs and how active she is.
I feel that the best approach is to feed and watch if your dog is losing weight, give more, and if your dog is gaining weight, give less.
For our pugs, we feed a scoop each in the morning and a scoop each in the evening, plus all their supplements.
We have an easy system for this: homemade food is refrigerated in a sealed container with a measuring cup , and all the supplements are lined up together in a cupboard in the kitchen. Keeping your ingredients organized and accessible will make feeding time fast and smooth.
Compared to feeding commercial food, where you might scoop out kibbles or open up a can, feeding homemade food with all the supplements takes maybe 10 seconds more. And even if it took 10 minutes more, fresh wholesome food for our furbabies is worth it.
How About The Premium Price Tag
As with any premium food, you will find the cost of Blue Buffalo products to be higher than many commonly seen brands. However, when it comes to quality, the price is a moderately reasonable expectation. With ingredients, packaging, reputation, and nutrition all considered, it has a middle-of-the-road price.
- Most choices are high in carbohydrate and calorie content
- Dogs may be sensitive to certain types of protein
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Is Blue Buffalo A Healthy Option For Senior Dogs
Blue Buffalo markets 5 wet and 7 dry dog foods, each designed to be suitable for older animals. Each product contains above-average protein and below-average fat and calories levels. Recipes meet AAFCO nutrient guidelines for adult maintenance which makes each a healthy option for senior dogs. View The Dog Food Advisors best senior dog foods here.
Blue Buffalos Rigorous 6
Blue Buffalo has strict controls in place for every product we create, to ensure the ingredients meet our high-quality standards. The six points include:
1) Check Our Sources
- As part of the formulation of all Blue Buffalo products, we start by testing each ingredient for its nutritional value
- For each shipment that comes in, our ingredients suppliers are required to test ingredients to ensure they meet our specific quality requirements
- We check the quality of each of our suppliers by verifying their programs and processes
2) Test Ingredients
- Before ingredients come into the manufacturing facilities, we double-check to ensure their quality was maintained in transit
- We make sure ingredients will deliver on BLUEs Guaranteed Analysis for each of our product
3) Monitor with Batching
- At this point we start batching, which means we combine ingredients to create the desired dietary formula
- We conduct ongoing monitoring to ensure BLUE formulas are made correctly
- During this process, we track where and how we use the ingredients
- We collect samples to verify that were meeting product specifications
- Facilities and equipment are thoroughly cleaned on a routine basis and monitored for cleanliness daily
- We maintain and test equipment to ensure its working correctly
5) Evaluate Packaging
6) Assess Finished Product
If you ever have any questions or concerns about Blue Buffalo foods and treats, please fill out our contact us form or call us at 919-2833.
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Blue Freedom Dry Dog Food Review
Score: 2.3/10
Package Ingredients for Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Recipe: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, pea starch, turkey meal, pea protein, chicken fat , tapioca starch, dried tomato pomace, flaxseed , natural flavour, dried egg product, fish oil , dicalcium phosphate, salt, dehydrated alfalfa meal, choline chloride, dried chicory root, pea fibre, alfalfa nutrient concentrate, calcium carbonate, dl-methionine, potassium chloride, preserved with mixed tocopherols, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic, zinc amino acid chelate, zinc sulfate, vegetable juice for colour, ferrous sulfate, vitamin e supplement, iron amino acid chelate, blueberries, cranberries, barley grass, parsley, turmeric, dried kelp, yucca schidigera extract, niacin , calcium pantothenate , L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate , L-Lysine, copper sulfate, L-Carnitine, biotin , vitamin a supplement, copper amino acid chelate, manganese sulfate, taurine, manganese amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate , riboflavin , vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride , 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 , sodium selenite, oil of Rosemary