Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food Review

How Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food Made

Blue Buffalo Dog Food is made using all-natural ingredients formulated into wholesome recipes. The brand tries its best to ensure that your dogâs food is as primal as possible.

The formulas are minimally processed and are catered to different dog breeds and dietary needs. Every portion of the food ensures that your dog gets the required nutritional needs. The food is tailored to suit every life stage.

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 “cold-formed” 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.

How Good Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food

Given the countless mediocre dog food manufacturers in existence today, one has to really question how reputable a brand is.

In the case of Blue Buffalo, their track record speaks for itself. Their brand philosophy is simple yet powerful. They believe that your pets are part of the family and they should be treated as such.

For them, there is no better way to do this than through feeding them quality food made from top-notch ingredients. It is this philosophy that forms the basis and care that goes behind crafting the Blue Buffalo line of pet foods.

If youd love to see how all these began, watch the video below:

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken & Brown Rice For Senior Dogs

This Life Protection recipe has been developed specially for dogs in the last quarter of their lives. Its protein and fat levels are on the minimum bracket, so I think it suits inactive older dogs who exercise for about half an hour a day.

The fiber content is fairly high here, so if your dog has digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation, this food can help.This recipe contains low levels of both glucosamine and chondroitin, which work together to protect her joints. As they are small amounts, I would suggest this food to older dogs prone to joint conditions but not yet displaying symptoms.

This dog food is a good choice for those dogs prone to diseases such as cancer, as the high levels of antioxidants here will support your older dogs immune system and work to keep her cells healthy.

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

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food: Features

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food comes in a range of tasty flavors, with a single protein mixed with brown rice, garden vegetables, and fruit. Theres a choice of chicken, fish, or lamb, and youll also find healthy weight options and ranges that have been developed specifically for puppies and seniors.

While it may not be as affordably priced as a product like Wagg Complete Dry Dog Food, the quality you get from Blue Buffalo is undeniable. Their exclusive LifeSource Bits are overflowing with fruits, like cranberries for urinary health and high-fiber bananas to aid digestion, while green vegetables like broccoli and spinach pack an antioxidant punch, providing calcium and other vital minerals.

The first ingredient, no matter what flavor option you choose is real fresh protein, with no animal by-products used. This ensures your dog is getting all the essential amino acids they need to build and maintain muscle without anything nasty. Created in collaboration with vets and animal nutritionists, this holistic formula has been expertly balanced to provide the perfect combination and quantity of all the nutrients your dog needs.

Do Vets Recommend Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo is a widely available dog food brand you can find in your local pet store. While not all Blue Buffalo products are recommended by vets, the company does make several formulas that contain quality ingredients and meet the nutritional requirements your dog needs.

Blue Buffalo is one of the most popular brands on the market and its easy to see why. The food contains natural ingredients and is made with real meat and vegetables. It is also fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help keep your pet healthy.

The brand offers a variety of foods for cats and dogs of all ages, including puppy, adult, and senior formulas. There are also special formulas for pets with specific dietary needs, such as sensitive stomachs or weight control issues.

Some vets dont recommend Blue Buffalo because theyre not familiar with it or dont think its up to par with other brands.

There are no easy answers here its complicated and personal. But if youre looking for an expert opinion on Blue Buffalo, we recommend speaking with your vet first.

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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 dogs 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 dogs 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 dogs 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 dogs immune system and to keep their cells from the effects of free radicals.

A Brief History Lesson About Blue Buffalo

The company Blue Buffalo was founded in 2002 in Wilton, Connecticut. The Bishop familys beloved dog, Blue, was diagnosed with cancer, prompting them to analyze his diet. They worked closely with veterinary professionals and nutritionists to come up with wholesome, delicious recipes to combat commercial food. The company has grown tremendously, releasing many top-rated dog food selections. Their recipes are ideally designed for your dog.

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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 Buffalo Recalls History

• : Voluntary recall of one production lot of BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain RecipeTM Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs due to a potential to contain elevated levels of naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormones, which can cause increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and increased heart rate and restlessness. The FDA advised Blue Buffalo of a single consumer who reported symptoms in one dog, who has now made a full recovery. Blue Buffalo immediately investigated and decided it was necessary to recall this production lot.
• : Researchers at Michigan State University ran an investigation into dogs around the country who were getting sick. They found each dog had high levels of Vitamin D in their blood and all 16 of these dogs were being fed on BLUE Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe. Blue Buffalo voluntary recalled every bag of BLUE Buffalo Wilderness Chicken, BLUE Basics Salmon Recipe, and BLUE Life Protection Large Breed Adult Chicken Recipe with best-by dates 7/12/11 through 10/26/11.

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What Is The Average Price And How Long Will It Last

Blue Buffalo Freedom and Blue Buffalo Basics are sold in 4 lb, 11 lb, 24 lb bags, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is sold in 4.5 lb, 11 lb, 24 lb bags, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection is sold in 15 lb and 30 lb bags.

From my research, it seems that the largest-sized bag of any these lines currently costs between $45 – 50*, which I think is a very reasonable price for a premium dog food.

*all prices in this post are given approximately by looking on average at 5 of the top online retailers. The final price can vary.

Below I have drawn up a chart showing how long a 24lb bag of Blue Buffalo can last your dog, based on the daily feeding guidelines displayed on the majority of Blue Buffalos recipes.

Blue Buffalo Dog Foodingrediants

Blue Buffalo offers a range of different flavors in its dog food. The brand doesnt add preservatives, by-product fillers, or artificial flavors to its food. On their website, they claim that their food does not contain wheat, soy, or corn. These ingredients are often known to trigger dog allergies.

The main ingredients of Blue Buffalo dog food include rabbit, chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, salmon, duck, trout, and oatmeal. Most of the formulas also add a variety of vegetables, fruits, enzymes, probiotics, and dried tomato pulp. Each of these formulas is enriched with vitamins. They also include recognizable fats, such as chicken fat. They are an excellent source of fatty acids.

Unlike other companies, Blue Buffalo does not use ambiguous wording when describing the ingredients in their foods. Their labels use definitive descriptions such as real turkey and chicken meat as a source of protein.

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The Different Types Of Blue Buffalo Senior Dog Food: Pros And Cons Compared

When you are choosing the best type of dog food for your senior dog, first you need to know the different types that exist. There is dry dog food and wet dog food. Each type is suited for different use cases with clear pros and cons.

• Dry dog food â is known as the âtraditionalâ dog food. It often comes in a bag and is the most common type of dog food used today. For senior dogs, however, traditional dog food may be more difficult for your dog to eat.
• Wet dog food â Canned dog food. it usually does not need to be refrigerated unless it is opened. Senior dogs tend to like wet dog food because it is easier for them to eat.

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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Meet Blue Buffalo Dog Food

Blue Buffalo is a premium dog food brand that prides themselves on using only all-natural ingredients and real meats in everything they serve.

The company positions themselves as a food producer that creates dog food that closely mimics what your dog would eat if they were out in the wild.

Here at DogFood.Guide we have a dedicated mission to provide dog owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the nutrition and health care towards their dogs.

Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.

DogFood.Guide is maintained by Mary Nielsen & her staff. Mary is an advocate and lover. She and her staff are passionate about animals and work hard to provide you with a wealth of information for you and your dog.

Our site is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a referral fee. This helps cover the cost of operating our free blog. Thanks for your support!

The company has five different lines of food that spans across your dog’s entire life from puppy to senior, and they serve dry, wet food, and treats.

Something we found to be unique and interesting is when you first go to their website you complete a form answering questions like:

For an in-depth look about the brand, read our Blue Buffalo dog food reviews below.

Which Types Of Dogs Is Blue Buffalo Best Suited For

Blue Buffalo is an excellent general-purpose dog food that is best suited for pups that dont have dietary restrictions or medical conditions. Whether you have a couch potato for a pup or an extremely active running dog, Blue Buffalo has a great dog food for them.

With choices that range from puppy formulas to senior recipes, you can start your dog on Blue Buffalo early on and never switch them to another brand. It also sells tons of different treat options, so if you like Blue Buffalo, you dont ever need to feed your dog anything else!

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Which Types Of Dogs Might Do Better With A Different Brand

All dogs in any stage of life can benefit from the delicious and nutritious recipes offered by Blue Buffalo. However, when it comes to your dog, their preference is vital. While this company prides itself on providing only the most beneficial food for your pets, some dogs may simply not enjoy the taste.

If you find that your dog turns their nose up at the Blue Buffalo brand, you might try Pure Balance or similar food. This brand has many of the same benefits with different recipes, so you can find one that works best for your pooch.

In addition to canine preference, you may find that you simply cant commit to the cost each time you purchase food. Blue Buffalo is a premium dog food. While it isnt at the highest end of the scale, it is still somewhat costly.

If you are looking for a cheaper option thats still a healthy selection, you might try Diamond Naturals or a similar brand. They have a wide variety of delicious meals that your pet can benefit from.

What Is Considered A Senior Dog

The senior status of a dog can actually vary depending on breed, size, and weight. Generally speaking, small breed dogs will be considered senior status at 10 or 11 years old. A medium or large dog might move into the senior category around 8 or 9 years old. Some dogs might even be considered seniors as early as 7 years old, depending on their weight and breed, with small dogs showing a tendency to have more strut in their stride longer and large dogs aging a bit more quickly.

You should check with your dogs veterinarian to gain a better understanding of your dogs current status and diet requirements. They may be able to provide you with additional information to help you determine if it is best to start transitioning your dog to senior dog food formulas with appropriate balances of fiber, protein, and fat. Older dogs are also more likely to suffer from sensitive stomachs or other conditions, so be cognizant of that fact.

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