Is Blue Dog Food Good For Your Dog

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe For Adult Dogs

This high-protein recipe from Blue Buffalo Wilderness is for the more active dogs in the house. I think Pitbulls and Huskies could do well on this food.

The meat protein comes mainly from salmon, so it goes without saying that its one for dogs who enjoy fishy flavors. Chicken meal is the second ingredient, so if you are looking for a purely fish recipe, this isnt the one. This is a grain-free recipe, so its a good choice for dogs allergic to grains.

The omega-3 content is high here , so its a great choice for long-coated dogs. Omega-3 also has anti-inflammatory properties, so for dogs with itchy, sore skin, this food can have a soothing effect.

Finally, as with the previous recipes, there is some glucosamine here, which makes it a good option for dogs prone to joint diseases.

Dry Dog Food Versus Wet Or Canned Dog Food

Freeman argued the amount of water in wet food might make it an unwise investment, and instead recommended you go with dry food. One benefit to dry food , she noted, is that the friction of chewing it can help keep your dogs teeth and gums healthy. Its also less messy. Morgan added that bags of dry food also tend to be more affordable compared to the other options.

However, Morgan noted that kibble typically includes less meat and often includes some sort of grain, legume, or potato. If you go with kibble, Morgan suggested topping the dry food with a bit of canned food, meat from home, or other toppers.

Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Grain

Our Most Popular Pick: Made with real roasted meats and available in both a puppy and adult recipe, Taste of the Wild High Prairie dog food is our most popular pick. Dog owners love this recipe for its high protein content that comes from roasted bison and venison as well as the fact that it is supplemented with species-specific probiotics to support healthy digestion. Plus, it is free from artificial additives and low-quality fillers that might bother your dogs sensitive stomach.

• Pros: Real roasted meats as main ingredient, grain-free, species-specific probiotics, healthy fats
• Cons: Contains some plant protein , main source of fat is plant-based

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Best For Small Dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal Barley & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Smaller dogs tend to live longer and arent considered seniors until their eighth or ninth birthday. When you choose a senior dog food for your smaller breed, in addition to the nutrient profile, youll also want to take into consideration the size of the kibblethe smaller the pup, the smaller the kibble should be.

This variety from Hills Science Diet has small pieces of kibble that are soft enough for smaller jaws . As for ingredients, its made in the U.S. from chicken meal, rice, and barley, plus has added omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a lustrous coat.

Best Dog Food For Puppies

The nutritional needs of dogs vary throughout their life. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and senior dogs have their own nutritional considerations. Most dog food companies carry specially formulated puppy foods for each stage of a dogs life, making it easier to narrow down your choices. If you are concerned about which is the best dog food for your dogs life stage, consult your veterinarian to see what stage food is appropriate for your dog.

Your puppy requires a different nutrient balance than an adult dog. This is especially true for large breeds. Feeding a large breed puppy food can help, as their growth needs to be monitored carefully to prevent bone and joint problems. Other puppies do well on both puppy food and food labeled for all life stages. The best food for your puppy depends on your puppys size and breed. Always consult your veterinarian for recommendations on puppy feeding, and advice on how to switch puppies to adult dog food.

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The Worst Dry Dog Foods

While most owners don’t realize it, bad dry dog food can make dogs sick and unhealthy over time. Cheap ingredients are used to make dog food more affordable.

Unfortunately, the inclusion of many unhealthy ingredients can lead to obesity, cancer, and much more.

Some ingredients are used as filler to replace natural proteins. They add empty calories without much nutritional content.

Other ingredients come from questionable sources and contain harmful additives or chemicals.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Recipe Review

Our Rating 4.1/5 Stars

Do you remember your mother telling you that youd need to eat your vegetables to grow up big and strong? Well, although our puppies arent going to be noshing on broccoli or chomping on carrots on a daily basis, they still need the nutrients that some kinds of fruit and vegetables provide. Since puppies dont have a fully developed immune system yet, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection line specifically focuses on the essential components that are needed to keep your puppy healthy throughout their first year of life.

• HIGH QUALITY PUPPY FOOD: Blue Buffalo always features real meat as the 1st ingredient. BLUE Puppy Dog food features high-quality protein from deboned Chicken,…
• PUPPY DOG FOOD: Specially formulated for puppies, BLUE Life Protection Formula puppy food contains DHA and ARA to…

So what does that mean, exactly? Well, besides the fact that this line is made with the same high quality, digestible proteins as every other Blue Buffalo food, it also includes LifeSource bits a powerful combination of antioxidants made with apples, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, pumpkin and spinach. Talk about packing a fruit and veggie punch!

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Chicken Recipe Dry Food

Best Diabetic Dog Food for Senior Dogs: Middle-aged and senior dogs have a higher risk for diabetes, particularly if they are overweight. If youre looking for a senior recipe dog food that will help your dog maintain a healthy body weight that is also low-glycemic, we recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Chicken Recipe Dry Food. This formula features deboned chicken as the first ingredient and a lean source of protein. It also contains grain-free, low-glycemic carbohydrates including peas and tapioca starch. This recipe is rich in omega fatty acids to support your dogs skin and coat health with plenty of fiber for healthy digestion. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide natural sources for key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with chelated minerals to help ensure complete and balanced nutrition. Overall, this recipe provides 30% protein to help your dog maintain lean muscle mass with just 12% fat and a whopping 7% fiber.

• Pros: Rich in lean protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, low in fat high in fiber, rich in omega fatty acids, probiotics and supplemental fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables
• Cons: Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken ingredients, contains plant protein

Worst Adult Dry Dog Food: Iams Proactive Health

The primary ingredient in IAMS Proactive Health Adult Chunks dry dog food is chicken.

Though chicken is a quality item and raw chicken comprises about 80% water, but when cooked, most of the water is lost, which reduces the meat content to just a portion of its initial weight.

After processing, these ingredients would probably account for a smaller fraction of the whole content of the finished food.

The second ingredient is cornmeal which is coarse ground flour made from the dried corn. Corn is a controversial and inexpensive cereal grain of low nutritional value to a dog.

For that reason, it is not a preferred part of any dog food.

The third ingredient of this product is sorghum , a starchy cereal grain with a similar nutrient profile to corn.

Because it is gluten-free and claims a smoother blood sugar performance than other grains, sorghum may be considered a satisfactory non-meat ingredient.

The fourth ingredient is chicken by-product meal, which is a dry product of the slaughterhouse waste.

This meal is made after all prime cuts have been separated, which includes almost anything left, including beaks, feet, and even undeveloped eggs, anything except the feathers.

But on the bright side, these portions are meat concentrates and comprise protein approximately 300% more than the fresh chicken.

The fifth ingredient is beet pulp, a controversial ingredient, as it is a high fiber by-product made of sugar beet processing.

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Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for a high quality grain free dog food or a dog food for sensitive stomachs for your pooch, then Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is the way to go. Since its made from one source of protein , and its completely free of corn, wheat, eggs, soy, and dairy , you can rest assured that it wont aggravate your pups sensitive system. Instead, this formula contains healthy carbohydrates that are packed with nutrients, including pumpkin, peas, and potatoes.

In addition to being easy to digest, Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Natural Adult Dog Food contains tons of vitamins and minerals that are essential for the health of your dog. Vitamin B6 and B12, vitamin D12, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, and folic acid are just some of the nutrients found in this dog food. It also contains LifeSource Bits, an ingredient that is only found in Blue products, which contain additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

What We Like About It

• Contains turkey, an excellent source of protein that isnt usually used in dog food
• Free of harsh carbohydrates, such as wheat, corn, eggs, dairy, and soy
• Features easy to digest carbs, including pumpkin, peas, and potatoes
• Packed with vitamins and minerals
• Easy to digest
• Perfect for dogs that have sensitive tummies and/or allergies

Reasons to Complain

• Its a bit expensive
• Some customers say that it hasnt helped pups with sensitive stomachs

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Whether you have an adult Great Dane, French Bulldog, Beagle, or any other type breed , its important to ensure that you are feeding him the best possible food to meet his unique nutritional needs. With Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, you will be doing just that.

The first ingredient in Life Protection Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is protein-rich chicken. Protein is essential for all dogs, especially adults, as it helps to strengthen their muscles, which is important for joint health . In addition to chicken, this recipe also includes whole grains, fruit, and garden vegetables to make a well-rounded, nutrient-rich meal for your furry friend. It also contains Glucosamine, which will further support your pups joint health to improve his mobility. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids will keep his skin and coat healthy, too. Lastly, your dog will be able to benefit from BLUEs LifeSource Bits, which contain a blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants for optimal health.

What We Like About It

• Contains real meat as the first ingredient
• Made with all-natural ingredients, including whole grains, vegetables, and fruit
• LifeSource Bits provide the nourishment of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins
• Promotes joint health
• Improves coat and skin health
• Contains absolutely no by-products, corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial colors

Reasons to Complain

• Its a bit pricy

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Choosing The Best Dog Food

The best dog food for your dog is ultimately up to you to decide. As an owner, you are the one who sees your dog on a regular basis. If your dog produces firm, healthy stool, is active and fit, and has a healthy appetite, then your dog food is probably working just fine.

Your veterinarian is a valuable resource to you during this process. They know more about pet nutrition than the average owner, and they also have access to research and resources that owners do not have. Your vet can help you narrow down your options and should be more than happy to help you find the answers to your questions about your dogs food.

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Best Overall Dog Food

According to our experts, owners of large and giant-breed dogs should avoid foods that contain legumes as a protein source. Nicole Goudey-Rigger, the owner and CEO of doggy daycare service Pets a Go Go, told us she took her two purebred Akitas and two medium-size mixed breeds off their low-grain diet after the connection between DCM and grain-free food was raised. Instead, she now feeds her four big dogs Purina Pro Plan Salmon Sensitive Stomach, which contains brewers rice and barley . She and two other experts we spoke with like Purina Pro Plan foods because, as Gstrein points out, the recipes meet AAFCO standards and are formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Goudey-Rigger adds that Purinas Purina Pro Plan line features a wide variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, salmon, duck, lamb, pork, and even quail. Looking for a variety of proteins in a brands line is important, she says, because not all proteins agree with all dogs. Ochoas dog also likes Purina Pro Plan and gets a small portion of its shredded chicken food as a complement to Hills Science Diet.

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B Blue Buffalo Product Lines

One of the fascinating things about Blue Buffalo dog food is that the company uses no preservatives, soy, corn, wheat, poultry by-products, and artificial flavors.

Therefore, it has become one of the most famous and healthy dog foods.

Moreover, Blue Buffalo dog food has various product lines, which Im going to describe.

1. Wilderness

The salient features of this line include a meat-rich, high-protein, and grain-free dog food for all dogs of various sizes and ages.

The high-quality protein used in this product line mostly comes from duck, salmon, and chicken.

Likewise, the wilderness product line of Blue Buffalo is available in both dry and wet dog foods. Furthermore, there are options for dogs of various sizes and ages.

2. Life protection

To emphasize the wellbeing and health of your dog, the life protection product line of Blue Buffalo uses a recipe that results from the combination of meat with brown rice. Moreover, they include special ingredients for a stronger immune system, muscle development, and healthy teeth.

Likewise, you can buy this product line either in dry or wet form based on your dogs desire. Similarly, it is also available for different life stages of dogs for convenience. However, keep in mind that this line is not grain-free.

3. Freedom

The freedom product line from Blue Buffalo includes dog food recipes free of grains which reflects its popularity. Moreover, you have a choice in the form of wet and dry Blue Buffalo dog food.

4. Basics

5. True solution

Our Picks For Budget Dog Food:

Grain-free diets aren’t necessarily superior to diets that contain grains, but they can be helpful if your dog is allergic or intolerant to specific grains. There is also a misconception that these dog foods are carbohydrate-free, but the necessary carbohydrates just come from non-grain ingredients like white potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and tapioca.

Something worth mentioning in any discussion about grain-free food is the fact that the FDA continues to investigate a potential link between dogs fed grain-free diets and the development of a heart condition called non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy. For now, no firm correlation between grain-free diets and cardiac issues has been scientifically supported. However, it’s possible we may discover more in the future. Always talk to your veterinarian about feeding your dog a grain-free diet.

Our recommendations are all AAFCO complete and balanced and include whole meats and healthy extras like omega fatty acids, probiotics, and glucosamine. Both Orijen Fit and Trim and Purina One True Instinct have also undergone feeding trials to ensure they are palatable, digestible, and can nutritionally sustain pets over time.

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Merrick Brand Dog Food

The ingredients that make Merrick a great choice include deboned duck, deboned chicken, turkey meal, salmon meal which is a source of omega 3 fatty acids, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, potato protein and lamb meal.

Merrick dog food also uses duck fat and chicken fat preserved with mixed tocopherols, blueberries, apples, salmon oil, organic alfalfa, natural flavor and salt.

The Top 10 Worst Dog Food Brands Of 2021

All pet foods are not created equal but most of the low-quality dog food brands have a few things in common. Some of the worst brands on the market load up their products with inexpensive fillers like corn and wheat products their products also tend to be carb-heavy instead of meat-based.

Low-quality pet formulas make heavy use of by-products and plant proteins, plus they often use artificial colors and flavors to make their products more palatable for pets and the people who care for them.

Something else many of these foods have in common is a history of product recalls by their manufacturing company.

Below is an overview of the Top 10 worst dog foods of 2021. We started our list with recipes that contain dubious and low-quality ingredients and worked our way down to the worst offenders with recent recalls under their belt.

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