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Blue Buffalo BLUE Basics Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Review
Last updated: April 13, 2024
After thorough evaluation of a list comprising 6 products, We have selected Adult Grain-Free Duck & Potato as the most suitable option to review.
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Rating :
BLUE Basics Adult Grain-Free Duck & Potato
Received
4.7 stars out of 5
Vet Recommended
List of Products
| Blue Buffalo BLUE Basics Grain-Free products | Ratings | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Grain-Free Duck & Potato Recipe | 4.7 | Maintenance |
| Adult Grain-Free Lamb & Potato Recipe | 4.6 | Maintenance |
| Adult Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe | 4.6 | Maintenance |
| Adult Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe | 4.6 | Maintenance |
| Small Breed Grain-Free Adult Lamb & Potato Recipe | 4.6 | Maintenance |
| Large Breed Adult Grain-Free Lamb & Potato | 4.6 | Maintenance |
NOTE: The product ratings listed above are sourced from reputable internet merchants.
Ingredients
Deboned Duck, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes, Peas, Duck Meal, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Potato Starch, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Salt, Caramel, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Turmeric, Iron Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Oil of Rosemary, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Taurine, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), 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), Calcium Iodate.
Ingredient Analysis
Some ingredients on the list are more beneficial to your dog’s health than others. A higher nutritional value is indicated by a higher hierarchy of the ingredients in the list.
Deboned duck, sourced from the clean flesh of ducks, is a nutritious protein option in dog food. Rich in essential amino acids and B vitamins, it supports muscle health and overall vitality in dogs.
It’s a common ingredient in many dog foods, prized for its high-quality protein content and delicious flavor.
Tapioca starch, a root vegetable, comes from the cassava plant. It is valued for its high carbohydrate content and ability to bond when made into kibble.
Potatoes, a concentrated carbohydrate source, supply dogs with essential vitamins such as C and B6, along with potassium and magnesium.
However, some dogs may not favor the starchy texture or bland taste. Overconsumption can contribute to weight gain in dogs.
Peas, nutrient-rich legumes, support a dog’s GI health with high fiber and valuable nutrients, making them perfect for their diet.
Duck meal, a concentrated protein source, fuels muscle development and sustains energy in dogs, with a protein content typically 150-225% higher than raw duck.
Potato starch, a beneficial carbohydrate for both adult dogs and puppies, improves nutrient digestibility and palatability compared to corn. It functions similarly to fiber, aiding in digestion. However, it may cause digestive issues in some dogs.
Pea fiber, derived from peas, is a beneficial source of dietary fiber for pets.
Natural flavors, despite being derived from processed fruits, vegetables, spices, or fermentation products to enhance taste, can harbor unhealthy additives and lack nutritional value in pet food formulations.
The absence of a clear source for the flavors in Blue Basics dry dog food raises questions about it.
Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, supports skin, coat, and kidney health in pets but should be given in low quantities.
The list goes on, but these are all the crucial components that give the dogs their main source of nourishment in BLUE Basics Adult Turkey & Potato Recipe.
As we proceed down the list, some ingredients are more beneficial to your dog than others. They are
Pumpkin, a nutritional powerhouse for dogs, supports healthy digestion and aids in removing excess water from the digestive tract with its rich vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Flaxseed, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promotes healthy skin and coat in dogs. Additionally, its fiber content aids digestion and regulates bowel movements.
Upon further reviewing the ingredient list, it appears that there are some components further down the list that may potentially affect your dog’s health.
Caramel, though not toxic, is unsafe for dogs due to its high sugar content, which can lead to dental problems and health issues, particularly for dogs with diabetes.
Kelp, despite its ability to accelerate metabolism and promote weight loss, contains high levels of iodine, which, when consumed excessively, may lead to thyroid problems in canines.
Though certain dog food formulas may contain extra components, not all of them significantly increase the meal’s nutritional content. Fillers, preservatives, and flavorings are examples of these less important substances. They should be carefully considered when choosing any dog food.
| Nutrients | Sources |
|---|---|
| Protein | Deboned Duck, Duck Meal, Pea Protein |
| Carbohydrates | Tapioca Starch, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Starch, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Meal |
| Fat | Canola Oil, Fish Oil |
| Fiber | Pea Fiber, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Flaxseed |
| Vitamins | Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Nicotinic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid |
| Minerals | Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Iron Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate |
| Other | Natural Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Turmeric, Oil of Rosemary, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, 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 |
Nutrient analysis
Moisture =10% (max)
| Method of Analysis | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Analysis | 20% | 13% | 50.1% | 6% |
| Dry Matter Basis | 22.2% | 14.4% | 55.7% | 6.7% |
| Calorie Content Basis | 22.7% | 33.2% | 56.9% | NA |
The nutrient analysis of the dog food meets AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, with protein and fat levels exceeding minimum requirements.
The ratios of protein to fat and protein to carbohydrates are within acceptable ranges, indicating a balanced diet. The fiber content is also within reasonable limits.
checkout the AAFCO nutrient profiles for dog food .
Recalls
Over the years, there have been seven recalls involving Blue Basics blue dry dog food.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exclusive use of premium ingredients
- Diverse range of recipes for varied canine preferences
- Flexible size options to suit individual needs
- Remarkable blend of affordability and quality assurance
- Abundant health benefits for your furry companion
Cons
- Higher price point
- Potential digestive issues or allergies
- Inconsistency in product quality
- Limited availability
- Packaging may not preserve freshness efficiently
Our Rating
Blue Buffalo BLUE Basics Grain-Free Dry Dog Food receives an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars for providing dogs with a healthy, balanced diet made with premium ingredients that are sourced for optimum health and vitality.
Final Verdict
Blue Buffalo BLUE Basics Grain-Free Dry Dog Food uses premium ingredients to provide optimal nourishment. Although it’s important to take into account specific requirements and possible allergies, we advise speaking with your veterinarian to be sure it’s the best option for your dog.
