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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Review
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- Published: June 20, 2024
- Last Updated: December 25, 2024
List of products
Blue Basics Products | Ratings | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
3.7 | Growth | |
3.7 | Growth | |
4.1 | Growth | |
4 | Growth | |
4.5 | Maintenance | |
4.5 | Maintenance | |
4.5 | Maintenance | |
4.2 | Maintenance | |
4.1 | Maintenance | |
4.2 | Maintenance | |
4.2 | Maintenance | |
4 | Maintenance | |
4 | Maintenance | |
4 | Maintenance | |
4.1 | Maintenance | |
4 | Maintenance | |
4 | Maintenance | |
4.3 | Maintenance | |
3.5 | Maintenance | |
3.4 | Maintenance | |
3.6 | Maintenance |
This dog food line has 21 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Adult Fish & Brown Rice Recipe shows the quality, nutrition, and ingredients of the whole line.
Ingredients
Whitefish, Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Peas, Pea Starch, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Yeast, Chicken Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, L-Threonine, Vitamin E Supplement, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate,
Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, 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, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Ingredient Analysis
Ingredients listed at the top form the foundation of the food, supplying the highest level of nutrients compared to those lower on the list.
Primary Ingredients
→ Whitefish is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source for dogs. It is especially helpful for those with allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef.
It has omega-3 fatty acids that help with skin, coat, and brain health. Its low-fat content also helps with weight control and sensitive stomachs.
→ Fish meal is a concentrated protein source made by cooking, drying, and grinding fish (often whole fish or leftover parts) into a powder.
It retains many benefits of whole fish, like omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and fur, but its quality depends on where the fish comes from and it’s processing method.
→ Brown rice is a gluten-free grain that provides B vitamins, minerals, and energy from healthy carbs. Its fiber helps digestion and is safe for dogs with gluten sensitivities.
100g of raw long-grain brown rice contains 7.25g protein, 3.31g fat, 76.7g carbohydrates (including 3g fiber).
→ Barley provides pets with soluble fiber, carbohydrates, and B vitamins for digestive health, but its gluten content is a primary concern for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
Gluten can trigger reactions in gluten-sensitive dogs, so barley-based diets should be carefully considered for these pets.
It provides 12.5g protein, 2.3g fat, and 73.5g carbohydrates (including 17.3g fiber) per 100g.
Brown rice and barley are included in all 21 recipes of this product line.
→ Oatmeal is a wholesome, gluten-free, high-quality grain included in all 21 Blue Buffalo Life Protection formulas.
Secondary Ingredients
→ Peas are commonly found in dog food, providing fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.
Raw green peas contain 5.42g protein and 14.4g carbohydrates (including 5.7g fiber) per 100g.
→ Pea starch is a carbohydrate derived from peas.
Pea starch is well-known for its high amylose content (a slow-digesting starch) and is widely utilized as a thickening or energy source in grain-free and gluten-free dog diets. It has less protein and fiber compared to whole peas.
→ Chicken fat is a high-quality animal fat commonly used in dog foods as a concentrated energy source and flavor enhancer.
It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid and is preserved with mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness.
Other Beneficial Ingredients
→ Flaxseed is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help keep skin healthy, make coats shiny, and reduce swelling.
Every 100g of ground flaxseed has 18g of protein, 37.3g of fat, 34.4g of carbs, and 23.1g of fiber to help with digestion and regular bowel movements.
The next ingredient after natural flavor is tomato pomace.
→ Tomato pomace is a byproduct of processing tomatoes into products like sauces, ketchup, juices, purees, and concentrates. It consists of the dried and ground skins, pulp, and crushed seeds of tomatoes.
It provides soluble fiber and the antioxidant lycopene, which supports digestion and overall health in growing pets.
→ Dried yeast is a common source of protein and vitamins in dog foods; however, it can trigger issues in dogs that are sensitive to yeast.
The Adult Fish & Brown Rice Recipe includes additional ingredients chosen for specific roles in your dog’s health. While we can’t detail them all here, rest assured each contributes to a balanced, nutrient-rich diet for your pet.
Nutrients | Sources |
|---|---|
Protein | Whitefish, Fish meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Peas, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Dried Yeast, Chicken Meal, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Parsley, Dried Kelp |
Fat | Whitefish, Fish meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Dried Yeast, Chicken Meal |
Carbohydrate | Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Peas, Pea Starch, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Dried Yeast, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp |
Fiber | Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Peas, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Dried Yeast, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp |
Vitamins
The Adult Fish & Brown Rice Recipe contains vitamins A, D3, E, and a B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12), along with a stable form of vitamin C mostly from synthetic sources.
It does not add vitamin K directly but relies on natural sources like alfalfa and yeast, which may not always provide enough.
Minerals
The Adult Fish & Brown Rice Recipe contains key minerals such as calcium, zinc, and iron that dogs require.
Some minerals—including zinc, iron, copper, and manganese—are chelated (bound to proteins), which enhances their absorption.
Others, like zinc sulfate and iron sulfate, are in simpler forms that work but are not absorbed as efficiently. Overall, the mineral composition adequately meets a dog’s nutritional needs.
Ingredient Concerns
The term “natural flavor” is non-specific. It can refer to a wide array of flavoring compounds, and its source is often not disclosed.
The term “meal” in ingredients like chicken meal and fish meal indicates that they have been cooked, dried, and processed, which may impact their digestibility depending on the manufacturing methods.
Peas and pea starch appear as separate items—a form of ingredient splitting. This practice can mask the overall content of a primary ingredient.
The recipe uses sodium selenite, an inorganic form of selenium. It is less bioavailable than selenium yeast.
The recipe includes direct dehydrated alfalfa pellets and alfalfa nutrient concentrate, which are commonly used in horse feed to provide fiber and plant-based protein.
These are the key concerns highlighted in our detailed Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula review.
Nutrient Analysis
Moisture=10% Max
Method of Analysis | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
→ Guaranteed Analysis | 22% | 14% | 41% | 5% |
→ Dry Matter Basis | 24.4% | 15.6% | 45.6% | 5.6% |
→ Calorie Content Basis | 22.7% | 35.1% | 42.3% | NA |
Typical commercial dog food contains 40–60% carbohydrates, 16–38% protein, and 6–18% fat on a dry matter basis.
The Adult Fish & Brown Rice Recipe provides 24.4% protein, 15.6% fat, and 45.6% carbohydrates (dry matter). This indicates moderate protein and fat levels, with moderately high carbohydrates.
Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards
The Adult Fish & Brown Rice Recipe contains 24.4% protein and 15.6% fat on a dry matter basis, exceeding the minimum requirements for adult dog maintenance under AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.
These levels ensure adequate protein and fat to support energy, muscle health, and overall well-being in dogs.
Every recipe in the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF protein and fat standards when analyzed on a dry matter basis.
AAFCO Statement
“BLUE Life Protection Formula Fish and Brown Rice Recipe Food for Adult Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.“
“Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO” means this dog food’s nutrient profile aligns with lab-tested guidelines for canine health.
However, it does not confirm feeding trials—where food is tested on live animals to assess real-world digestibility and long-term effects.
Cost Analysis
Cost Metrics | 15-lb bag | 30-lb bag | 34-lb bag |
|---|---|---|---|
→ Cost per Unit | $41.98 | $69.98 | $78.98 |
→ Cost per Pound | $2.8 | $2.34 | $2.33 |
→ Cost per Serving | $0.73 | $0.61 | $0.61 |
The Adult Fish & Brown Rice Recipe is available in three different bag sizes: 15-lb, 30-lb, and 34-lb.
The cost per unit is $41.98 for the 15-lb bag, $69.98 for the 30-lb bag, and $78.98 for the 34-lb bag. When broken down, the cost per pound is $2.8 for the 15-lb bag, $2.34 for the 30-lb bag, and $2.33 for the 34-lb bag, showing a slight decrease as the bag size increases.
Similarly, the cost per serving is $0.73 for the 15-lb bag, and $0.61 for both the 30-lb and 34-lb bags.
Overall, the 34-lb bag offers the best value per pound and per serving, making it the most cost-effective option for bulk buyers, while the 15-lb bag is the least economical—an important takeaway in our Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula review.
Are there any online purchase discounts?
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Pros and Cons - Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Review
Pros
- Real whitefish as the primary ingredient
- No chicken/poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy
- Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids for skin/coat health
- Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals for immunity
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
- May not suit dogs with poultry allergies
- “Natural flavour” source unclear
- Garlic inclusion (potential toxicity concerns)
- Possible ingredient splitting (e.g., peas/pea starch/pea protein)
- Reliance on plant-based proteins (pea protein)
Customer Review
“Switched my dog to Blue Buffalo Fish & Brown Rice, and wow, he loves it! His coat’s super shiny now, and he’s got so much energy. It feels good knowing it’s packed with real ingredients and no junk. Totally recommend!“- Chloe M.
More reviews on Chewy!
Recalls and Safety
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Our Rating
The Adult Fish & Brown Rice Recipe earned a score of 4.5 out of 5, while the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula product line received an average rating of 4.1 out of 5.
Final Verdict of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Review
This article gives a basic look at dog food ingredients, but you should always ask your vet for specific advice. Your dog may have different needs, and an expert’s help is important.
More Blue Buffalo Dog Food Reviews
Table of Contents
- List of products
- Ingredients
- Ingredient Analysis
- Primary Ingredients
- Secondary Ingredients
- Other Beneficial Ingredients
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Ingredient Concerns
- Nutrient Analysis
- Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards
- AAFCO Statement
- Cost Analysis
- Are there any online purchase discounts?
- Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Cons
- Customer Review
- Recalls and Safety
- Our Rating
- Final Verdict
- More Reviews
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