Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Large Breed Puppies Review
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Review of Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Large Breed Puppies
According to our data, this Blue Buffalo recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Large Breed Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Large Breed Puppies, we'll examine all 69 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.
While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.
Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.
Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.
Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.
Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.
Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.
Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.
Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.
Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.
Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.
Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.
While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.
Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It supports your dog's overall health by promoting digestion, boosting the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin and coat.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.
Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.
Alfalfa nutrient concentrate is a nutrient-dense ingredient made from alfalfa, a plant rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can support your dog's overall health by providing essential nutrients, promoting a healthy immune system, and improving digestion.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
Although controversial, garlic in very small amounts can potentially aid in immune function and flea prevention. However, it's important that it's used sparingly as large quantities can be harmful.
L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.
Zinc amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health. This ingredient also plays a crucial role in wound healing and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.
Vegetable juice color is a natural coloring agent derived from vegetables, providing a visually appealing appearance to dog food without the use of artificial colors or preservatives.
Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.
Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.
Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.
Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.
Barley grass is a nutrient-rich plant that provides a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's immune system, digestion, and overall health.
Parsley is a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it also supports fresh breath.
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.
L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.
Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Copper amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's connective tissue formation, metabolism, and overall health.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.
Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.
Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.
Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.
Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract is a source of enzymes, which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. It can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your dog.
Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is a source of beneficial enzymes that can aid in digestion and the breakdown of nutrients in your dog's food. This helps ensure that your dog can properly absorb and utilize the nutrients they need for optimal health.
The dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract is a probiotic that helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, improving your dog's digestion and overall health.
Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Oil of rosemary is often used in dog food as a natural preservative. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your dog's health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 26.00%: The high protein content is primarily contributed by the first two ingredients, deboned chicken and chicken meal. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken protein because it's a dry and rendered product from chicken flesh and skin, minus feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Pea protein, menhaden fish meal, and dried egg product also contribute to the overall protein content, providing a diversified profile of amino acids essential for the growth and maintenance of muscles and other tissues in large breed puppies.
Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The fat content is likely to come from the chicken fat, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E). Chicken fat is a high-quality source of energy and essential fatty acids. The menhaden fish meal, flaxseed, and fish oil are also significant contributors, with fish oil being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, including ARA (arachidonic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are crucial for cognitive and vision development.
Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Fiber is derived from plant-based ingredients such as brown rice, oatmeal, barley, peas, dried tomato pomace, dehydrated alfalfa meal, potatoes, dried chicory root, pea fiber, and alfalfa nutrient concentrate. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. The maximum crude fiber content ensures that the food is not too high in fiber, which could interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
Calories of 3634.00 per kg: The calorie content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. High-calorie contributors include the fats (chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed) and carbohydrates (brown rice, oatmeal, barley). Proteins also contribute to the calorie count but to a lesser extent compared to fats. The balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates ensures that the food meets the energy requirements of growing large breed puppies without being excessively high in calories, which could lead to unhealthy weight gain.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Large Breed Puppies costs approximately $2.17 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy |
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Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have reported that their puppies, including large breeds like Golden Retrievers and a rescued Pitbull mix, have shown a fondness for the Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe. The food is praised for its quality ingredients and the positive impact it has had on the growth and health of their dogs, with one puppy recovering remarkably from a malnourished state to a healthy weight.
Some puppies have experienced digestive adjustments, such as softer stools, when first introduced to the food, but owners note that their pets continue to enjoy the taste without tiring of it. This suggests that the richness of the ingredients provides a palatable and satisfying meal, although it's important to monitor portion sizes due to the calorie content.
Despite a few instances where puppies did not take to the food, the overall sentiment is that Blue Buffalo's formula is effective for supporting the development of large breed puppies. Positive outcomes include the resolution of skin rashes and sustained enthusiasm for the meals, indicating that the food is both nutritious and appealing to many dogs. It's worth noting that individual preferences and sensitivities can vary, and what works well for one puppy may not suit another.
