Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Grain-Free Chicken and Pea Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Kittens Review
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Review of Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Grain-Free Chicken and Pea Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Kittens
According to our data, this Blue Buffalo recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing kittens. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Grain-Free Chicken and Pea Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Kittens is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growing kittens.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Grain-Free Chicken and Pea Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Kittens, we'll examine all 65 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 high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.
Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.
Tapioca Starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate source used in cat food. It's easily digestible and can provide energy for your cat.
Menhaden Meal is a high-quality protein source derived from menhaden fish. This ingredient provides essential amino acids for your cat's overall health, supports muscle growth, and contains omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat.
Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.
Pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.
Dried Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and maintenance. It also offers important vitamins and minerals.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Fish Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being. It also promotes proper brain function and helps maintain a healthy immune system.
Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.
Calcium Chloride is a mineral supplement used to ensure your cat receives the necessary calcium for optimal bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Potassium Sulfate is an important mineral supplement that helps maintain your cat's proper electrolyte balance, supports nerve function, and promotes healthy muscle activity.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin K, which support bone health.
Potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Dried chicory root is a natural source of inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion and enhancing nutrient absorption.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Alfalfa nutrient concentrate is a nutrient-dense ingredient that delivers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, including vitamin K, calcium, and antioxidants, to support your cat's overall health and well-being.
Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.
Sweet Potato is a healthy, nutrient-rich carbohydrate source for your cat, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to support digestive health.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.
Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
Vegetable juice color is a natural food coloring derived from vegetables. It is used to make the food more visually appealing without adding any artificial substances.
Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.
Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support your cat's red blood cell production and overall health.
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
Barley Grass is a nutrient-dense plant source that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your cat's overall health. It can also help support your cat's digestion and immune system by providing dietary fiber and natural enzymes.
Parsley is a natural ingredient that contains essential vitamins and minerals, which contribute to your cat's overall health and well-being, as well as freshening their breath.
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that may help support your cat's immune system and overall health.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that can help support your cat's immune system, thyroid function, and overall well-being.
Yucca Schidigera Extract is a natural ingredient that helps reduce the odor of your cat's waste. It contains compounds that bind to ammonia, reducing its release and making the litter box more pleasant for both you and your cat.
Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Copper amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of copper, essential for your cat's overall health, including bone development, connective tissue formation, and iron absorption.
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate is a source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cat's cells from damage and promotes a healthy immune system.
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support your cat's immune system and is also vital for the production of certain proteins, enzymes, and antibodies.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate is a form of manganese, which is important for bone health and enzyme function in cats.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.
Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for your cat's growth and overall health, as it helps support energy production and the maintenance of a healthy coat and skin.
Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.
Dried Yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This ingredient can help support a healthy immune system, digestion, and skin and coat condition.
The Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product is a probiotic ingredient that promotes healthy digestion and supports your cat's immune system. It helps maintain a balanced gut flora, contributing to your cat's overall well-being.
Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your cat's gut, aiding in digestion and supporting overall health.
Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract is a source of beneficial enzymes that can aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in your cat's diet, promoting optimal digestive health.
Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is a source of enzymes which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract is a probiotic ingredient that supports your cat's digestive and immune health. It helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.
Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.
Oil of Rosemary is a natural antioxidant and flavor enhancer used in cat food. It helps to preserve the freshness of the food while also providing a pleasant aroma. Additionally, it supports your cat's immune system and overall health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 40.00% is a significant value, indicating that this kitten food is high in protein, which is essential for the growth and development of kittens. This high protein content is likely contributed by the first two ingredients listed: deboned chicken and chicken meal, both of which are excellent sources of animal protein. Additionally, pea protein, menhaden fish meal, dried egg product, and flaxseed also contribute to the overall protein content. Menhaden fish meal and flaxseed provide not only protein but also essential fatty acids.
Crude Fat minimum of 20.00% reflects the amount of fats in the food. Chicken fat, menhaden fish meal, and fish oil are the primary contributors to this fat content. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of energy and essential fatty acids, while fish oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and ARA, which are crucial for brain and eye development.
Crude Fiber maximum of 3.50% indicates the quantity of indigestible or partially digestible plant material in the food, which aids in the digestive process. Ingredients such as pea fiber, dried chicory root, and dehydrated alfalfa meal contribute to the fiber content. These ingredients help to maintain a healthy digestive system by promoting bowel regularity and stool quality.
Calories of 3954.00 per kg provide an estimate of the energy content of the food. This caloric density is influenced by the combined contributions of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the recipe. The high protein and fat levels, as well as carbohydrate sources like tapioca starch and peas, play a significant role in the total caloric content, ensuring that the food meets the energy requirements of growing kittens.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Grain-Free Chicken and Pea Recipe (Healthy Growth Formula) For Kittens costs approximately $5.92 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $20.52 |
| 10 lbs | $34.52 |
| 15 lbs | $46.78 |
| 20 lbs | $58.05 |
| 30 lbs | $78.68 |
| 40 lbs | $97.63 |
| 50 lbs | $115.41 |
| 60 lbs | $132.32 |
| 70 lbs | $148.54 |
| 80 lbs | $164.19 |
| 90 lbs | $179.35 |
| 100 lbs | $194.10 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers rave about the Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Grain-Free Chicken and Pea Recipe for kittens, noting that their pets enjoy the taste and often prefer it over wet food. Many attest to the high-quality ingredients and the positive impact on their kittens' health, including shiny coats and rapid growth.
Some kittens, initially underweight or runts, have shown improvement after switching to this formula. The grain-free aspect is appreciated by those looking for specific dietary needs, and the high protein content is recognized as beneficial for growing kittens.
While there have been concerns about the brand's history with recalls, many customers have done their research and feel confident in this specific product. Even kittens with a preference for wet food have taken well to this kibble, and it's often recommended by shelters and fellow pet owners.
A few customers noted that the kibble size was initially too large for very young kittens, but they found a workaround by blending it into smaller pieces. This adaptation helped ease the transition from formula to solid food.
In cases where the food was received through a sponsored program, customers have been pleased with the product's quality and ingredients. They've observed their kittens eagerly eating the food and have seen visible health improvements, which reinforces their trust in the brand despite any past issues.
Lastly, even picky eaters and older cats seem to enjoy the flavor, with some customers noting that their adult cats also try to sneak some of the kitten food. The formula's digestibility and the resulting lack of odor in waste are additional benefits frequently mentioned in positive reviews.
