Blue Buffalo Basics Lamb & Potato Recipe (Skin & Stomach Care) For Small Breed Adult Dogs Review
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Review of Blue Buffalo Basics Lamb & Potato Recipe (Skin & Stomach Care) For Small Breed Adult Dogs
According to our data, this Blue Buffalo recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Blue Buffalo Basics Lamb & Potato Recipe (Skin & Stomach Care) For Small Breed Adult Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Blue Buffalo Basics Lamb & Potato Recipe (Skin & Stomach Care) For Small Breed Adult Dogs, we'll examine all 61 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.
Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.
Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
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.
Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.
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.
Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.
Canola oil is a healthy source of fat that provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, to support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health. It is also a good source of energy and can help improve the taste and texture of your dog's food.
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.
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.
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.
Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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.
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.
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.
L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The crude protein minimum of 22.00% in the Blue Buffalo Basics Lamb & Potato Recipe for Small Breed Adult Dogs is likely derived from the deboned lamb, lamb meal, and pea protein listed in the ingredients. These are all high-protein ingredients, with lamb being a particularly rich source of animal protein.
The crude fat minimum of 15.00% is likely contributed by the deboned lamb, lamb meal, canola oil, and fish oil. Lamb is a fatty meat, and both canola oil and fish oil are high in fats. Fish oil also contributes omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats beneficial for dogs' skin, coat, and overall health.
The crude fiber maximum of 5.00% is likely contributed by the peas, pea fiber, potatoes, and dried chicory root. These ingredients are all high in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for dogs' digestive health.
The calorie content of 3631.00 per kg is derived from all the ingredients combined, but primarily from the high-protein and high-fat ingredients like lamb, lamb meal, canola oil, and fish oil. Protein and fats are calorie-dense nutrients, so they contribute significantly to the calorie content of the food.
Other ingredients such as vitamins and minerals are added to ensure a balanced diet for the dogs. For example, the addition of vitamin E supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), and various other vitamins and minerals ensure the dog gets a complete and balanced diet. The inclusion of probiotics like Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product and Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product aid in digestion and gut health.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Blue Buffalo Basics Lamb & Potato Recipe (Skin & Stomach Care) For Small Breed Adult Dogs costs approximately $4.09 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $24.13 |
| 10 lbs | $40.58 |
| 15 lbs | $55.00 |
| 20 lbs | $68.24 |
| 30 lbs | $92.49 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have found that the Blue Buffalo Basics Lamb & Potato Recipe has greatly improved their dogs' digestive issues, with many noting a reduction in gas and regurgitation. The food has also received praise for its beneficial effects on dogs with sensitive skin, reducing itching and hot spots. Owners of dogs with food sensitivities have found this food to be well-tolerated, with one customer mentioning that their dog had been eating this product for over 7 years with no allergic reactions.
Despite some customers finding the price increase frustrating, the food's positive impact on their pets' health has led many to continue purchasing it. One customer mentioned that their miniature Dachshund, who previously had difficulty with bowel movements, saw improvements after switching to this food. Another customer found that their dog preferred this flavor to the turkey and potato variant.
Customers with picky eaters have found success with this food, with one customer noting that it was the only food their dogs would eat. Despite the dogs not being keen on the smaller, darker "life protection bits", they would still consume them occasionally. Another customer's dog, who had been refusing other food, ate all of this food immediately, showing a clear preference for it.
While there were some negative reviews regarding this product, it's important to remember that all dogs are different and what works for one may not work for another. One customer mentioned that their dog didn't care for the food, despite them introducing it gradually as recommended. Another customer reported a severe adverse reaction in their dog, but it's unclear if this was due to an underlying health condition or an intolerance to a specific ingredient in the food.
In general, customers appreciate the limited ingredients and the fact that the food is grain-free. They find it to be a reliable option for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. However, it's always recommended to consult with a veterinarian when making significant changes to a pet's diet.
