Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe For Small Breed Adult Dogs Review

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Review of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe 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 Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe 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 Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe For Small Breed Adult Dogs, we'll examine all 62 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  7. Fish meal is a highly digestible protein source for dogs, providing essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. It supports skin and coat health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

  8. Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.

  9. Miscanthus grass is a natural, environmentally friendly, and sustainable source of fiber for your dog's diet. It promotes healthy digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and supports overall gastrointestinal health.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Direct dehydrated alfalfa pellet is a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich ingredient that supports your dog's digestive health and overall well-being. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote a healthy immune system and contribute to a well-balanced diet.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  18. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  19. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.

  24. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  25. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  26. Dried sweet potato is a source of dietary fiber which aids in healthy digestion, and also contains vitamins like vitamin A and C.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a vital supplement that supports joint health and mobility in dogs. It helps maintain the cartilage in joints, reducing inflammation and promoting overall joint comfort.

  33. 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.

  34. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  35. Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.

  36. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  37. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  38. 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.

  39. Parsley is a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it also supports fresh breath.

  40. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  41. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  42. 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.

  43. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  44. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  45. 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.

  46. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.

  47. 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.

  48. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  49. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

  52. Chondroitin sulfate is a vital component in maintaining healthy joints and cartilage in dogs. It helps to reduce joint inflammation, support joint mobility, and slow down the progression of arthritis.

  53. Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.

  54. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  55. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.

  56. 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.

  57. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  58. 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.

  59. 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.

  60. 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.

  61. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  62. 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 guaranteed analysis of Crude Protein (min) of 25.00% is likely influenced primarily by the deboned chicken, chicken meal, and menhaden fish meal listed in the ingredients. Chicken meal, being a concentrated form of chicken with most of the water removed, is a particularly dense source of protein. Additionally, pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 10.00% is most likely derived from the deboned chicken, chicken fat, and menhaden fish meal. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy. The inclusion of flaxseed, which is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, also contributes to the fat content of the food.

The Crude Fiber (max) of 8.00% can be attributed to the fiber-rich ingredients such as pea fiber, powdered cellulose, and dried tomato pomace. Pea fiber, in particular, is commonly used in pet foods as a source of soluble and insoluble fiber. The dried chicory root, which contains inulin, a type of soluble fiber, also contributes to the total dietary fiber content.

The caloric content of 3306.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food and is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – present in the ingredients. The primary contributors to the caloric content are the protein sources (chicken, fish meal), fats (chicken fat), and carbohydrates (brown rice, barley, peas, oatmeal). The balance of these ingredients provides the energy density of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe For Small Breed Adult Dogs costs approximately $3.18 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $20.42
10 lbs $34.35
15 lbs $46.55
20 lbs $57.76
30 lbs $78.29

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.