Pros
Cons
Quick Nutritional Breakdown:
| Protein | Fat | Fiber | Moisture | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36% (min) | 16% (min) | 5% (max) | 10% (max) | 25% (Est.) |
*Values by Guaranteed Analysis.
**Estimated carbs do not include fiber.
Detailed Nutritional Facts:
| Calories | 418 (per cup) |
| Vitamin A | NA |
| Vitamin E | NA |
| Magnesium | NA |
| Calcium | 1.2% |
| Phosphorus | 0.9% |
| Selenium | NA |
| Zinc | NA |
| Docosahexaenoic Acid (An Omega-3 fatty acid) | 0.15% |
| Linoleic Acid (An Omega-6 fatty acid) | NA |
| Omega-3-acid | 0.9% |
| Omega-6 fatty acid | 3% |
Ingredients Analysis
First 5 Ingredients:
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Tapioca Starch
- Peas
- Turkey Meal
Chicken is a good start and source of protein with all the essential amino acids for dogs, but keep in mind on this ingredient rank list, it factors in the water content, which is roughly about 70% or more water.
Chicken and Turkey meal are rendered parts from grinding carcasses and/or remains after the main meat is removed. There are pros and cons to meal. Its advantage is it provides lots of protein with the essential amino acids that a dog needs for a relatively lower cost and contains low moisture content relative to straight forward named meat ingredients. However, it goes through an extensive heating and processing to ensure it is safe to eat. Not much flavor is preserved and other nutrients are wiped out.
Tapioca or Tapioca starch (also known as tapioca flour) is high in carbohydrates and calories. It is good for energy, but of course too much carbs will go towards storage as fat. Beyond this, it does not offer much nutrients, fiber, or protein. This ingredient is a poor choice for average dog’s diet.
Peas are a good source of fiber, protein, and other nutrients too, but note that it does contribute carbohydrates from its starch.
Other Ingredients to be Aware of
Potatoes is a starchy food, thus it does contribute carbohydrates. Notably it offers a good source of fiber, vitamin C B6, and potassium.
Potato starch contains high amounts of calories and carbohydrate.
Caramel is created from a variety of sugars. Therefore, it is loaded with simple carbohydrates. Just like sugar, in excessive amounts over time it can lead to diabetes, weight gain, and tooth decay.
Sweet potatoes contains an abundant amount of vitamin A and beta–carotene, which are important for the eyes / vision. It is also a good source of fiber and be aware that it does offer carbohydrates, since it is a starchy food type.
Rosemary oil or Rosemary extract has a few health benefits and can be found in various dog food brands. One of them is an antioxidant. However, some say it is associated with epileptic seizure for some dogs. There is no concrete evidence of this, thus we suggest be caution about it and avoid it if your dog had any past seizures or instability.
All Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Peas, Turkey Meal, Pea Protein, Dried Egg, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Potatoes, Fish Oil (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid and ARA-Arachidonic Acid), Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Potato Starch, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Spinach, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Turmeric, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Taurine, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Beta Carotene, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite.
Manufacture and Location
Manufactured by: CJ Foods
Location(s): USA
Recalls
Any known recalls for any dog food products from this manufacture from 2013.
| Date | Brand | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 11/25/2015 | Blue Buffalo Wilderness | Salmonella |
| 05/31/2016 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection | Mold |
| 02/14/2017 | Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe | Aluminum metal fragments |
*Recall information from FDA website.
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My dog seemed to like it, She seemed to eat more whenever we were feeding her this brand. However, it is probably better for dogs that aren’t as active or need a diet. My dog is a husky/lab mix, so she has a lot of energy. She didn’t grow much or put on much weight while I was feeding her the Blue Buffalo puppy food (which is important because she is being used for duck hunting) . I switched to Pedigree and she immediately put on healthy weight and grew much more. I would not suggest this brand to other active puppy owners or owners of hunting dogs.