Combining high quality ingredients and balanced nutrition, Blue Buffalo continues their tradition of excellence in this weight control recipe. A review of this formula indicates, as the name suggests, that this food appears to be a good match for large breed dogs. The jury is out on the weight control factor, but the quality of ingredients and quantity of nutrients is impressive. Blue Buffalo continues to uphold its no animal by-products and no wheat, corn, or soy standards with this quality kibble.
Quick Look
Nutritional Content
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Kcal Information – Calories Per CupThis formula offers 3,381 kcals per kilogram, or 410 kcals per dry cup. |
Cost
Costs will vary, but the Blue Buffalo Adult Large Breed Healthy Weight Recipe averages $1.80 to $2.25 per pound, depending on the size of bag purchased.
| March 7, 2013 |
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| Blue Buffalo Adult Large Breed Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food |
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Ingredients
Main Ingredientsr
- Deboned Chicken – is usually an excellent source of quality animal protein. Full of valuable nutrients, chicken also has great value in its fat, including linoleic acid. Easily digested, chicken is often considered a preferred protein for canines.
- Whole Ground Barley – is considered to be a good source of gluten-free complex carbohydrate. It has a lower glycemic index than many carbohydrates, suggesting it might have a more stable effect on blood sugar levels.
- Oatmeal – has been added as another source of complex carbohydrate. Known to have good levels of B vitamins, oatmeal also offers a good source of dietary fiber.
- Whole Ground Brown Rice – is another source of complex carbohydrates, and is generally easily digested by dogs, once cooked. It contains dietary fiber, as well as other nutrients, including B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium.
- Chicken Meal – is sometimes suspect for being a poor quality protein source, but Blue Buffalo makes a no by-product guarantee for all of its meat products. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of animal protein.
Other Ingredients
- Peas,
- Rice Bran,
- Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids),
- Natural Chicken Flavor,
- Whole Potatoes,
- Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols),
- Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene),
- Whole Carrots,
- Whole Sweet Potatoes,
- Blueberries,
- Cranberries,
- Barley Grass,
- Dried Parsley,
- Garlic,
- Alfalfa Meal,
- Dried Kelp,
- Yucca Schidigera Extract,
- L-Carnitine,
- L-Lysine,
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride,
- Chondroitin Sulfate,
- Turmeric,
- Dried Chicory Root,
- Oil of Rosemary,
- Beta Carotene,
- Calcium Carbonate,
- Vitamin A Supplement,
- Thiamine Mononitrate,
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2),
- Niacin (Vitamin B3),
- d-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5),
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6),
- Biotin (Vitamin B7),
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9),
- Vitamin B12 Supplement,
- Calcium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C),
- Vitamin D3 Supplement,
- Vitamin E Supplement,
- Iron Amino Acid Chelate,
- Zinc Amino Acid Chelate,
- Manganese Amino Acid Chelate,
- Copper Amino Acid Chelate,
- Choline Chloride,
- Sodium Selenite,
- Calcium Iodate,
- Salt,
- Caramel,
- Potassium Chloride,
- Dried Yeast (source of Saccharomyces cerevisiae),
- Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product,
- Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product,
- Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product,
AAFCO Statement
It seems that the Blue Buffalo brand has not deemed it necessary to provide an AAFCO Statement for this or any of their products. While a review of the ingredients and nutrients indicate the formula does meet AAFCO standards, it would be nice if the company would take the initiative to confirm that information for potential buyers.
Product Overview
This dog food has several “wow” factors that deserve mention. First is the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin: two nutrients said to promote joint health. This would seem to be an appropriate addition in a formula for large breed dogs. Another item worthy of notable mention is the fatty acid content, as shown here:
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids: 0.85% minimum
- Omega 6 Fatty Acids: 2.6% minimum
Purported to help support skin and coat health, fatty acids are major contributors to the overall well being of dogs, even though no specific guidelines have been established for how much of these nutrients should make up a healthy diet.
Several factors seem to indicate that this formula is, as it claims, good for large breed dogs. Two major concerns in large breeds are building blocks for healthy large bones and support for joints, which can be a troublesome issue with the larger breeds. The ingredients in this formula, particularly the fish, contain nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium, which may contribute to the building of strong bones and the support of healthy joints.
This formula contains a strong base of vital nutrients, vitamins, and readily absorbable chelated minerals, all positive factors in choosing a quality dog food to feed your favorite pet. This is the kind of formula suitable for pet owners who care about what their dog eats. Add to this the blend of antioxidants and healthy bacteria Blue Buffalo’s exclusive “LifeSource bits” provide, and you have what appears to be a robust formula to meet the needs of large breed adult dogs.
