If you are struggling to find something to feed a favorite dog struggling with food sensitivities, this formula may be a good answer. While not completely grain free, this limited ingredient food is said to provide a less allergenic diet for dogs with hypersensitivities. High quality ingredients and care in formulation seem to make an excellent dry kibble for adult dogs that do not react to the inclusion of rice in their diets. Blue Buffalo brand’s trademark “LifeSource Bits” help to make this a highly recommended product.
Quick Look
Nutritional Content
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Kcal Information – Calories Per CupThis formula is said to contain 3,445 kcal per kilogram by weight and 366 kcal per cup. |
Cost
Costs for any dog food may vary, but this dog food averages $2.25 to $3.99 per pound, depending on the size of the bag purchased. It is is available in 4, 11, and 15 pound bags.
| March 5, 2013 |
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| Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey and Potato Dry Dog Food for Adults |
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Deboned Turkey – is a quality source of animal protein. Less commonly used than chicken, turkey contains a rich nutrient profile.
- Peas – are used as a source of carbohydrates in this formula. Also an excellent source of dietary fiber, peas contain vegetable proteins, although the amount would most likely make up a rather insignificant portion of the overall protein content.
- Whole Potatoes – are generally considered another high quality carbohydrate source. In comparison to grains, potatoes are generally considered to be less allergenic. They contain important flavonoids, vitamin A, and both soluble and insoluble fiber.
- Whole Ground Brown Rice – another source of complex carbohydrates, brown rice is generally easily digested by dogs, once cooked. It contains dietary fiber, as well as other nutrients, including B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium.
- Turkey Meal - is included as a more concentrated form of animal protein. Given the Blue Buffalo brand’s commitment to no animal by-products, it can be assumed that this turkey meal is of good quality.
Other Ingredients
- Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids),
- Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E),
- Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene),
- Natural Turkey Flavor,
- Oatmeal,
- Whole Carrots,
- Blueberries,
- Cranberries,
- Barley Grass,
- Dried Parsley,
- Alfalfa Meal,
- Dried Kelp,
- Yucca Schidigera Extract,
- L-Carnitine,
- L-Lysine,
- Turmeric,
- Oil of Rosemary,
- Dried Chicory Root,
- Beta Carotene,
- Calcium Carbonate,
- Dicalcium Phosphate,
- Vitamin A Supplement,
- Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1),
- 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
No AAFCO Statement is available for this particular dog food. This is a common trend with Blue Buffalo products.
Product Overview
Blue Buffalo offers this food as part of their “Basics” line of kibbles designed to provide quality nutrition from limited ingredients to accommodate dogs who may have sensitivities to the kind of food they eat. Pet owners should note that this formula still contains a grain ingredient: rice. However, brown rice is considered a quality carbohydrate that is less likely to be an allergen that other grains. And as always with Blue Buffalo formulas, this product is free of wheat, corn, soy, artificial preservatives and animal by-products.
The lack of an AAFCO statement may be concerning for dog owners, and it is to be lamented that the company does not offer one. This does not mean, however that the dog food does not meet AFFCO standards. It is recommended that dog owners evaluate the formula’s ingredients and nutritional values to determine if this food will adequately address their dogs dietary needs.
This formula includes Blue Buffalo’s standard “LifeSource Bits” included in all their dry dog foods, which seems to ensure your dog will receive a powerful blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and “good bacteria” to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
In addition, Blue Buffalo lists the percentages of several other nutrients not normally included on a nutritional analysis, including calcium, phosphorus, and essential fatty acids. Knowing these contents can assist dog owners in making wise nutrition choices for their pet:
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids: 0.9% min.
- Omega 6 Fatty Acids: 2.0% min.
Overall, this appears to be an excellent, U.S. made product that can aid dogs with food sensitivities. A review of the ingredients indicate not only adequate nutrition, but extra care with ingredients to ensure a good quality food source for the health of your dog.
