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Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Lamb & Potato Recipe Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Lamb & Potato Recipe Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Company info
Company HQ
Wilton, Connecticut us-flag
Parent company
Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Product info
Age Range: Adult
Food Form Dry Dog Food
Cost per day: $0.13
Primary proteins
  • Deboned Lamb
  • Lamb Meal
  • Pea Protein

Ingredients

Deboned Lamb, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Peas, Lamb Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Pea Fiber, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Fish Oil (source of EPA-Eicosapentaenoic Acid), Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Salt, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Chondroitin Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, 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, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.

Breed sizes

size-1 Toy
size-2 Small
size-3 Medium
size-4 Large
size-5 Giant

Overall Score

59%

Ratings

? This rating is determined by comparing the food’s nutritional content to AAFCO standards and other foods in our database. Nutrient Value 25%
? Each recipe is evaluated based on a 5-point ingredient rating system that measures ingredients’ nutritional value, safety, and more. Quality of Ingredients 66%
? We scan the FDA’s database and rate each brand by the number of recalls in its history. Brands with fewer recalls receive higher ratings. Recall History 44%
? By comparing the prices of foods in our database, we determine if a food is above or below market average price. Lower-priced foods receive higher ratings. Price 74%
? This metric is based on customer ratings from various retailers. Customer Experience 89%
? Our rating system evaluates each food’s manufacturing method, assigning higher ratings to manufacturing processes that promote higher nutritional value. Manufacturing Method 40%
? Based on the variety of sizes available. Size Variety 100%

Estimated Nutrient Content

To understand the nutrient content of pet food, we visualize its macronutrient composition in three ways. In the charts below, you’ll see a guaranteed analysis on an as-fed basis, a dry matter analysis, and a breakdown of the food’s macronutrients on a calorie-weighted basis.

Remember that all of these values are estimates based on the guaranteed analysis published by the company, and the food’s actual nutrient values may be slightly different.

Guaranteed Analysis

Protein: 20%

Fat: 13%

Fiber: 6%

Moisture: 10%

Ash: 0%

Carb: 51%

Dry Matter Analysis

Protein: 22.22%

Fat: 14.44%

Fiber: 6.67%

Ash: 8%

Carb: 56.67%

Calorie Weighted Basis

Protein: 19.5%

Fat: 30.78%

Carb: 49.72%

Our Review

Pros
  • Supplemented with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption
  • Made with fiber-rich flaxseed
  • Contains dried kelp as a natural source of essential nutrients
  • Doesn’t contain fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
  • Affordable
  • A good source of omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
  • Low protein content
  • High in carbohydrates
  • Low in moisture
  • Contains plant-based proteins
  • Contains artificial food dyes
  • The brand has had multiple recalls over recent years
  • Some dogs may be allergic to fish

Recall History

The following list (if present) shows all dog food recalls related to Blue Buffalo since 2011. If no recalls are listed, no recall events have been reported.

Blue Buffalo - Dog food (10/08/2010) -+
Date:10/08/2010
Company Name:Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Product Description:Dog food
Recall Reason:Excess Vitamin D
Blue Buffalo - Cat Treats (11/07/2015) -+
Date:11/07/2015
Company Name:Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Product Description:Cat Treats
Recall Reason:May contain propylene glycol
Blue Buffalo - Cub Size - Wild Chews (11/25/2015) -+
Date:11/25/2015
Company Name:Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Product Description:Cub Size - Wild Chews
Recall Reason:Salmonella
Blue Buffalo - Dog Food (05/31/2016) -+
Date:05/31/2016
Company Name:Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Product Description:Dog Food
Recall Reason:Possible mold
Blue Buffalo - Dog Food (02/13/2017) -+
Date:02/13/2017
Company Name:Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Product Description:Dog Food
Recall Reason:Potential for metal contamination
Blue Buffalo - Dog Food (02/28/2017) -+
Date:02/28/2017
Company Name:Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Product Description:Dog Food
Recall Reason:Packaging quality
Blue Buffalo - Dog food (03/17/2017) -+
Date:03/17/2017
Company Name:Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Product Description:Dog food
Recall Reason:Contains beef thyroid hormone
Blue Buffalo - Dog food (02/08/2018) -+
Date:02/08/2018
Company Name:Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Product Description:Dog food
Recall Reason:elevated levels of naturally- occurring beef thyroid hormones

Ingredient Review

Our review of Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Lamb & Potato Recipe Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food begins with a detailed look at the food’s ingredients.

The first ingredient is Deboned Lamb. Deboned lamb is meat from a young sheep, with all the bones removed. In pet food, deboned lamb may be a primary protein source as well as a source of animal fat, amino acids, and minerals.

The second ingredient is Potatoes. Potatoes are versatile starchy root vegetables that provide carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and some fiber. In pet food, potatoes can add texture and flavor while replacing other starches. Many grain-free and gluten-free pet foods contain potatoes.

The third ingredient is Pea Starch. Pea starch is a gluten-free starch that comes from ground peas. The pea starch in pet food is a source of carbohydrates, and is typically used as a thickener, filler, or gelling agent.

The fourth ingredient is Peas. Pea is a general term to describe whole, split, or milled peas, which are a grain-free, gluten-free source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. In pet food, pea products serve as an energy source as well as a supplementary source of vitamins and minerals.

The fifth ingredient is Lamb Meal. Lamb meal is the rendered, ground, and dried meat from a young sheep. In pet food, lamb meal can be an important source of protein fat, vitamins, and minerals.

When we analyzed the ingredients in Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Lamb & Potato Recipe Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, we found that most of the protein is derived from meat based sources.

Price Analysis

Price per lb

Product Price

$3.41

Market Price avg.

$3.69

% From the Avg

-8%

Price per 100 kcal

Product Price

$0.21

Market Price avg.

$0.34

% From the Avg

-37%

Price per day

Product Price

$0.13

Market Price avg.

$0.20

% From the Avg

-37%

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Lamb & Potato Recipe Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is priced below the average market price for dry dog food.

Nutritional Analysis

Large breed dogs can certainly have a couple of nutritional needs unique to them. Orthopedic disease is chief among them. These can include hip and elbow dysplasia and earlier onset of arthritis. For this reason, somelarge dog breed foods may contain joint health ingredients like glucosamine and omega fatty acids. The risk of bloat is also much higher for large breed dogs, and this risk can be reduced with large kibble size and foods with a lower fat content.

With that in mind, we’ve compared Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Lamb & Potato Recipe Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food to the other 1801 dry dog food recipes in our database:

DM Protein

DM Protein

Product info

22.22%

All Products avg.

30.14%

% From the Avg

-26%

DM Fat

DM Fat

Product info

14.44%

All Products avg.

15.9%

% From the Avg

-9%

DM Fiber

DM Fiber

Product info

6.67%

All Products avg.

5.46%

% From the Avg

+22%

DM Carb

DM Carb

Product info

56.67%

All Products avg.

47.61%

% From the Avg

+19%

Analysis Overview

Overall, this is a meat based food that’s low in protein with moderate fat and high carbohydrate content relative to other dry dog foods.

Disclaimer and Disclosure

At Pet Food Sherpa, our primary goal is to provide pet owners like you with accurate, relevant, and unbiased information about pet nutrition. As such, we do not accept gifts or incentives as motivation to include certain products in our reviews.

We do, however, participate in affiliate marketing programs and we partner with select brands to fund our site. We choose the products we review carefully and review them thoroughly before publishing a review or accepting any form of payment.

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