Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Lamb For Adult Dogs Review

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Review of Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Lamb For 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 Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Lamb For 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 Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Lamb For Adult Dogs, we'll examine all 43 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. Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.

  2. Lamb broth not only enhances the flavor of the food, but also provides hydration and essential nutrients to your dog's diet.

  3. Lamb Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.

  4. 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.

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

  6. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  7. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  14. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

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

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

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

  18. Carrageenan is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed that helps improve the texture and consistency of your dog's food.

  19. Cassia gum is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from the seeds of the Cassia plant. It helps improve the texture of dog food, making it more appealing to your pet. It is also a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.

  20. 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.

  21. Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.

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

  23. Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

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

  28. 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.

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

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

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

  32. Cobalt amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that supports the production of vitamin B12 and overall red blood cell health in dogs.

  33. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

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

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

  36. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

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

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

  39. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of at least 10.00% in the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Lamb For Adult Dogs is primarily contributed by the lamb, lamb broth, and lamb liver listed as the first three ingredients. These are high-quality sources of animal protein that are essential for the dog's muscle development and overall health. Dried egg product is also a significant contributor to the protein content, as eggs are known for their high biological value in terms of protein.

The crude fat minimum of 8.00% is likely derived from the lamb, as it naturally contains fat, especially if the cuts include more than just lean muscle. Additionally, flaxseed and salmon oil are rich sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which contribute to the overall fat content. These ingredients not only provide energy but also support healthy skin and coat.

The maximum crude fiber content of 1.50% is relatively low, indicating that this is a diet with moderate fiber levels, suitable for small breed dogs. Ingredients such as carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, brown rice, barley, and oatmeal all contribute to the fiber content. Fiber is important for digestive health, but excessive amounts can be unnecessary for dogs, especially smaller breeds that may require more energy-dense foods.

The caloric content of 1401.00 calories per kg (kcal/kg) is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The lamb, with its fat and protein, along with carbohydrates from brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, are the primary contributors to the calorie content. The overall balance of these macronutrients is designed to meet the energy needs of small breed adult dogs.

Other ingredients, such as natural flavor, guar gum, carrageenan, and cassia gum, are used for texture and palatability, while vitamins and minerals like choline chloride, zinc amino acid chelate, and vitamin E supplement are added to ensure the food meets the nutritional needs of the dog. These do not significantly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values but are vital for overall nutrition.