Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator For Dogs (Canned) Review

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Review of Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator For Dogs (Canned)

Unfortunately, our team has not been able to confirm that this product meets any AAFCO nutrition profiles. We rely on the companies website to provide this information. However, we were not able to find a nutritional adequacy statement on the company's website. We caution owners from feeding non-AAFCO approved products because these products may not contain all of the nutrients required by your dog.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator For Dogs (Canned), we'll examine all 33 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. Alligator is a novel protein source that can be beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. It is lean and rich in essential amino acids, which help support your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

  2. Water is an essential ingredient in wet dog food, providing hydration and helping to maintain the proper texture of the food.

  3. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.

  4. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  5. Pea flour is a gluten-free source of carbohydrates and protein that offers an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It is also rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.

  6. Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

  7. 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.

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

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  12. 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.

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

  14. 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.

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

  16. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

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

  18. 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.

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

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

  21. 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.

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

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of at least 7.50% in this pet food is primarily derived from the alligator, which is the first ingredient listed and thus likely the most abundant. Alligator meat is a novel source of protein for dogs, especially those with food sensitivities. Additional protein contribution may come from pea protein and potato protein, which are also listed in the ingredients. These plant-based proteins help boost the overall protein content of the food.

The guaranteed minimum crude fat content of 6.00% is likely to come from the alligator meat, as animal flesh typically contains fat. Moreover, flaxseed is included as a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which also contribute to the fat content of the diet. These fats are essential for the health of the dog's skin, coat, and overall well-being.

The maximum crude fiber content of 1.50% reflects the relatively low fiber content of the food, which is appropriate for a canned diet that typically has less fiber than dry food. The fiber in this product may come from the potatoes, pea flour, and perhaps minor contributions from other plant-based ingredients like flaxseed. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to support digestive health without exceeding the maximum limit.

Lastly, the calorie content of 1394.00 per kg provides a measure of the energy that the food can supply. This energy primarily comes from the protein and fat in the alligator meat and the carbohydrates from potatoes and peas. The caloric density is important for maintaining an appropriate feeding regimen based on the dog's size, age, and activity level.