Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator For Dogs Review
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Review of Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator For Dogs
According to our data, this Blue Buffalo recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator For Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator For Dogs, we'll examine all 50 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.
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.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.
Alligator meal is a novel and hypoallergenic protein source, perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, while providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
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.
Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
Canola oil is a healthy source of fat that provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, to support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health. It is also a good source of energy and can help improve the taste and texture of your dog's food.
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.
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.
Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.
L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It supports your dog's overall health by promoting digestion, boosting the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin and coat.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.
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.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.
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.
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.
Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.
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.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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.
Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.
Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.
Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.
Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract is a source of enzymes, which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. It can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your dog.
Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is a source of beneficial enzymes that can aid in digestion and the breakdown of nutrients in your dog's food. This helps ensure that your dog can properly absorb and utilize the nutrients they need for optimal health.
The dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract is a probiotic that helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, improving your dog's digestion and overall health.
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.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Oil of rosemary is often used in dog food as a natural preservative. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your dog's health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 22.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this dog food are deboned alligator, alligator meal, and pea protein. Alligator is a novel protein source and provides high-quality protein, while alligator meal is a concentrated form of this protein since it has been rendered to remove moisture. Pea protein is a plant-based protein that complements the animal proteins and boosts the overall protein content.
Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the deboned alligator, which contains natural animal fats, as well as added fats and oils like canola oil, which is a source of omega-6 fatty acids, and fish oil, which provides omega-3 fatty acids including DHA. Flaxseed also contributes to the fat content with its omega-3 fatty acid content, and these fats are essential for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and overall health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 6.00%: Dietary fiber in this pet food comes from ingredients like peas, pea fiber, pumpkin, dried kelp, and dried chicory root. These ingredients contain both soluble and insoluble fibers which are important for digestive health. Pea fiber, in particular, is a concentrated source of fiber, while pumpkin is often used in pet foods to aid in digestive regularity.
Calories of 3568.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food and is influenced by the levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates it contains. The deboned alligator and alligator meal provide calories from protein, the various oils and fats contribute calorie-dense fats, and carbohydrates come from sources like peas, pea starch, tapioca starch, and potato starch. These carbohydrate sources are also gluten-free, which can be beneficial for dogs with certain sensitivities or allergies.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator For Dogs costs approximately $5.86 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $22.50 | $35.16 |
| 10 lbs | $37.85 | $59.13 |
| 15 lbs | $51.30 | $80.15 |
| 20 lbs | $63.65 | $99.45 |
| 30 lbs | $86.27 | $134.79 |
| 40 lbs | $107.04 | $167.25 |
| 50 lbs | $126.54 | $197.72 |
| 60 lbs | $145.09 | $226.70 |
| 70 lbs | $162.87 | $254.48 |
| 80 lbs | $180.02 | $281.29 |
| 90 lbs | $196.65 | $307.27 |
| 100 lbs | $212.82 | $332.53 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have found the Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator to be a game-changer for their dogs with food allergies. One Yorkie owner highlighted that after several food trials, this was the product that finally worked for their pet. Similarly, a boxer with IBD showed a preference for the alligator protein over other specialty diets, and the owner recommends it for similar cases.
Many reviewers noted improvements in their dogs' health after switching to this diet. For instance, a dog with multiple medical issues and a fussy appetite took to the food eagerly when offered as a treat. Another pet owner reported that their dog's cheese-like odor disappeared after starting on the alligator diet, potentially eliminating the need for regular medication.
Despite the higher cost, the positive health outcomes for pets seem to justify the expense for many. A 6-year-old dog lost weight and regained a shiny coat, and a bulldog puppy with protein allergies thrived on the diet without any allergic reactions or digestive issues. The novel protein source also appears to be well-received by dogs who are picky eaters or have rejected other hydrolyzed or novel protein diets.
While some dogs are still in the trial phase to determine the effectiveness of the food on allergy symptoms, early indications are promising, with pets taking to the food well. Even for dogs with persistent allergies, owners have noticed benefits such as improved bowel movements. One boxer showed increased endurance and lean muscle mass after switching to the alligator diet, suggesting benefits beyond allergy management.
Overall, the Blue Buffalo NP Alligator formula has garnered praise for its role in alleviating symptoms associated with food allergies and sensitivities in dogs, with many owners expressing satisfaction with their dogs' health improvements and eagerness to eat the food.
