Blue Buffalo Basics Formula Review

Deboned Turkey & Turkey Meal

Deboned turkey and turkey meal are protein-rich meat sources which provide amino-acids, minerals and vitamins which are vital for muscle development, energy and organ health. Turkey meal is also a source of glucosamine which helps keep cartilage in good health and aids in improving the joints of old and arthritic dogs.

Brown Rice, Oatmeal & Peas

Brown rice and oatmeal are wholegrains which are full of fiber and B vitamins. These can be sources of dietary insensitivity, however for dogs who are not sensitive, they keep the colon to digest food successfully. They are, however, carbohydrates which bulk up the recipe when added in large quantities like this.

Peas are packed full of potassium, vitamin A and fiber to promote a good functioning gut. Potassium also helps the nerves to conduct signals to the brain more effectively and keeps the heart beating regularly.

Peas contain 25% protein, and so when judging how much protein is attributed to a meat protein source, this needs to be taken into account.

Other Ingredients

Potatoes also contribute largely to the carbohydrate content of this recipe. They keep the immune system healthy with plenty of vitamins B and C.

Canola oil is very high in omega 3 and omega 6 which aid in keeping the joints moving smoothly, and the coat and skin in optimal health.

They are natural anti-inflammatories and have proven effective in reducing joint and skin inflammation

However, canola oil is sometimes derived from genetically modified crops, and Blue Buffalo does not state their source.

Fish oil, like canola oil, is an excellent source of omega 3 and 6, however it can provide small amounts of fish proteins, despite this recipe marketing itself as a single meat protein source recipe.

Pumpkin helps promote healthy digestion through being packed with fiber, minerals and vitamins.

Commonly found in horse feeds, alfalfa meal is in this recipe. It is high in fiber (18%) and protein (25%) and plays a similar role to the peas.

Ground flaxseed also has a high concentration of omega-3 and omega-6 which are vital for brain function, skin health and help keep the coat shiny.

Blueberries have been added, which are full of anti-oxidants that help maintain a perfect oxidative balance and can reduce the chances of cancers.

The inulin in chicory root is a natural prebiotic, and dried enterococcus, lactobacillus, aspergillus, trichoderma and bacillus are all probiotics which help maintain a healthy gut environment and fight off bad bacteria.

Yucca extract reduces intestinal wind build up, which reduces flatulence of our animal friends.

Kelp is packed full of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants for optimal health, including iodine, which is needed to keep the thyroid functioning to optimize metabolism.

Dried yeast contains almost 45% protein, and some people believe, without scientific proof, that it reduces bloat, improves the immune system and repels flies.

Unfortunately, some dogs are allergic to yeast.

Excellent digestive health minerals and vitamins have been added to aid easy digestion and a balanced diet.

Listed ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Peas, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Canola Oil, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), 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, Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, 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, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.