Blue Buffalo Freedom Formula Review

Other Ingredients

Nothing is wasted in the manufacturing of tomato soup and ketchup. Tomato pomace is collected and used in dog foods as it is high in fiber. However, due to its low cost, its primary purpose is often simply as a filler.

To ensure a high omega-6 content, chicken fat has been collected through rendering chicken and skimming the fat off the top of the water. This aids in keeping the joints, coat and skin optimal.

Flaxseed has a high concentration of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which when they are in the right ratio, the produce anti-inflammatory effects; ideal for dogs with joint pain as they reduce the inflammation [3].

Canola oil, like flaxseed, is also very high in omega oils, and in addition to helping the joints, omega oils keep the coat sleek and the skin-barrier tough.

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

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.

An unusual ingredient is caramel, which is added as a colorant to give the food a brown color, rather than add any nutrients or taste to the recipe.

Carrots and sweet potato are both carbohydrates which are high in vitamin A; an excellent source for healthy skin, coat, eyes, nerve and muscle function.

A member of the Allium family, garlic, has been included in the recipe, as garlic is an effective anti-oxidant. It helps prevent cancer and improves the immune system, however in large doses it can be toxic and cause Heinz body anemia and stomach sensitivities [4].

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.

With a high protein content of almost 45%, dried yeast is an excellent source. It is also rumored to repel flies, reduce bloat and support the immune system, although these are not scientifically proven.

Unfortunately, some dogs are allergic to yeast.

The glucosamine in this recipe helps joints to stay healthy and moving with ease by improving cartilage health and promoting joint fluid production.

Also, to aid joints, turmeric reduces inflammation for dogs suffering from arthritis. It also increases lipase enzymes to aid in digestion of food [5].

Chicory root contains inulin which is a natural prebiotic, and dried enterococcus, lactobacillus, aspergillus, trichoderma and bacillus are all probiotics which help maintain a healthy gut environment.

Yucca extract reduces intestinal wind build up, which helps reduce any discomfort for the dog and helps your house to stay smelling fresh!

Plenty of vitamins and minerals have been added to the recipe to ensure a fully balanced meal.

Listed ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes, Peas, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Turkey Meal, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Alfalfa Meal, Canola Oil, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel, Choline Chloride, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Turmeric, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Oil of Rosemary, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Taurine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), 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), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite.