Blue Basics Skin and Stomach Care Grain-Free Lamb and Potato Recipe Small Breed

by Blue Buffalo

Overall Score: 79/100

Ingredients

1. Lamb (protein)
2. Lamb Broth (protein)
3. Potatoes (carbohydrate)
4. Pea Protein (protein)
5. Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids) (other)
6. Sunflower Oil (fat)
7. Guar Gum (additive)
8. Fish Oil (protein)
9. Pumpkin (other)
10. Carrageenan (additive)
11. Cassia Gum (other)
12. Potassium Chloride (mineral)
13. Salt (mineral)
14. Cranberries (other)
15. Blueberries (other)
16. Mixed Tocopherols (preservative)
17. Choline Chloride (vitamin)
18. Zinc Amino Acid Chelate (mineral)
19. Iron Amino Acid Chelate (mineral)
20. Vitamin E Supplement (vitamin)
21. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C) (other)
22. Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate (other)
23. Copper Amino Acid Chelate (mineral)
24. Manganese Amino Acid Chelate (mineral)
25. Sodium Selenite (mineral)
26. Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1) (other)
27. Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3) (other)
28. Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5) (other)
29. Vitamin A Supplement (vitamin)
30. Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2) (other)
31. Biotin (Vitamin B7) (other)
32. Vitamin B12 Supplement (vitamin)
33. Potassium Iodide (other)
34. Vitamin D3 Supplement (vitamin)
35. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) (other)
36. preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (other)

Ingredient concerns

• Pea Protein (medium concern): Plant-based protein concentrates like pea protein can artificially inflate the total protein percentage on guaranteed analysis without providing the same amino acid profile as animal proteins. Associated with the FDA investigation into grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, though a causal link has not been definitively established.
• Carrageenan (high concern): Research has shown that both degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) and food-grade carrageenan can promote intestinal inflammation in animal models. Studies have linked carrageenan exposure to intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and colitis-like symptoms in laboratory animals. While the FDA considers food-grade carrageenan safe, concerns remain about degradation during processing and digestion. The Cornucopia Institute petitioned the USDA to remove carrageenan from organic food standards.
• Sodium Selenite (low concern): Sodium selenite is an inorganic form of selenium with a narrower safety margin than organic forms (such as selenium yeast). It has lower bioavailability and higher potential for toxicity at elevated levels compared to organic selenium sources. Some premium pet foods use selenium yeast instead as a safer alternative.

Guaranteed analysis (dry-matter basis)

On a dry-matter basis (water removed for a fair wet-vs-dry comparison): protein 22.2%, fat 13.3%, fiber 0%, ash 7.5%, carbohydrate 56.9%. By calories: 19.9% from protein, 29% from fat, 51.1% from carbohydrate.

AAFCO compliance

This food meets the AAFCO adult dog nutrient minimums we can verify — protein 22.2% vs 18% minimum, fat 13.3% vs 5.5% minimum.

Dry food, grain-free, for the adult life stage.

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