Blue Buffalo Dog Nutrition
Exclusive LifeSource Bits
Blue Buffalo formulations all include their patented LifeSource Bits – and they’re one of the most important ways Blue distinguishes itself from other pet food brands. LifeSource Bits are cold-formed to preserve the potency of the added vitamins and minerals so that your dog enjoys the full benefit of all vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which can deteriorate when cooked. LifeSource Bits contain a very precise blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists. These include ingredients that have been shown to help strengthen your dog's immune system, support his specific life stage requirements and protect him from the negative impact of environmental toxins.
Blue Buffalo believes in using only the finest natural ingredients to provide your pets with superior nutrition. Like people, dogs require a balanced diet that’s a combination of six classes of nutrients – proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Of equal importance is the quality of the ingredients from which these nutrients are derived. For example, real chicken meat is a higher quality protein source than chicken or poultry by-product meals. Chicken fat is considered a higher quality source of essential fatty acids than generic animal fats. It’s these subtle – but important – differences that are evidence of Blue Buffalo’s attention to detail and quality. Read on to learn more about the Blue formulations.
High Quality Protein Sources
Proteins are the basic building blocks for cells, tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones and antibodies – and are essential for growth, maintenance, repair and energy. Blue recipes always feature high-quality proteins as the first ingredients – deboned chicken, lamb or fish. That means there is more of that ingredient (measured by weight) than any other in each Blue formula.
Fats
The most concentrated form of food energy, fats provide more than twice the energy of protein or carbohydrates. They’re also necessary for absorption and utilization of fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E. Fats supply fatty acids, which, among other things, help to provide a healthy skin and coat and help reduce inflammation. Blue uses only the best sources of fats – wholesome vegetable oils like sunflower and flax seed, and quality fish oils from herring and salmon. Chicken fat is also a key ingredient in most products.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a key source of energy. Blue only uses quality whole grains, not the less expensive and less nutritious fractions of grains found in some pet food (such as Brewer’s rice). Blue never uses corn, wheat, or soy, which are considered by many pet parents to be lower quality and lower cost ingredients included as fillers. They’re also associated with food allergies in some dogs. Blue adds wholesome fruits and vegetables, which provide essential phytonutrients (natural compounds found in plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grain products and legumes that have beneficial effects, antioxidants and enzymes, plus natural vitamins, minerals and fiber, which have been shown to promote health and wellness.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals work together with your dog’s natural enzymes to help with digestion, reproduction and muscle and bone growth. They’re also essential for healthy skin and coat, and support immune system health, too. But because minerals can be hard for dogs to absorb, it’s important their food be supplemented with chelated minerals. A chelated mineral is one that is attached to easily absorbed amino acids, which means they will get into your pet’s bloodstream more effectively. Now you know that Blue uses only the finest natural ingredients but almost equally important is what is not found in Blue Buffalo’s formulations:
- No chicken or poultry by-product meals
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- No corn, wheat or soy, as they have been linked to allergic reactions in some dogs
Try our selection of Wellness products at all Bosley’s Pet Food Plus locations.