Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula – Why We Use it
Blue Buffalo is one of the original meat-first dog food companies. It’s Life Protection Formula comes in 21 different recipes from puppy food to overweight dog food to senior dog food and many more choices in between. The Bishop family created the Blue Buffalo company in 2003, setting out to choose only the healthiest ingredients for their dog food, in memory of their boy Blue. Currently, there are many healthy and all natural dog food choices out there, but in the end, your dog has to like it. Lucy loves her Blue Buffalo and it is very healthy! (This post contains affiliate links and I may make a small commission for qualifying purchases which will not change your price at all.)
Ingredients
Ingredients are the number thing to look for in a dog food. We use Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, Large Breed Adult, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, for our Lucy. The first 5 ingredients are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (meal contains no chicken by-products), Brown Rice, Oatmeal and Barley. These natural ingredients provide a high nutrient content with protein being on the top of the list. They also add the perfect blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to maintain your dog’s immune system and to support the necessary requirements for your pup’s life stage. All Blue Buffalo Life Protection formulas have a natural real meat product as the first ingredient and never add corn, wheat, soy or any artificial preservatives or flavors to their foods. Aside from the high protein meats and wholesome grains that are used in Blue Buffalo foods, many healthy fruits and vegetables can also be found in the list of ingredients. These all natural ingredients are the biggest reason we choose this food for Lucy.
Product Quality
In our research, we found that Blue Buffalo requires its suppliers to adhere to their strict quality standards, which are tested on a regular basis. Blue Buffalo has two production facilities, one in Joplin, MO and another in Richmond, IN. Their products are continually tested for their nutritional value and quality through the manufacturing stages, as well as being tested as a finished product. They use a 6 point inspection program throughout the process and adhere to the quality standards and guidelines set by the the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Committee of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).
Price
We purchase Blue Buffalo for Lucy locally and online. We have found that there isn’t a lot of price variation online, but in stores it tends to run a few dollars per bag more. Most of the online purchasing options will give you a 5% savings if you sign up for a monthly delivery program, including Amazon (As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases, which will not change your price at all.) and Chewy. (This post contains affiliate links and I may make a small commission for qualifying purchases which will not change your price at all.) Compared to other healthy, all natural dog foods on the market, Blue Buffalo tends to be in the “middle of the road” regarding price.
Pros of Blue Buffalo Dog Food: 
- High-Quality Ingredients: Blue Buffalo uses real meat as the first ingredient and avoids common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, ensuring high nutritional content and digestibility.
- Wide Variety of Formulas: Offers a range of recipes for different life stages and specific dietary needs, catering to puppies, overweight dogs, seniors, etc.
- Nutrient-Rich: Provides a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health and meet dogs’ life stage requirements.
- Strict Quality Standards: Enforces stringent quality control measures, including supplier standards, regular testing, and adherence to industry guidelines (AAFCO, WSAVA), ensuring product safety and consistency.
- Dental Health Support: Dry dog food’s texture may help clean teeth and promote oral health.
- Reasonable Pricing: Compared to other premium, all-natural dog foods, Blue Buffalo is moderately priced, with occasional discounts available online.
Cons of Blue Buffalo Dog Food:
- Preference Variability: Dogs’ tastes can differ, and while Lucy loves Blue Buffalo, not all dogs might enjoy or thrive on this specific brand.
- Price Variance in Stores: In-store prices might be slightly higher compared to online options, affecting the cost-effectiveness of the product.
- Competition in Healthy Choices: Other brands offer equally healthy, all-natural options, including fresh dog food, which some owners might prefer for their pets.
In Conclusion
We may be a bit biased when it comes to Blue Buffalo dog food because it is our choice of food for our four legged family member, but after researching many foods, 8 years ago when we brought Lucy home for the very first time, we found this to be the dog food for her. Since then there have been many dog food companies that have come out with very healthy choices for our furry friends. Many companies have introduced fresh dog food as well, which is quite possibly the healthiest yet, but we believe that some of the benefits of dry dog food, such as the ability to help clean your dog’s teeth, the fact that it keeps fresh much longer and the price (which is definitely not the main reason) is more reasonable that fresh foods, makes Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula our choice for Lucy. There are many other very healthy dry dog foods out there as well, so as long as you do your research, finding a good healthy choice for your four legged family member(s) should be no problem at all.
We hope this helps when making the decision of what to feed your best friend. And as always, please feel free to comment below.