Blue Basics Grain-Free Turkey and Potato Senior

by Blue Buffalo
Overall Score: 82/100
Ingredients
- Turkey (protein)
- Turkey Broth (protein)
- Potatoes (carbohydrate)
- Flaxseed (Source of Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids) (other)
- Pea Protein (protein)
- Fish Oil (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids) (protein)
- Pumpkin (other)
- Guar Gum (additive)
- Potassium Chloride (mineral)
- Salt (mineral)
- Carrageenan (additive)
- Cassia Gum (other)
- Cranberries (other)
- Blueberries (other)
- Choline Chloride (vitamin)
- Mixed Tocopherols (preservative)
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride (additive)
- Chondroitin Sulfate (additive)
- Vitamin E Supplement (vitamin)
- L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C) (other)
- Zinc Amino Acid Chelate (mineral)
- Iron Amino Acid Chelate (mineral)
- Copper Amino Acid Chelate (mineral)
- Manganese Amino Acid Chelate (mineral)
- Sodium Selenite (mineral)
- Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1) (other)
- Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate (other)
- Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3) (other)
- Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5) (other)
- Vitamin A Supplement (vitamin)
- Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2) (other)
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) (other)
- Vitamin B12 Supplement (vitamin)
- Potassium Iodide (other)
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) (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 36.4%, fat 27.3%, fiber 0%, ash 31.8%, carbohydrate 4.5%. By calories: 34% from protein, 61.8% from fat, 4.2% from carbohydrate.
AAFCO compliance
This food meets the AAFCO adult dog nutrient minimums we can verify — protein 36.4% vs 18% minimum, fat 27.3% vs 5.5% minimum.
Wet food, grain-free, for the senior life stage.
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