Welcome to our review of Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Dog Food.

Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Review (Dry)

Name: Blue Basics Grain-free Dry Dog Food Review
Item: Adult Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe
Rating: 4.52
Author: Samuel James

Disclosure: As a Chewy affiliate, we earn commissions for qualifying purchases.

List of products

Blue Basics Grain Free Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Adult Grain-Free Duck & Potato Recipe	4.5	Maintenance
→ Adult Grain-Free Lamb & Potato Recipe	4.4	Maintenance
→ Adult Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe	4.5	Maintenance
→ Adult Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe	4.5	Maintenance
→ Small Breed Grain-Free Adult Lamb & Potato Recipe	4.5	Maintenance
→ Large Breed Adult Grain-Free Lamb & Potato Recipe	4.7	Maintenance

This dog food line has 6 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Adult Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe represents the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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Ingredients

Deboned Salmon, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Salmon Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Tapioca Starch, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Pea Protein, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Oil (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Potassium Chloride, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Flaxseed, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Choline Chloride, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, DL-Methionine, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract,

Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Dried Yeast, Manganese Sulfate, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Taurine, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Review.

Primary Ingredients

→ Deboned salmon, known for its rich protein and omega-3 fatty acid content, supports healthy skin and a shiny coat.
It is the primary source of protein in many high-quality dog foods.

Each 100-gram serving of raw, farm-raised salmon contains approximately 20.3 grams of protein and 13.1 grams of fat, making it a balanced and nutritious primary source of protein for your dog’s diet.

Additionally, salmon contains selenium, which supports metabolism, energy production, and thyroid function in dogs.

→ Peas are a common part of commercial pet foods. They provide fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (iron, manganese, phosphorus), and antioxidants.

Raw green peas have 5.42 g of protein and 14.4 g of carbohydrates in each 100-gram serving.

→ Potatoes serve as a gluten-free carbohydrate source, providing energy, fiber (2.2g per 100g), and nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. They are easy to digest and often used in grain-free formulas.

However, their high starch content and glycemic index (which causes rapid blood sugar spikes) may not be suitable for dogs with diabetes.

→ Pea starch is a carbohydrate ingredient extracted from yellow peas through wet-milling, separating starch from protein and fiber.

Unlike whole peas, which supply protein, fiber, and micronutrients, pea starch is mainly a source of digestible carbohydrates.

In this dog food, it serves as a binder and grain alternative, providing gluten-free energy while supporting kibble structure and palatability.

→ Salmon meal is rendered salmon that has been dried and ground. It typically includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.

Salmon meal has a high protein concentration—approximately 60–70%—making it an excellent ingredient for supporting muscle maintenance and development.

It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a strong immune system.

Secondary Ingredients

The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this review of Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Dog Food.

→ Tapioca starch comes from the cassava root and is mainly used as a source of digestible carbohydrates. Unlike whole cassava, it does not retain fiber or micronutrients. It functions as a grain-free binder, enhances kibble texture, and supplies gluten-free energy.

→ Canola oil is extracted from the seeds of the canola plant and is composed primarily of unsaturated fats. It is especially rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, which is valued for supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall well-being.

→ Pea fiber, derived from peas, supports digestive health and can aid weight management by promoting satiety.

Other Ingredients

→ Natural flavor is an ingredient derived from plant or animal sources used to enhance taste and palatability.

It is commonly added to pet food to make it more appealing to dogs and may be sourced from herbs, meats, or concentrated extracts of animal products.

→ Potato starch is extracted from potatoes. It is a versatile ingredient commonly used in dog food for its functional properties, acting as an effective binder and thickener. It also serves as a highly digestible source of carbohydrates, providing energy.

→ Pea protein is a plant-based protein extracted from peas, commonly used in dog food to increase protein content, especially in grain-free formulas.

The Adult Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe includes other beneficial ingredients further down the list to support your dog’s health. However, we won’t explore them in detail here due to the scope of this Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free.

Nutrient Sources - Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Dog Food

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Deboned Salmon, Peas, Potatoes, Salmon Meal, Pea Protein, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Flaxseed, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast
Fat	Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Canola Oil, Fish Oil, Flaxseed, Dried Yeast
Carbohydrate	Peas, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Tapioca Starch, Pea Fiber, Potato Starch, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Pumpkin, Flaxseed, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast
Fiber	Peas, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Flaxseed, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Dried Yeast

Vitamins

This recipe provides a full range of essential vitamins, including A, D3, E, C, and all major B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12), ensuring balanced nutritional support.

Though Vitamin K is not directly listed, it may occur naturally from ingredients like kelp and alfalfa, and dogs can synthesize some internally. Most vitamins here are synthetic for stability, ensuring minimal loss during processing and storage.

Overall, the vitamin profile is comprehensive, with no major adequacy gaps noted.

Minerals

This recipe provides a robust mineral profile, including calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals that meet a dog’s nutritional needs.

Key minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, and manganese are offered as amino acid chelates, enhancing absorption and bioavailability. Non-chelated forms, such as sulfates and carbonates, remain effective but slightly less efficient.

Overall, the mineral composition appears thoughtfully formulated to support general dietary balance.

Ingredient Concerns

When a single ingredient is split into several forms (e.g. peas, pea starch, pea protein), it can disguise how much of that ingredient family is actually present and create the impression of a higher meat content.

The terms natural flavor and vegetable juice (for color) are vague and can conceal potential allergens, which may not be safe for dogs with sensitivities.

The starch in this dog food may lead to weight gain and blood sugar problems, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs or diabetes.

This Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Dog Food Review highlights both the strengths and potential concerns in the formulation, giving pet owners a clearer picture of what to expect from this popular dry dog food line.

Nutrient Analysis

Moisture=10% Max

Method of Analysis	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber
→ Guaranteed Analysis	20%	12%	44%	6%
→ Dry Matter Basis	22.2%	13.3%	48.9%	6.7%
→ Calorie Content Basis	21.5%	31.3%	47.2%	NA

Normal dog food typically contains (18-35)% protein, (30–50)% carbohydrates and (9–25)% fat on a dry matter basis.

However, Adult Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe contains 22.2% protein, 13.3% fat, and approximately 48.9% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

This makes it Moderately Low in protein, Moderately Low in fat, and Moderately High in carbohydrates.

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Adult Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe contains 22.2% protein and 13.3% fat on a dry matter basis.

These levels exceed the minimum requirements for adult maintenance set by AAFCO and FEDIAF standards, ensuring the food provides sufficient protein and fat to support your dog’s overall health.

Every recipe in Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“BLUE Basics Grain-Free Salmon and Potato Recipe Adult Food for Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.”

The statement means the recipe’s nutrient levels were tested in a lab but not through actual feeding trials with dogs.

Both methods ensure nutritional adequacy, though feeding trials provide practical validation.

Cost Analysis

Cost Metrics	4-lb bag	11-lb bag	22-lb bag
→ Cost per Unit	$22.98	$44.99	$74.98
→ Cost per Pound	$5.75	$4.09	$3.41
→ Cost per Serving	$1.50	$1.07	$0.89

The table compares 4-lb, 11-lb, and 24-lb bags in terms of cost per unit, cost per pound, and cost per serving.

The 4-lb bag has the lowest upfront cost at $22.98 but is the most expensive when broken down per pound ($5.75) and per serving ($1.50).

The 11-lb bag, priced at $44.99, offers a better value with a lower cost per pound ($4.09) and cost per serving ($1.07).

The 24-lb bag, despite its highest unit cost of $74.98, is the most economical choice overall, with the lowest cost per pound ($3.41) and per serving ($0.89).

This comparison highlights that buying in bulk significantly reduces the cost, making the 24-lb bag the most cost-effective option.

The same pricing trend applies to other products in the Blue Basics Grain-Free Dry Dog Food line. Larger bags give you a better deal per pound and per serving than smaller bags.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off (up to $20) on your first order. For a 22-lb bag, the cost is $74.98, but on Autoship, it drops to $54.98, saving $20.

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Note: Prices are subject to change based on retailer, location, and availability.

Pros and Cons - Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Dog Food

Pros

Real salmon as the main ingredient
Supports gentle digestion
Free from chicken by-products, corn, wheat, and soy
Immune system support with antioxidants

Cons

High Legume Content
Ingredient Splitting

Recalls and Safety

As of Oct 20, 2025, Blue Buffalo has issued several recalls affecting dog and cat foods. The most recent FDA-documented recall occurred in March 2017 for certain products due to elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone.

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Our Rating

Our dog food rating system rated the Adult Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe at 4.5 out of 5, while the Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free line received an overall rating of 4.52 out of 5.

Final Verdict

This article gives a basic look at dog food ingredients, but you should always ask your vet for specific advice. Your dog may have different needs, and an expert’s help is important.