Welcome to our review of Blue Buffalo Basics Canned Dog Food.

Blue Buffalo Basics Canned Dog Food Review

Name: Blue Basics Wet Dog Food Review
Item: Grain-Free Adult Duck & Potato Recipe
Rating: 4.64
Author: Samuel James

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

List of products

Blue Buffalo Basics Wet Products	Container	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Grain-Free Adult Duck & Potato Recipe	Can	4.7	Maintenance
→ Grain-Free Whitefish & Potato Recipe	Can	4.7	Maintenance
→ Grain-Free Adult Lamb & Potato Recipe	Can	4.4	Maintenance
→ Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe	Can	4.7	Maintenance
→ Grain-Free Senior Turkey & Potato Recipe	Can	4.7	Maintenance
→ Grain-Free Adult Small Breed Lamb & Potato Recipe	Cup	4.6	Maintenance
→ Grain-Free Adult Small Breed Turkey & Potato Recipe	Cup	4.7	Maintenance

This dog food line has 7 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Grain-Free Adult Duck & Potato Recipe shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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Ingredients

Duck, Duck Broth, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Fish Oil, Pumpkin, Carrageenan, Salt, Cassia Gum, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Cranberries, Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols.

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this Blue Buffalo Basics Canned Dog Food Review.

Primary Ingredients

→ Duck is a novel protein used in limited-ingredient dog foods formulated for pets with food sensitivities.

As raw, skinless meat, each 100 g provides 18.99 g of high-quality protein to support lean muscle and 5.95 g of fat for sustained energy. Additionally, it is a natural source of selenium (≈14 µg per 100 g), essential for metabolism, energy production, and thyroid health.

→ Duck broth is made by simmering duck bones in water and then filtering it. It adds moisture to keep dogs hydrated and improves the taste for picky eaters, making it a good addition to dog food.

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

→ Flaxseed is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help keep skin healthy, make coats shiny, and reduce inflammation in dogs.

Every 100g of ground flaxseed contains around 18g of protein, 37.3g of fat, 34.4g of carbs, and 23.1g of fiber.

Secondary Ingredients

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

→ Fish oil is a supplement made from cold-water fish (e.g., salmon) that’s rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. It helps reduce inflammation, supports skin, coat, and joint health. Additionally, it benefits heart, immune, and cognitive function in dogs.

→ Pumpkin is a fiber-rich vegetable that supports healthy digestion and firm stools, while providing vitamins and antioxidants.

→ Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived additive used in wet dog foods as a thickener and stabilizer.

While generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some studies and owner reports suggest it may cause digestive issues, inflammation, or other health concerns.

You can avoid it by choosing foods with alternative thickeners like guar gum or cassia gum.

Other Ingredients

→ Salt contains the electrolytes sodium and chloride. It helps maintain fluid balance and supports the normal functioning of organs and the nervous system.

→ Cassia gum is used as a thickening and gelling agent in wet dog foods. It helps improve the texture and consistency of the food.

→ Potassium chloride is a source of potassium, an essential mineral that supports fluid balance and muscle function in dogs.

The Adult Duck & 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 Canned Dog Food Review.

Nutrient Sources - Blue Buffalo Basics Canned Dog Food

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Duck, Duck Broth, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Flaxseed
Fat	Duck, Duck Broth, Flaxseed, Fish Oil
Carbohydrate	Potatoes, Flaxseed, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Blueberries
Fiber	Potatoes, Flaxseed, Cranberries

Vitamins

This dog food contains a robust, synthetic blend of essential vitamins A, D, E, C, and the B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12). Vitamin K is absent, but small amounts come from other ingredients, and dogs can synthesize it. These lab-made vitamins are stable, and mixed tocopherols aid preservation, ensuring there are no significant adequacy gaps.

Minerals

Ingredients include sodium, potassium, iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and cobalt, which suggest broad mineral coverage. Zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and cobalt are amino acid chelates, which improve absorption and limit antagonism. Non-chelated forms (potassium chloride, potassium iodide, sodium selenite) are effective but somewhat less bioavailable. Overall, they are likely adequate nutritionally.

Ingredient Concerns

The main concern is the presence of pea protein, listed as the fourth ingredient. Its placement suggests it may have been added primarily to boost the protein content to 7% on an as-fed basis, indicating that the actual meat content might be lower than what is advertised.

This Blue Basics Canned 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=78% Max

Method of Analysis	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber
→ Guaranteed Analysis	7%	6%	5.5%	1.5%
→ Dry Matter Basis	31.8%	27.3%	25%	6.8%
→ Calorie Content Basis	25.9%	53.8%	20.3%	NA

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

However, Adult Duck & Potato Recipe contains 31.8% protein, 27.3% fat, and approximately 25.0% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

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

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Adult Duck & Potato Recipe contains 31.8% protein and 27.3% 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 Canned Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Duck & Potato Recipe for Adult 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	12.5-oz, case of 12
→ Cost per Unit	$41.88
→ Cost per Oz	$0.28
→ Cost per Can	$3.49

Since Blue Buffalo Basics canned dog food is only sold in a 12-can case for $41.88, the upfront cost is high. However, this bulk purchase is the only way to buy it and offers the best value. It brings the cost down to just $3.49 per can, making it a cost-effective choice for dedicated pet owners who use this food regularly.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off (up to $20) on your first order. For a 12.5-oz can, 12-count pack, the cost is $41.88, but with Autoship, it drops to $27.22, saving $14.66.

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

Pros and Cons - Blue Buffalo Basics Canned Dog Food

Pros

High-quality animal protein
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (flaxseed, fish oil)
Chelated minerals for better absorption
Natural preservatives
Digestive support

Cons

Multiple thickeners/gums (guar gum, cassia gum)
Pea protein as a secondary protein source

Recalls and Safety

As of Oct 10, 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 Duck & Potato Recipe at 4.7 out of 5, while the Blue Buffalo Basics Canned Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.64 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.