Welcome to our Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Dog Food review, covering ingredients, nutrition, cost, and quality.
blue buffalo freedom grain free dog food review
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- Published: June 20, 2024
- Last Updated: December 25, 2024
Disclosure: As a Chewy affiliate, we earn commissions for qualifying purchases.
List of products
Blue Buffalo Freedom Products | Ratings | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
3.5 | Growth | |
4.3 | Maintenance | |
4.2 | Maintenance | |
4.2 | Maintenance | |
4.1 | Maintenance | |
4.1 | Maintenance | |
4.1 | Maintenance | |
3.6 | Maintenance |
This dog food line has 8 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Recipe shows the quality, nutrition, and ingredients of the whole line.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Starch, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tapioca Starch, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of ARA-Arachidonic Acid and DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Dried Egg Product, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Choline Chloride, Canola Oil, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate,Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Taurine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Dried Sweet Potatoes,
Carrots, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, 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
In this Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free dog food review, we’ll focus on the top-listed ingredients, as they make up the bulk of the formula. Ingredients appearing earlier on the list contribute more significantly to the overall nutrient profile than those listed later.
Primary Ingredients
→ Deboned chicken is a high-quality protein used in premium dog foods. It’s made by removing the bones from fresh chicken, leaving nutrient-rich meat. It supplies essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and energy, and it’s easy to digest.
However, since chicken is a common allergen, it may not suit pets with poultry sensitivities.
Deboned chicken (raw, skinless) provides about 22.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.
→ Chicken meal is rendered chicken meat that has been dried and ground and includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.
It has a higher protein concentration (about 65%) per serving than deboned chicken, which benefits muscle development.
Additionally, chicken meal is a natural source of glucosamine, a key building block of cartilage tissue.
→ Pea starch is a carbohydrate derived from pea. Pea starch is well-known for its high amylose content (a slow-digesting starch) and is widely utilized as a thickening or energy source in grain-free and gluten-free dog diets.
It has less protein and fiber compared to whole peas.
→ Peas are commonly found in dog food, providing fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.
Raw green peas contain 5.42g protein and 14.4g carbohydrates (including 5.7g fiber) per 100g.
→ 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.
Secondary Ingredients
→ Pea protein is a plant-based protein extracted from peas, commonly used in dog food to increase protein content, especially in grain-free formulas. However, it is less digestible than animal-based proteins.
→ Chicken fat is a high-quality animal fat commonly used in dog foods as a concentrated energy source and flavor enhancer.
It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid and is preserved with mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness.
→ Tapioca starch, derived from the cassava root, is a gluten-free source of carbohydrates and is commonly used as a binder in grain-free dog foods. However, it may be a concern for dogs with diabetes or those requiring weight management.
Other Beneficial Ingredients
→ Dried yeast is a common source of protein and vitamins in dog foods; however, it can trigger issues in dogs that are sensitive to yeast.
→ Flaxseed is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help keep skin healthy, make coats shiny, and reduce swelling.
Every 100g of ground flaxseed has 18g of protein, 37.3g of fat, 34.4g of carbs, and 23.1g of fiber to help with digestion and regular bowel movements.
The next ingredient is tomato pomace.
→ Tomato pomace is a byproduct of processing tomatoes into products like sauces, ketchup, juices, purees, and concentrates. It consists of the dried and ground skins, pulp, and crushed seeds of tomatoes.
It provides soluble fiber and the antioxidant lycopene, which supports digestion and overall health in growing pets.
The Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Recipe includes additional ingredients later in the list to help your dog stay healthy. Each ingredient plays a specific role and has been carefully chosen to work together in this recipe.
Nutrients | Sources |
|---|---|
Protein | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Parsley, Dried Kelp |
Fat | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Fish Oil, Dried Egg Product, Canola Oil |
Carbohydrate | Pea Starch, Peas, Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp |
Fiber | Peas, Potatoes, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp |
Vitamins
The Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Recipe provides essential vitamins A, D, E, B-complex (B1-B12), and C. Vitamin K is not directly added, appearing minimally from alfalfa and kelp with endogenous synthesis.
Most vitamins are synthetic (e.g., E, Bs, C), ensuring precise dosing. Mixed tocopherols enhance stability, though slight degradation may occur over time.
Minerals
The Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Recipe offers the key minerals your dog needs.
It contains chelated zinc, iron, copper, and manganese, which are easier to absorb thanks to amino acid binding.
It also includes calcium, phosphorus, and selenium in non-chelated forms, which are effective. Together, this blend meets your dog’s mineral needs well.
Ingredient Concerns
Peas are broken into multiple entries—pea starch, peas, pea protein, and pea fiber. Splitting them up makes the meat (like chicken) seem more prominent than it really is. This is called “ingredient splitting.”
In reality, all those pea parts together can outweigh the meat on the label.
Ingredients like natural flavor, vegetable juice for color, and fish oil don’t specify their source, quality, or how they’re processed.
This product uses sodium selenite, an inorganic form of selenium. While it is cheaper, it is less bioavailable and carries higher toxicity risks compared to selenium yeast.
Selenium yeast, a natural and organic alternative, offers superior absorption and is gentler on digestion, making it a safer choice overall.
Nutrient Analysis
Moisture=10% Max
Method of Analysis | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
→ Guaranteed Analysis | 27% | 16% | 34% | 5% |
→ Dry Matter Basis | 30% | 17.8% | 37.8% | 5.6% |
→ Calorie Content Basis | 27% | 38.9% | 34% | NA |
A typical dog food contains 40–60% carbohydrates, 16–38% protein, and 6–18% fat on a dry matter basis.
The Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Recipe provides 30% protein, 17.8% fat, and 37.8% carbohydrates (dry matter), placing it in the moderately high protein, moderate fat, and moderate carbohydrate categories.
Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards
The Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Recipe has 30% protein and 17.8% fat (dry weight), meeting above the minimum puppy nutrition requirements (AAFCO/FEDIAF).
It gives enough protein and fat to help puppies build muscle, stay energetic, and grow healthy.
Every recipe in the Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF protein and fat standards when analyzed on a dry matter basis.
AAFCO Statement
“BLUE Freedom Grain-Free with Chicken and Potatoes for Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth.“
“Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO” indicates this puppy food’s nutrient composition aligns with lab-tested guidelines for growth.
However, it does not confirm feeding trials—where food is tested on live animals to assess real-world digestibility and safety.
Cost Analysis
Cost Metrics | 4-lb bag | 11-lb bag | 24-lb bag |
|---|---|---|---|
→ Cost per Unit | $19.98 | $39.98 | $68.98 |
→ Cost per Pound | $5 | $3.63 | $2.87 |
→ Cost per Serving | $1.3 | $0.95 | $0.75 |
A key takeaway from this blue buffalo freedom grain free dog food review is the cost efficiency of bulk purchases. The 24-lb bag offers the best value, with a cost per pound of $2.87 and a cost per serving of $0.75—significantly lower than the 4-lb bag at $5.00 per pound and $1.30 per serving.
The 11-lb bag sits in the middle, making it a moderate choice.
As the bag size increases, both the cost per pound and per serving decrease, indicating strong savings for bulk purchases.
For pet owners seeking long-term value, the 24-lb bag is the most economical option, while smaller bags may suit first-time buyers.
Are there any online purchase discounts?
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Pros and Cons - Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Dog Food Review
Here’s a quick summary from our blue buffalo freedom grain free dog food review findings:
Pros
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- High-Quality Protein Source
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Offers Omega-3 and Omega-6 for skin and coat health
- Features DHA and ARA to promote brain and eye development
Cons
- Lack of transparency about the source of ingredient like natural flavor
- Plant-based proteins are used
- Does not provide omega-6:omega-3 ratio
- High probability of pesticide/herbicide traces
- Ingredient splitting can be seen
Recalls and Safety
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Our Rating
The Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Recipe scored 3.5/5, while the Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain free Dry Dog Food line earned a higher rating of 4/5.
Final Verdict of Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Dog Food Review
This article gives a basic look at the dog food, but you should always ask your vet for specific advice. Your dog may have different needs, and an expert’s help is important.
More Blue Buffalo Dog Food Reviews
Table of Contents
- List of products
- Ingredients
- Ingredient Analysis
- Primary Ingredients
- Secondary Ingredients
- Other Beneficial Ingredients
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Ingredient Concerns
- Nutrient Analysis
- Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards
- AAFCO Statement
- Cost Analysis
- Are there any online purchase discounts?
- Pros and Cons – Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Dog Food Review
- Pros
- Cons
- Customer Review
- Recalls and Safety
- Our Rating
- Final Verdict
- Contact Us
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