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

Blue Buffalo Freedom Canned Dog Food Review

Name: Blue Buffalo Freedom Wet Dog Food Review
Item: Adult Grain-Free Beef Recipe
Rating: 4.47
Author: Samuel James

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

List of products

Blue Freedom Wet Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Puppy Grain-Free Chicken Recipe	4.6	Growth
→ Adult Grain-Free Beef Recipe	4.3	Maintenance
→ Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe	4.7	Maintenance
→ Adult Grain-Free Lamb Recipe	4.6	Maintenance
→ Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe	4.3	Maintenance
→ Senior Grain-Free Chicken Recipe	4.3	Maintenance

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

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Ingredients

Beef, Chicken, Beef Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Flaxseed, Blueberries, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamon 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).

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this review of Blue Buffalo Freedom Canned Dog Food.

Primary Ingredients

→ Beef is a common source of protein in dog foods. It contains a lot of protein, antioxidants, and amino acids that help build strong muscles, support a healthy immune system, and provide energy.

It also contains glucosamine, which supports joint health and mobility.

However, some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to beef, as it is a common allergen for them.

→ 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.

→ Beef broth is often added to canned dog food to make it taste better, add moisture, and make it more enjoyable for dogs.

It improves the flavor, makes the food softer, and helps keep dogs hydrated, which is why it’s a common part of many canned foods.

→ Chicken liver is an organ meat sourced directly from chickens. It provides pets with high-quality protein, iron, vitamin A, and a naturally delicious flavor. Per 100 grams, chicken liver contains approximately 16.9 grams of protein and 4.83 grams of fat, making it a nutrient-dense ingredient in this recipe.

→ Carrots are a low-calorie, crunchy treat many dogs enjoy. They are rich in beta-carotene (converted to vitamin A for vision, skin health, and immunity), provide fiber for digestion, and contain valuable vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.

Each 100 g of carrots also delivers about 10.3 g of carbohydrates (by difference) and 3.1 g of total dietary fiber.

Secondary Ingredients

The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this Blue Buffalo Freedom Canned Dog Food Review.

→ 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.

→ Guar gum is a common ingredient in wet dog food, primarily used as a thickening and binding agent to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation.

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

Other Beneficial Ingredients

→ 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.

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

→ 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.

→ Blueberries, fresh or dried, provide antioxidants and vitamins C and E, as well as potassium and fiber, to support the immune system and overall canine health.

Each 100 g of raw blueberries contains 14.6 g of carbohydrates.

→ Cranberries, fresh or dried, provide antioxidants and vitamins C, A, and K to support the immune system and overall canine health.

Their fiber aids digestion, and natural compounds in the fruit may help prevent urinary tract infections. Each 100 g of raw cranberries contains 12 g of carbohydrates and 3.6 g of fiber.

The Adult Grain-Free Beef 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 Freedom Canned Dog Food Review.

Nutrient Sources - Blue Buffalo Freedom Canned Dog Food

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Beef, Chicken, Beef broth, Chicken liver , Peas, Flaxseed
Fat	Beef, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Flaxseed
Carbohydrate	Carrots, Peas, Flaxseed, Blueberries, Cranberries
Fiber	Carrots, Peas, Flaxseed, Cranberries

Vitamins

This recipe includes synthetic vitamins A, D3, E, and B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12).

Vitamin K is absent but may derive minimally from vegetables and dogs can synthesize some endogenously.

Vitamin C is omitted, which is non-essential for canines. Controlled manufacturing processes and packaging ensure nutrient stability over the shelf life.

Minerals

The Adult Grain-Free Beef Recipe contains essential minerals in chelated forms (zinc, iron, copper, manganese, cobalt), which are easily absorbed for better absorption.

Non-chelated minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium) use standard forms like salts or sulfates—effective but less efficiently absorbed.

The balanced mineral profile supports your dog’s nutritional requirements.

Ingredient Concerns

Beef and chicken are top allergens for dogs. Since both are listed first in the ingredients, even small amounts may cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.

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.

The recipe includes multiple thickeners (including carrageenan). Carrageenan, derived from red seaweed, is used in pet food as a thickening and stabilizing agent to improve texture and palatability.

While generally recognized as safe, studies suggest it may cause gastrointestinal inflammation in sensitive dogs, though the evidence remains debated.

A key takeaway: if your dog has chicken or beef allergies, opt for a different recipe.

This 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	8%	6.5%	4%	1.5%
→ Dry Matter Basis	36.4%	29.5%	18.2%	6.8%
→ Calorie Content Basis	28.8%	56.8%	14.4%	NA

Normal dog food typically contains 40–60% carbohydrates, 16–38% protein, and 6–18% fat on a dry matter basis.

The Adult Grain-Free Beef Recipe, however, contains 36.4% protein, 29.5% fat, and approximately 18.2% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

This makes it high in protein, high in fat, and low in carbohydrates.

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Adult Grain-Free Beef Recipe contains 36.4% protein and 29.5% fat on a dry matter basis.

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

Every recipe in Blue Buffalo Freedom Canned Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“BLUE Freedom Beef Recipe 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	$39.48
→ Cost per Oz	$0.26
→ Cost per Can	$3.29

A 12-can case of Adult Grain-Free Beef Recipe, with each can containing 12.5 ounces, costs $39.48 in total. This breaks down to approximately $3.29 per can or about $0.26 per ounce.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off (up to $20) on your first order. For a case of 12, the cost is $39.48, but on Autoship, it drops to $25.66, saving $13.82.

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

Pros and Cons - Blue Buffalo Freedom Canned Dog Food

Pros

Prioritizes Animal Proteins
No corn, wheat, or soy
Contains easily digestible ingredients
Low Glycemic Veggies

Cons

Does not provide omega-6:omega-3 ratio
Presence of Potential Allergens
Contains carrageenan, which may cause digestive issues in some dogs

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 Grain-Free Beef Recipe at 4.3 out of 5, while the Blue Buffalo Freedom Canned Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.47 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.