
Baby BLUE - Kitten - High-Protein, Grain-Free Chicken and Pea Recipe
by Blue BuffaloSummary
Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Kitten High-Protein Grain-Free Chicken and Pea Recipe is a dry cat food formulated specifically for growing kittens.
The first ingredient is deboned chicken, followed by chicken meal, ensuring high-quality animal protein to support muscle growth and development.
With 40% crude protein and 20% crude fat, this formula provides the high-energy nutrition kittens need during their early life stages.
Grain-free carbohydrate sources, including peas and tapioca starch, supply digestible energy without common grain allergens.
The recipe includes DHA (0.20%) and ARA (0.06%) from fish oil, which are essential for brain and vision development in kittens.
Omega-6 (3.5%) and omega-3 (1.0%) fatty acids from flaxseed and fish oil promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Pros:
- High Protein Content: With 40% crude protein sourced from deboned chicken, chicken meal, and Menhaden fish meal, it supports strong muscle development.
- Healthy Fat Levels: Contains 20% crude fat from chicken fat and fish oil, providing energy essential for growing kittens.
- DHA and ARA for Development: Fish oil supplies 0.20% DHA and 0.06% ARA, critical for brain and vision development during kitten growth.
- Rich in Omega Fatty Acids: Omega-6 (3.5%) and omega-3 (1.0%) fatty acids help maintain healthy skin and a glossy coat.
- Digestive Support: Includes probiotics like Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and prebiotic dried chicory root for gut health.
- Natural Antioxidants: Blueberries, cranberries, turmeric, and parsley provide antioxidants to support a strong immune system.
Cons:
- Plant Protein Inclusion: Pea protein contributes to the overall protein content but is less bioavailable than animal-based proteins.
- Carbohydrate Sources: Peas, tapioca starch, and potatoes increase carbohydrate content, which may not align with an ideal low-carb carnivore diet.
- Higher Fiber Content: At 3.5% crude fiber, it may be higher for some kittens sensitive to fiber levels.
- Ash Content Not Specified: While other values are detailed, ash content is not provided, which can be a factor for urinary health concerns.
- Plant Ingredients: While nutritious, ingredients like alfalfa meal and barley grass are not natural dietary components for obligate carnivores.
Nutrition
Ingredients
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Pea Protein
- Tapioca Starch
- Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids)
- Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
- Peas
- Dried Egg Product
- Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids)
- Natural Flavor
- and also:
Guaranteed Analysis
Notes
Guaranteed Analysis
More products from Blue Buffalo
Why this score?
- 22.5% carbohydrates of combination P-12
- Low protein content-6
- Gluten at 1st place after meat-9
- Food colors-2
- Additional source of animal protein at 4-5th place2
- Fresh Only Meat/Poultry/Fish ingredient at 1st place3
- Chelated minerals2
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How the score is calculated?
The actual calculation of the score is based on sophisticated and advanced algorithm that takes into account multiple parameters.
To simplify the explanation, the calculation is based on three main criteria:
(1) Amount of protein (more is better)
(2) Amount of carbohydrates (less is better)
(3) Quality and source of ingredients.
Based on that 3 main criteria, 9 score calculation rules are used to compare the different foods.
One major assumption is that the closer an ingredient is to the top of the ingredient list, the greater its relative weight and contribution to the food.
In general, cat food is composed of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins, and minerals.
Protein is the most important component in a cat's diet, and cats primarily get their protein from animal meat.
Fat is a primary source of energy and essential fatty acids.
Carbohydrates are controversial in a cat's diet, as cats are obligate carnivores and typically consume very few carbohydrates.
Fibers play an important role in digestion and food absorption, and vitamins and minerals are essential for different organism functions.
Dry matter values are used to compare the amount of nutrients in different cat foods. This means that moisture is excluded from the equation to provide a more accurate comparison.
Putting all of these and more into a formula results in a product score.
The maximum score a cat food can receive is 100. Points are added or removed based on the score calculation rules.