Blue Buffalo BLUE Tastefuls Weight and Hairball Control formula is specifically designed for indoor adult cats, combining weight management and digestive care in a single recipe.

The first ingredient is real deboned chicken, followed by chicken meal and menhaden fish meal, providing a strong base of animal-derived proteins and omega-3 fatty acids.

Brown rice, barley, and pea protein offer digestible carbohydrates and plant-based protein, while powdered cellulose and psyllium seed husks help reduce hairballs.

The food is free from corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, and artificial flavors or preservatives, aligning with a natural diet philosophy.

BLUE’s proprietary LifeSource Bits are included, blending cold-formed vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to retain nutritional potency.

With 30% protein, 10% fat, 8% fiber, 9% moisture, and 363 kcal per cup, this recipe balances calorie reduction with fiber enrichment for indoor weight control.

On a dry matter basis, it offers approximately 33% protein and 41.2% carbohydrates.

Pros:

• Animal-first protein profile: Deboned chicken and chicken meal lead the ingredients, providing complete amino acids for adult cats.

• Fiber blend for hairball control: 8% crude fiber from cellulose, psyllium husk, and tomato pomace promotes digestion and reduces hairball formation.

• Free from fillers: No corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, or artificial additives, which helps minimize dietary sensitivities.

• LifeSource Bits: Cold-formed vitamin and antioxidant blend supports immune health and nutrient retention.

• Targeted fat and calorie design: At 10% fat and 3,305 kcal/kg, it supports weight control in indoor or less active cats.

Cons:

• High carbohydrate load: Estimated at 41.2% on a dry matter basis, primarily from rice, barley, peas, and potatoes—high for an obligate carnivore.

• Multiple plant proteins: Includes pea protein and potato protein, which dilute the proportion of animal-sourced amino acids.

• Caramel coloring: While not synthetic, caramel color adds no nutritional benefit and may be unnecessary.

• Lack of mineral chelation: Some minerals are in sulfate form rather than fully chelated, possibly reducing bioavailability.

• No DHA declaration: Although fish meal and flaxseed are included, the actual DHA content—important for cognitive and eye function—is not specified.