Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs Whole Grain 38 lb. Bag

Common questions

Is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs Whole Grain 38 lb. Bag healthy?

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs Whole Grain 38 lb. Bag scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This dog food contains high-quality ingredients such as deboned chicken, brown rice, and a variety of whole grains and vegetables, which provide essential nutrients and fiber.

How processed is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs Whole Grain 38 lb. Bag?

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs Whole Grain 38 lb. Bag is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs Whole Grain 38 lb. Bag's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs Whole Grain 38 lb. Bag

70 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$67.97 · 30 lb · $2.27 / lb
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 11
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Pet Food
Summary

This dog food contains high-quality ingredients such as deboned chicken, brown rice, and a variety of whole grains and vegetables, which provide essential nutrients and fiber. The inclusion of beneficial ingredients like flaxseed and blueberries adds omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, supporting overall health. However, as a processed food, it is subject to a score cap, and the presence of multiple ingredients indicates a moderate level of processing.

Key ingredients 20

Deboned Chicken
Very Good

Deboned chicken is a high-quality source of animal protein, essential for muscle maintenance and growth in dogs. It provides a complete amino acid profile, which is crucial for canine health. The use of real chicken ensures better digestibility and nutrient absorption compared to processed meat meals.

Benefits

Rich in essential amino acids and provides high-quality protein necessary for maintaining muscle mass and overall health in dogs.

Flaxseed
Very Good

Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health in dogs. It also provides dietary fiber, aiding in digestion. The presence of lignans in flaxseed offers antioxidant properties, contributing to overall health.

Benefits

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, supporting skin, coat, and digestive health.

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Brown Rice
Good

Brown rice is a whole grain that provides dietary fiber and essential nutrients like magnesium and selenium. It is less processed than white rice, retaining more of its natural nutrients. The fiber content aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy bowel movements.

Benefits

Provides dietary fiber and essential nutrients, supporting digestive health and providing a steady source of energy.

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Barley
Good

Barley is a whole grain that offers dietary fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. It is known for its ability to support digestive health due to its high fiber content. Barley also provides a slow-release energy source, beneficial for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

Benefits

Supports digestive health and provides a steady source of energy due to its high fiber content.

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Oatmeal
Good

Oatmeal is a whole grain that is rich in soluble fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health. It is minimally processed, retaining most of its natural nutrients. Oatmeal is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health.

Benefits

Rich in soluble fiber, supporting heart health and providing essential vitamins and minerals.

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Potatoes
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to weight gain due to high carbohydrate content.

Benefits

Provides energy and some vitamins and minerals.

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Blueberries
Good

Blueberries are a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They help combat oxidative stress and support immune health. Their inclusion in pet food provides a natural way to boost nutrient intake.

Benefits

Provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting immune health and reducing oxidative stress.

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Carrots
Good

Carrots are a source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins, supporting eye health and digestion. They are minimally processed, retaining most of their natural nutrients. Carrots also provide a natural sweetness that can enhance palatability.

Benefits

Rich in beta-carotene and fiber, supporting eye health and digestion.

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Cranberries
Good

Cranberries are known for their antioxidant properties and ability to support urinary tract health. They provide vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Including cranberries in pet food can help prevent urinary tract infections.

Benefits

Supports urinary tract health and provides antioxidants.

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Taurine
Good

Taurine is an amino acid important for heart health and vision in dogs. It is often added to pet foods to prevent deficiencies, especially in grain-free diets. Taurine supplementation is crucial for maintaining optimal health in dogs.

Benefits

Supports heart health and vision, preventing deficiencies in dogs.

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Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Good

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fats that support skin, coat, and joint health in dogs. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial for overall health. Including omega 3s in pet food helps maintain a healthy balance of fatty acids.

Benefits

Supports skin, coat, and joint health with anti-inflammatory properties.

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Chicken Meal
Neutral

Chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein made from chicken meat and skin, excluding feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. It provides a high protein content, which is beneficial for muscle maintenance. However, the quality can vary depending on the source and processing methods.

Risks

Quality can vary, and lower-quality sources may contain less desirable parts of the chicken.

Benefits

Provides a concentrated source of protein, beneficial for muscle maintenance and growth.

Peas
Neutral

Peas are a plant-based ingredient that provides protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are a common ingredient in pet foods to boost protein content. However, there is some concern about their role in diluting animal protein sources.

Risks

May dilute animal protein sources if used excessively.

Benefits

Provides plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

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Chicory Root
Neutral

Chicory root is a source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria. It is often used in pet foods to improve digestive health. However, its benefits are primarily related to gut health and may not impact other areas.

Benefits

Supports gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria through its prebiotic fiber content.

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Dried Egg Product
Neutral

Dried egg product is a source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids. It is used in pet foods to enhance protein content. The drying process preserves the nutritional value, but the quality can vary based on the source.

Risks

Quality can vary depending on the source and processing methods.

Benefits

Provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and provide essential sodium, which is necessary for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. It is a common ingredient in pet foods but should be consumed in moderation. Excessive salt intake can lead to health issues.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

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Potassium Chloride
Neutral

Potassium chloride is used as a source of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining electrolyte balance and proper muscle function. It is commonly added to pet foods to ensure adequate potassium intake. While beneficial, it should be balanced with other electrolytes.

Benefits

Provides essential potassium for maintaining electrolyte balance and muscle function.

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Vitamins
Neutral

Vitamins are added to pet foods to ensure a complete and balanced diet, providing essential nutrients that may not be present in sufficient quantities in the base ingredients. They support various bodily functions and overall health. The specific vitamins included can vary, impacting their overall benefit.

Benefits

Ensures a complete and balanced diet by providing essential nutrients.

Minerals
Neutral

Minerals are essential nutrients added to pet foods to support various bodily functions, including bone health and enzyme function. They are necessary for a balanced diet and overall health. The specific minerals included can vary, impacting their overall benefit.

Benefits

Supports various bodily functions and ensures a balanced diet.

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Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Neutral

Omega 6 fatty acids are essential fats that support skin and coat health in dogs. They are necessary for a balanced diet but should be consumed in moderation to avoid an imbalance with omega 3s. Excessive omega 6 intake can promote inflammation.

Risks

Excessive intake may promote inflammation if not balanced with omega 3s.

Benefits

Supports skin and coat health as part of a balanced diet.

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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