Blue Buffalo Beef Meatball Recipe

Fresh Chilled · complete

53out of 100

Average

our rating

Our verdict

Is Blue Buffalo Beef Meatball Recipe a good dog food?

We score it 53/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.

How we score

Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.

100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.

Why you might choose it

High in protein: 48% protein on a dry-matter basis.
Declares energy content, which most labels omit.
Nutritionally complete: formulated to be fed as the whole diet.

Why you might not

High in fat: 23% fat on a dry-matter basis.
Meat makes up an estimated 3% of the dry matter (8% as fed); carbohydrates dominate.
100% of the recipe mass has no printed percentage, so the exact split cannot be verified.

Who is this food for?

Suits

Labelled by the manufacturer for adult dogs
Labelling or feeding guide is aimed at small dogs
Doesn't list turkey, lamb, fish, venison, pork, duck as ingredients

Consider something else if:

Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists chicken
Your dog avoids beef: the label lists beef
Your dog avoids grain: the label lists oat flour
You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
You are limiting fat: 22.5% on a dry-matter basis is in the high band

These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.

Nutrition and feedingProtein 19% · Fat 9%

Typical analysis (as fed)

Nutrient	As fed
Protein	19%
Fat	9%
Fibre	2%
Moisture	60%

Energy: 210.2 kcal/100g

Additives & feeding info

Feeding and storage

Storage

Keep refrigerated and use within 7 days of opening.

Feeding guide

For X Small dogs (5–15 lb): full meal ¾–1½ cups per day, 50/50 ⅓–¾ cup per day, or ¼ cup as a topper. For Small dogs (16–25 lb): full meal 1½–2¼ cups per day, 50/50 ¾–1¼ cups per day, or ¼–½ cup as a topper. Adjust as required to maintain optimal body condition. Provide clean, cool, fresh water at all times.

Additives declared on the label

Nutritional additives

Taurine; Zinc Amino Acid Chelate; Iron Amino Acid Chelate; Vitamin E Supplement; L-Carnitine; Vitamin A Supplement; Copper Amino Acid Chelate; Vitamin B12 Supplement; Manganese Amino Acid Chelate; Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1); Niacin (Vitamin B3); Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5); Biotin (Vitamin B7); Riboflavin (Vitamin B2); Vitamin D3 Supplement; Folic Acid (Vitamin B9); Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6); Potassium Iodide; Sodium Selenite

Technological additives

Mixed Tocopherols; Oil of Rosemary

Ingredients (47)100% of the recipe is estimated

Estimated composition

supplement 43.5%
veg 17.9%
additive 11.2%
carb 10.2%
meat 8.2%
fibre 2.4%
oil 2.4%
unknown 2.3%
mineral 1.9%

#	As declared	Matched	Label reading	Declared %	Est. %
1	Beef	Beef	meat · medium	-	2.8
2	Chicken	Chicken	meat · medium	-	2.8
3	Egg	Egg	meat · good	-	2.8
4	Pea Protein	Pea protein	carb · medium	-	2.7
5	Carrots	Carrots	veg · good	-	2.7
6	Peas	Peas	veg · good	-	2.7
7	Oat Flour	Oat Flour	carb · medium	-	2.6
8	Natural Flavor	Flavor	additive · poor	-	2.6
9	Brown Rice	Rice - brown / whole grain	carb · medium	-	2.6
10	Celery Juice	Celery Seeds	veg · good	-	2.5
11	Flaxseed	Linseed	veg · good	-	2.5
12	Oat Fiber	Crude Fibre	fibre · medium	-	2.5
13	Vinegar	Vinegar	additive · poor	-	2.5
14	Cane Molasses	Cane Molasses	carb · medium	-	2.4
15	Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)	Chicken Oil and Fat	oil · good	-	2.4
16	Dicalcium Phosphate	Dicalcium phosphate	supplement · medium	-	2.4
17	Calcium Carbonate	Calcium Carbonate	supplement · medium	-	2.3
18	Sodium Acetate	unmatched	-	-	2.3
19	DL-Methionine	Methionine	supplement · good	-	2.3
20	Acetic Acid	Acetic acid	additive · medium	-	2.2
21	Dried Chicory Root	Chicory root	veg · good	-	2.2
22	Lactic Acid	Lactic Acid	additive · medium	-	2.2
23	L-Threonine	Threonine	supplement · medium	-	2.2
24	L-Tryptophan	L-Tryptophan	supplement · good	-	2.1
25	Magnesium Sulfate	Magnesium sulfate	supplement · good	-	2.1
26	Blueberries	Blueberries	veg · good	-	2.1
27	Cranberries	Cranberries	veg · good	-	2.0
28	Taurine	Taurine	supplement · good	-	2.0
29	Zinc Amino Acid Chelate	Zinc Proteinate	supplement · good	-	2.0
30	Iron Amino Acid Chelate	Iron Proteinate	mineral · good	-	1.9
31	Vitamin E Supplement	Vitamin E	supplement · good	-	1.9
32	L-Carnitine	L-Carnitine	supplement · medium	-	1.9
33	Vitamin A Supplement	Vitamin A	supplement · good	-	1.9
34	Copper Amino Acid Chelate	Copper proteinate	supplement · good	-	1.8
35	Vitamin B12 Supplement	Vitamin B12	supplement · good	-	1.8
36	Manganese Amino Acid Chelate	Manganese proteinate	supplement · good	-	1.8
37	Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)	Thiamine mononitrate	supplement · good	-	1.7
38	Niacin (Vitamin B3)	Niacin	supplement · good	-	1.7
39	Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)	Calcium pantothenate	supplement · good	-	1.7
40	Biotin (Vitamin B7)	Biotin	supplement · good	-	1.6
41	Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	Riboflavin	supplement · good	-	1.6
42	Vitamin D3 Supplement	Vitamin D3 supplement	supplement · good	-	1.6
43	Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)	Folic acid	supplement · good	-	1.6
44	Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)	Pyridoxine hydrochloride	supplement · good	-	1.5
45	Potassium Iodide	Potassium iodide	supplement · good	-	1.5
46	Sodium Selenite	Sodium selenite	supplement · poor	-	1.5
47	Oil of Rosemary	Rosemary	veg · good	-	1.4

1. Beef2.8% estimated
Beef · meat · medium
2. Chicken2.8% estimated
Chicken · meat · medium
3. Egg2.8% estimated
Egg · meat · good
4. Pea Protein2.7% estimated
Pea protein · carb · medium
5. Carrots2.7% estimated
Carrots · veg · good
6. Peas2.7% estimated
Peas · veg · good
7. Oat Flour2.6% estimated
Oat Flour · carb · medium
8. Natural Flavor2.6% estimated
Flavor · additive · poor
9. Brown Rice2.6% estimated
Rice - brown / whole grain · carb · medium
10. Celery Juice2.5% estimated
Celery Seeds · veg · good
11. Flaxseed2.5% estimated
Linseed · veg · good
12. Oat Fiber2.5% estimated
Crude Fibre · fibre · medium
13. Vinegar2.5% estimated
Vinegar · additive · poor
14. Cane Molasses2.4% estimated
Cane Molasses · carb · medium
15. Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.4% estimated
Chicken Oil and Fat · oil · good
16. Dicalcium Phosphate2.4% estimated
Dicalcium phosphate · supplement · medium
17. Calcium Carbonate2.3% estimated
Calcium Carbonate · supplement · medium
18. Sodium Acetate2.3% estimated
unmatched
19. DL-Methionine2.3% estimated
Methionine · supplement · good
20. Acetic Acid2.2% estimated
Acetic acid · additive · medium
21. Dried Chicory Root2.2% estimated
Chicory root · veg · good
22. Lactic Acid2.2% estimated
Lactic Acid · additive · medium
23. L-Threonine2.2% estimated
Threonine · supplement · medium
24. L-Tryptophan2.1% estimated
L-Tryptophan · supplement · good
25. Magnesium Sulfate2.1% estimated
Magnesium sulfate · supplement · good
26. Blueberries2.1% estimated
Blueberries · veg · good
27. Cranberries2.0% estimated
Cranberries · veg · good
28. Taurine2.0% estimated
Taurine · supplement · good
29. Zinc Amino Acid Chelate2.0% estimated
Zinc Proteinate · supplement · good
30. Iron Amino Acid Chelate1.9% estimated
Iron Proteinate · mineral · good
31. Vitamin E Supplement1.9% estimated
Vitamin E · supplement · good
32. L-Carnitine1.9% estimated
L-Carnitine · supplement · medium
33. Vitamin A Supplement1.9% estimated
Vitamin A · supplement · good
34. Copper Amino Acid Chelate1.8% estimated
Copper proteinate · supplement · good
35. Vitamin B12 Supplement1.8% estimated
Vitamin B12 · supplement · good
36. Manganese Amino Acid Chelate1.8% estimated
Manganese proteinate · supplement · good
37. Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)1.7% estimated
Thiamine mononitrate · supplement · good
38. Niacin (Vitamin B3)1.7% estimated
Niacin · supplement · good
39. Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)1.7% estimated
Calcium pantothenate · supplement · good
40. Biotin (Vitamin B7)1.6% estimated
Biotin · supplement · good
41. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)1.6% estimated
Riboflavin · supplement · good
42. Vitamin D3 Supplement1.6% estimated
Vitamin D3 supplement · supplement · good
43. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)1.6% estimated
Folic acid · supplement · good
44. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)1.5% estimated
Pyridoxine hydrochloride · supplement · good
45. Potassium Iodide1.5% estimated
Potassium iodide · supplement · good
46. Sodium Selenite1.5% estimated
Sodium selenite · supplement · poor
47. Oil of Rosemary1.4% estimated
Rosemary · veg · good

Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-14

Brand and contact: Blue Buffalo

Website: https://www.bluebuffalo.com/
Contact page: www.bluebuffalo.com

Trust and provenance

Recall history: No recalls recorded in our database
Label data last checked: 2026-09-14
Scored with: Model v3 (methodology)
Product page: www.bluebuffalo.com

Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.

Brand and retailer reviews

External platform ratings are not scores for this individual recipe.

Trustpilot: 1.9/5 · 14 reviews

Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.

Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence

Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated

Why this score?

The product scores 53 out of 100. Undeclared ingredient shares, where ingredients appear without printed percentages, weighed on the result at -10.6, while the overall quality of the ingredient list lifted things by +5.7. The additive load pulled the score down by -3, and the processing format contributed a further -2.4.

Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.

Component	Input	Coefficient	Contribution
Base score	-	30.909	+30.91
Average ingredient quality	0.6	9.191	+5.65
Carb share of dry matter	12.0%	-0.115	-1.38
Oil share of dry matter	3.1%	-0.092	-0.29
Vegetable share of dry matter	8.2%	-0.005	-0.04
Additive share of dry matter	13.5%	0.163	+2.19
Supplement share of dry matter	53.3%	-0.012	-0.65
Unrecognised share of dry matter	1.5%	-0.027	-0.04
Recipe graded poor	6.4%	-0.065	-0.42
Number of poor ingredients	3	-0.876	-2.63
Largest single poor ingredient	2.6%	0.060	+0.15
Undeclared quantities	100.0%	-0.106	-10.56
Complete diet	yes	2.294	+2.29
Low meat (under 10% of dry matter)	yes	-3.158	-3.16
Additive penalty	-13.48	0.222	-2.99
Processing multiplier	1.07	33.786	+36.15
Processing: Fresh Chilled	yes	-2.354	-2.35

Show all 40 components

Component	Input	Coefficient	Contribution
Base score	-	30.909	+30.91
Average ingredient quality	0.6	9.191	+5.65
Meat share of dry matter	0.0%	0.096	+0.00
Carb share of dry matter	12.0%	-0.115	-1.38
Oil share of dry matter	3.1%	-0.092	-0.29
Vegetable share of dry matter	8.2%	-0.005	-0.04
Additive share of dry matter	13.5%	0.163	+2.19
Supplement share of dry matter	53.3%	-0.012	-0.65
Other share of dry matter	0.0%	-0.375	+0.00
Unrecognised share of dry matter	1.5%	-0.027	-0.04
Recipe graded poor	6.4%	-0.065	-0.42
Poor-quality meat in recipe	0.0%	-0.179	+0.00
Number of poor ingredients	3	-0.876	-2.63
Largest single poor ingredient	2.6%	0.060	+0.15
Undeclared quantities	100.0%	-0.106	-10.56
Prints ingredient percentages	no	0.000	+0.00
Complete diet	yes	2.294	+2.29
Frozen or chilled fresh	no	0.000	+0.00
High meat (30%+ of dry matter)	no	0.707	+0.00
Low meat (under 10% of dry matter)	yes	-3.158	-3.16
High carb and low meat	no	-1.180	+0.00
Meat share × printed percentages	0.0	0.000	+0.00
Meat share × fresh	0.0	0.000	+0.00
Fresh × high meat	0.0	11.084	+0.00
Additive penalty	-13.48	0.222	-2.99
Processing multiplier	1.07	33.786	+36.15
Processing: Raw	no	-0.054	+0.00
Processing: Fresh Chilled	yes	-2.354	-2.35
Processing: Fresh Frozen	no	-2.354	+0.00
Processing: Fresh Refrigerated	no	0.000	+0.00
Processing: Fresh Shelf	no	-0.672	+0.00
Processing: Dry Freeze Dried	no	6.629	+0.00
Processing: Dry Air Dried	no	6.331	+0.00
Processing: Dry Cold Pressed	no	-6.713	+0.00
Processing: Dry Baked	no	-6.713	+0.00
Processing: Dry Extruded	no	-6.713	+0.00
Processing: Dry Semi Moist	no	-6.174	+0.00
Processing: Dry Muesli	no	-10.146	+0.00
Processing: Wet Pate	no	-0.672	+0.00
Processing: Wet Chunks	no	-0.672	+0.00

Processing-type offset: -1.74
Additives declared on label: +2 transparency bonus
Subtotal: 53.1
Final score: 53/100

Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.

Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges

How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for adult dogs. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.

Guaranteed-analysis FEDIAF score: crude minimums and maximums are bounds, not typical values; moisture (a maximum) uses the processing median where available; experimental US score.

Nutrient	As fed (label)	Dry matter (scored)	Score
Protein	19	47.5 (band 23.6475 to 40%)	100
Fat	9	22.5 (band 7.225625 to 20%)	100
Fibre	2	5 (band 0.5 to 5%)	100
Energy (kcal/100g)	210.2	525.5	100

Scored over 4 declared nutrients (combined weight 60); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score.

Declared fortification: 19 nutritional additives on the label

Taurine
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate
Iron Amino Acid Chelate
Vitamin E Supplement
L-Carnitine
Vitamin A Supplement
Copper Amino Acid Chelate
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate
Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Vitamin D3 Supplement
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
Potassium Iodide
Sodium Selenite

Low confidence: partial analysis or moisture estimated from the food type.

This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.

Transparency: what the label discloses

How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.

Item	Points
✓ Ingredient list on the label (mandatory)	10/10
✗ Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file	0/20
✗ Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) - not on file	0/15
✓ Additives declared (mandatory)	10/10
✓ Energy value declared (voluntary)	5/5
✓ Complete/complementary designation (mandatory)	5/5
✓ Feeding guidance given (mandatory)	10/10
✓ Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory)	5/10
✓ Country of manufacture stated (voluntary)	10/10
✗ Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file	0/5

Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Analytical constituents declared, Batch and date labelling).

Safety: recall history

Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.

No recalls recorded in our database.

See all current recalls we track.

Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it

The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.

Claims on file; none we can check against the label

Claim	Type	Check	Substantiation
Supporting heart health with every scoop. (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
We add Taurine to every Love Made Fresh recipe to give your dog some extra heart health support. (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
you won't find poultry by-product meals or artificial flavors or preservatives here (on page)	Free-from	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
REAL, NATURAL INGREDIENTS (on page)	Content	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Refrigerated Fresh Dog Food (on page)	Content	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Crafted with real beef, delicious carrots & peas, and cooked to perfection. (on page)	Content	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion

The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.

Alternatives to Beef Meatball Recipe

Similar on ingredients, protein, format or nutrition, using the same stored data.

Chunky Beef with Carrots, Peas & Brown Rice Dog Food Recipe86

Freshpet · Fresh Chilled

Gently-Cooked Meals Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe57

Nulo · Fresh Shelf

Heart Warming Beef Casserole83

Monty's Larder · Fresh Frozen