Blue Buffalo Nature's Evolutionary Diet with Chicken

Dry Extruded · complete

47out of 100

Average

our rating

Our verdict

Is Blue Buffalo Nature's Evolutionary Diet with Chicken a good dog food?

We score it 47/100 (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: 39% 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

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 puppies
Doesn't list beef, turkey, lamb, venison, pork, duck as ingredients

Consider something else if:

Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists deboned chicken
Your dog avoids fish: the label lists salmon protein
Your dog avoids grain: the label lists oats
You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein

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 35% · Fat 14%

Typical analysis (as fed)

Nutrient	As fed
Protein	35%
Fat	14%
Fibre	6%
Moisture	10%
Omega-3 fatty acids	0.75%
Omega-6 fatty acids	2.50%
Calcium	1.20%
Phosphorus	1%

Energy: 360.7 kcal/100g

Additives & feeding info

Feeding and storage

Feeding guide

Feed according to the daily chart for puppy weight and age: 1–3 months, 3–5 months, 5–7 months, and 7–12 months. Adjust as required to maintain optimal body condition. Transition gradually over 14 days and provide clean, cool fresh water at all times.

Additives declared on the label

Nutritional additives

Choline 2,750 mg/kg min; ARA 0.05% min; L-Carnitine 100 mg/kg min; Vitamin E Supplement; Zinc Amino Acid Chelate; Zinc Sulfate; Ferrous Sulfate; Iron Amino Acid Chelate; Niacin (Vitamin B3); Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5); L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C); L-Lysine; Copper Sulfate; Biotin (Vitamin B7); Vitamin A Supplement; Copper Amino Acid Chelate; Manganese Sulfate; Taurine; Manganese Amino Acid Chelate; Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1); Riboflavin (Vitamin B2); Vitamin D3 Supplement; Vitamin B12 Supplement; Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6); Calcium Iodate; Folic Acid (Vitamin B9); Sodium Selenite

Technological additives

Mixed Tocopherols; Oil of Rosemary

Ingredients (69)100% of the recipe is estimated

Estimated composition

supplement 45.8%
veg 14.5%
meat 11.1%
carb 10.3%
additive 6.6%
fibre 5.2%
oil 3.5%
mineral 3.0%

#	As declared	Matched	Label reading	Declared %	Est. %
1	Deboned Chicken	Deboned Chicken	meat · good	-	1.9
2	Chicken Meal	Dried chicken protein	meat · good	-	1.9
3	Salmon Meal	Salmon Protein	meat · good	-	1.9
4	Oatmeal	Oats	carb · medium	-	1.9
5	Barley	Barley	carb · medium	-	1.9
6	Potatoes	Potatoes	carb · medium	-	1.9
7	Fish Meal	Fish Meal	meat · medium	-	1.8
8	Natural Flavor	Flavor	additive · poor	-	1.8
9	Powdered Cellulose	Powdered Cellulose	fibre · poor	-	1.8
10	Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)	Chicken Oil and Fat	oil · good	-	1.8
11	Dried Chicken	Dried chicken protein	meat · good	-	1.8
12	Flaxseed	Linseed	veg · good	-	1.8
13	Dried Egg Product	Dried Egg	meat · medium	-	1.8
14	Brown Rice	Rice - brown / whole grain	carb · medium	-	1.7
15	Fish Oil	Fish Oil	oil · good	-	1.7
16	Salt	Salt	additive · poor	-	1.7
17	Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets	Alfalfa Pellets	fibre · medium	-	1.7
18	Dried Tomato Pomace	Tomato Pomace	fibre · medium	-	1.7
19	Dried Chicory Root	Chicory root	veg · good	-	1.7
20	DL-Methionine	Methionine	supplement · good	-	1.7
21	Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate	Alfalfa	veg · good	-	1.6
22	L-Threonine	Threonine	supplement · medium	-	1.6
23	Choline Chloride	Choline	supplement · good	-	1.6
24	Potassium Chloride	Potassium Chloride	supplement · medium	-	1.6
25	Calcium Carbonate	Calcium Carbonate	supplement · medium	-	1.6
26	Potassium Citrate	Potassium Citrate	mineral · good	-	1.6
27	preserved with Mixed Tocopherols	Tocopherols	additive · good	-	1.6
28	Vitamin E Supplement	Vitamin E	supplement · good	-	1.5
29	Sweet Potatoes	Sweet Potatoes	carb · good	-	1.5
30	Carrots	Carrots	veg · good	-	1.5
31	L-Carnitine	L-Carnitine	supplement · medium	-	1.5
32	Zinc Amino Acid Chelate	Zinc Proteinate	supplement · good	-	1.5
33	Zinc Sulfate	Zinc sulfate	supplement · medium	-	1.5
34	Vegetable Juice for color	Vegetable Juice	additive · medium	-	1.5
35	Ferrous Sulfate	Iron sulfate	supplement · good	-	1.4
36	Iron Amino Acid Chelate	Iron Proteinate	mineral · good	-	1.4
37	Blueberries	Blueberries	veg · good	-	1.4
38	Cranberries	Cranberries	veg · good	-	1.4
39	Barley Grass	Barley grass	carb · good	-	1.4
40	Parsley	Parsley	veg · good	-	1.4
41	Turmeric	Turmeric	veg · good	-	1.4
42	Dried Kelp	Kelp	veg · good	-	1.4
43	Yucca Schidigera Extract	Yucca Schidigera	supplement · good	-	1.3
44	Niacin (Vitamin B3)	Niacin	supplement · good	-	1.3
45	Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)	Calcium pantothenate	supplement · good	-	1.3
46	L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate	L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate	supplement · good	-	1.3
47	L-Lysine	Lysine	supplement · medium	-	1.3
48	Copper Sulfate	Copper sulphate	supplement · good	-	1.3
49	Biotin (Vitamin B7)	Biotin	supplement · good	-	1.3
50	Vitamin A Supplement	Vitamin A	supplement · good	-	1.2
51	Copper Amino Acid Chelate	Copper proteinate	supplement · good	-	1.2
52	Manganese Sulfate	Manganese sulfate	supplement · medium	-	1.2
53	Taurine	Taurine	supplement · good	-	1.2
54	Manganese Amino Acid Chelate	Manganese proteinate	supplement · good	-	1.2
55	Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)	Thiamine mononitrate	supplement · good	-	1.2
56	Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	Riboflavin	supplement · good	-	1.2
57	Vitamin D3 Supplement	Vitamin D3 supplement	supplement · good	-	1.1
58	Vitamin B12 Supplement	Vitamin B12	supplement · good	-	1.1
59	Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)	Pyridoxine hydrochloride	supplement · good	-	1.1
60	Calcium Iodate	Calcium iodate	supplement · medium	-	1.1
61	Dried Yeast	Yeast	supplement · good	-	1.1
62	Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product	Enterococcus Faecium	supplement · good	-	1.1
63	Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product	Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product	supplement · good	-	1.1
64	Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract	Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract	supplement · good	-	1.0
65	Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract	Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract	supplement · good	-	1.0
66	Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract	Bacillus Subtilis	supplement · good	-	1.0
67	Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)	Folic acid	supplement · good	-	1.0
68	Sodium Selenite	Sodium selenite	supplement · poor	-	1.0
69	Oil of Rosemary	Rosemary	veg · good	-	1.0

1. Deboned Chicken1.9% estimated
Deboned Chicken · meat · good
2. Chicken Meal1.9% estimated
Dried chicken protein · meat · good
3. Salmon Meal1.9% estimated
Salmon Protein · meat · good
4. Oatmeal1.9% estimated
Oats · carb · medium
5. Barley1.9% estimated
Barley · carb · medium
6. Potatoes1.9% estimated
Potatoes · carb · medium
7. Fish Meal1.8% estimated
Fish Meal · meat · medium
8. Natural Flavor1.8% estimated
Flavor · additive · poor
9. Powdered Cellulose1.8% estimated
Powdered Cellulose · fibre · poor
10. Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)1.8% estimated
Chicken Oil and Fat · oil · good
11. Dried Chicken1.8% estimated
Dried chicken protein · meat · good
12. Flaxseed1.8% estimated
Linseed · veg · good
13. Dried Egg Product1.8% estimated
Dried Egg · meat · medium
14. Brown Rice1.7% estimated
Rice - brown / whole grain · carb · medium
15. Fish Oil1.7% estimated
Fish Oil · oil · good
16. Salt1.7% estimated
Salt · additive · poor
17. Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets1.7% estimated
Alfalfa Pellets · fibre · medium
18. Dried Tomato Pomace1.7% estimated
Tomato Pomace · fibre · medium
19. Dried Chicory Root1.7% estimated
Chicory root · veg · good
20. DL-Methionine1.7% estimated
Methionine · supplement · good
21. Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate1.6% estimated
Alfalfa · veg · good
22. L-Threonine1.6% estimated
Threonine · supplement · medium
23. Choline Chloride1.6% estimated
Choline · supplement · good
24. Potassium Chloride1.6% estimated
Potassium Chloride · supplement · medium
25. Calcium Carbonate1.6% estimated
Calcium Carbonate · supplement · medium
26. Potassium Citrate1.6% estimated
Potassium Citrate · mineral · good
27. preserved with Mixed Tocopherols1.6% estimated
Tocopherols · additive · good
28. Vitamin E Supplement1.5% estimated
Vitamin E · supplement · good
29. Sweet Potatoes1.5% estimated
Sweet Potatoes · carb · good
30. Carrots1.5% estimated
Carrots · veg · good
31. L-Carnitine1.5% estimated
L-Carnitine · supplement · medium
32. Zinc Amino Acid Chelate1.5% estimated
Zinc Proteinate · supplement · good
33. Zinc Sulfate1.5% estimated
Zinc sulfate · supplement · medium
34. Vegetable Juice for color1.5% estimated
Vegetable Juice · additive · medium
35. Ferrous Sulfate1.4% estimated
Iron sulfate · supplement · good
36. Iron Amino Acid Chelate1.4% estimated
Iron Proteinate · mineral · good
37. Blueberries1.4% estimated
Blueberries · veg · good
38. Cranberries1.4% estimated
Cranberries · veg · good
39. Barley Grass1.4% estimated
Barley grass · carb · good
40. Parsley1.4% estimated
Parsley · veg · good
41. Turmeric1.4% estimated
Turmeric · veg · good
42. Dried Kelp1.4% estimated
Kelp · veg · good
43. Yucca Schidigera Extract1.3% estimated
Yucca Schidigera · supplement · good
44. Niacin (Vitamin B3)1.3% estimated
Niacin · supplement · good
45. Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)1.3% estimated
Calcium pantothenate · supplement · good
46. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate1.3% estimated
L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate · supplement · good
47. L-Lysine1.3% estimated
Lysine · supplement · medium
48. Copper Sulfate1.3% estimated
Copper sulphate · supplement · good
49. Biotin (Vitamin B7)1.3% estimated
Biotin · supplement · good
50. Vitamin A Supplement1.2% estimated
Vitamin A · supplement · good
51. Copper Amino Acid Chelate1.2% estimated
Copper proteinate · supplement · good
52. Manganese Sulfate1.2% estimated
Manganese sulfate · supplement · medium
53. Taurine1.2% estimated
Taurine · supplement · good
54. Manganese Amino Acid Chelate1.2% estimated
Manganese proteinate · supplement · good
55. Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)1.2% estimated
Thiamine mononitrate · supplement · good
56. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)1.2% estimated
Riboflavin · supplement · good
57. Vitamin D3 Supplement1.1% estimated
Vitamin D3 supplement · supplement · good
58. Vitamin B12 Supplement1.1% estimated
Vitamin B12 · supplement · good
59. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)1.1% estimated
Pyridoxine hydrochloride · supplement · good
60. Calcium Iodate1.1% estimated
Calcium iodate · supplement · medium
61. Dried Yeast1.1% estimated
Yeast · supplement · good
62. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product1.1% estimated
Enterococcus Faecium · supplement · good
63. Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product1.1% estimated
Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product · supplement · good
64. Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract1.0% estimated
Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract · supplement · good
65. Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract1.0% estimated
Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract · supplement · good
66. Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract1.0% estimated
Bacillus Subtilis · supplement · good
67. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)1.0% estimated
Folic acid · supplement · good
68. Sodium Selenite1.0% estimated
Sodium selenite · supplement · poor
69. Oil of Rosemary1.0% estimated
Rosemary · veg · good

Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-12

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: 2026-09-12
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?

This recipe achieves an overall rating of 47 out of 100. The inclusion of ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, and the processing format adjusted the score by -6.7. Conversely, the overall quality of the ingredient list added +5.9 points, while being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3 points to the final evaluation.

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	+5.91
Carb share of dry matter	8.6%	-0.115	-0.99
Oil share of dry matter	4.3%	-0.092	-0.40
Vegetable share of dry matter	8.4%	-0.005	-0.04
Additive share of dry matter	5.8%	0.163	+0.95
Supplement share of dry matter	52.3%	-0.012	-0.64
Recipe graded poor	6.3%	-0.065	-0.41
Number of poor ingredients	4	-0.876	-3.50
Largest single poor ingredient	1.8%	0.060	+0.11
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	-7.91	0.222	-1.76
Processing multiplier	0.98	33.786	+33.11
Processing: Dry Extruded	yes	-6.713	-6.71

Show all 40 components

Component	Input	Coefficient	Contribution
Base score	-	30.909	+30.91
Average ingredient quality	0.6	9.191	+5.91
Meat share of dry matter	0.0%	0.096	+0.00
Carb share of dry matter	8.6%	-0.115	-0.99
Oil share of dry matter	4.3%	-0.092	-0.40
Vegetable share of dry matter	8.4%	-0.005	-0.04
Additive share of dry matter	5.8%	0.163	+0.95
Supplement share of dry matter	52.3%	-0.012	-0.64
Other share of dry matter	0.0%	-0.375	+0.00
Unrecognised share of dry matter	0.0%	-0.027	+0.00
Recipe graded poor	6.3%	-0.065	-0.41
Poor-quality meat in recipe	0.0%	-0.179	+0.00
Number of poor ingredients	4	-0.876	-3.50
Largest single poor ingredient	1.8%	0.060	+0.11
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	-7.91	0.222	-1.76
Processing multiplier	0.98	33.786	+33.11
Processing: Raw	no	-0.054	+0.00
Processing: Fresh Chilled	no	-2.354	+0.00
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	yes	-6.713	-6.71
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: +0.02
Additives declared on label: +2 transparency bonus
Subtotal: 47.1
Final score: 47/100

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 puppies and growth. 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.

Scored against FEDIAF growth minima; puppy scoring is under review; 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	35	38.7	100
Fat	14	15.5	100
Calcium	1.2	1.3	100
Phosphorus	1	1.1	100
Calcium:phosphorus ratio	1.2	1.2	100
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3)	-	-	100
Energy (kcal/100g)	360.7	398.6	100

Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100, omega-3 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.

Scored over 7 declared nutrients (combined weight 90); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.

Declared fortification: 27 nutritional additives on the label

Choline 2,750 mg/kg min
ARA 0.05% min
L-Carnitine 100 mg/kg min
Vitamin E Supplement
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate
Zinc Sulfate
Ferrous Sulfate
Iron Amino Acid Chelate
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C)
L-Lysine
Copper Sulfate
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Vitamin A Supplement
Copper Amino Acid Chelate
Manganese Sulfate
Taurine
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate
Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Vitamin D3 Supplement
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
Calcium Iodate
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
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.

100/100 · moderate — 1 checkable claim: 1 consistent, 0 contradicted.

Consistent with the label

"protein-rich recipe" — supported by the declared high protein data.

5 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.

Moderate: every checkable claim is consistent with the declared label.

Claim	Type	Check	Substantiation
plus DHA to support your large breed puppy's healthy growth and development (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Exclusive Antioxidant-Rich LifeSource Bits (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
with wholesome grains like oats, barley, and brown rice (on page)	Content	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Made with real meat first and superior ingredients (on page)	Content	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
protein-rich recipe (on page)	High/low level	consistent	Manufacturer assertion
meat-rich (on page)	High/low level	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion

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

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