Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed
Manufacturer: Blue Buffalo

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed (Blue Buffalo) earned a technical score of 90.2/100 (rated 🌟 Superior Quality) under the independent My Pet Magazine methodology, which combines the IDNM nutrient density index (93 pts) and the IPFI ingredient purity index (87 pts). On a dry-matter basis, this food for dogs delivers 28.89% protein and 16.67% fat. The analysis is computed by algorithm, with no payment or interference from brands.
Is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed good?
Yes. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed is in the "Superior Quality" band of our review, with a technical score of 90.2/100. The score combines nutritional density (IDNM 93) and ingredient purity (IPFI 87), with 28.89% protein and 16.67% fat on a dry-matter basis. At 3682 kcal/kg, FEDIAF maintenance needs work out to 145–168 g per day for an adult dog weighing 10 kg (full table below).
Nutritional Analysis
Dry-Matter Composition
Composition and Energy
Values as declared in the manufacturer guaranteed analysis (as-fed basis — as printed on the bag).
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude protein | 26 % |
| Crude fat | 15 % |
| Crude fiber | 4 % |
| Moisture | 10 % |
| Metabolizable energy | 3682 kcal/kg |
How much to feed per day
Estimated daily serving (g/day) based on the metabolizable energy of this food (3682 kcal/kg) and the maintenance energy requirement (MER) of an adult dog per FEDIAF 2024, from the lowest value (low-activity dog; neutered or indoor cat) to the moderate one (moderately active dog; active cat). It is a starting point: adjust to your pet's body condition and your veterinarian's advice. The calculation ignores age, neutering (in dogs) and individual clinical conditions.
| Weight of the dog | Energy requirement | Recommended serving |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 318–368 kcal/day | 86–100 g/day |
| 10 kg | 534–619 kcal/day | 145–168 g/day |
| 20 kg | 898–1040 kcal/day | 244–283 g/day |
| 30 kg | 1218–1410 kcal/day | 331–383 g/day |
| 40 kg | 1511–1750 kcal/day | 410–475 g/day |
Formula: maintenance energy (kcal/day) = coefficient × weight(kg)^exponent. Dogs: coefficient 95 (low activity) to 110 (moderate activity), exponent 0.75 (FEDIAF 2024, Table VII-7, p. 55). Cats: coefficient 75 (neutered or indoor) to 100 (active), exponent 0.67 (FEDIAF 2024, Table VII-9, p. 57). Portion (g/day) = energy requirement ÷ (food kcal/kg ÷ 1000). Source: FEDIAF, Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs, July 2024.
Ingredients
- 1Deboned Chicken
- 2Chicken Meal
- 3Brown Rice
- 4Oatmeal
- 5Barley
- 6Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
- 7Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids) Natural Flavor
- 8Peas
- 9Dried Tomato Pomace
- 10Dried Yeast
What we like
- ✓natural preservatives
- ✓EPA/DHA declared
- ✓fresh meat first ingredient
www.bluebuffalo.com — verified 2026-08-30
Frequently asked questions about Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed
- What is the technical score of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed?
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed (Blue Buffalo) scores 90.2/100 under the My Pet Magazine methodology — a weighted average of the IDNM nutrient density index (93 points) and the IPFI ingredient purity index (87 points), by the formula (IDNM × 0.55) + (IPFI × 0.45). The analysis is 100% algorithmic, with no interference from brands.
- How much protein does Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed have?
- On a dry-matter basis (removing the effect of moisture), Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed has 28.89% protein and 16.67% fat. Converting to a dry-matter basis allows a fair comparison between foods for dogs with different moisture levels.
- Is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed a good food for dogs?
- Under the My Pet Magazine classification, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed is "Superior Quality" (score 90.2/100). Strengths: natural preservatives, EPA/DHA declared, fresh meat first ingredient. Talk to a veterinarian before changing the diet of your dog.
Keep comparing
More from Blue Buffalo
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula · score 90/100
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior · score 86/100
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy · score 79.9/100
Alternatives in the same category and life stage
Foods for dogs with the same profile (adult · breed size), from highest to lowest score.
- Wellness Complete Health Small Breed · score 89/100
- Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult · score 88/100
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- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult · score 84.9/100