Buffalo kibble has risen in popularity in recent years due to its use as a novel protein. Novel proteins are protein sources dogs do not commonly consume. This lessens the likelihood of allergic reactions. Allergies have become a major concern for dog owners who have realized the severity allergies can have on their furry family members.
Sadly, not all buffalo kibble is made the same. There are many differences between buffalo diets among different brands. Many buffalo kibbles use other proteins and other complex formulas which take away the great benefits can provide. Let’s compare Canine Caviar’s Open Range Buffalo Kibble to competitor kibbles to see how they compare as a true novel protein diet.
Canine Caviar’s Simple Formula
We are dedicated to addressing your dog’s allergy needs by making our formulas as simple as possible. Canine Caviar creates a true novel protein diet. We use only one protein and one carbohydrate: Buffalo and Chickpea. The simplicity makes it easy for owners to know whether our diets are suitable for their dog’s specific needs. We know it is difficult for dog owners to find formulas with single proteins. Many of these formulas which are meant to be allergy friendly, end up using multiple carbohydrates and proteins. Reasons why a company might use multiple protein sources include creating a cost-efficient kibble or making diets in line with their feeding philosophy. Companies have different approaches to dog food nutrition, but allergies require specific formulation. Let’s take a look at other buffalo kibble to see how they compare to Canine Caviar.
Other Buffalo Kibble Formulas
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Proteins: Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Roasted Bison, Roasted Venison, Beef, Ocean Fish Meal,
Carbohydrates: Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes,
Other: Egg Product, Potato Protein, Pea Protein
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe is similar to Canine Caviar Open Range. They are both grain-free diets and use Buffalo as the first ingredient but that’s where the similarities end. Taste of the Wild uses 7 different protein sources in this recipe as well as 3 different carbohydrates. The large variety of proteins makes digestion of nutrients difficult. Dogs take longer to process as it consumes more amino acids. Seven proteins also increase the chance for allergic reaction. This formula contains the most proteins out of the formulas presented in this piece.
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Proteins: Bison
Carbohydrates: Sweet Potatoes,
Other: Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Natural Flavor, Dried Potato Products
Natural Balance a first glance appears more similar to Canine Caviar. Both formulas are grain-free and have one protein and one carbohydrate. the 1:1 ratio is desirable for dog owners who want an allergy friendly buffalo kibble. There are some ingredients however that are concerning. Potato protein and pea protein are featured as the third and fourth ingredient respectively. Dogs require that a majority of their protein comes from meat. The position of these two ingredients might suggest a high volume of vegetable protein which has been associated with health issues such as DCM.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe Dry Dog Food
Proteins: Bison, Lamb Meal, Pork Meal
Carbohydrates: Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Lentils, Tapioca
Other: Natural Flavor
Canidae, while not using as many proteins as Taste of the Wild, still use a variety of proteins. This formula incorporates bison, lamb meal, and pork meal in the top 7 ingredients. They also use 4 carbohydrates: sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, and tapioca. As mentioned previously, many proteins and carbs slow down the digestion process. The body must work harder to process and gain the variety of amino acids and other essential nutrients. The variety doesn’t help with allergy issues either.
Solid Gold Wolf King Bison & Brown Rice Recipe With Sweet Potatoes Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Proteins: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal
Carbohydrates: Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Chickpeas, Peas, Potatoes, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Ground Flaxseed
Other: Dried Eggs, Dried Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor
Solid Gold’s Wolf King formula uses bison and ocean fish meal. while two proteins isn’t desirable for allergies, it’s better than some of the other entries in the comparison. Solid Gold, however, uses 8 different carbohydrates; the most of the formulas presented here. Carbohydrates are quite common allergens and the large variety of grains increases the likelihood for allergic reactions. There are also some questionable ingredients such as dried eggs which can trigger allergic reactions.
Final Thoughts
It is evident that there are differences between these formulas despite sharing a common protein. Pet parents who are worried about allergies need to be cautious about picking the right formula. Choosing a formula as simple as possible; with as few proteins and carbohydrates as possible is the best way to ensure allergies do not trigger.
Check the Canine Caviar Blog for more great articles such as our Farmina Dog Food Comparison or How to Deal with Bad Dog Breath.