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Blue Nudges Homestyle Chicken & Pork Sausage Recipe Treats
Blue Buffalo

Blue Nudges Homestyle Chicken & Pork Sausage Recipe Treats

Verified Aug 28, 2026

Dog · Treat Adult All Breed Sizes

These soft, homestyle sausage treats are designed for adult dogs and feature chicken and pork as the main animal protein sources. Potatoes, barley, rice, and flaxseed provide additional carbohydrates and some fiber, while added flavors and a soft texture make them highly palatable. They are meant as occasional rewards rather than a balanced diet and should be fed in moderation due to their calorie content and added sugars.

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Over-the-counter No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

Overall, these are moderately high-quality soft treats with named meat ingredients and a reasonable protein and fat content for a snack. They’re suitable for most healthy adult dogs when used in small amounts, and the texture makes them easy to chew for many dogs. Because they include chicken, pork, and added sugars, they’re best used sparingly, especially in dogs watching their weight or with food allergies.

Calorie and portion clarity 10.0
Ingredient composition 6.5
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 3 of 3 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Digestive Health Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Uses named animal proteins (chicken and pork) rather than anonymous meat sources, which supports better protein quality and transparency.
  • Soft, easy-to-chew texture can work well for small dogs or those with dental issues who struggle with harder treats.
  • Moderate protein and fat levels for a treat, with some flaxseed that can contribute omega fatty acids.
  • Clear calorie information per piece (33 kcal), which helps you keep overall daily calories in check.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken and pork, which can be problem ingredients for dogs with known protein allergies or sensitivities to those meats.
  • Includes sugar and honey, so these should be given in moderation, particularly for dogs prone to weight gain or with metabolic issues.
  • Not a complete and balanced food; it’s intended only for intermittent or supplemental feeding, so it should not replace a regular, balanced diet.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Vegetable Glycerin, Potatoes, Pork, Barley, Flaxseed, Sugar, Honey, Rice, Natural Flavor, Dried Orange Pulp, Pork Stock, Vinegar, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor, Paprika (for color)

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
View ingredient
02
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a plant-derived humectant and sweet-tasting solvent commonly used in pet foods and treats to retain moisture, improve texture, dissolve flavorings or vitamins, and enhance palatability. It provides usable calories, is generally regarded as safe for dogs and cats in typical amounts, but excessive intake can cause digestive upset and may be a consideration for diabetic pets or those needing calorie-restricted diets.
03
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
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04
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
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05
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
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Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
13.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
8.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
3.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
28.00%
Low High
33
kcal / Piece

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Soft Chew
Food type Treat

Brand

Blue Buffalo is a premium pet food brand that positions itself around natural ingredients, real meat-first recipes, and the avoidance of artificial additives, by-products, or fillers. The brand appeals to health-conscious pet owners seeking natural, holistic nutrition for their pets, with product lines such as Blue Life Protection Formula, Blue Wilderness, Blue Basics, and Blue Freedom.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Blue Buffalo Company
Parent company General Mills, Inc.
Founded 2002
Headquarters Wilton, Connecticut, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Missouri
Manufacturing oversight

Blue Buffalo products are produced under strict quality assurance and safety standards, with oversight designed to meet AAFCO nutritional adequacy guidelines. The company operates both its own Heartland Pet Food Manufacturing facility in Joplin, Missouri, and works with co-packers that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP standards. General Mills enforces corporate-wide quality and food safety protocols, including supplier audits and ingredient traceability.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Blue Buffalo Blue Nudges Homestyle Chicken & Pork Sausage Recipe Treats.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.8 /10 Grade A
Blue Nudges Homestyle Chicken & Pork Sausage Recipe Treats
Blue Buffalo · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Blue Buffalo ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Blue Buffalo. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.