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Love Made Fresh Small Breed Adult Beef Meatball Recipe Wet Dog Food
Blue Buffalo

Love Made Fresh Small Breed Adult Beef Meatball Recipe Wet Dog Food

Verified Aug 22, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult Small

This is a refrigerated, wet meatball-style food formulated as a complete and balanced diet for small breed adult dogs. It uses beef and chicken as main protein sources, with peas, pea protein, oats, and brown rice providing carbohydrates and fiber. The recipe also includes flaxseed and added vitamins, minerals, and taurine to support overall daily nutrition.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
8.0 out of 10

Strong Choice

This refrigerated meatball recipe is a complete and balanced option for small adult dogs who enjoy a fresh-style, wet food. It offers moderate protein and fat levels, making it suitable for many average-activity small breeds. The use of both beef and chicken provides good-quality animal protein, though it may not be ideal for dogs with sensitivities to those meats or to peas/legumes.

Nutritional profile 8.4
Ingredient composition 6.5
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 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

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Suitable For
Adult Small
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Formulated as a complete and balanced diet for adult maintenance, so it can be fed as the main meal.
  • Beef and chicken provide animal-based protein to support muscle maintenance in small adult dogs.
  • Moderate protein and fat levels are appropriate for many typical small-breed adults.
  • Includes flaxseed, fruits, and added vitamins, minerals, taurine, and L-carnitine for overall nutritional support.

Considerations

  • Contains beef, chicken, and egg, so it is not a good choice for dogs with allergies to those proteins.
  • Peas and pea protein are significant ingredients, which may be a concern if you are avoiding legumes for heart-health reasons.
  • This is a refrigerated product, so it needs proper storage and has a shorter shelf life than traditional kibble.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Beef, Chicken, Egg, Pea Protein, Carrots, Peas, Oat Flour, Natural Flavor, Brown Rice, Celery Juice, Flaxseed, Oat Fiber, Vinegar, Cane Molasses, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Acetate, DL-Methionine, Acetic Acid, Dried Chicory Root, Lactic Acid, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, Magnesium Sulfate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, 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, Oil of Rosemary.

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
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
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02
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.
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03
Egg
Eggs are used in pet foods as a highly digestible, complete animal protein and nutrient source—providing essential amino acids, bioavailable vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex including B12), minerals like selenium and iron, choline and healthy fats—while also improving palatability and texture. They support muscle maintenance, skin/coat and cognitive health in dogs and cats, but raw eggs can carry bacterial risk and contain avidin in whites that may reduce biotin with long-term feeding; some pets may also have egg allergies or require portion control for calorie management.
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04
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a concentrated plant-based protein and functional ingredient in pet foods used to raise protein levels, improve texture and contribute soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be a useful, digestible protein source for dogs and a supplemental protein in some cat formulas, but because it is lower in certain essential amino acids (and cats are obligate carnivores), diets relying heavily on pea protein should be formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and owners should note potential legume sensitivities and the debated link between high‑pulse, grain‑free diets and canine heart concerns.
05
Carrot
Carrot is used in pet foods as a vegetable ingredient providing fiber, moisture, texture and antioxidant nutrients such as beta‑carotene (a provitamin A), vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, contributing to palatability and digestive bulk. Cooked carrots are more digestible and release more beta‑carotene, but cats cannot efficiently convert beta‑carotene to active vitamin A so carrots are more nutritionally useful for dogs than as a primary vitamin A source for cats; they should be fed in moderation due to natural sugars and should be offered in appropriately sized pieces to avoid choking.
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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)
19.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
9.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
2.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
60.00%
Low High
2102
kcal / Kg
263
kcal / Cup
High
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size Small
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Refrigerated
Food type Wet

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Blue Buffalo Love Made Fresh is complete & balanced nutrition and can be served as a complete meal.

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 Love Made Fresh Small Breed Adult Beef Meatball Recipe Wet Dog Food.

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

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KibbleLab food report
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8.0 /10 Grade A
Love Made Fresh Small Breed Adult Beef Meatball Recipe Wet Dog Food
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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.