Review | Blue Buffalo Health Bars

Andy's enjoyed Blue Buffalo's Health Bars ever since he was a wee pup. As I was shopping for supplies before we picked Andy up from the humane society I knew I wanted to get a treat of some sort that we could give him any time we left him alone in the loft. I figured if we could get Andy to associate our leaving him by himself with a positive experience (i.e. a special treat) we could help him work through any separation anxiety he might have. A little positive reinforcement can go a long way! Blue Buffalo Health Bars, or "Goodbye Cookies" as their known in our household, have been a staple ever since. I love that they don't contain fillers like corn and wheat, that they're full of whole grains and vegetables, are fortified with Omega 3 fatty acids, and are all natural (i.e. they contain no artificial colors or preservatives). Andy loves their generous size and crunch!   

These treats aren't the cheapest but they do go on sale at our local big-box pet supply retailers fairly regularly. A 16-ounce bag tends to last us around 3 weeks because we only dole the health bars out exclusively when Andy is left in the loft by himself. The resealable zipper-top bag the treats come in are a big plus - it helps keep the treats fresh and crunchy. Blue Buffalo Health Bars come in a variety of flavors: Pumpkin & Cinnamon, Banana & Yogurt, and Apple & Yogurt, Fish & Sweet Potato, Chicken Liver, and Bacon, Eggs & Cheese. I only purchase the fruity flavors - Pumpkin, Banana, and Apple. I'm not sure why that is, other than the fact that those are the flavors I would want to eat if I were a dog. The Pumpkin & Cinnamon bars are especially yummy smelling! I'm guessing Andy would prefer the protein flavored treats...but he's not paying for them...so too bad!    

Blue Buffalo Health Bars (Assorted Flavors)
Available at Petco, PetSmart, and other retailers

16 Ounces | $6.99+

Ingredients for Pumpkin & Cinnamon Flavor

Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Ground Whole Oats, Pumpkin, Cinnamon, Flaxseed (natural source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Cane Molasses, Carrots, Canola Oil (naturally preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a natural source of Vitamin E), Calcium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Salt, Calcium Carbonate.

Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min.) 12.0%, Crude Fat (min.) 5.0%, Crude Fiber (max.) 6.5%, Moisture (max.) 11.0%, *Omega 3 fatty acids (min.) 0.6%. *Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Nutrients Profile. Calorie content: 2,980 kcal/kg. One biscuit = 41 kcal.