Nourishing Canine Health Exploring the Benefits of Hill s Science Diet Dog Food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food

INGREDIENTS:Pollock Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Starch, Chicken Fat, Pea Protein, Soybean Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor, Corn Gluten Meal, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Fish Flavor, Choline Chloride, Flaxseed, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Iodized Salt, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Oat Fiber, Natural Flavors, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas.

Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Dog Food Review (Canned)

Home Reviews Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Dog Food Review (Canned)

Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Dog Food Review (Canned)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 22, 2024

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Which Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Dog Food receives the Advisors mid-tier rating of 3 stars.

The Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine product line includes the 4 canned dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Hills Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Chicken broth, chicken, pork liver, carrots, rice, green peas, rice starch, spinach, chicken liver flavor, soybean oil, flaxseed, potassium alginate, powdered cellulose, wheat gluten, calcium chloride, guar gum, dicalcium phosphate, calcium lactate, calcium gluconate, sodium tripolyphosphate, fish oil, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, biotin, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, folic acid), choline chloride, l-lysine, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, calcium iodate), beta-carotene

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.3%

Red denotes any controversial items

Guaranteed Analysis	27%	20%	NA
Dry Matter Basis	27%	20%	45%
Calorie Weighted Basis	23%	40%	37%

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken broth. Broths are of only modest nutritional value. Yet because they add both flavor and moisture to a dog food, they are a common addition component in many canned products.

The second ingredient is chicken. Chicken is considered the clean combination of flesh and skin derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken.¹

Chicken is naturally rich in the ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The third ingredient is pork liver, an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.

The fourth ingredient lists carrots. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.

The fifth ingredient is rice. Is this whole grain rice, brown rice or white rice? Since the word rice doesnt tell us much, its impossible to judge the quality of this item.

The sixth ingredient includes peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The seventh ingredient is rice starch, a starchy powder extracted from rice and most likely used here as a thickening agent.

The eighth ingredient is spinach. Due to its exceptional vitamin and mineral content, spinach exhibits a remarkably high nutrient Completeness Score² of 91.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Science Diet product.

With 6 notable exceptions

First, we find wheat gluten. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once wheat has had most of its starchy carbohydrate washed out of it.

Although wheat gluten contains 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Next, flaxseed is one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

In addition, soybean oil is red flagged here only due to its rumored (yet unlikely) link to canine food allergies.

However, since soybean oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and contains no omega-3s, its considered less nutritious than flaxseed oil or a named animal fat.

Next, we note the use of powdered cellulose, a non-digestible plant fiber usually made from the by-products of vegetable processing. Except for the usual benefits of fiber, powdered cellulose provides no nutritional value to a dog.

We also note this food contains fish oil. Fish oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.

Depending on its level of freshness and purity, fish oil should be considered a commendable addition.

And lastly, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Dog Food looks like an average wet product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 27%, a fat level of 20% and estimated carbohydrates of about 45%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 25% and a mean fat level of 17%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 50% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 69%.

Which means this Science Diet product line contains

Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical canned dog food.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas, wheat gluten and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a canned product containing only a modest amount of meat.

Our Rating of Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Dog Food

Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine is a grain-inclusive canned dog food using a modest amount of named meats as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 3 stars.

Recommended.

Hills Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Hills through April.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

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More Hills Science Diet Brand Reviews

The following Hills Science Diet dog food reviews are also posted on this website:

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Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe dog food

INGREDIENTS:Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Chicken Fat, Brewers Rice, Chicken Liver Flavor, Chicken Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Pork Flavor, Lactic Acid, Calcium Carbonate, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Oat Fiber, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Light dog food

INGREDIENTS:Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Lactic Acid, Pork Flavor, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Oat Fiber, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, L-Carnitine, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas.

Hills Science Diet Adult Dog Food Review (Canned)

Home Reviews Hills Science Diet Adult Dog Food Review (Canned)

Hills Science Diet Adult Dog Food Review (Canned)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 22, 2024

DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how

All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.

Which Hills Science Diet Adult Wet Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

Hills Science Diet Adult wet dog food receives the Advisors mid-tier rating of 3.5 stars.

The Hills Science Diet Adult product line includes the 15 moist dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Hills Science Diet Adult Savory Stew with Beef and Vegetables was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Stew with Beef and Vegetables

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Water, beef, pork liver, brown rice, carrots, modified rice starch, wheat flour, dried beet pulp, potato starch, dextrose, chicken fat, egg whites, potatoes, green peas, spinach, hydrolyzed chicken flavor, calcium carbonate, pork plasma, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, flaxseed, soybean oil, caramel color, guar gum, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper proteinate, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide), sodium pyrophosphate, disodium phosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, choline chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, biotin, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, folic acid), l-lysine, magnesium oxide, taurine

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 2.3%

Red denotes any controversial items

Guaranteed Analysis	26%	20%	NA
Dry Matter Basis	26%	20%	46%
Calorie Weighted Basis	22%	40%	38%

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is water, which adds nothing but moisture to this food. Water is a routine finding in most canned dog foods.

The second ingredient is beef. Beef is defined as the clean flesh derived from slaughtered cattle and includes skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus.¹

Beef is naturally rich in all ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The third ingredient is pork liver. This is an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.

The fourth ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fifth ingredient includes carrots. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.

The sixth ingredient is rice starch, a starchy powder extracted from rice and most likely used here as a thickening agent.

The seventh ingredient is wheat flour, a highly-refined product of wheat milling. Like corn, wheat is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

For this reason, we do not consider wheat a preferred component in any dog food.

The eighth ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Hills product.

With 8 notable exceptions

First, we find dextrose, a crystallized form of glucose with a flavor significantly sweeter than common table sugar. It is typically used in pet food as a sweetener and as an agent to help develop browning.

Without knowing a healthy reason for its inclusion here, dextrose (like most sugars) can be considered a nutritionally unnecessary addition to this recipe.

Next, peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

In addition, flaxseed is one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Next, soybean oil is red flagged here only due to its rumored (yet unlikely) link to canine food allergies.

However, since soybean oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and contains no omega-3s, its considered less nutritious than flaxseed oil or a named animal fat.

We also note the inclusion of sodium hexametaphosphate, a man-made industrial polymer with no known nutritive value.

HMP is used in making soap, detergents, water treatment, metal finishing and most likely here to decrease tartar build-up on the teeth.

Although some might disagree, were of the opinion that food is not the place for tartar control chemicals or any other non-nutritive substances.

Next, caramel is a natural coloring agent made by caramelizing carbohydrates. Its used by pet food manufacturers to impart a golden brown tint to the finished product.

However, the concentrated version of this ingredient commonly known as caramel coloring has been more recently considered controversial and found to cause cancer in laboratory animals.²

In any case, even though caramel is considered safe by the FDA, were always disappointed to find any added coloring in a pet food.

Also worth mentioning is the inclusion of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

And lastly, with the exception of copper, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Hills Science Diet Adult looks like a below-average wet product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 26%, a fat level of 20% and estimated carbohydrates of about 46%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 26% and a mean fat level of 18%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 48% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.

Which means this Science Diet product line contains

Near-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical wet dog food.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas and flaxseed in this recipe and the corn gluten and soybean meals and pea protein contained in some others, this looks like the profile of a wet product containing just a moderate amount of meat.

Additionally, with 40% of the total calories in our example coming from fat versus just 22% from protein, some recipes may not be suitable for animals on a low fat diet.

Our Rating of Hills Science Diet Adult Dog Food

Hills Science Diet Adult is a grain-inclusive wet dog food using a moderate amount of named meats and named by-products as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 3.5 stars.

Recommended.