The Science Behind Hill s Dog Food A Comprehensive Review

Hills Science Diet Dog Food Review

Hills Science Diet Dog Food Review

Toothpaste/Shampoo conglomerate Colgate-Palmolive make hundreds of millions of dollars selling Hills Science Diet dog foods made largely of rice and corn. Branding these ingredients with the word Science doesnt necessarily mean theyre right for your dog, it means theyre scientifically formulated (cunningly within guidelines) to a product with the highest profit margin possible. Its a winning formula from a company whos done incredibly well with products we use every day.

Our previous review was negative, so for this revised edition well focus on a formula aimed at healthy, active adult dogs Hills Science Diet Active Adult. Consider this the best of the bunch, so if this doesnt stack up, the other Science Diet dog food formulas probably wont either.

An insight into vet recommended diets

Brands such as Hills and Royal Canin are trusted worldwide, especially as theyre often heavily endorsed by vets. There are a number of reasons for this, but theyre not necessarily anything to do with the nutritional aspects of the product itself. If youre interested in the very clever marketing machine which drives these products then read this post about why vets recommended Hills Science & Prescription Diet.

Hills Science Diet Dog Food Review

The first ingredient in Hills Prescription Diet Active Adult, a product designed to feed an animal which is essentially carnivorous, is [drum roll] corn

This is very disappointing, and an immediate insight into how the company makes so much money. Corn is one of the cheapest inclusions we can find in a pet food, and a very cheap way to boost protein levels in the food without using meat. Pet food ingredients are listed in order of percentage, which assures us corn is more significant than any other ingredient, perhaps by a large margin.

The fourth ingredient, surprise surprise, is also corn, labelled in this instance as corn gluten meal (or CGM). The 5th ingredient (Beet Pulp) wont amount to much of the food, which suggests the first four ingredients are the majority of the product. The corn is potentially 50% of the food, but very likely much more. The food boasts a high protein, and corn happens to be high protein, just not in a form as easily digested by your dog than protein from meat.

The 2nd and 3rd ingredients are more species appropriate, a combination of chicken by-product meal and pork fat. These are better inclusions which make Hills Science Diet Active Adult ever so slightly better than other formulas in the range. Sadly its still very lacklustre.

Moving on from the four main ingredients we find a long list of vitamins, minerals, oils, preservatives, et al. Dog foods need to meet minimum nutrition guidelines (usually based on AAFCO standards). On many pet foods you find vitamins and minerals listed, usually in the form of a pack/powder sourced overseas. With Hills Science Diet you can expect better inclusions which have been hand picked to work with the formula, so thats a small plus point.

Its hard to understand from looking at the ingredients, which to iterate are largely corn, why Hills Science Diet has such a glowing reputation. Fortunately for them not many people read the ingredients, and even those who do often fail to understand what they really mean. A dog, whether you class them as carnivore or omnivore, have a dental structure and digestive system geared towards digestion of meat and animal products. This is the reason your dog, like their wolf ancestors, will choose meat if you offer them a choice of meat or corn.

Overall this is one of the better Hills Science Diet formulas, but we cant ignore the significant amount of corn. Many other Hills formulas use wheat and rice to keep production costs down, both of which are arguably worse. If you choose to feed a Hills Science Diet or Prescription Diet product then make sure you assess the ingredients and decide for yourself if its right for your dog.

If you still decide to feed Hills Science Diet or Prescription Diet, youll find their wet food offerings more species appropriate.

We hope our Hills Science Diet dog food review has been enlightening. If it has, please help us by sharing it with others. If you want to know more about why Hills and Royal Canin are so heavily endorsed by vets, then read this article.

Where to Buy Hills Science Diet

Hills Science Diet Dog Food Ingredients (Active Adult)

The ingredients of Hills Science Diet Active Adult dry dog food (as of July 2021) are as follows:

Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Pork Fat, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Lactic Acid, Flaxseed, Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, 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), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.

Hills Science Diet Dog Food Guaranteed Analysis (Active Adult)

The guaranteed analysis of Black Hawk Working Dog Beef & Lamb dry dog food (as of July 2021) are as follows:

Hills Science Diet Recalls

As a major worldwide brand we can expect numerous recalls, and in perspective the standard of Hills products is generally good. They have, however, had some major recalls, the latest being as recent as January 2019 when Hills issued a massive worldwide recall of various varieties of canned foods due to toxic levels of vitamin D. The recall was issued for 22 million cans covering both Hills Science Diet and Hills Prescription Diet wet food products, with numerous alleged reported deaths.

Hills were one of the many affected manufacturers who fell victim to the pet food recalls of 2007 which led to numerous pet deaths from vegetable proteins imported from China contaminated with melamine.

PROS

• High protein (but substantially from corn rather than meat).
• High animal fat.
• Manufacturing standards should be higher.

CONS

• Heavy use of corn rather than meat.

Hills Science Diet Dog Food Review 2024: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Hills Science Diet Dog Food a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.

Most people are somewhat familiar with Hills Science Diet dog food, which has been around since the 1930s. Thats when Morris Franka man promoting the concept of using dogs to enable the blindmet Dr. Mark Morris, Sr.

Franks dog was suffering from kidney failure, and Frank was desperate for a way to save him. Dr. Morris discovered that the issue was a lack of proper nutrition and that the fix was a dog food he and his wife created in their kitchen. This dog food led Franks dog to recovery, and thats when Dr. Morris realized that the idea of how nutrition affects health issues in dogs was one to explore further. So, in 1948, he decided to partner with Burton Hill to mass-market the dog food recipe he created for Franks dog.

In 1976, the Colgate-Palmolive Company (which you are also likely familiar with) purchased the company but carried on the tradition of nutritious dog food for pups with health issues. Each recipe is created with the help of nutritionists, vets, and scientists to ensure the best quality possible. Although Hills benefits dogs with specific health issues, the brand has a few downsides.

At a Glance: The Best Hills Science Diet Dog Food Recipes:

Hills Science Diet Dog Food Reviewed

Hills Science Diet dog food has been around for a bit, so youre probably familiar with the brand (or have at least heard of it). Its always a good idea to learn more about a formula before buying it. Hills focuses on making dog food recipes according to common health issues dogs face, so while it may be suitable for most dogs, it may not be ideal for every dog.

Also, several of Hills formulas contain peas and legumes (which have been linked to heart disease in dogs) and grains that dont necessarily add a lot of fiber.

Who Makes Hills Science Diet, and Where Is It Produced?

Hills Science Diet is made in Topeka, Kansas. They have a food processing plant, animal hospital, and nutrition center where they test and study how their food affects dogs. Their Global Pet Nutrition Center employs around 200 scientists who research the best foods for dogs dietary needs.

Which Type of Dog Is Hills Science Diet Best Suited For?

Hills is suitable for pretty much any dog. They make food for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, and for all breeds. Their recipes are particularly good for dogs with health issues, and they carry a range of recipes meant to help with common health problems such as obesity, joint issues, food sensitivities, digestive issues, and more.

Which Type of Dog Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

While most dogs should do well on Hills, those that are overweight might do better with a different brand, if only because many Hills recipes contain grains, which can equal extra calories. If thats your pup, they might do better with food such as Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food, which is grain-free.

Dogs that dont have health issues that need to be addressed might do well with healthier regular dog food, such as the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

Knowing whats going into your pets food is vital, as some companies use less than stellar ingredients, so heres a look at the good and bad of Hills Science Diet dog food.

Proteins

Most Hills Science Diet dog food recipes use real meat as the first ingredient, which means your pup is getting an excellent source of protein. Thats always a plus! However, dogs with food sensitivities may have problems eating formulas with common protein sources such as chicken. Several of Hills recipes for dogs with sensitivities contain chicken. There are a handful of other options, such as turkey and lamb, to choose from.

While most of Hills recipes list meat as the first ingredient, a few list meat meal (such as lamb meal) as the first ingredient instead. Meat meal is also a good protein source for your dog, but some dog owners prefer recipes with whole meats.

Peas & Legumes

A downside to Hills Science Diet dog food is that many recipes contain ingredients such as yellow peas, pea fiber, soybean meal, and other legumes. Peas and legumes have been linked to heart disease in dogs. More research is needed to determine how large of a link it is, but you should be aware of it when purchasing food for your pet.

Grains

After the main ingredient of meat or meat meal, grains are the most common ingredients in Hills recipes. However, they arent necessarily the best grains that provide fiber. While several are whole grain ingredients such as whole grain wheat, there are also others such as sorghum and corn gluten meal. While not necessarily harmful, they provide more empty calories than fiber, so these ingredients could be improved. However, many recipes contain dried beet pulp, which will boost the fiber your dog receives.

Targeted Recipes

While targeted recipes for specific health and nutritional issues can be good, if your dog is generally healthy, they may not benefit from these recipes. Pups that dont have specific health issues may find themselves better off with food with better grains and fewer legumes. However, dogs with digestive or urinary issues may benefit from Hills Science Diet dog foods.

A Quick Look at Hills Science Diet Dog Food

Pros

• Good for dogs with specific health issues
• Most recipes use real meat as the first ingredient for quality protein
• Wide range of recipes

Cons

• Contains peas & legumes
• Not the best grains are used
• Healthy or overweight dogs may not fare well on Hills

Recall History

Hills Science Diet dog food has been around for a while, which means it has also had a few recalls in its history.

In March 2007, Hills was part of the melamine scare that caused multiple recalls. Thousands of animals died from eating pet foods containing this chemical found in plastic, but its unknown how many consumed Hills formulas.

The next recall came in June 2014, when 62 bags of Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Recipe were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination (only in Nevada, California, and Hawaii). Though it wasnt a true recall, Hills did do a market withdrawal in 2015, where they pulled a few canned recipes. The reason is unknown, but its thought to have been because of a labeling issue.

Hills Science Diets most recent recall was in 2019. Over 30 canned recipes were recalled due to the massive (and toxic) amounts of vitamin D in them. Hills company blamed the amount of vitamin D on a supplier. Though an exact number is unknown, it is believed that hundreds of pets died due to this, and a lawsuit soon followed.

Reviews of the Best 3 Hills Science Diet Dog Food Recipes

Here, well take a more in-depth look at the three best Hills Science Diet Dog Food recipes.

1. Hills Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

This Hills Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Dry Dog Food is for adult pups who have digestive issues or problems with dry, itchy skin. It promises to deliver easier digestibility for your dog by featuring real chicken as the first ingredient and added fiber from beetroot pulp.Theres also a wealth of omega fatty acids and vitamin E to improve the look and feel of your pets skin and coat.

Yellow peas are listed as the third ingredient, so you should weigh the implications of peas and heart disease when making your decision.

Pros

• Designed for pups with sensitive stomachs and skin
• Real chicken as first ingredient
• Added fiber for digestibility

Cons

• Contains peas
• May not be suitable for dogs without digestive or skin issues

2. Hills Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food

If you have a doggo that needs a little help getting their weight under control, this might be the food for you! Hills designed the Hills Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Dry Dog Food to be lower in calories and higher in protein to help your furry friend stay at a healthy weight while maintaining lean muscle mass.

Real chicken and chicken meal provide the protein boost, while fiber keeps your pup feeling fuller for longer. However, the formula contains pea fiber and green peas, so take that into consideration before purchasing.

Pros

• Should help dogs maintain a healthy weight
• More protein to promote lean muscle mass
• Added fiber

3. Hills Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food

If you have a large dog, the Hills Science Diet Large Breed Chicken & Barley Dry Dog Food could be the perfect fit. As with most of Hills recipes, it features chicken as the main ingredient for a quality protein. It also provides an antioxidant blend proven to support your pets immune system and general health.

Since its designed for large breeds, this large-breed recipe also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support the strength and health of joints and cartilage so your dog can stay mobile for a lifetime. Italso contains green peas, soybean meal, and soybean oil.

Pros

• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
• Antioxidant blend supports the immune system

Cons

• Not suitable for small breeds
• Contains legumes

What Other Users Are Saying

The previous information should help you decide whether Hills Science Diet Dog Food is best for your dog, but nothing beats hearing what other pet parents say. Here are some examples of what people think of Hills Science Diet.

• Chewy: This food has changed my 9-year-old lab back into a puppy. Previously, he was on really cheap food and just moped around and ignored my 5-year-old heeler, but now he plays with her (and they play hard). I cant believe the difference that this food has made, not only in his demeanor but also in his coat, which is so smooth and shiny. I get compliments on how good he looks now, and I cant help but respond with, Thank you. I feed him Hills Science. Its expensive but totally worth it.
• Hills Pet: I have two bulldogs, one with moderate allergies (what we think is environmental after testing). My French bulldog came from a puppy mill, and she had urinary issues (crystals) when she was first adopted. Both girls have to watch their weight as well. This food has helped my Frenchie lose a few pounds and have no further urinary issues. It also has seemed to help with my dogs allergies (which I assume has to do with the high-quality ingredients). We use the chicken flavor. I think this food is an important choice, especially with a breed such as the bulldog, which has the potential for several health problems.
• Amazon: Amazon is always an excellent source of pet owners reviews. You can check out what others think of Hills here.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we give Hills Science Diet dog food four out of five stars for its nutritious formulas, which target dogs with health issues such as joint problems, digestive troubles, and more. However, Hills may not be best for dogs that are already healthy or those that are overweight. Many recipes have nutritious ingredients, such as real meat as the main ingredient, but they also contain peas, legumes, and grains that dont provide much fiber.

We recommend reading reviews from other pet parents to see how their dogs fared on Hills, weighing your decisions carefully, and consulting your veterinarian if your dog has any health conditions before making changes to their diet.