The Science of Happiness How Hill s Science Diet Dog Food Nurtures Well Being

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Hills Science Diet Dog Food Review

Is Hill's Science Diet a good dog food?

In this review The Dog Food Advisor takes an in-depth look at Hills Science Diet and rates each of its 6 most important sub-brands.

And well also reveal:

Is Hills Science Diet made in the United States?
Has Science Diet been recalled?
Which flavors and recipes get our top ratings?

But first

Which Hills Science Diet sub-brand is right for you?

Science Diet offers 6 popular sub-brands. Well share what makes each one different. So, you can choose the option that best meets your dogs needs.

Science Diets most popular dry kibble. Each recipe is made with grain and optimized specifically for adult nutrition.

11 recipes just for small dogs
8 options for large breeds
4 recipes for sensitive stomach and skin
Not recommended for puppies
26 recipes (ratings vary)

View all Recipe Ratings

This sub-brand includes Hills best-selling dry and fully balanced puppy recipes.

Healthy grain-inclusive formula
2 large breed puppy foods. Lower risk of hip disease
6 recipes (ratings vary)

View all Recipe Ratings

This sub-brand offers Science Diets leading canned food thats optimized for puppies.

Fully balanced, protein-rich blend
Not suitable for large breed puppies
4 recipes (ratings vary)

View all Recipe Ratings

Hills Adult Plus dry formulas are made with grain. Each recipe is specifically optimized for senior dogs.

5 recipes designed for small breed seniors
2 formulas for large breed seniors
11 dry recipes (ratings vary)

View all Recipe Ratings

Hills Adult Wet formulas are ideal for dogs considered fully grown. They are not suitable for puppies.

3 recipes for sensitive stomach and skin
Not for puppies of any breed
15 recipes (ratings vary)

View all Recipe Ratings

As you can tell by its name, this Science Diet dry sub-brand is designed for dogs who need to lose weight. Recipes are all grain-inclusive.

Reduced caloric-density for controlled weight loss
Contains L-carnitine to promote steady weight loss
4 recipes (ratings vary)

View all Recipe Ratings

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

Hills Science Diet Adult Dog Food receives the Advisors mid-tier rating of 3.5 stars.

The Hills Science Diet Adult product line includes the 26 dry dog foods listed below.

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

Recipe and Label Analysis

Hills Science Diet Adult Small Paws Chicken Meal and Rice was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The second ingredient is brewers rice. Brewers rice is a cereal grain by-product consisting of the small fragments left over after milling whole rice. Aside from the caloric energy it contains, this item is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The third ingredient is wheat. Like corn, wheat is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

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

The next ingredient is soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production more commonly found in farm animal feeds.

Although soybean meal contains 48% 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.

The fifth item is sorghum. Sorghum (milo) is a starchy cereal grain with a nutrient profile similar to corn.

Since it is gluten-free and boasts a smoother blood sugar behavior than other grains, sorghum may be considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.

The sixth ingredient is chicken fat. This item is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The seventh ingredient is barley, which is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The next item is corn. Corn is another cereal grain and subject to the same issues as wheat (previously discussed).

After the chicken and pork liver flavors, we find flaxseed, 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.

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, 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 find 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.

In addition, we note the use 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.

This recipe also contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

We also find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.

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 Adult looks like an average dry kibble.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 25%, a fat level of 16% and estimated carbohydrates of about 51%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 24% and a mean fat level of 15%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 53% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.

Which means this Science Diet product line contains

Below-average protein. Near-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the soybean meal, flaxseed and peas in this recipe, and the corn gluten meal contained in other recipes, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing just a moderate amount of meat.

Hill's Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Hill's through April 2024.

No recalls noted.

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

Our Rating of Hill's Science Dog Food

Hills Science Diet Adult is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a moderate amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 3.5 stars.

Recommended with Reservations

Who owns Hill's Science Diet and where is it made?

Hills Pet Nutrition is owned by the Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Hills Science Diet products are made in the United States. The company operates major facilities in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Topeka and Emporia, Kansas, Richmond, Indiana as well as the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.

What Do Others Say About Hill's Science Dog Food?

At the time of this update

Chewy customers rate Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed 4.6 out of 5 stars and 94% say they would recommend it to others.

Heres an actual user review

Sample buyer review Ive tried 2 other brands for our German Shepherd and after 10 months her bathroom business continued to be a mess. So since she was almost a year old I switched her to the Hills Diet. After a couple weeks her poop was noticeably more solid so that we could easily pick it up on walks and in the yard. I think thats a great barometer to see if her body works well with this food and it does!
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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.

Why Science Matters in Your Dog's Food

Healthy pets lead to happy pets. If you've ever wondered just what is in dog food, you're likely to pick the highest quality food for your four-legged friend, which is essential to many long, memorable years of companionship.

Just like with humans, meals that include balanced amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats, oils, along with essential minerals and vitamins are key to a dog's long-term health. But unlike their human owners, dogs can't choose from an array of fruits, vegetables, meats and grains every day. Instead, dogs typically eat the same food at each meal, which is why picking a food that uses scientific research to formulate a precise balance of nutrients is important. It's also important to realize those needs change depending on your pet's life stage, size or special needs.

Serving Your Dog's Needs

Since no two dogs are exactly alike, it's important to feed your pup a food specially formulated for him and his needs. For instance, a puppy needs food that is more calorie-dense and higher in protein and fats than food for adult and senior dogs. With how fast their bodies are growing, they require high-calorie nutrition with balanced ingredients.

A large dog is more likely to develop arthritis than a smaller breed of dog. So adding ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, both of which promote joint health, to a food like

Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog Food, help address his needs as a larger dog that is more susceptible to mobility issues as he ages.

Dogs with certain special needs, like sensitive skin, may be able to find some relief by visiting their veterinarian and switching to certain therapeutic dog foods that are specifically designed to alleviate skin irritations through a blend of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, vitamin E and other nutrients. These all work together to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat. Be sure to ask your vet if a therapeutic dog food is right for your dog if he suffers from a range of health conditions including weight, sensitivity, mobility and certain diseases. You can learn more about Hill's Prescription Diet products here.

Creating the Perfect Formula

So, how do companies decide what is in dog food? Quality dog food companies rely on evidence-based scientific research when it comes to developing foods with the right nutrition for your dog. Top-quality ingredients are an important part of the equation, but so is the proper balance of nutrients supplied by those ingredients. Hill's relies on more than 200 veterinarians, nutritionists and food scientists to develop products that meet a dog's nutritional needs, whatever his life stage, size or special needs. Every Hill's food goes through rigorous research, testing, and quality and safety standards before it ever hits the store shelves.

As a dog owner, you may have never considered the taste, size or texture of your dog's food, but all these factorsand moreare key to researchers as they look for ways to improve food to meet nutritional standards appropriate to a dog's health history and age. The pet food studies look at specifics like:

High quality ingredients: You might notice the list of ingredients can be similar to what's in your pantry: salmon, chicken, whole grain wheat, apples, broccoli and green peas, just to start. Companies that are interested in providing top quality dog food look for quality ingredientsmany of which are familiar to youto formulate dog food. In addition, quality dog food companies accept only ingredients from suppliers whose facilities meet stringent quality standards. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you are wary of any ingredients that you might be feeding your pup, as they will be able to provide you with the best decision on feeding your pup. Don't automatically dismiss certain foods because of ingredients that you've heard aren't good for dogs. A lot of people think that grain is bad for dogs and is often used as a lower quality filler protein, but in actuality it is a great source of carbohydrates that can give your dog the energy he needs to play and exercise, as well as helping balance out the amino acids profile of his meal.
Nutrition: Is the food formulated correctly for a dog's needs? Minerals, for instance, are essential to dogs. Minerals work to form bone and cartilage, control nerve and muscle function, produce hormones, regulate fluid balance, and transport oxygen in the bloodstreamall important jobs! But too much of a mineral may cause catastrophic problems in a dog. Calcium, for instance, is vital to a dog's nutrition to strengthen bones and help them grow properly. But too much calcium, especially in younger, large-breed dogs, may lead to abnormal growth and development. A proper balance of ingredients is vital to your dog's overall health, similar to proper portion control of certain foods is important to your own.
Taste: Just like humans, a dog's sense of taste depends upon his taste buds. But dogs only have one-sixth of the number of taste buds as humans. A dog's nose, however, is much better than his human owner's. That's why the way something smells is much more important to a dog than how it tastes. That being said, a dog may turn up his nose at a food that doesn't smell good to him. Some dogs can be finicky eaters. Researchers and nutritionists try to develop a food that appeals to a wide variety of dogs.
Size: How much pressure does it take for a dog to crush a kibble? Is the kibble density appropriate for each life stage? You don't want a senior dog with worn and loosened teeth, for instance, chewing on the same formula as a young dog with puppy-sharp teeth. The overall size of the kibble is important too as smaller dogs will struggle to chew on to large of pieces of kibble, and larger dogs may end up swallowing small kibble without chewing. You can often find kibble formulated specifically for your size of dog to ensure it meets his needs.
Texture: Since you're not eating it, you might not realize how much texture matters to a dog. But think about how important the texture of a food is when you eat it. Perhaps you like your noodles al dente, not squishy. Or maybe you avoid eating peaches because of the texture of their fuzzy skin. The texture of dog food can be especially important if the dog is a picky eater. Researchers look at the hardness, smoothness, cohesiveness, and elasticity of a foodall of which may make a difference in a dog's decision to eat.
Digestion: Dogs have to be able to digest the food properly in order to receive the necessary nutrients. But owners also don't want dogs reacting badly to the food, like getting an upset stomach. A food that is easy for a dog to digest is essential for his comfort and health.

You should understand the vital role nutrition plays for your dog, because the food you choose can transform your pet's life and give you a chance at many years of happiness together. Just like you want to eat delicious food that keeps you healthy, you should be purchasing dog food that keeps your pup happy and feeling his best. Dog food manufacturers that put time, scientific research and testing, and passion into their product are the ones that you should be looking for. If they are willing to take the amount of time and effort into making their food it shows that they care about what they do, and that they want to ensure the best dog food for your dog.