The Science of Quality Understanding Hill s Science Diet Dog Food Standards

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.

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.

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:

1. Is Hills Science Diet made in the United States?
2. Has Science Diet been recalled?
3. 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

10 Dog Food Brands Meeting AAFCO Standards

Welcome to our in-depth exploration of dog food brands that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. As a pet owner, you want the best for your furry friend, and understanding these standards is key to ensuring their health and happiness.

What Does AAFCO Approval Mean for Your Dog?

AAFCO sets nutritional standards for pet food, ensuring that products are safe and healthy for our pets. While AAFCO doesnt directly approve dog food, brands that align with their guidelines are generally considered to provide balanced and complete nutrition.

The Elite 10: AAFCO-Aligned Dog Food Brands

Heres a quick glance at the top 10 dog food brands that align with AAFCO standards:

What Sets Them Apart?

Purina Pro Plan: Known for its science-backed approach, Purina Pro Plan offers a range of formulas catering to different dietary needs and life stages.

Royal Canin: Specializing in breed-specific formulas, Royal Canin focuses on tailored nutrition for your dogs unique requirements.

Hills Science Diet: Often recommended by veterinarians, this brand is praised for its clinically proven results in improving pet health.

Blue Buffalo: Emphasizing natural ingredients, Blue Buffalo is a go-to for pet owners seeking holistic nutrition.

Iams: Iams proactive health formulas are designed to address specific health needs, from digestive care to weight management.

Eukanuba: Ideal for active and working dogs, Eukanuba offers nutrition that supports high-performance lifestyles.

Nutro: With its clean recipes, Nutro is committed to simple, wholesome ingredients for your dogs well-being.

Wellness: Focused on whole-body health, Wellness provides balanced nutrition with a focus on quality ingredients.

Orijen: Orijens biologically appropriate diets aim to mirror the natural diet of dogs in the wild.

Acana: Known for using fresh, regional ingredients, Acana offers a variety of protein-rich formulas.

Key Takeaways for Pet Owners

Nutritional Alignment: Choosing a brand that aligns with AAFCO standards is crucial for your dogs overall health.

Brand Specialties: Each brand has its unique focus from breed-specific formulas to natural ingredients.

Consult Your Vet: Always consult with your veterinarian when choosing a dog food, especially if your pet has specific health needs.

Conclusion: Feeding Your Dog with Confidence

Selecting the right dog food is a significant decision for any pet owner. By choosing a brand that aligns with AAFCO standards, youre taking a big step towards ensuring your dogs health and happiness.

FAQs: AAFCO Standards and Dog Food Choices

Q1: How do dog food brands demonstrate compliance with AAFCO standards?

Answer: Brands typically comply with AAFCO standards in two ways: through formulation or feeding trials. Formulation compliance means the dog food contains ingredients that meet the minimum nutritional levels set by AAFCO. Feeding trials involve testing the food with dogs to ensure it meets nutritional requirements for health and vitality. This dual approach allows brands to cater to a range of dietary needs while adhering to established nutritional guidelines.

Q2: Can a dog food be AAFCO compliant but still not suitable for every dog?

Answer: Absolutely. While AAFCO compliance ensures a baseline of nutritional adequacy, individual dogs have unique needs based on factors like age, breed, health status, and activity level. For instance, a high-energy breed may require food with higher calorie content, while an older dog might benefit from a diet with joint-supporting supplements. Its always advisable to consult a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your specific dog.

Q3: Are there significant differences between AAFCO-compliant foods and those that are not?

Answer: Yes, there can be significant differences. Foods that comply with AAFCO standards are guaranteed to meet minimum nutritional requirements for dogs, which is crucial for their overall health and development. Non-compliant foods might lack essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies or health issues over time. However, its important to note that compliance alone doesnt make a dog food superior; the quality of ingredients and the specific needs of the dog also play vital roles.

Q4: How often does AAFCO update its nutritional standards, and why is this important?

Answer: AAFCO updates its nutritional standards periodically in response to new scientific research and changes in veterinary nutritional understanding. These updates are important because they ensure that the standards reflect current knowledge about dog nutrition, helping pet owners make informed choices about their pets diets.

Q5: Is grain-free dog food better for dogs, and does AAFCO have a stance on this?

Answer: The debate over grain-free dog food is complex. While some dogs may benefit from a grain-free diet, especially those with specific allergies or sensitivities, its not inherently superior for all dogs. AAFCO does not specifically endorse or advise against grain-free diets. Instead, their standards focus on the overall nutritional adequacy of the food, regardless of whether it contains grains. Its essential to choose a diet based on your dogs individual health needs and consult with a veterinarian.

Q6: What should I look for in an AAFCO statement on dog food packaging?

Answer: An AAFCO statement on dog food packaging typically indicates whether the food is formulated to meet or has been tested in feeding trials to meet AAFCOs nutritional profiles. It should also specify which life stage the food is suitable for, such as growth (puppy), maintenance (adult), all life stages, or specific needs like pregnancy and lactation. This information helps you choose a product thats appropriate for your dogs specific life stage and lifestyle.

Q7: Are there any common misconceptions about AAFCO standards and dog food labels?

Answer: A common misconception is that AAFCO directly approves or certifies specific dog food products. In reality, AAFCO sets nutritional standards and guidelines, but it does not approve, certify, or test individual products. Another misconception is that a food meeting AAFCO standards is automatically the best choice for all dogs. While these foods meet minimum nutritional requirements, they may not be ideal for every dogs unique needs.

Q8: How can I ensure my dogs diet is balanced and nutritious beyond AAFCO standards?

Answer: To ensure a balanced and nutritious diet for your dog, consider the following steps:

Consult a Veterinarian: Get professional advice tailored to your dogs health, age, breed, and activity level.

Quality of Ingredients: Look for foods with high-quality ingredients and avoid those with unnecessary fillers or artificial additives.

Variety and Moderation: Incorporate a variety of foods into your dogs diet to provide a range of nutrients, but do so in moderation to avoid digestive upset.

Monitor Health Changes: Pay attention to your dogs energy levels, coat health, weight, and overall well-being, adjusting their diet as needed.

Q9: Can a dog with specific health issues still find suitable options within AAFCO-compliant foods?

Answer: Yes, many AAFCO-compliant foods are formulated to address specific health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, kidney problems, or food sensitivities. Its crucial to work with a veterinarian to choose a diet that not only meets AAFCO standards but also addresses your dogs specific health concerns.

Q10: What role do pet owners play in ensuring their dogs diets meet AAFCO standards?

Answer: Pet owners play a vital role in ensuring their dogs diets meet AAFCO standards. This involves:

Educating Themselves: Understanding what AAFCO standards entail and how they impact dog nutrition.

Reading Labels Carefully: Checking dog food labels for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement.

Staying Informed: Keeping up-to-date with the latest in dog nutrition and AAFCO updates.

Seeking Professional Advice: Regularly consulting with veterinarians about their dogs dietary needs.

Q11: How does AAFCO determine the nutritional adequacy for different dog breeds and sizes?

Answer: AAFCOs nutritional standards are designed to be broadly applicable across various breeds and sizes of dogs. These standards are based on general nutritional requirements for dogs as a species. However, they do not specifically tailor to every breed or size. This is why some dog food brands develop breed-specific formulas, taking into account the unique nutritional needs of different breeds. For individualized nutrition, consulting a veterinarian who can consider a dogs specific breed, size, age, and health condition is always recommended.

Q12: Are there any specific ingredients that AAFCO recommends avoiding in dog food?

Answer: AAFCO itself does not recommend avoiding specific ingredients in dog food. Instead, it focuses on ensuring that the overall composition of the pet food meets the required nutritional levels for dogs. However, its important for pet owners to be aware of their dogs specific sensitivities or allergies and avoid ingredients that may trigger these. Ingredients like certain grains, fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives might be problematic for some dogs. Always consult with a veterinarian for advice tailored to your dogs health needs.

Q13: How do AAFCO standards address the needs of dogs with special dietary requirements, such as senior dogs or puppies?

Answer: AAFCO provides nutritional profiles for different life stages of dogs, including growth (puppies), maintenance (adult dogs), and gestation/lactation. These profiles ensure that dog food formulated for a specific life stage meets the unique nutritional requirements of that stage. For instance, puppy food is richer in calories and nutrients necessary for growth, while senior dog food may have lower calorie content and supplements to support joint health. However, AAFCO does not have a specific profile for senior dogs, so its crucial to consult a veterinarian for guidance on feeding older dogs.

Q14: In the context of AAFCO standards, what does complete and balanced dog food mean?

Answer: The term complete and balanced on dog food packaging indicates that the food provides all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions to meet the normal daily nutritional needs of dogs, as established by AAFCOs nutrient profiles. This means the food alone is sufficient to maintain the dogs health without the need for additional nutrient supplements, assuming the dog is healthy and has typical nutritional requirements.

Q15: How can pet owners verify the accuracy of AAFCO statements on dog food labels?

Answer: To verify the accuracy of AAFCO statements on dog food labels, pet owners can:

Research the Brand: Look into the brands reputation and its commitment to quality and nutritional standards.

Consult with a Veterinarian: Veterinarians can provide insights into whether a brand generally meets the standards it claims.

Check for Third-Party Certifications: Some brands may have additional certifications from third-party organizations, which can add an extra layer of trust.

Contact the Manufacturer: For specific queries or doubts, contacting the dog food manufacturer directly can provide clarity on their compliance with AAFCO standards.

Q16: Does AAFCO take into account the latest scientific research in dog nutrition when setting its standards?

Answer: Yes, AAFCO regularly reviews and updates its nutritional standards based on the latest scientific research and recommendations from veterinary nutritionists. This ongoing process ensures that the standards remain relevant and reflect current knowledge and understanding of dog nutrition.

Q17: How do AAFCO standards compare to international pet food standards?

Answer: AAFCO standards are specific to the United States and are among the most widely recognized in the pet food industry. Internationally, there are other organizations and regulatory bodies, such as the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) in Europe, which have their own standards. While there are similarities in the core nutritional requirements, there may be differences in certain regulations, ingredient allowances, and labeling requirements. Global brands often formulate their products to meet multiple standards to cater to different markets.

Q18: Can a dog food label claim to be AAFCO approved or AAFCO certified?

Answer: No, dog food labels cannot claim to be AAFCO approved or AAFCO certified because AAFCO does not approve, certify, or endorse individual pet food products. The correct terminology that should be used on labels is that the product is formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles or that it has been tested in feeding trials according to AAFCO procedures. This distinction is important to understand the role of AAFCO in pet food regulation.

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