Can any dog eat Hill s Science Diet

5 Things to Know When Feeding Your Dog Hills Prescription Diet

The following article was written in partnership with Hills.

Precisely balanced nutrition is vital to the overall health and development of dogs, no matter their age, size, breed, or health status. At Hills, we know pets with certain health conditions can benefit from the specialized nutritional support that the Prescription Diet portfolio offers.

How Hills Prescription Diet Dog Food Works

The Hills Prescription Diet brand includes foods aimed to help veterinarians manage a range of health conditions for dogs (and cats). Hills Prescription Diet foods have undergone extensive testing to ensure they meet the nutritional requirements for the specific health condition(s) they are recommended for.

Nutrition can play a role in how veterinarians manage certain conditions. Some examples could include:

Your veterinarian plays an important role in recognizing more or less subtle conditions that can benefit from therapeutic nutrition.

Your Vet Can Determine If Your Dog Needs a Hills Prescription Diet

To determine if your pet should eat a Hills Prescription Diet food, your vet will start with a thorough physical exam and ask you questions about your dogs lifestyle and behaviors.

After the exam, they may recommend additional diagnostics (such as blood work, cytology, urinalysis, or diagnostic imaging) to help properly diagnose your pet and rule out other conditions. This will help your vet formulate a comprehensive care plan, including a nutritional recommendation.

In my experience as a practicing veterinarian, the cases where nutrition is most frequently recommended are when the dog has an underlying condition related to any of the following conditions: urinary care, kidney care, skin/allergy care, weight management, and digestive care.

Hills Prescription Diet and Obesity in Dogs

When it comes to weight loss, its important to look at everything the pet is eating during the day. The easiest place to start is cutting out any extra calories like treats and table scraps.

However, most pets that are carrying excess weight do not benefit from caloric restriction from treats alone. In fact, just feeding a pet a smaller amount (or fewer calories) of their normal food is not recommended and may lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Several Hills Prescription Diet foods are specifically formulated to help your pet lose weight. Wherever you see Metabolic or + Metabolic, this means that the food contains our synergistic blend of fibers from fruits and vegetables that activates the bodys natural ability to burn excess fat rather than store it.

This means that your pups metabolism will act more like the metabolism of a lean pet while ensuring that their nutritional and caloric needs are being met.

Results with Hills Prescription Diet

Every pet and health condition is unique and may respond differently when fed Prescription Diet foods. However, Hills performs extensive research and clinical studies to create specific and relevant product claims for Prescription Diet products.

To learn more about research conducted and results seen in our clinical studies for specific foods, visit hillspet.com or talk to your veterinarian.

Always talk to your veterinarian about their expectations and any important milestones to look for when giving your pet a Prescription Diet food.

Work with Your Veterinarian When Introducing a Hills Prescription Diet

Its important to work closely with your veterinarian when switching your pup to a new food. Your veterinarian will help you determine how much your pet should eat based on the specific food and your pet's ideal weight and lifestyle. Youll work together to create a feeding transition plan prior to switching to the new food.

Its important that the feeding transition is slow and gradual to ensure that your pet will eat the new food and reduce the chances of any GI upset. We recommend seven to 10 days to fully transition to the new foodbut for pickier patients, it may take longer.

Therapeutic nutrition can play an important role in managing your pets health. These foods have undergone extensive testing to ensure that they are precisely balanced and are an appropriate part of your veterinarian's treatment plan to manage your pets health condition.

Since these foods are only fed under the recommendation of your veterinarian, be sure to ask at your next appointment if a Hills Prescription Diet product is right for your pet.

Hills Prescription Diet FAQs

Do I need a prescription for Hills Prescription Diet?

Prescription Diet foods do not require a traditional prescription, but they do require a recommendation and approval from a licensed veterinarian. Schedule an appointment to ask your veterinarian to assess your pets health and nutritional needs.

How long can a dog be on Hills Prescription Diet?

Your veterinarian will advise what feeding plan is best for your pets nutritional needs. The majority of Prescription Diet products are suitable for long-term feeding.

How long does it take for Hills Prescription Diet to work in a dog?

Every pet and health condition is unique and may respond differently when fed Prescription Diet foods. However, Hills performs extensive research and clinical studies to help demonstrate the efficacy of many Prescription Diet products.

Always talk to your veterinarian about their expectations and any important milestones to look for when feeding a Prescription Diet food.

My pet is picky. Can I mix in other foods with the Prescription Diet food?

Never feed or supplement other foods without checking with your veterinarian first. When your pet is eating a Prescription Diet, it is important to feed only that food for optimal compliance to your veterinarians treatment plan.

If youre worried that your pet will crave more variety, talk to your veterinarian about what other flavor or form options (such as dry, stew, or pt) are available.

Featured Image: iStock.com/VYCHEGZHANINA

WRITTEN BY

Kristin Wuellner, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Kristin Wuellner is a fun-loving veterinarian with interests that extend beyond the exam roomshes passionate about how client...

Diabetes in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Diabetes in dogs occurs when their bodies fail to perform their most essential function converting food into energy. And, unfortunately, canine diabetes is on the rise. In fact, Banfield Pet Hospital reports that cases of the disease increased by nearly 80% from 2006 to 2015.

Ninety-nine percent of dogs with diabetes have diabetes mellitus, often called sugar diabetes, according to Dr. Etienne Cote, a veterinarian and the author of "Clinical Veterinary Advisor." Dogs can either have Type 1 diabetes mellitus which is more common among dogs and similar to the type of diabetes seen in children or Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Causes of Canine Diabetes

When a dog has diabetes mellitus, the cells that produce insulin are destroyed, leaving the dog unable to properly regulate blood sugar. It's believed that inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ near the stomach that produces insulin, plays a part in causing dog diabetes.

While it's not clear what exactly causes a dog's endocrine system to go haywire and stop regulating blood sugar, there are some known risk factors for the disease: diabetes mellitus typically occurs in middle-aged dogs, and females are affected twice as often as males, says the Merck Veterinary Manual. There's likely a genetic component to the disorder. According to Merck, the following breeds are also at an increased risk:

• Cocker spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Doberman pinschers
• German shepherds
• Golden retrievers
• Labrador retrievers
• Pomeranians
• Terriers
• Toy poodles
• Miniature schnauzers
• Keeshonden
• Samoyeds

Additional risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having recurrent pancreatitis
• If female, not being spayed
• Having a condition that causes insulin resistance, such as Cushing's disease and acromegaly
• Taking certain medications, such as steroids and progestogens, for a prolonged period

Signs of Dog Diabetes

Diabetic dogs tend to drink more, urinate more and eat more. Other common signs of dog diabetes include:

• Lethargy
• Muscle and weight loss (although diabetic dogs can also appear obese)
• Blindness
• Decreased strength in their legs
• Poor coat quality

Diabetes can also present as a medical emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Dogs with DKA become very weak, depressed, dehydrated and may have severe metabolic abnormalities. If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to an emergency clinic right away.

Diagnosis of Dog Diabetes

If your dog is showing any of the signs mentioned above, a veterinary visit is in order. The vet will conduct a thorough medical history, physical examination, blood work and urinalysis to diagnose canine diabetes. These tests can determine whether your dog has diabetes and, if they have it, its severity.

Treatment for Diabetes in Dogs

In both humans and dogs, the aim of diabetes treatment is management. The goal is to make your dog's blood sugar levels as normal as possible, with fewer dips and peaks. This helps lower the risk of your dog experiencing the worst consequences of diabetes, such as blindness and kidney failure.

Two of the most effective therapies for diabetes in dogs are insulin injections and switching to therapeutic food to help manage the disease. Most vets recommend feeding foods that are higher in fiber to dogs with diabetes. Fiber slows the entrance of glucose into your dog's bloodstream and helps them feel full. Vets may also recommend a reduced fat meal plan to help prevent obesity. For all overweight or obese dogs, it is recommended to change their food and increase exercise to help the pet reach a healthy weight. Ask your vet for a dietary recommendation for your dog if they are diagnosed.

Dogs' insulin needs can differ, so your vet might try giving your dog different types, doses and frequencies of insulin until the diabetes is well managed. The handling, storage and administration of insulin is different for each type of the medicine and your vet will help you understand what is best for your pet. Most pet parents get used to the routine of managing their dog's diabetes faster than they expect.

Once your dog starts treatment for diabetes, your vet will ask you to bring them in for regular visits to evaluate their blood glucose levels. These visits tend to be more frequent right after the diagnosis in order to make sure the insulin dose is correct, but will be necessary long-term so that the diabetes remains well managed.

Good News for Dogs with Diabetes

Though it often takes some trial and error, diabetes in dogs is usually manageable. While treatment for canine diabetes can seem overwhelming at first, rest assured that with time, your commitment and veterinary treatment, your pooch can live healthily and happily with this condition.

Contributor Bio

Dr. Laci Schaible

Dr. Laci Schaible, is a small-animal veterinarian and veterinary writer. She has won numerous awards for her commitment to pet owner education and is considered a leading veterinary telehealth expert.

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.