Is Hills pet food good or bad
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
Hills Cat Food Review
Hills Pet Nutrition is one of the most well-respected brands in the pet food industry. Youd be hard-pressed to find a vets office or animal shelter thats not stocked with a supply of Hills Prescription Diet or Science Diet. But behind the prestige, is Hills a nourishing, safe choice for your cat? Find out in our unbiased Hills cat food review.
The Cats.com StandardRating Hills on What Matters
Weve analyzed Hills and graded it according to the Cats.com standard, evaluating the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Heres how it rates in each of those six key areas.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness 6/10
- Ingredient Quality 6/10
- Product Variety 9/10
- Price 6/10
- Customer Experience 8/10
- Recall History 4/10
Overall Score: 6.5/10
We give Hills cat food a 39 out of 60 rating or a B- grade.
About Hills
The company dates back to 1907, when Burton Hill opened up a rendering facility in Topeka, Kansas. Hill Rendering Works became the city of Topekas contract rendering facility and eventually added on a milling division. Along with the ability to manufacture animal feed, the company earned a new namethe Hill Packing Company.
In the late 1940s, the Hill Packing Company partnered with Dr. Mark L. Morris, a veterinarian known for formulating some of the worlds first clinical veterinary diets. The Hill Packing Company was contracted to manufacture the original formulation of Canine k/d, Dr. Morris diet for dogs with kidney disease.
Morris and Hills partnership evolved over the years and eventually became known as Hills Pet Nutrition. The company added on new lines, including the ever-popular Hills Science Diet.
In 1976, Hills Pet Nutrition was purchased by the Colgate-Palmolive company. Hills Pet Nutrition products are now sold in 86 countries around the world.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Hills Pet Nutrition has a robust research and development department. More than 220 veterinarians, food scientists, technicians, and Ph.D nutritionists work to develop Hills products.
The Hills Pet Nutrition Center in Topeka, Kansas is considered a world-class research facility and helps Hills maintain its status as a leading authority on animal nutrition.
Hills says that they only accept ingredients that meet their stringent quality standards. Each ingredient is examined to ensure its safety and nutritional adequacy. Most of Hills ingredients are sourced from North America, Europe, and New Zealand.
Hills cat food is manufactured in company-owned facilities located in the United States.
Has Hills Cat Food Been Recalled?
The following is a summary of the Hills cat and dog food recalls issued over the years.
2019
In early 2019, Hills issued a recall of canned dog foods from the Science Diet and Prescription Diet lines. due to dangerously high levels of vitamin D. Excessive Vitamin D causes blood calcium levels to soar, leading to organ failure and potentially, death. This recall came two months after a series of vitamin D-related recalls affected other pet food brands, but Hills says theyre not aware of a connection. In light of this recall, Hills says they are strengthening their quality check protocol and demanding more stringent regulations from their supplier.
Following the recall, a class action suit was filed against Hills Pet Nutrition for selling food that contained excessive and dangerous levels of vitamin D.
2015
In November, the company initiated a market withdrawal of several varieties of Science Diet dog food due to labeling issues.
2014
Potential salmonella contamination prompted Hills to recall 62 bags of Science Diet dog food in California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
2007
In April of 2007, Hills Science Diet was one of many pet food brands recalled due to melamine contamination.
February 2019Hills is Sued Over Prescription Diet Claims
In February of 2019, a Kansas dog food consumer named Stevie Kucharski-Berger sued Hills for violating the Kansas Restraint of Trade Act and the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.
According to the plaintiff, Hills prescription diets do not require FDA approval or a prescription under Kansas or federal law. Because theres nothing in the foods that legally requires a prescription, the suit argues, Hills use of the prescription diet name and the Rx prescription symbol is false, misleading and contrary to law. The suit accuses Hills of operating what Bergers lawyer calls a fake pharmacy to justify the high costs of their prescription diets.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Hills Offer?
Hills has several lines of cat food, including Hills Science Diet, Hills Prescription Diet, Hills Healthy Advantage, and Hills Ideal Balance.
- Science Diet emphasizes scientifically-formulated recipes that utilize what Hills describes as biology-based nutrition for all stages of cats lives.
- Hills Prescription Diet is only available with a veterinarians prescription. Recipes in this line target health conditions and special needs, including IBD, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, urinary tract health.
- Hills Healthy Advantage is exclusively sold through veterinarians. While Hills Prescription Diet foods target single health conditions, each food in this line addresses five essential health factorsimmunity, weight management, urinary health, digestion, and skin and coat health.
- The Ideal Balance line is made with natural ingredients and, according to Hills, is perfectly balanced.
Hills Cat Food Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
What Do Customers Think of Hills Cat Food?
Hills is one of the most respected brands in the pet food industry. Its a staple in veterinary offices and animal shelters. The fact of the brands esteem has attracted some of its most vehement criticism. As we saw in the 2019 lawsuit initiated by a Kansas consumer, some feel that Hills food is given more respect than it deserves and uses that reputation to justify its high prices.
Positive Reviews
My 17 year old cat has been eating this all his life (except for the first four months fraught with UTIs). Not only has he been free of urinary infections, he also is a picture of health with gorgeous teeth that have never needed to be cleaned. Kipling, reviewing Hills Prescription Diet Multicare Urinary Care c/d Dry Cat Food
Our gal had bladder stones and was slotted for surgery when my vet suggested we try this food first. IF it didnt work we needed to explore surgery. I started feeding my Phoebe the food and 8 weeks later. NO STONES! Yup, i feed her both the wet and dry food exclusively and the stones disintegrated! No surgery for my gal, she will remain on this diet for life so we dont encounter the issue again. Again, Thank YOU Chewy for having the option to order and ship directly to my front door! OMCRescue, reviewing Hills Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food
Negative Reviews
I have purchased Hills in the past but not this particular kind, the nuggets are larger and my furry friends dont like it. They are very picky and since its their food, Id rather go with smaller pieces. No fault of product. Edwin, reviewing Hills Science Diet Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
Though I thoroughly enjoyed having my food delivered to my door, my cat essentially went into starvation mode because he disliked the food so severely. He would painstakingly meow until we gave him other food and when we did not, he would just lay next to his bowl. I read the ingredients for this food and although it is advertised as chicken, the first ingredient is pork. Now Im stuck with all this cat food my cat REFUSES to eat. Such a disappointment food wise and it seems this is the only choice for urinary care. WestbrooksReview, reviewing Hills Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food
How Much Does Hills Cat Food Cost?
Hills cat food ranges from moderately-priced to expensive. If your cat weighs 10 lbs, it would cost roughly $3.05 per day to feed them Hills Prescription Diet c/d canned food and about $3.63 for Hills Ideal Balance canned.
Like most cat food companies, Hills charges less for their dry foods. The Hills Prescription diet kibble mentioned in the product reviews above would cost about $0.52 per day.
Overall, Is Hills a Good Choice?
Hills is built on a foundation of industry-leading nutrition research, giving it the ability to create recipes formulated for specific health conditions and dietary needs.
While Hills can be a good choice for cats with health issues, its not the strongest candidate for a healthy cats daily diet. Though Hills says that corn, wheat, and other high-carbohydrate plant ingredients are nutritious for cats, others disagree. Whether youre shopping for wet or dry food, Hills cat food tends to contain large amounts of plant ingredients that dont fit into a carnivorous diet plan.
Where Is Hills Cat Food Sold?
Hills is sold in veterinary offices and above-average pet retail stores around the world. You can buy it online through Chewy, Amazon, and other retailers that sell pet food.
