Review Summary
Introduction
Most people are somewhat familiar with Hill’s Science Diet dog food, as it’s been around since the 1930s. That’s when Morris Frank—a man promoting the concept of using dogs to enable the blind—met Dr. Mark Morris, Sr.
We give Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.
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Frank’s dog was suffering from kidney failure, and Frank was desperate for a way to save him. Dr. Morris figured out that the issue was a lack of proper nutrition and that the fix was a dog food he and his wife created in their own kitchen. This dog food led Frank’s dog to recovery, and that’s when Dr. Morris realized 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 Frank’s 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.
And while there’s a lot of good to be said about Hill’s when it comes to recipes for dogs with specific health issues, there are also a few downsides to the brand.
At a Glance: The Best Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Recipes:
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Most Popular
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Dry Dog Food
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Dry Dog Food
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Dry Dog
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Dog Food
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Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Reviewed
Hill’s Science Diet dog food has been around for a bit, so you’re probably familiar with the brand (or have at least heard of it). It’s always a good idea to learn more about a food before buying it, though. Hill’s has a focus 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.
And while they say they focus on nutrition, a good amount of their foods contain peas and legumes (which have been linked to heart disease in dogs) and grains that don’t necessarily add a lot of fiber.
Who makes Hill’s Science Diet, and where is it produced?
Hill’s Science Diet is made in Topeka, Kansas. They not only have a food processing plant but also an animal hospital and nutrition center where they test and study how their food affects dogs. Their Global Pet Nutrition Center employs around 200 scientists that research the best foods for dogs’ dietary needs.
Which type of dog is Hill’s Science Diet best suited for?
Hill’s is suitable for pretty much any dog out there. They make food for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, as well as for all breeds. Their foods are particularly good for those with health issues, though, as they carry a range of dog foods 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 Hill’s, those that are overweight might do better with a different brand, if only because many Hill’s recipes contain grains, which can equal extra calories. If that’s your pup, they might do better with a food such as Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food, which is grain-free.
And dogs who don’t have health issues that need to be addressed might do well with a healthier regular dog food like Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
Knowing what’s going into your pet’s food is vital, as some companies use less than stellar ingredients, so here’s a look at the good and bad of Hill’s Science Diet dog food.
Proteins
The majority of Hill’s Science Diet dog food recipes use real meat as the first ingredient, which means your pup is getting an excellent source of protein. That’s always a plus! However, for dogs with food sensitivities, there may be issues, as the most often occurring sensitivities are to common protein sources such as chicken. (Even several of Hill’s recipes for dogs with sensitivities contain chicken.) There are a handful of other options, such as turkey and lamb, to choose from, though.
And while most of Hill’s recipes list actual meat as the first ingredient, a few list (such as lamb meal) as the first ingredient instead. This is also a good protein source for your dog, just not as excellent as real meat.
Peas & Legumes
A downside to Hill’s Science Diet dog food is that many recipes contain ingredients such as yellow peas, pea fiber, soybean meal, and other legumes. Why is this potentially bad? Because peas and legumes have been linked to heart disease in dogs. More research is needed into the subject to determine how large 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 found in Hill’s. However, they aren’t necessarily the best of grains—aka the ones that offer 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 upon. However, many recipes contain dried beet pulp which will boost the amount of fiber your dog is receiving.
Targeted Recipes
While targeted recipes for certain health and nutritional issues can be a good thing, if your dog is generally healthy, they may not benefit from these recipes (and they may be more on the unhealthy side for them). Pups who don’t have specific health issues may find themselves better off with a food that has better grains and fewer legumes. However, dogs with issues such as digestive problems or urinary issues may greatly benefit from Hill’s Science Diet dog foods.
A Quick Look at Hill’s 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 Hill’s
Recall History
Hill’s Science Diet dog food has been around for a while, which means they’ve also had a few recalls in their history.
Good for dogs with specific health issues
Most recipes use real meat as the first ingredient for quality protein
Wide range of recipes
- Good for dogs with specific health issues
- Most recipes use real meat as the first ingredient for quality protein
- Wide range of recipes
Contains peas & legumes
Not the best grains are used
Healthy or overweight dogs may not fare well on Hill’s
- Contains peas & legumes
- Not the best grains are used
- Healthy or overweight dogs may not fare well on Hill’s
In March 2007, Hill’s was part of the melamine scare that saw dozens of foods being recalled. Thousands of animals died from eating pet foods containing this chemical found in plastic, but it’s unknown how many may have been caused directly by Hill’s.
The next recall came in June 2014, when 62 bags of Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Recipe were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination (this was only in Nevada, California, and Hawaii).
Though not a recall, Hill’s did do a market withdrawal in 2015 where they pulled a few canned recipes. The reason is unknown, but it’s thought to have been because of a labeling issue.
Hill’s Science Diet’s most recent recall was in 2019. Over 30 canned recipes were recalled due to the massive (and toxic) amounts of vitamin D found within. Hill’s 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 Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Recipes
Here we’ll take a more in-depth look at the three best Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food recipes.
There’s also a wealth of omega fatty acids and Vitamin E to improve the look and feel of your pet’s skin and coat.
This Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Dry Dog Food is made 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 in the form of beetroot pulp.
Yellow peas are listed as the third ingredient, though, 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
Real chicken and chicken meal are responsible for the protein boost, while fiber is added to keep your pup feeling fuller for longer.
Designed for pups with sensitive stomachs and skin
Real chicken as first ingredient
Added fiber for digestibility
- Designed for pups with sensitive stomachs and skin
- Real chicken as first ingredient
- Added fiber for digestibility
Contains peas
May not be suitable for dogs without digestive or skin issues
- Contains peas
- May not be suitable for dogs without digestive or skin issues
If you have a doggo who needs a little help getting their weight under control, this might be the food for you! Hill’s specifically designed the Hill’s 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.
This food does contain 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
Cons
Contains peas
And because it’s designed for large breeds, it also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support the strength and health of joints and cartilage, so your dog can stay mobile for a lifetime.
Should help dogs maintain a healthy weight
More protein to promote lean muscle mass
Added fiber
- Should help dogs maintain a healthy weight
- More protein to promote lean muscle mass
- Added fiber
Contains peas
- Contains peas
Have a dog that’s a large breed? Then the Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Chicken & Barley Dry Dog Food could be the perfect fit. As with most of Hill’s recipes, it features chicken as the main ingredient for a quality protein. It also provides an antioxidant blend that’s been proven to support your pet’s immune system and general health.
This food also contains green peas, soybean meal, and soybean oil, so keep that in mind.
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 above information should help you decide whether Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food is best for your dog, but nothing quite beats hearing what other pet parents have to say. Here are some examples of what people think of Hill’s Science Diet.
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
Antioxidant blend supports the immune system
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- Antioxidant blend supports the immune system
Not suitable for small breeds
Contains legumes
Not suitable for small breeds
Contains legumes
Related Read:Purina Pro Plan vs. Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food: Pros, Cons, and What To Choose
Conclusion
Overall, we give Hill’s Science Diet dog food four out of five stars for the nutrition it brings to dogs facing specific health issues such as joint problems, digestive troubles, and more. That said, this brand may not be best for dogs who are already healthy or those who are overweight, as it isn’t necessarily the healthiest of dog food brands. Many recipes have good components, such as real meat as the main ingredient, but they also contain peas and legumes, as well as grains that don’t offer much fiber.
We recommend reading over reviews from other pet parents to see how their dogs fared on Hill’s and weighing any decisions carefully.
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