Hill's Prescription Diet i/d is a specialized line of pet food formulated to manage digestive issues in dogs and cats. Developed by Hill's nutritionists and veterinarians, these diets are designed to be highly digestible and palatable, promoting nutrient absorption and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. This article delves into the various aspects of Hill's i/d diet, including its formulations, benefits, and usage guidelines.
Understanding Hill's Prescription Diet i/d
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d is a therapeutic pet food that requires a prescription from a veterinarian. It is available in both wet and dry formulations, catering to different preferences and needs. The diet is designed to address a range of digestive issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal upsets.
Key Features and Benefits
- Highly Digestible Formula: Hill's i/d diets are formulated with highly digestible proteins and carbohydrates to ensure easy nutrient absorption. This is particularly beneficial for pets with compromised digestive systems.
- Low Fat Content: Some formulations, such as Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat, are designed for dogs that require a low-fat diet due to digestive sensitivities or conditions like pancreatitis.
- ActivBiome+ Technology: A key feature of Hill's i/d diets is the inclusion of ActivBiome+ ingredient technology. This proprietary blend of prebiotic fibers is clinically shown to rapidly activate the gut microbiome, supporting digestive health and promoting healthy stool. The ActivBiome+ prebiotic blend includes ingredients like ground pecan shell, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, dried citrus pulp, and dried cranberries.
- Prebiotic Fiber Blend: The inclusion of a unique blend of prebiotic fibers promotes regular bowel movements and helps balance digestive function. Prebiotics nourish beneficial gut bacteria, influencing the overall health and wellbeing of your pet.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids support healthy skin and a luxurious coat, which can be compromised during digestive upsets.
- Antioxidant Support: Clinically proven antioxidants are included to support a healthy immune system, which can be weakened by digestive issues.
- Electrolyte and B Vitamin Replenishment: High levels of B vitamins and added electrolytes help replace nutrients lost due to digestive upset.
- S+OXSHIELD Technology: Select formulations are designed with S+OXSHIELD, promoting a urinary environment that reduces the risk of developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
Available Formulations
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d is available in various formulations to suit different needs:
Dry Food:
- i/d Chicken Flavor Dog Food: A highly digestible, great-tasting dry food made with chicken.
- i/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food: A low-fat option to help settle digestive upsets and lower blood fat levels.
Wet Food (Canned):
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- i/d Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food: A highly digestible, great-tasting wet food made with chicken and vegetables.
- i/d Low Fat Digestive Care Rice, Vegetable & Chicken Stew Wet Dog Food: A low-fat stew formulated to help settle digestive upsets.
- i/d Wet Adult Cat Food: A highly digestible, great-tasting wet food made with chicken for cats.
Other Formulations:
- Hill's PRESCRIPTION DIET Gastrointestinal Biome Cat Food with Chicken: A complete dietetic pet food for the reduction of intestinal absorptive disorders and compensation for maldigestion in adult cats.
- Hills Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fibre Care Dry Cat Food with Chicken
How Hill's i/d Works
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d works by addressing the underlying causes of digestive upset and promoting a healthy gut environment. The highly digestible formula ensures that nutrients are easily absorbed, reducing the burden on the digestive system. ActivBiome+ technology rapidly activates the gut microbiome, supporting digestive health and promoting healthy stool. The inclusion of prebiotic fibers, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants further supports digestive health, skin and coat health, and immune function.
Usage and Feeding Guidelines
- Veterinary Consultation: It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian before starting your pet on Hill's Prescription Diet i/d. Your veterinarian can assess your pet's specific needs and determine if i/d is the right diet.
- Transitioning to i/d: When transitioning your pet to Hill's i/d, gradually mix the new food with their current food over a period of several days to avoid digestive upset.
- Feeding Amounts: Follow your veterinarian's recommendations and the feeding guidelines on the product packaging. Adjust the feeding amount as needed to maintain your pet's ideal body weight.
- Water Availability: Always ensure that your pet has access to fresh, clean water.
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use: The duration of feeding Hill's i/d depends on your pet's specific health condition. Some pets may require short-term use to recover from digestive upset, while others may need long-term feeding for chronic conditions. For optimal recovery from acute GI disease, it is recommended to feed this food for at least 7 days.
- Mixing with Other Foods: Hill’s i/d Digestive Care canned food can be mixed with dry kibble, provided both align with your dog’s dietary requirements.
Ingredients and Composition
The specific ingredients and composition of Hill's i/d diets vary depending on the formulation. However, common ingredients include:
- Proteins: Chicken, turkey, and other highly digestible protein sources.
- Carbohydrates: Rice, corn, and other easily digestible carbohydrates.
- Fibers: Prebiotic fibers such as beet pulp, flaxseed, and citrus pulp.
- Fats: Animal fat and vegetable oil.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
- ActivBiome+ Prebiotic Blend: Ground pecan shell, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, dried citrus pulp, dried cranberries (in some formulations).
For example, Hill's PRESCRIPTION DIET Gastrointestinal Biome Cat Food with Chicken includes the following composition: Cereals, meat and animal derivatives (chicken 14%), vegetable protein extracts, derivatives of vegetable origin, oils and fats, fruit, minerals, seeds.
Addressing Common Concerns
- Allergens: While Hill’s i/d Digestive Care is designed for digestive issues, it does not eliminate all potential allergens. Consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about specific allergens.
- Weight Management: While it is not specifically designed for weight management, its nutrient-dense and easily digestible formula can help maintain energy levels and prevent malnutrition in dogs with digestive challenges.
- Picky Eaters: If your dog is reluctant to eat, try warming the food to enhance its aroma or gradually introduce it by mixing with their current diet.
Veterinary Endorsement and Satisfaction Guarantee
Hill's Prescription Diet is the #1 US Vet Recommended therapeutic pet food. Hill’s is dedicated to making foods your pet will love. If you’re not satisfied for any reason with a product purchased from one of their authorized sellers, simply return the unused portion to the place of purchase for your money back or a replacement product.
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