Hill's Science Diet is a widely recognized brand of dog food, developed by Dr. Mark Morris in the 1930s. Initially created to address the health issues of a seeing-eye dog, Hill's dog food has evolved into a comprehensive line of products catering to various life stages and health conditions. This article delves into a detailed review of Hill's Science Diet, examining its ingredient quality, safety, and overall suitability for your canine companion.
A Brief History of Hill's Pet Nutrition
The story of Hill's Pet Nutrition began in the 1930s when Dr. Mark Morris sought to improve the health of a seeing-eye dog with specific health problems. In 1948, the Hill Packing Company in Topeka, Kansas, started canning the food, eventually obtaining a license to produce Morris pet food. This partnership led to the establishment of Hill's Pet Nutrition. A dedicated research lab was founded in Topeka, Kansas, in 1951, and the company's headquarters remain there to this day.
In 1968, Hill's began distributing its products through veterinary clinics, further solidifying its reputation as a science-backed pet food brand. The Colgate-Palmolive Company acquired Hill's Pet Nutrition in 1976. Today, the company offers 50 pet food formulations, available in 86 countries, with sales reaching $3.71 billion in 2022.
Overview of Hill's Science Diet Product Lines
Hill's Pet Nutrition offers 11 lines of dog food, including 7 dry dog food lines with 73 recipes and 4 canned dog food lines with 61 recipes. These lines cater to different life stages and specific health conditions.
- Hill’s Prescription Diet: Available only through veterinary prescription, this line targets specific health conditions as defined by Hill’s. The FDA practices "enforcement discretion" and has not reviewed or verified the health claims on these veterinary diets.
- Hill’s Science Diet: Focuses on nutrition for specific issues.
- Healthy Advantage: Created to address 5 common health concerns.
Ingredient Quality and Safety Assessment
A critical aspect of any dog food review is the assessment of ingredient quality and safety. According to dogfoodreviews.com, Hill's Science Diet dry dog foods generally receive low ingredient quality and safety ratings, categorizing them as "very high risk." The canned dog foods fare slightly better but are still considered "high risk."
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High Carbohydrate Content
One of the primary concerns with Hill's Science Diet is the excessively high carbohydrate levels in both its dry and canned food lines. This is problematic for several reasons:
- Low-Cost Ingredient: Carbohydrates are often used as a low-cost ingredient, replacing more beneficial components.
- Unnecessary for Dogs: Dogs do not require carbohydrates in their diet.
- Harmful to Gut Bacteria: High-carbohydrate diets can negatively impact gut bacteria.
- Potential Health Issues: Excessive carbohydrates can contribute to health problems like obesity.
Many Hill's recipes employ ingredient splitting, a technique that manipulates the ingredient list to make proteins appear higher in the list. Despite this, high levels of carbohydrates remain, derived from starchy ingredients like soybean, oats, pea fiber, wheat, and sorghum.
Lack of Whole Foods
Another significant drawback is the lack of whole foods like fruits and vegetables in Hill's dog foods. Instead, the primary ingredients are grains, some proteins, and meat meals, followed by sugar, plant proteins, cellulose, and synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
- Grains: The main ingredients are grains that add calories with limited nutrients.
- Sugar: A high-calorie additive without nutrients.
- Plant Proteins and Cellulose: Low-quality plant proteins, cellulose, and other fibers from industry waste.
- Synthetic Nutrients: A substantial list of synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed to balance these foods to nutritional standards.
The inclusion of whole foods like fruits and vegetables would offer key nutrients and antioxidants in a more bioavailable and digestible form, reducing the need for synthetic additives. They also provide natural fiber, which supports gut health by being fermented by beneficial gut bacteria.
Questionable Ingredients and Processing
Hill's dog food recipes often contain ingredients such as high-herbicide and GMO crops, processed seed oils, and chicken, which may cause inflammation and allergies in some dogs. Many diets also include added color, natural flavor, fish oil from unknown sources, and questionable ingredients like rice and coconut oil.
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The manufacturing process involves heating the ingredients multiple times, which can lead to a significant loss of enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients.
Detailed Review of Specific Hill's Science Diet Lines
To provide a comprehensive review, let's examine specific lines within the Hill's Science Diet portfolio.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Wet Dog Foods
- Score: 3/10
- Risk Level: High Risk
- Protein: 22% (as calculated)
- Carbohydrate: 54% (as calculated)
Concerns:
- High carbohydrates
- Added sugar (dextrose)
- Excessive added vitamins and minerals
- Added amino acids
- Inflammatory seed oil
- Highly processed
- High pesticide food and GMOs in the top 5 ingredients
- Rice (can contain arsenic)
- Added color
- Natural flavor
- Menadione (synthetic form of vitamin K)
- Does not provide omega-6:omega-3 ratio
- Ingredient splitting
- Doesn’t specify farmed vs. wild-caught fish
Benefits:
- Made in-house
Ingredient List Example (Metabolic Canine Vegetable & Beef Stew): Water, pork liver, carrots, green peas, beef, powdered cellulose, rice, corn starch, wheat gluten, dried tomato pomace, flaxseed, chicken liver flavor, coconut oil, potassium alginate, whole grain barley, calcium chloride, egg flavor, calcium lactate, caramel color, fish oil, dicalcium phosphate, guar gum, lipoic acid, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins, potassium citrate, L-lysine, iodized salt, taurine, minerals, L-carnitine, beta-carotene.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Dry Dog Foods
- Score: 1.6/10
- Risk Level: Very High Risk
- Protein: 21% (as calculated)
- Carbohydrate: 52% (as calculated)
Concerns:
- High carbohydrates
- Excessive added vitamins and minerals
- Added amino acids
- Plant protein
- Cellulose
- Inflammatory seed oil
- Sugar (dextrose)
- Unnamed animal protein
- Ultra-processed
- High pesticide/herbicide foods in the top 5 ingredients
- GMOs in the top 5 ingredients
- Natural flavor
- Rice (can contain arsenic)
- Does not provide omega-6:omega-3 ratio
- Doesn’t specify farmed or wild-caught fish
- Ingredient splitting
- Coconut oil
Benefits:
- Made in-house
Ingredient List Example (I/D Chicken Flavor): Brewers rice, whole grain corn, chicken meal, pea protein, egg product, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, chicken liver flavor, pork liver flavor, ground pecan shells, lactic acid, potassium chloride, flaxseed, dried beet pulp, dried citrus pulp, iodized salt, soybean oil, dicalcium phosphate, pressed cranberries, calcium carbonate, vitamins, choline chloride, L-tryptophan, minerals, taurine, mixed tocopherols for freshness, natural flavors, beta-carotene.
Hill’s Science Diet Digestive Care
- Score: 1.5/10
- Risk Level: Very High Risk
- Protein: 24% (as calculated)
- Carbohydrate: 50% (as calculated)
Concerns:
- High carbohydrates
- Excessive added vitamins and minerals
- Added amino acids
- Plant protein
- Inflammatory seed oil
- Unnamed protein
- Ultra-processed
- High pesticide/herbicide foods in the top 5 ingredients
- GMOs in the top 5 ingredients
- Rice (can contain arsenic)
- Natural flavor
- Glam ingredients in some recipes
- Does not provide omega-6:omega-3 ratio
- Doesn’t specify farmed or wild-caught fish
- Ingredient splitting
Benefits:
- Made in-house
Ingredient List Example (7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice): Chicken, cracked pearled barley, whole grain oats, brown rice, brewers rice, whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, chicken meal, chicken fat, chicken liver flavor, pork liver flavor, soybean oil, ground pecan shells, lactic acid, potassium chloride, flaxseed, dried beet pulp, calcium carbonate, dried citrus pulp, iodized salt, dicalcium phosphate, choline chloride, pressed cranberries, vitamins, pumpkin, fish oil, Dl-methionine, minerals, taurine, mixed tocopherols for freshness, natural flavors, L-carnitine, beta-carotene.
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Hill’s Science Diet Stew Cans
- Score: 3.2/10
- Risk Level: High Risk
- Protein: 26% (as calculated)
- Carbohydrate: 52% (as calculated)
Concerns:
- High carbohydrates
- Added sugar (dextrose)
- Excessive added vitamins and minerals
- Added amino acids
- Plant protein
- Cellulose
- Inflammatory seed oil (soybean)
- Unnamed protein
- Highly processed
- Natural flavor
- High pesticide/herbicide foods in the top 5 ingredients
- GMOs in the top 5 ingredients
- Menadione
- Rice (can contain arsenic)
- Added color
- Does not provide omega-6:omega-3 ratio
- Doesn’t specify farmed or wild-caught fish
- Coconut oil
- Ingredient splitting
Benefits:
- Made in-house
Ingredient List Example (Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew): Chicken broth, chicken, pork liver, rice, carrots, rice starch, green peas, dextrose, egg product, sugar, soybean oil, chicken liver flavor, hydrolyzed chicken liver, potassium alginate, calcium chloride, powdered cellulose, flaxseed, choline chloride, fish oil, guar gum, vitamins, dried tomato pomace, dried citrus pulp, spinach, monosodium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium lactate, calcium gluconate, lipoic acid, sodium tripolyphosphate, magnesium oxide, taurine, minerals, L-carnitine, natural flavors.
Hill’s Science Diet Canned Foods
- Score: 3.1/10
- Risk Level: High Risk
- Protein: Varies by recipe
- Carbohydrate: Varies by recipe
Concerns:
- Varies by recipe, but generally includes concerns similar to other canned lines, such as high carbohydrates, added sugars, low-quality proteins, and synthetic additives.
Benefits:
- Made in-house
Ingredient List Example (Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée): Water, chicken, beef, beef by-products, pork liver, rice, cracked pearled barley, whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, chicken liver flavor, soybean oil, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, iodized salt, vitamins, L-lysine, minerals, beta-carotene.
Hill's Science Diet Adult (Dry) Review
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog Food receives an average rating, around 3 stars. This assessment is based on an analysis of ingredients, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken: The first ingredient is chicken, a quality item. However, raw chicken contains about 80% water, which is lost during cooking, reducing its overall content in the finished product.
- Wheat: The second ingredient is wheat, an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain with modest nutritional value for dogs.
- Barley: Barley is a starchy carbohydrate that provides fiber and other nutrients but has only modest nutritional value for dogs.
- Sorghum: Sorghum (milo) is a starchy cereal grain similar to corn. It is gluten-free and may be considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.
- Corn: Corn is another cereal grain with similar issues to wheat.
- Corn Gluten Meal: Corn gluten meal contains 60% protein but has a lower biological value than meat. It is often used to boost the total protein content on the label.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is a meat concentrate with nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
- Pork Fat: Pork fat, or lard, can add flavor and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) to dog food.
Additional Ingredients
- Beet Pulp: Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high-fiber by-product of sugar beet processing. It is considered acceptable in reasonable amounts.
- Soybean Oil: Soybean oil is flagged due to potential links to canine food allergies. It is high in omega-6 fatty acids but contains no omega-3s, making it less nutritious than flaxseed oil or animal fat.
- Flaxseed: Flaxseed is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids and is rich in soluble fiber. However, it contains about 19% protein.
- Peas: Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates and fiber but contain about 25% protein.
Nutritional Analysis
- Dry Matter Protein: 25%
- Fat Level: 15%
- Estimated Carbohydrates: 53%
- Fat-to-Protein Ratio: About 59%
Compared to typical dry dog food, Hill’s Science Diet Adult has below-average protein and fat and above-average carbohydrates.
Bottom Line
Hill’s Science Diet Adult is a plant-based dry dog food with a modest amount of named meats as its main source of animal protein, earning it an average rating.
Wag!'s Review of Hill's Science Diet
Wag! gives Hill’s Science Diet dog food a 3 out of 5 rating, noting that its ingredients don't quite meet their high standards. However, they acknowledge positive features such as a wide variety of recipes for specific needs and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Wide Variety of Recipes: Hill’s Science Diet offers numerous recipes formulated for all life stages and specific health needs.
- More Affordable Than High-End Dog Food: While not the highest quality, Hill’s Science Diet is more affordable than some premium dog foods.
- Generous Returns Policy: Hill’s Science Diet has a 100% money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Limited Protein Varieties: Despite having over 90 recipes, Hill’s Science Diet uses a limited range of animal proteins.
- Controversial and Filler Ingredients: Most recipes contain potentially controversial or low-nutritional-value ingredients such as whole grain corn and dried beet pulp.
- Notable Recent Recalls: Hill’s Science Diet has had three official recalls in the last ten years, including two significant recalls in 2019.
Hill's Science Diet Dog Food History and Recalls
History
- 1939: Dr. Mark Morris Sr. developed a nutritional plan for a dog named Buddy with kidney failure.
- 1948: Hill's officially went into business.
- 1968: Hill’s launched its Science Diet range.
- 1976: Colgate-Palmolive Co. purchased Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Recalls
- June 2, 2014: Hill’s recalled 62 bags of Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- January 31, 2019: Hill’s recalled select batches of its canned dog food due to potentially elevated vitamin D levels.
- March 20, 2019: Hill’s expanded its January recall due to the vitamin premix that caused the initial recall being detected in additional products.
- May 20, 2019: Hill’s announced it had accidentally omitted a single lot number from its original recall list.
Grass Seeds: A Summer Hazard for Dogs
While evaluating dog food is crucial, it's equally important to be aware of environmental hazards that can affect your dog's health. Grass seeds pose a significant risk during summer walks and outdoor activities.
The Danger of Grass Seeds
Grass seeds, or awns, have sharp, pointed ends and backward-pointing barbs that allow them to easily attach to fur and burrow into the skin. This can lead to:
- Infection: As they burrow, they can drag bacteria and dirt, causing painful infections and abscesses.
- Migration: Once under the skin, grass seeds can travel within the body, potentially reaching organs like the lungs or spine.
Common Entry Points
- Paws: Seeds can get stuck between the toes and burrow into the soft skin.
- Ears: Floppy-eared breeds are particularly susceptible.
- Eyes: Seeds can lodge under the eyelid, causing irritation and potential damage.
- Nose: Dogs can inhale grass seeds while sniffing along the ground.
- Skin: Seeds can embed themselves in the armpits, groin, or other areas.
Prevention and Action
- Inspect Thoroughly: Check your dog after every walk, especially through long grass.
- Act Quickly: The sooner a grass seed is identified and removed, the less likely it is to cause severe problems.
Homemade Dog Treats and Enrichment Ideas
For a healthier and more engaging alternative to commercial dog treats, consider making your own. Homemade treats allow you to control the ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and unnecessary fillers.
Fall-Inspired Treat Recipes
- Pumpkin Patch Bites: Pumpkin is rich in fiber and vitamins.
- Apple & Carrot Crunchers: Apples provide vitamins A and C, and carrots offer beta-carotene.
- Sweet Potato Chews: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Enrichment Toy Filling Ideas
Use these homemade treats to fill Kongs and West Paw Toppls, providing mental stimulation and extending the enjoyment for your dog.
- Pumpkin Powerhouse: Mix pumpkin puree with yogurt and crumbled Pumpkin Patch Bites.
- Apple-Carrot Mash-Up: Combine mashed Apple & Carrot Crunchers with wet dog food or peanut butter.
- Sweet Potato Delight: Mash up Sweet Potato Chews with bone broth or cream cheese.
Safety First
- Check Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are safe for dogs. Avoid grapes, raisins, chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, and xylitol.
- Introduce New Foods Slowly: Monitor for any digestive upset.
- Portion Control: Treats should only make up a small portion of your dog's daily caloric intake.
- Supervise: Always supervise your dog when they're enjoying enrichment toys.
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