Hill's Science Diet is a widely recognized brand in the pet food industry, offering a diverse range of products formulated to meet the specific dietary needs of dogs at different life stages and with varying health conditions. This article provides a comprehensive review of Hill's Science Diet dog food, examining its various product lines, ingredients, recalls, and overall value.
Overview of Hill's Science Diet
Hill's Science Diet boasts an extensive selection of over 90 wet and dry food recipes. These recipes are designed to be complete and balanced, adhering to the nutrient profile guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for all life stages, including growth (puppies) and maintenance (adults). The protein levels in the main line of Hill's Science Diet typically range from 22% to 28% as dry matter, which is considered average.
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Ranges and Flavors
Hill’s Science Diet has a huge dog food range with over 90 wet and dry food recipes available. All of Hill’s Science Diet recipes are complete and balanced, meeting the nutrient profile guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for all life stages, maintenance (adults), or growth (puppies). Check the guaranteed analysis printed on each dog food's label for more info. Protein levels in Hill’s Science Diet main line are average, with most wet and dry food recipes containing between 22% and 28% protein as dry matter.
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food
The dry dog food line is Hill's Science Diet's largest, featuring approximately 34 recipes.
Puppy Formulas
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy dry foods are enriched with DHA fatty acids from fish oil, which is essential to brain development. Plus, added prebiotics support digestive health. All chicken recipes list a quality cut of meat as the top ingredient, while lamb varieties list lamb meal. Each recipe includes ingredients with mediocre to low nutritional value, like brewer's rice and soybean meal.
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Adult Formulas (1-6 Years)
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 dry foods are lower in fat and protein than it's puppy food to prevent weight gain. Hill’s Science Diet standard dog foods only come in chicken and lamb varieties. A quality cut of meat is the top ingredient in Hill’s Science Diet Adult chicken recipes, while lamb varieties list a meat meal as the top ingredient. Recipes contain ingredients of low nutritional value like whole grain corn.
Senior Formulas (6+ Years)
Hill’s Science Diet 6+ dry foods include recipes specifically for senior pups, with 6+, 7+, and 11+ recipes available. These recipes contain carefully balanced minerals for heart and kidney health and omega-3 fatty acids for mobility. Chicken and lamb are the only flavors. Beet pulp and brewer’s rice are some lower-quality ingredients included in Hill’s Science Diet 6+ dry recipes.
As an example, Hill’s Science Diet Chicken & Brown Rice Adult dog food contains near-average protein (23.4% as dry matter) and near-average fat (16.4% as dry matter) compared to standard kibble.
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet offers around 25 wet food options, available in cans or plastic trays.
Puppy Formulas
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy wet foods are enriched with antioxidants to support immune health and DHA for brain development. Water is the top ingredient in all recipes, followed by a quality cut of meat. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy wet food recipes contain lower-quality ingredients like soybean meal and whole grain corn. Chicken and beef are the only flavors available.
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Adult Formulas (1-6 Years)
Hill’s Science Diet 1-6 wet foods are made to be easy to digest with balanced levels of sodium and phosphorus for kidney and heart health. Omega-6 and vitamin E are added to promote skin and coat health. Water is the top ingredient in all recipes, followed by a quality cut of meat. Lower quality ingredients in Hill’s Science Diet 1-6 wet food recipes include soybean oil and dried beet pulp. Chicken, turkey, and beef are the available flavors.
Senior Formulas (7+ Years)
Hill’s Science Diet 7+ wet foods are specially designed for senior dogs, with balanced minerals for kidney and heart health and antioxidants to support the immune system. Some recipes, like Turkey & Barley Entrée, contain lower protein levels (around 20% as dry matter) and aren't the best choice for senior dogs as they require additional muscle support. Ingredients of modest nutritional value in Hill’s Science Diet 7+ wet foods include whole grain corn and dried beet pulp. Hill’s Science Diet 7+ wet foods come in turkey, beef, or chicken flavors.
Hill’s Science Diet Savory Chicken Stew & Vegetables Adult wet dog food contains slightly above-average protein (28.1% as dry matter) and slightly above-average fat (19% as dry matter) compared to similar wet dog food.
Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Cuisine
The Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Cuisine is a premium sub-range with four wet stew recipes made with higher quality ingredients than many of its main line dog foods. Each recipe lists water as the top ingredient. The Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew lists chicken broth, chicken, pork liver, carrots, and rice as the top five ingredients. Ingredients with low nutritional value include whole grain barley and dried beet pulp. Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Cuisine is available in chicken and beef flavors with recipes of adults and adults 7+. Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew contains slightly above-average protein (26.6% as dry matter and near-average fat (16.6%as dry matter) compared to standard wet dog food.
Hill’s Science Diet Specialty Dog Foods
One of Hill’s Science Diet's best features is its specialty food sub-range with 28 recipes for specific health needs from weight management to oral care. You'll find around 22 dry food and 6 wet food recipes in this sub-range. Grain-free options are available for canines with sensitive stomachs.
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Senior Vitality
Hill’s Science Diet Senior Vitality differs from its main line senior food as it contains a proprietary ingredient blend to support your aging pup's brain and boost their energy levels. The top ingredients in the Senior Vitality two wet foods are broth, followed by a quality cut of meat, which is typical for stewed dog foods. The two dry food recipes list a quality cut of chicken as the top ingredient. Senior Vitality recipes include some ingredients of modest nutritional value, like whole grain corn and soybean oil. Chicken is the only available Senior Vitality flavor.
Healthy Mobility
Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility is specifically for large and small dog breeds with joint issues. Each recipe is rich in EPA from fish oil which helps mobility, and natural glucosamine and chondroitin for cartilage support. Both recipes list chicken meal as the top ingredient, with no quality meat cuts present. Healthy Mobility recipes contain several ingredients with modest nutritional value, such as brewer's rice, dried beet pulp, and whole grain wheat.
Oral Care
Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care sub-range consists of two chicken recipes for adult dogs and pint-sized pups. Hill’s state that these recipes are clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Uniquely, these dry food recipes list a quality cut of chicken as the top ingredient, with chicken meal listed outside the top eight ingredients. Oral Care recipes also contain some ingredients with modest nutritional value like corn gluten meal and soybean mill run.
Perfect Digestion
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Digestion consists of four dry foods and one wet food for adult and senior pups. It contains a blend of prebiotics called ActivBiome+ to aid digestion with added fiber sources like pumpkin. All dry food recipes list a quality cut of meat as the top ingredient, while the wet food recipe lists chicken broth above chicken. Dried beet pulp and soybean oil are a couple of the lower-quality ingredients included in the dry food recipes.
Perfect Weight
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight is a sub-range of six dry foods and two wet foods. Hill’s states these foods are formulated to help your canine compadre lose noticeable weight within ten weeks. Two of the dry food recipes also contain EPA from fish oil for joint support. All recipes list a quality cut of chicken as the primary protein source. Dried tomato pomace, brewer's rice, and whole grain corn are some of the ingredients with mediocre nutritional value included in Perfect Weight recipes.
Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin comprises six dry and three wet foods designed to be high in fiber and easily digestible. All recipes use chicken, turkey, or fish as primary protein sources, which isn't ideal for dogs with poultry allergies. This sub-range features one of Hill’s Science Diet's only grain-free recipes. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin sub-range is no different from Hill’s other recipes, with the inclusion of lower-quality ingredients like pea protein, carrageenan, and brewer's rice.
What Wag! Likes About Hill's Science Diet
Wag! highlights several positive aspects of Hill's Science Diet dog food:
Wide Variety of Recipes
Hill’s Science Diet produces dozens of dog food recipes specially formulated for all life stages and specific health needs. From oral care to digestive health to joint care, Hill’s Science Diet covers all bases when it comes to your pup's overall health. Recipes for several age groups and sizes ensure you're feeding your pooch a diet that suits their shape, size, and stature.
More Affordable Than High-End Dog Food
While Hill’s Science Diet might not contain the highest quality ingredients, it's more affordable than some premium dog foods. For example, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Dry Food costs $22.49 for a 4 lb bag on Chewy at the time of writing. That works out at around $5 per lb. By comparison, a bag of The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey Whole Food Clusters Dry Dog Food costs $34.99 for a 5 lb bag at the time of writing, which works out to around $7 per lb.
Generous Returns Policy
Hill’s Science Diet has a generous 100% money-back guarantee. Simply return any unused food you're unsatisfied with to an authorized seller with proof of purchase and receive a full refund or replacement. You can also contact Hill’s directly for a refund if you aren't satisfied with an authorized seller’s response.
Considerations and Concerns
Before choosing Hill's Science Diet, it's essential to consider the following:
Limited Protein Varieties
Despite having over 90 recipes, Hill’s Science Diet uses a surprisingly limited range of animal proteins. Its dog foods typically contain chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, or fish, which means many recipes are unsuitable for pups with specific meat protein allergies. Only the Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Dry Dog Food recipe contains a novel animal protein source.
Controversial and Filler Ingredients
Most of Hill’s Science Diet recipes contain ingredients that are potentially controversial or low in nutritional value. Many recipes incorporate filler ingredients like whole grain corn and dried beet pulp, which have low nutritional value. The protein levels in some foods are boosted by soybean meal, which is high in protein but not as nutritionally valuable as animal protein. Other recipes, like Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée, contain carrageenan, a gelling agent and thickener with little to no nutritional value.
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
In 1939, Morris Frank, co-founder of The Seeing Eye, contacted Dr. Mark Morris Sr. to treat his traveling companion dog Buddy, who was suffering from kidney failure. Dr. Mark Morris Sr. devised a nutritional plan for Buddy with the help of his wife, Louise Morris. In 1948, Hill’s officially went into business. Dr. Mark Morris Sr. teamed up with Topeka-based Hill Packing Company to can his recipe, Canine k/d, and produce new pet food formulas. In 1968, Hill’s launched its Science Diet range under the guidance of Mark Morris Jr. In 1976, Colgate-Palmolive Co. purchased Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Today, Hill’s products are available in 86 countries worldwide.
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Recalls
Hill’s Science Diet has been recalled two times as of March 2025. One of these recalls was expanded two times.
- June 2, 2014: Hill’s recalled 62 bags of Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed in Hawaii, California, and Nevada due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- January 31, 2019: Hill’s voluntarily 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 was detected in additional products.
- May 20, 2019: Hill’s announced it had accidentally omitted a single lot number from its original recall list.
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Alternatives
While Hill’s Science Diet is a popular dog food, the brand does not quite meet our high standards for quality. However, there are many brands on the market that do!
Manufacturing and Distribution
Hill's Pet Nutrition Co.'s headquarters is located in Topeka, Kansas. The company has facilities in Topeka and Emporia, Kansas; Bowling Green, Kentucky; and Richmond, Indiana, as well as worldwide manufacturing and distribution centers in Czechia and the Netherlands.