Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food is formulated to provide vital nutrients that support the essential building blocks for lifelong health, ensuring puppies get the best start in life and grow to their full potential. This analysis delves into the ingredients, nutritional benefits, and overall composition of this popular puppy food.
Key Features and Benefits
This particular formula boasts several features and benefits designed to support optimal puppy development:
- Balanced Minerals: Supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
- DHA and Fish Oil: Promotes healthy brain and eye development.
- Antioxidant Blend: Supports a developing immune system.
- High-Quality Proteins: Fuels the growth of strong muscles.
- Natural Ingredients: Made with natural ingredients.
- Made in the USA: Produced in the USA with global ingredients.
- Veterinarian Recommended: #1 Recommended by US Veterinarians.
- ActivBiome+ Digestion: Contains a blend of prebiotic fibers to support the gut microbiome and digestive system.
Ingredient Breakdown
The ingredient list provides a comprehensive overview of what goes into this puppy food. Here's a closer look at some key components:
- Lamb Meal: A concentrated source of protein derived from lamb.
- Brown Rice: A complex carbohydrate that provides energy and fiber.
- Chicken: Another source of protein.
- Chicken Fat: A source of essential fatty acids and flavor.
- Whole Grain Oats: A source of fiber and carbohydrates.
- Whole Grain Corn: A source of carbohydrates, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Pea Protein: A plant-based protein source.
- Brewers Rice: A refined carbohydrate source.
- Soybean Meal: A plant-based protein source.
- Cracked Pearled Barley: A source of fiber and carbohydrates.
- Egg Product: A source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
- Wheat Gluten: A protein derived from wheat.
- Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor: Provides enhanced flavor and palatability.
- Ground Pecan Shells: A source of fiber.
- Lactic Acid: A preservative and flavor enhancer.
- Dicalcium Phosphate: A source of calcium and phosphorus for bone health.
- Pork Liver Flavor: Enhances flavor and palatability.
- Soybean Oil: A source of essential fatty acids.
- Flaxseed: A source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
- Dried Beet Pulp: A source of fiber.
- Dried Citrus Pulp: A source of fiber and antioxidants.
- Fish Oil: A source of DHA and omega-3 fatty acids for brain and eye health.
- Iodized Salt: A source of iodine, an essential mineral for thyroid function.
- Potassium Chloride: An electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance.
- Sodium Tripolyphosphate: A dental health ingredient.
- Potassium Citrate: An electrolyte and urinary acidifier.
- Pressed Cranberries: A source of antioxidants.
- Choline Chloride: An essential nutrient for brain function.
- DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan: Essential amino acids.
- Calcium Carbonate: A source of calcium.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
- Taurine: An amino acid important for heart health.
- Mixed Tocopherols: A natural preservative.
- Natural Flavors: Enhances palatability.
- Beta-Carotene: A source of Vitamin A and an antioxidant.
Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis provides a breakdown of the key nutritional components:
- Moisture: 10.0% (maximum)
- Protein: 24.0% (minimum)
- Fat: 15.5% (minimum)
- Crude Fiber: 4.0% (maximum)
- Ash: 10.5% (maximum)
- Vitamin C: 85.0 ppm (minimum)
- Vitamin E: 400.0 IU/kg (minimum)
- DHA: 0.03% (minimum)
The caloric content is 385 kcal per 8 oz cup.
Read also: Hill's Science Diet: Pros, cons, and expert analysis.
Nutritional Benefits in Detail
- Growing Bones and Teeth: The balanced minerals in Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe support the development of strong bones and teeth, crucial for growing puppies.
- Healthy Brain and Eye Development: DHA from fish oil contributes to healthy brain and eye development, essential for cognitive function and vision.
- Developing Immune System: The antioxidant blend supports the developing immune system, helping puppies stay healthy and fight off illness.
- Growing Muscles: High-quality proteins fuel the growth of strong muscles, supporting physical activity and overall development.
- Digestive Health: The inclusion of ActivBiome+ Digestion, a blend of prebiotic fibers, supports a healthy gut microbiome and digestive system. Prebiotics nourish beneficial gut bacteria, influencing the overall health and wellbeing of the pet.
Considerations
- Breed Size: This formula is suitable for puppies of small and medium breeds, typically aged 4-9 months with a mature weight of up to 25kg (55lb). It is also suitable for canine puppies in general.
- Life Stage: Specifically designed for puppies, and pregnant or nursing dogs.
- Alternative Formulas: Hill’s also offers other formulas, such as Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy dry food, which is specially made with a delicious chicken flavor and an optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth in large breed puppies.
- Veterinarian Consultation: As always, consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to determine the best food for an individual puppy's specific needs.
Hill's Dedication to Quality
Hill's Pet Nutrition is dedicated to making foods that pets 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 a refund or replacement.
Additional Hill's Products
Hill's also offers a variety of other pet food products, including:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Wet Adult Dog Food: A highly digestible formula designed to help manage digestive upsets, made with chicken for a delicious taste.
- Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Dry Adult Dog Food: A highly digestible formula designed to help manage digestive upsets, made with chicken for a delicious taste.
Read also: Benefits of Science Diet for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs
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