Hill's Science Diet is a well-known product line, offering a wide variety of recipes tailored to meet specific dietary needs based on a dog's weight, age, and breed. This review delves into the Hill's Science Diet senior dog food options, examining their ingredients, benefits, drawbacks, and overall suitability for older dogs.
Overview of Hill's Science Diet Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet boasts a vast range of dog food, with over 90 wet and dry food recipes available. All recipes are formulated 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, maintenance (adults), or growth (puppies). Protein levels in the main line of Hill's Science Diet are average, typically ranging from 22% to 28% as dry matter in both wet and dry food recipes.
Hill's Science Diet for Senior Dogs
Hill's Science Diet offers several options specifically formulated for senior dogs, addressing their unique needs as they age. These recipes are designed to support heart and kidney health, mobility, and overall vitality.
Hill's Science Diet 6+ Dry Foods
The Hill's Science Diet 6+ dry food range includes recipes tailored for senior pups, with 6+, 7+, and 11+ options available. These recipes feature carefully balanced minerals to support heart and kidney health, as well as omega-3 fatty acids to promote mobility. Chicken and lamb are the available flavors.
However, some lower-quality ingredients, such as beet pulp and brewer's rice, are included in these recipes. For 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.
Read also: Hill's Science Diet: Pros, cons, and expert analysis.
Hill's Science Diet 7+ Wet Foods
Hill's Science Diet 7+ wet foods are specially designed for senior dogs, offering balanced minerals for kidney and heart health, as well as antioxidants to support the immune system. These wet foods come in turkey, beef, or chicken flavors.
However, some recipes, like Turkey & Barley Entrée, contain lower protein levels (around 20% as dry matter), which may not be ideal for senior dogs who require additional muscle support. Ingredients of modest nutritional value, such as whole grain corn and dried beet pulp, are also included in these recipes. 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 Senior Vitality
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality differs from the main line senior food by containing a proprietary ingredient blend to support an aging pup's brain and boost their energy levels. The top ingredients in the Senior Vitality wet foods are broth, followed by a quality cut of meat, which is typical for stewed dog foods. The dry food recipes list a quality cut of chicken as the top ingredient.
However, Senior Vitality recipes include some ingredients of modest nutritional value, such as whole grain corn and soybean oil. Chicken is the only available Senior Vitality flavor.
Pros of Hill's Science Diet Dog Food
Wide variety of recipes for specific needs: Hill's Science Diet offers numerous 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 many aspects of a dog'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.
Read also: Benefits of Science Diet for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs
More affordable than high-end dog food: While Hill's Science Diet may not contain the highest quality ingredients, it's more affordable than some premium dog foods.
Generous returns policy: Hill's Science Diet offers a 100% money-back guarantee. Customers can return any unused food they're unsatisfied with to an authorized seller with proof of purchase and receive a full refund or replacement. Customers can also contact Hill's directly for a refund if they aren't satisfied with an authorized seller's response.
Cons of Hill's Science Diet Dog Food
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.
Considerations and Concerns
Before purchasing Hill's Science Diet for your senior dog, it's important to consider the following:
Read also: Optimal Nutrition for French Bulldogs
Ingredient Quality: While Hill's Science Diet offers a wide range of options, some recipes contain ingredients that may be considered lower quality or fillers. These ingredients may not provide the same nutritional benefits as higher-quality alternatives.
Protein Sources: The limited variety of protein sources may be a concern for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. It's important to carefully review the ingredient list to ensure the food is suitable for your dog's specific needs.
Recalls
Hill's Science Diet has been recalled two times as of March 2025. One of these recalls was expanded two times.
On 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.
On January 31, 2019, Hill's voluntarily recalled select batches of its canned dog food due to potentially elevated vitamin D levels, which can cause serious health problems, including renal failure. This recall was issued after receiving reports of dogs exhibiting symptoms of high vitamin D levels.
On March 20, 2019, Hill's expanded its January recall as the vitamin premix that caused the initial recall was detected in additional products.
On May 20, 2019, Hill's announced it had accidentally omitted a single lot number from its original recall list.
What Pet Parents Say
Some pet parents have reported positive experiences with Hill's Science Diet, noting that their dogs enjoy the food and experience benefits such as improved digestion. However, other pet parents have reported issues such as changes in the food's smell or taste, leading to their dogs refusing to eat it.
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 Pet Nutrition Co.'s headquarters is located in Topeka.
Alternatives to Hill's Science Diet
While Hill's Science Diet is a popular dog food, there are many other brands on the market that may offer higher-quality ingredients or be better suited to your dog's specific needs.