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Hill’s Science Diet Information

Hill’s Science Diet is one of the behemoths of the pet food industry alongside Purina and Royal Canin.

Hill’s has existed in some form since 1907, and when it first operated produced animal feed for hogs and chickens.

However, over time their business model changed and evolved, and the brand started to produce dog food and then first adopted the Hill’s name in the 1940s.

Since then, the brand has seen huge growth and expansion and is one of the most popular brands in the world.

In the 1970s, the brand was purchased by the Colgate-Palmolive company, yes, the Colgate that produces toothpaste, and the brand has been part of that huge conglomerate ever since.

Hill’s Science Diet recipes are produced at Hill’s own facilities in the United States, and they do not outsource any of their production for the US market.

However, we are not certain which of Hill’s facilities are used to produce Hill’s Science Diet.

Hill’s Science Diet is widely available for purchase at thousands of retail pet food stores across the United States and abroad. Hill’s is also commonly found in Veterinary clinics, especially recipes for specific health issues.

Lastly, you can also purchase Hill’s online from several of the larger pet food websites like Chewy, Petflow, and Amazon.

Hill’s Science Diet Product Range

Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet has one of the largest ranges of dog food products of any brand worldwide. This range includes a mix of traditional dry dog food and wet/canned dog food.

Within this huge range, Hills produce many speciality recipes such as those for puppies and senior dogs, recipes for dogs with health issues like allergies and sensitivities, as well as recipes for large and small breed dogs.

Unlike some of its competitors, Hill’s Science Diet does not produce any breed-specific dog food recipes.

Cat Food

Hill’s Science Diet also has an extremely large cat food range that is also split between dry cat food recipes and wet/canned cat food recipes.

There are also many specialized recipes in the cat food range, including food for kittens and senior cats, formulas for specific health issues like hairballs and urinary tract problems, and recipes for indoor cats.

Once again, Hill’s Science Diet does not produce any breed-specific cat food recipes as some other large brands do.

Hill’s Science Diet Nutrition

Dog Food

The nutrition offered by Hill’s Science Diet recipes varies hugely depending on the product type and recipe. Some recipes provide nutrition that is above average when compared to other brands, while some recipes provide nutrition that is below average.

However, on the whole, the nutrition provided by Hill’s Science Diet recipes is average to below average.

It is important to remember that many of Hill’s Science Diet recipes are for specific health problems, and for these recipes, high levels of protein and fat come second to helping to resolve them.

Below is an example of the nutrition that can be provided by a Hill’s Science Diet dry dog food recipe.

Hill's Science Diet Example Nutrition

If you would like to learn more about canine nutrition, we highly recommend you check out our Dog Food Guide.

Cat Food

Many of the same principles discussed above also apply to Hill’s Science Diet cat food recipes. The nutritional profile of recipes can vary significantly, especially for those recipes for health issues.

However, typically, Hill’s Science Diet cat food recipes provide nutrition that is average to below average when compared to other brands.

It is critical that cats consume a diet that is high in animal or fish-based protein and fat and that they do not consume an excessive proportion of plant-based food.

This is because they are obligate carnivores, and their digestive system and bodies evolved to eat mostly meat and fish.

If you would like to learn more about feline nutrition and what an Obligate Carnivore is, then be sure to check out our Cat Food Guide.

Hill’s Science Diet Ingredients

High-Quality Meat & Fish Ingredients

  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Duck
  • Beef
  • Lamb
  • Tuna
  • Salmon

Hill’s Science Diet uses a moderate range of high-quality meat and fish ingredients in its recipes. All of the ingredients listed above are high-quality additions to pet food recipes and can act as a source of animal-based protein and fat.

Many of these ingredients are industry favorites, like Chicken, Turkey, and Salmon. These ingredients are so popular among pet food manufacturers as they are affordable, easy to source, and extremely nutritious.

Some of Hill’s recipes use organ meat ingredients like Chicken Liver. Organ meat such as the liver is an excellent addition to a pet food recipe and can enhance its flavor and boost its levels of some beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Other Notable Ingredients

Hill’s Science Diet uses a large range of grain ingredients in the majority of its recipes. Some examples of these grain ingredients are Barley, Wheat, Corn, Sorghum, Soybean Meal, Brewers Rice, and Brown Rice.

Grain ingredients can be controversial additions to pet food, with many pet owners refusing to feed their pets recipes that contain grain ingredients.

However, there are also strong supporters of grains, especially among those that feed recipes from the big three brands of Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill’s.

Regardless of opinion, grain ingredients such as these can act as a dense source of nutrition and provide a mix of carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and fiber.

If you’d like to learn more about some of these ingredients, check out the below articles.

Barley In Dog Food

Sorghum In Dog Food

Brewers Rice In Dog Food

Powdered Cellulose is an extremely controversial ingredient to be found in pet food recipes, much more so than others discussed here.

In essence, Powdered Cellulose is pure dietary fiber that is sourced from plant material.

While dietary fiber is a critical part of a dog’s diet, the source of this fiber is what worries many, as Powdered Cellulose can be extracted from waste products from agriculture and industry.

If you’d like to learn more, including what products can be used to produce Powdered Cellulose, check out our article Powdered Cellulose In Dog Food.

Cellulose

Many pet food brands utilize Chicken Fat as a minor ingredient in pet food recipes. Chicken Fat is used to enhance the flavor and taste of pet food recipes and boost the overall levels of animal fat.

Chicken Fat is often chosen over alternatives as it is easy to source and affordable. If you’d like to learn more about Chicken Fat, head on over to our article Chicken Fat In Dog Food.

Dried Beet Pulp is a regular addition to pet food recipes from many brands right across the price spectrum.

Dried Beet Pulp is included in pet food to act as a reliable source of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber can be a critical component of some dogs’ diets and helps them to keep regular digestion and stools.

Outside of this fiber content, Dried Beet Pulp provides very little notable nutrition. If you’d like to learn more about Dried Beet Pulp and how it is made, check out our article, Dried Beet Pulp In Dog Food.

Lastly, Flaxseed is another common addition to pet food recipes, especially among premium brands.

Flaxseed is an excellent plant-based source of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which many believe can provide dogs and cats with several health benefits.

However, Flaxseed can also provide some additional benefits that many pet owners are not aware of. If you’d like to learn more about these benefits, take a read of our article, Flaxseed In Dog Food.

Flaxseed Meal

Hill’s Science Diet Animal Testing

Hill’s Science Diet provides significantly more information on animal testing and feeding trials than most brands.

Many brands avoid disclosing this information as they fear customer backlash.

We strongly believe that invasive or laboratory testing of animals is a cruel and outdated practice and one which we hope will see a significant decline.

Hill’s Science Diet Recalls

Based on our research (FDA, AVMA, DogFoodAdvisor), Hill’s Science Diet has issued several recalls over its history and is, therefore, not a recall-free pet food brand.

January 2019 – Elevated Levels of Vitamin D 

In early 2019, the FDA issued an alert to warn pet owners of a major recall concerning Hill’s Science Diet canned dog food recipes.

This recall was due to toxic levels of Vitamin D, which can cause symptoms in dogs such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and more.

The original recall was expanded several times as more detailed testing was performed on Hill’s Science Diet wet dog food lots.

While it is true that Hill’s took swift action following the emergence of this issue, the size of the recall and the number of lots and products affected is concerning.

You can see the full list of affected products and lot numbers below.

  • Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #7036, Lot #102020T12
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée, 13 oz., 12-pack, SKU #7039, Lot #092020T31 or 102020T21
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #7037, Lot #092020T22, or 102020T13, or 102020T14, or 112020T23, or 112020T24
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley, 13 oz., SKU #7038, Lot #102020T06
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #7040, Lot #112020T10, or 112020T11, or 102020T13
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light With Liver, 13 oz., SKU #7048, Lot #112020T19
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée, 12.8 oz., 12-pack, SKU #2975, Lot #092020T28
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée, 13o oz., SKU #7055, Lot #092020T31 or 102020T13
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #7056, Lot #102020T28, or 092020T31, or 112020T20, or 112020T24
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #7057, Lot #112020T19
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew, 12.5 oz., SKU #10452, Lot #102020T28, or 102020T14, or 102020T21
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew, 12.5 oz., 12-pack, SKU #10451, Lot #102020T28
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew, 12.5 oz., 12-pack, SKU #10449, Lot #092020T28
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Youthful Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew, 12.5 oz., SKU #10763, Lot #102020T04, or 102020T05, or 112020T11
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Toy Breed Chicken & Barley Entrée, 5.8 oz., SKU #4969, Lot #102020T18

November 2015 – Unknown ‘minor’ issue, possibly labeling. Market withdrawal.

  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetables, 12.8 oz., SKU #5210092, UPC #5274229750
  • Hill’s Ideal Balance Slim & Healthy Chicken, 12.8 oz., SKU #5210280, #UPC #5274230770
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Small & Toy Adult Gourmet Beef Entrée, 5.8 oz., SKU #5092280, UPC #5274249660
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Small & Toy Mature Gourmet Beef Entrée, 5.8 oz., SKU #5092282, UPC #5274249680
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Adult Beef Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #5117274, UPC #5274270390
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Adult Beef & Chicken Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #5117273, UPC #5274270400
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Mature Gourmet Beef Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #5117275, UPC #5274270560
  • Hill’s Ideal Balance Slim & Healthy Chicken, 2.9 oz., SKU #5209202, #UPC #5274230780

June 2014 – Potential for Salmonella

In June 2014, Hill’s Pet Nutrition issued a voluntary recall of 62 bags of a dry dog food recipe that it thought may have potentially been contaminated with Salmonella.

This is an extremely small number of bags for a recall and was part of a single production run that was distributed to just 17 veterinary clinics and pet store customers in California, Hawaii, and Nevada.

However, issuing this voluntary recall was critical as Salmonella can pose a major risk to both humans and dogs and cause several symptoms and health issues.

You can see the specific recipe affected by this voluntary recall below.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry dog food with “best by” date and production code of #08 2015 M094 in the following size: 15.5 lb. bags with SKU #9097 (distributed in California, Hawaii, and Nevada).

March 2007 – Melamine

  • Hill’s Science Diet Ocean Fish Dinner in Sauce Savory Cuts Kitten
  • Hill’s Science Diet Ocean Fish Dinner in Sauce Savory Cuts Adult
  • Hill’s Science Diet Chicken Dinner in Gravy Savory Cuts Adult
  • Hill’s Science Diet Beef Dinner in Gravy Savory Cuts Adult
  • Hill’s Science Diet Chicken Dinner in Gravy Savory Cuts Mature Adult 7+

Best of Hill’s Science Diet

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Review

Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley

For obvious reasons, we can not recommend one of Hill’s Science Diet’s specialized recipes to most dogs without knowing their circumstances, so we’ve gone with one of their more generic recipes as a safe bet.

Chicken is the core ingredient of the above Chicken & Barley recipe. This is almost certainly thanks to its low price point and excellent nutrition.

The Chicken used in this recipe is in its whole form and not Chicken Meal, which is popular among many other brands.

This recipe from Hills uses a mix of Barley, Wheat, Corn, Sorghum, and Soybean to provide its carbohydrates.

This is quite an extensive range of grain ingredients compared to many other brands’ recipes that prefer a more concise list.

Hill’s Science Diet Featured Articles

Best WSAVA Approved Dog Food – Hill’s is one of the big names brands that fulfill the WSAVA Guidelines that have grown in popularity in recent years.

These guidelines require pet food brands to carry out detailed feeding trials and have qualified nutritionists on staff. Check out this article to see what other brands join Hill’s in this exclusive list.

Best Dog Food In South Africa – Many of the large and popular North American pet food brands aren’t available in countries like South Africa, which makes pet food selection that much harder.

In this article, we discuss some of South Africa’s best brands, including a recommendation for a Hill’s Science Diet Recipe.

Best Cat Food In South Africa – In identical fashion to the above, there are very few cat food brands that are widely available in South Africa.

However, Hill’s is a reliable option for many, and there is a moderate range of recipes available to cats.

Full Hill’s Science Diet Product Range

Dry Dog Food

Adult Perfect Digestion

Adult Perfect Weight

Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe

Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Chicken Recipe

Adult 11+ Small Paws

Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin

Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Corn Brown Rice Recipe

Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed

Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed

Adult 6+ Large Breed

Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free

Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites

Adult Oral Care

Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe

Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites

Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe

Adult Perfect Weight Large Breed

Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley

Adult Light Small Paws

Adult Large Breed Light

Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe

Puppy Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe

Adult Small Paws Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe

Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe

Adult Light

Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe

Adult Small Paws Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe

Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe

Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe

Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe

Adult Light Small Bites

Puppy Large Breed

Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini

Adult 7+ Senior Vitality

Wet/Canned Dog Food

Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew

Adult Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew

Adult Light With Liver

Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entree

Adult Beef & Barley Entree

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entree

Adult Small Paws Savory Stew With Chicken and Vegetables

Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew

Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entree

Adult Chicken & Barley Entree

Adult Savory Stew With Chicken & Zucchini No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult Savory Stew With Beef & Zucchini No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entree

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entree

Puppy Chicken & Barley Entree

Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entree

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew

Adult Savory Stew With Beef & Vegetables

Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew

Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entree

Adult 7+ Beef & Barley Entree

Puppy Small Paws Savory Stew With Chicken & Vegetables

Adult Turkey & Barley

Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew

Adult Small Paws Savory Stew With Beef & Vegetables

Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew

Adult Chicken & Beef Entree

Puppy Savory Stew With Chicken & Vegetables

Adult 7+ Small Paws Savory Stew With Chicken & Vegetables

Adult 7+ Savory Stew With Beef & Vegetables

Adult Savory Stew With Chicken & Vegetables

Adult 7+ Savory Stew With Chicken & Vegetables

Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew

Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entree

Dry Cat Food

Adult Perfect Digestion

Adult Light

Adult 7+ Senior Vitality

Kitten Indoor

Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin

Adult Indoor

Kitten Chicken

Adult Urinary Hairball Control

Adult Perfect Weight

Adult Hairball Control

Adult Hairball Control Light

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free

Adult 7+ Hairball Control

Adult 7+ Indoor

Adult Chicken Recipe

Adult Oral Care

Adult 11+ Indoor

Adult Multiple Benefit

Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe

Wet/Canned Cat Food

Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner

Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Salmon & Vegetable Stew

Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entree

Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & vegetables Stew

Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew

Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entree

Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner

Adult Tender Chicken Dinner

Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole

Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole

Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley

Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley

Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner

Adult Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley

Kitten Savory Turkey Entree

Adult Light Liver & Chicken Entree

Adult Tender Chicken Dinner

Adult Tender Tuna Dinner

Kitten Savory Salmon Entree

Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley

Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner

Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner

Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entree

Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entree

Kitten Liver & Chicken Entree

Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley

Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entree

Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree

Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entree

Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree

Adult 7+ Savory Turkey entree

Adult Savory Turkey Entree

Kitten Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley

Adult Ocean Fish Entree

Adult 7+ tender Tuna Dinner

Youthful Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetable Stew

Adult Turkey & Liver Entree

Adult Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entree

Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley

Adult Perfect Weight Liver & Chicken Entree

Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tuna & Vegetable Entree

Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner

Adult Tender Tuna Dinner

Adult Tender Chicken & Vegetables Stew No Corn, Wheat, Soy

Adult Liver & Chicken Entree

Adult Savory Salmon Entree

Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner

Adult Savory Chicken Entree