Hill’s is in the Top-5 pet food manufacturers in the world. They produce a massive amount of cat and dog food daily and pride themselves on providing the best quality-to-price pet food.
However, they’ve come under fire in recent years for not being “natural” and “organic.” And after changing the formula and packaging, more negativity has rained down on them. Nevertheless, the vast majority of Science Diet dog food reviews are positive, including those from pet owners and veterinarians worldwide.
We decided to take everything with a grain of salt, do the research, and see for ourselves if Science Diet dog food ratings are inflated or justified. We’ll show you the ingredients used in their most popular dog foods so you can see and decide for yourself. And we’ll also look at Hill’s Top-7 Science Diet dog foods, going into detail on why you should or shouldn’t consider that particular food.
Let’s get into Hill’s Science Diet.
First, why’s it called Hill’s Science Diet?
Who makes Hill's Science Diet Dog Food?
To answer why it’s called Hill’s, we have to go back in time to pre-WW2 America. In the late 1930s, a blind man named Morris Frank was touring the US with his guide dog, Buddy. Unfortunately, Buddy seemed to be suffering from kidney failure at the time.
What happened next launched one of the biggest pet foods in the world.
Keep in mind, veterinary practice and dog nutrition were still very young.
To help Buddy, Mr. Frank turned to one of the leading veterinarians of the time, Dr. Mark Morris Sr., who coincidentally had the same last name as Mr. Frank’s first name.
Dr. Morris Sr. deduced that Buddy’s kidney failure resulted from poor nutrition and developed a dog food for Buddy. The results delighted Mr. Frank so much that he arranged for cans and canning machines to be sent to Dr. Morris Sr’s home. Eventually, the faithful doctor outgrew his home canning facility and turned to Hill Packing Company (located in Topeka, Kansas) to can and package what would become Hill’s Prescription Diet dog food.
The doctor’s son, Dr. Morris Jr., worked alongside his father in a research facility (established in 1951 in Topeka) to develop a food for healthy dogs — Science Diet.
The manufacturer of Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, is currently owned by Colgate-Palmolive. Yes, the toothpaste and the soap. But Colgate-Palmolive also markets a variety of food products, healthcare products, and personal care products. They bought Hill’s in 1976, and the brand has seen growth year-over-year since then.
Just an FYI, the manufacturing facilities used to make Hill’s dog food do not come in contact with any toothpaste, soaps, or any other chemicals, for that matter. Hill’s dog food is made in the USA in Topeka, Kansas. Some of the ingredients for pet food are imported from other countries.
Hill's Science Diet Dog Food Reviews
The biggest selling points of Science Diet are #1 - the variety (43 types of dry dog food!), #2 - it caters to different life stages and dog breeds, and #3 - there’s a dog food that provides the healthy diet your pet needs.
The last point — the healthy diet — is what you’re probably most interested in. And that’s why it was called the Science Diet. Talented veterinarians and nutritionists have worked hard to perfect Dr. Morris Jr’s recipes and have developed new ones.
Today, many Hill's Science Diet dog food reviews mention that there’s no alternative for their dogs. That has to do with how Science Diet is marketed and sold. They have foods for the three major lifestages (puppy, adult 1-6, adult 7+), plus adult 11+ foods.
Before we look at the dog foods, we should mention why Hill’s uses the Adult 1-6, Adult 7+, and Adult 11+ designations. Adult 1-6 is your regular, run-of-the-mill adult dog. Beginning at six years of age, and depending on the breed, dogs enter senior status. But Hill’s took it a step further and included a fourth lifestage — Adult 11+.
But that’s not all. They have puppy food for both small and large breeds. Their adult foods include recipes for sensitive stomachs, weight management, and other health concerns. So not only does the brand “follow” your dog throughout their lives, but it can also be a lifesaver for dogs with specific issues like problems with digestion or weight gain.
Here are our handpicked Top-7 dog foods. We’ll look at each one in more detail later.
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
- Hill’s team of vets and experts perfected Science Diet adult dog food to align with your mature dog’s nutritional needs.
- Includes L-Carnitine, Omega 3/6 Fatty Acids, and Vitamins C and E.
- Plenty of protein and fiber to keep your pet strong while also being easy-to-digest.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Specially formulated for adult dogs 1-6 years old.
- Chicken is the #1 ingredient, and additional ingredients include vitamins, minerals, and Omega 3/6 Fatty Acids.
- Comes in 5, 15, and 35-lb bags.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food
- Science Diet Sensitive Stomach dog food was formulated to be easily digestible.
- Includes prebiotics (beet pulp) and lots of fiber to help move things along.
- Addition of Omega Fatty Acids and Vitamin E helps support healthy skin and coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Dog breath can be pretty stinky at times, but having dog food or treats formulated for oral care can help.
- Science Diet Oral Care dog food uses interlocking fiber technology in the kibble to reduce plaque.
- Apart from the oral care qualities, it’s a balanced nutritious meal with protein and veggies.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Keep your dog’s weight under control with a low-calorie solution.
- Reduced calories doesn’t mean reduced nutrition.
- Science Diet perfect weight dog food has a blend of ingredients which include vitamins and minerals.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
- Crafted for small & toy dogs to give them complete, balanced nutrition in small kibble.
- Omega Fatty Acids and Vitamin E ensure your small dog’s coat and skin are in top shape.
- Antioxidants help get rid of free radicals and prolong your dog’s life.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Big dogs need love too. Give your large breed dog a hearty meal with balanced nutrition. Includes nutrients that support healthy joints.
- L-Carnitine is a powerful fat burner that will keep your dog’s metabolism in check.
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Science Diet senior dog food is fortified with vital nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids, minerals, and joint-supporting compounds to keep your senior dog’s health in check. The formula is a Chicken-first recipe, and the kibble is medium-sized and perfect for any dog breed or size.
No animal sticks to the same diet throughout its entire life. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger said when asked if he drinks milk, “Milk is for babies. When you grow up, you have to drink beer.” A joke, but you get the point.
It’s the same with dogs, their nutritional needs evolve with age. Hill’s has a research facility where they develop, test, and perfect recipes in a lab setting to ensure every nutrient is on point and bioavailable.
Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe has everything — quality protein, easily digested kibble, and a superb blend of ingredients. Plus, Hill’s included minerals like Calcium and Phosphorus for strong bones, L-Carnitine to keep your aging dog from getting too chubby, and Omega Fatty Acids for a healthy heart, skin, and coat.
KEY FEATURES:
- Made in the USA
- No artificial flavors. No preservatives. No synthetic colors
- Hill's Science Diet senior dog food has balanced nutrition for senior dogs of all breeds and sizes
- For adult dogs 11+ years of age
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Senior
- Weight: 5, 15, 33-pound bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Nutrient-wise, one of the most diverse we’ve seen (check out the Nutritional Info section)
- Affordable
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Only 1 out of the first 5 ingredients in Science Diet mature dog food is a meat product
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
The perfect transition from Hill’s puppy food. When your pup turns one year old, you need an adult formula to keep up with their growth into adulthood, and this is the perfect kibble. It’s fortified with vitamins and minerals, and Chicken is the #1 ingredient.
Science Diet is a clever brand name because any food you release will bear the name. That’s an excellent marketing move, but, from our research, Hill’s looks and plays the part from our research. They employ 200+ veterinarians who, together with experts in other fields, develop a science-based approach to pet nutrition.
This balanced formula is for adult dogs aged 1-6 years old who lead a normal, active life. And to be active, you need energy. High-quality energy and not just fillers for calories’ sake. Chicken (not Chicken Meal or By-products) is the first ingredient. That means they use pure chicken meat and nothing else.
Besides, you and your canine friend will enjoy a beautiful, shiny coat thanks to the Fatty Acids and Vitamin E. Plus, it has Vitamin C to boost your dog’s immune system.
KEY FEATURES:
- Made in the USA
- Includes Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids, Vitamins C & E, and minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorous
- Formulated for adult dogs aged 1-6 years old
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 5, 15, 35-pound bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Affordable
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.
- Formulated for an active dog lifestyle
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Only 1 out of the first 5 ingredients is a meat product
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food was created to be incredibly easy to digest while also benefiting dogs’ skin and coats. Chicken is the first ingredient, with Chicken Meal at #3. Crafted with your dog in mind.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach dog food reviews rave about this pet food and say it saved them a lot of heartache, having previously watched their pets suffer from digestive issues. This recipe stands out with prebiotics (from beet pulp). Prebiotics (not to be confused with probiotics) create the optimal environment for good bacteria to grow. Hill’s also included Vitamin E and Omega Fatty Acids to support healthy skin and coat.
You might be wondering if your dog needs this specialized pet food, and the answer is — he/she might. The best thing to do would be to consult a vet before transitioning to new dog food. If you notice that your current dog food is causing your pet distress, don’t wait before it gets worse. Call up your vet and get professional advice.
The kibble may be smaller than you’re used to, and we assume this has to be because some dogs wolf their food down, and even if they continue to do that with Science Diet digestive care dog food, it’s smaller, hence easier to digest.
KEY FEATURES:
- Made in the USA
- Includes prebiotics
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 4, 15.5, 35-pound bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Affordable
- 2 out of the first 5 ingredients are meat products
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Would have liked to see probiotics included (prebiotics are not the same thing)
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Clinically proven to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Chicken is the #1 ingredient. It’s fortified with vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and bones and includes Omega Fatty Acids to support healthy skin and coat.
One thing to note on all Science Diet products are the words “Clinically Proven.” You may have seen this phrase on human health and beauty products, but what does it mean? Well, it’s no secret that brands fund their own studies to prove their products work. In this case, Hill’s states their “Clinically proven technology reduces plaque & tartar build-up.”
As far as our research goes, this technology is a special way of pressing the kibble, so it has to be chewed through.
Beyond that, this is a very standard formula (by Hill’s Science Diet standards). It has a quality protein in the form of pure chicken and energy-rich carbs and fats to nourish your pet as they lead their happy doggy lives. Like other Science Diet dog foods, it includes Omega Fatty acids and Vitamin E for healthy skin and coat, and minerals to support bone and dental health.
KEY FEATURES:
- Made in the USA
- Made with special technology that cleans dogs’ teeth and freshens their breath
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 4, 28.5-pound bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- One of the most affordable oral care dog foods on the market
- Formula is very similar to other Science Diet foods, so transitioning to this one should be easier
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Only 1 out of the first 5 ingredients is a meat product.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Your pet may be overweight, and you may not know about it. After you consult with a vet, they may recommend either sticking to the same food while reducing the amount or switching to something like Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight food — the nutritionally balanced, low-calorie alternative.
Obesity in animals, like obesity in humans, is a serious medical condition. We’re all for body positivity, but it’s time to think about making changes when it affects one’s health. The American Kennel Club offers a super-simple step-by-step guide to making sure you keep your dogs weight in check.
Remember, switching to a weight management food will only work if you follow the instructions on the packaging and diet recommendations given by your vet. Think of it like when a human goes on a diet — it has to be sustainable long-term.
And this may be the reason why the calorie count in this food is a tad higher than others we’ve reviewed. If followed to the letter, it’s sustainable weight loss (Hill’s states you’ll see results in 10 weeks).
Apart from the obvious health benefits of reducing excess weight, Science Diet low-fat dog food comes packed with protein (from real chicken) to help retain muscle mass and all the essential vitamins and minerals required in a healthy, balanced diet.
KEY FEATURES:
- Made in the USA
- Includes vital vitamins and minerals
- Does not contain any preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: All breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 4, 15, 28.5-pound bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Balanced nutrition
- Affordable weight management food
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- It’s supposed to help manage weight, but the calorie count is higher than other weight management dog foods.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Small dogs have small teeth, and that means you can’t feed them any adult dog food. This dog food combines a great protein source — Chicken Meal — with a blend of easily digestible ingredients. Treat your toy/small breed to Hill’s Science Diet!
If you’re comparing this to Science Diet dog food small bites, the biggest difference is in the ingredients. Small Bites have real chicken while Adult Small & Toy Breed has Chicken Meal. The difference is that Chicken Meal is ground-up chicken meat and other bits.
The kibble is small enough for toy breeds, so that should leave little doubt in your mind if your dog isn’t classified as a toy breed. Like other Science Diet recipes, this one includes Omega Fatty Acids and a blend of antioxidants to help support your dog’s overall health.
Reviewers say that their tiny toy breeds gobble Hill's Science Diet Small & toy breed dry dog food up in a flash. And that’s not a surprise to us considering how balanced this recipe is. Keep in mind that this is not a replacement for puppy food — this is strictly formulated for adult dogs aged 1-6 years old (up to 30 lbs).
KEY FEATURES:
- Made in the USA
- Specially formulated small kibble for small and toy breeds
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: Small and toy breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 4.5, 15.5-pound bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Affordably priced dog food for small/toy breed dogs
- No artificial preservatives/colors/flavors
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Only 1 out of the first 5 ingredients is a meat product
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Science Diet dog food large breed recipe was formulated for bigger canines. This recipe includes nutrients that support healthy joints. And as large breeds tend to move around less relative to their smaller breed brethren, this formulation includes L-Carnitine to aid fat metabolism.
Unlike most of the Chicken-first Science Diet dry dog food, this is a Lamb Meal & Brown Rice recipe. Lamb is a fantastic source of protein, and combined with the healthier alternative to white rice — brown rice — it will make not only your dog’s coat shine, but also the dog bowl. This recipe is so tasty that your dog will lick it clean.
Reviews confirm that large breed dogs love the taste of this meal. It packs tons of lamb flavor with nutrients like Omega Fatty Acids and antioxidants. Plus, it will provide the energy your large dog needs to keep up with its (smaller) canine buds. And they can comfortably settle into their old age with healthy joints thanks to Hill’s adding two important nutrients — Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
We recommend this dog food as an affordable, balanced meal for your large breed dog.
KEY FEATURES:
- Made in the USA
- Includes L-Carnitine to aid fat metabolism
- Addition of Glucosamine and Chondroitin help support joint health
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Dry food
- Breed size: Large breeds
- Life Stage: Adult
- Weight: 33-pound bags
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Affordably priced dog food for large breed dogs
- No artificial preservatives/colors/flavors
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Only 1 out of the first 5 ingredients is a meat product
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food
Science Diet canned dog food is available in 5.8, 13 oz cans, and variety packs.
Science Diet wet dog food matches perfectly with the dry food. The line of canned products includes:
- Sensitive Stomach and Skin
- Weight Management
- Small and Toy Breed
- No corn, wheat, or soy
Here’s a full list of Science Diet canned wet dog foods currently available:
- Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée dog food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
- Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Can Variety Pack
- Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée dog food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Light with Liver Dog Food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée dog food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws Savory Stew with Chicken and Vegetables dog food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Entree Variety Pack Dog Food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée dog food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée dog food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entree Can Variety Pack Dog Food
- Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
- Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Savory Stew with Chicken and Vegetables
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables dog food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables dog food
- Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Ingredient Analysis
Science Diet dog food ingredients are sourced globally in the US, Europe, and New Zealand. All dog foods are manufactured in the USA (Topeka, Kansas), using strict standards and requirements. Every Science Diet recipe adheres to the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.
A source of animal protein always tops the ingredient list — a good sign that the manufacturer understands dog nutrition. Don’t forget, while they may be domesticated, dogs’ ancient ancestors were predominantly carnivores.
What Types Of Dog Foods Does Hills Offer?
Hill’s has an extensive product line. To keep it short, we simplified it to categories. To explore what Hill’s offers, check out their product page here.
Brand
- Prescription Diet
- Science Diet
- Healthy Advantage
- Bioactive Recipe
Health Conditions
- Aging Care
- Dental Care
- Digestive Care
- Food Sensitivity
- Glucose Management
- Heart Care
- Joint Care
- Kidney Care
- Liver Care
- Skin Care
- Urgent Care
- Urinary Care
- Weight Management
Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet is for healthy dogs that may need to trim down their waists, clean their teeth, settle their stomach, but most of all, it’s complete and balanced nutrition. Each recipe is scientifically tested, and any claims you see on the packaging have been clinically proven.
Hill’s Prescription Diet
Hill's Science Diet prescription dog food and Science Diet prescription dog food are major misnomers. There’s Science Diet and a completely separate Prescription Diet. Of course, the Prescription Diet is also scientifically tested.
Hill’s Prescription Diet is for dogs with medical conditions like heart, joint, urinary, and other problems. It’s available in both dry and wet dog food and can only be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Hill’s Healthy Advantage & Hill’s Bioactive Recipe
Hill’s Healthy Advantage is a “Veterinarian Exclusive” dog food. We’re not sure what makes it so exclusive — the ingredients are similar to Science Diet, so it’s unclear what makes it so special.
However, it’s immediately clear what makes Hill’s Bioactive Recipe special. The seven dry foods and two wet food options do not include wheat, corn, or soy. Also, judging by the ingredients, Bioactive Recipe is like a gourmet (premium) version of Science Diet.
Hill's Science Diet Dog Food Recalls
According to Wikipedia, there have been three recalls (as of March 2021)
Science Diet dog food recalls happened on the following dates:
June 2, 2014 — Recall for Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry dog food due to potential "Salmonella contamination" affected three US states.
November 28, 2015 — Recall due to “labeling problems” on select wet dog foods.
January 31, 2019 — Recall of Hill’s Prescription and Science Diet dog foods due to “elevated levels of Vitamin D.” Hill’s has a page on this particular recall you can read here.
Conclusion
To sum up our Science Diet dog food review, we can say that Science Diet does involve science, and it’s one of the most popular dog food brands available. While they may be lacking in the ingredients department (usually only one source of animal protein in the first five ingredients), animal protein is always the #1 ingredient.
Science Diet was initially developed for healthy dogs that need a boost in some aspects of their health. Our review looked at dog foods aimed at helping Oral Care, Sensitive Stomach, and Weight Management, but every recipe has digestion in mind.
Another interesting point that surprised us was that all of the dry dog foods include Vitamins C and E as well as Omega 3/6 Fatty Acids. Not something you see in every dog food brand.
All of the above, plus the reviews that we read, point to Science Diet being a top contender for affordable dog food. Science diet is honest about what they claim, and they back it up with science.
FAQs
Yes, Science Diet is a good dog food. Hill’s makes sure to develop, test, and improve their formulas scientifically. They have a research center where they work on new formulations, and their quality standards are, bar none, some of the best in the industry.
The Science Diet has a variety of ingredients. Importantly, a source of animal protein is always the #1 ingredient. The rest of the ingredients are sourced from the US, Europe, and New Zealand.
299-374 calories per cup for dry food, and depending on the size of the can, wet food contains
Science Diet is sold on Amazon, Chewy, Petco, and Petsmart. For locations near you, check out Hill’s Store Finder. Science Diet is also sold worldwide.
Depending on your dog’s age, breed, size, and specific needs, comparable dog foods include Nature’s Recipe, Kirkland, and Purina.
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