Hill's Bioactive Recipe Grow + Learn Puppy Formula Review

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Review of Hill's Bioactive Recipe Grow + Learn Puppy Formula

According to our data, this Hill's Bioactive Recipe recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Hill's Bioactive Recipe Grow + Learn Puppy Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Bioactive Recipe Grow + Learn Puppy Formula, we'll examine all 44 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Cracked pearled barley is a wholesome, easily digestible grain that provides your dog with essential nutrients, fiber, and energy. It supports healthy digestion, maintains stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to overall health and vitality.

  3. Whole grain oats are a nutrient-rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion in dogs.

  4. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  5. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  6. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  7. Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.

  8. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  9. Egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that also provides essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  10. Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.

  11. Chicken liver flavor is a natural flavor enhancer that makes dog food more palatable and enjoyable for your pet. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  12. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

  13. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  14. Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.

  15. Iodized salt provides essential iodine for your dog, which is necessary for proper thyroid function and overall health.

  16. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  17. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  18. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  19. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  20. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  21. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  22. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  23. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  24. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  25. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  26. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  27. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  28. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  29. Green peas are a nutritious and low-calorie ingredient that provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's overall health.

  30. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  31. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  32. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  33. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  34. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  35. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  36. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  37. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

  38. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  39. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  40. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  41. Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote overall health in dogs.

  42. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  43. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  44. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and overall well-being. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and vision, making it an essential ingredient for your dog's diet.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 30.00% is likely provided by the chicken, which is the first ingredient and thus the most abundant in the formula. Chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of protein because it has less water content than whole chicken, also contributes significantly to the protein content. Pea protein is another ingredient that boosts the protein level. The egg product is an additional high-quality protein source.

Crude Fat minimum of 19.60% is primarily derived from chicken fat, which is a common source of animal fat in pet foods. The inclusion of fish oil also contributes to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a puppy's growth and development. Flaxseed can be another contributor to the fat content, as it contains healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber maximum of 1.80% is relatively low, indicating that the food is not designed to have a high fiber content. The fiber that is present may come from ingredients like cracked pearled barley, whole grain oats, brown rice, and dried beet pulp. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to support healthy digestion without making the fiber content too high.

The Caloric Content of 3794.00 kcal/kg suggests that the food is energy-dense, which is suitable for growing puppies that have high energy requirements. The high caloric content is likely due to the high levels of protein and fat, particularly from the chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat. Carbohydrates from grains like barley, oats, and rice also contribute to the overall energy content.

Overall, the main ingredients such as chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat are the primary contributors to the guaranteed analysis values, providing protein and fat, while grains and other plant-based ingredients offer fiber and additional nutrients.