Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support With Chicken Review
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Review of Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support With Chicken
According to our data, this Hill's Prescription Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Unlike other AAFCO approved cat foods which rely in laboratory testing to substantiate nutritional adequacy, this recipe has undergone feeding trials. In the pet food industry, feeding trials are often considered to be the superior testing method.
Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support With Chicken provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support With Chicken, we'll examine all 50 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.
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.
Brewers Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides cats with a source of energy and supports healthy digestion.
Whole grain wheat provides cats with a source of digestible fiber, which can help support a healthy digestive system, as well as essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron.
Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing and is used as a source of protein. However, it's not as beneficial as meat-based proteins.
Chicken Fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-6, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall health and immune system function.
Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle development and maintenance. It also contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and biotin, which support healthy skin, coat, and immune function.
Wheat Gluten is a highly digestible source of protein that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle development and overall health. It also contains fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.
Brown Rice is a whole grain ingredient that provides a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients to support your cat's energy levels and digestive health.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.
Chicken liver flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your cat.
Dried beet pulp is a fiber source that aids in digestion, helping your cat maintain a healthy weight and control hairballs.
Soybean oil is a plant-based source of essential fatty acids, which can help maintain healthy skin and coat for your cat. However, animal-based fats are generally more beneficial for cats, so soybean oil should be used in moderation.
Fish Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being. It also promotes proper brain function and helps maintain a healthy immune system.
Lactic Acid is a natural preservative and pH regulator used in cat food to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. It is a safe and effective way to preserve the quality of your cat's food.
Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
L-Arginine is an essential amino acid that supports your cat's overall health, including heart function, immune response, and tissue repair. It is particularly important for maintaining healthy kidney function and regulating blood pressure in cats.
Potassium citrate is a source of potassium, an essential mineral for proper heart and muscle function in cats. It also helps maintain a healthy urinary pH.
Betaine is an ingredient known for its ability to aid in liver function and cellular reproduction. It can also help the body metabolize and break down fat.
Whole grain oats are a source of dietary fiber that can promote a healthy digestive system in your cat.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.
Fructooligosaccharides are a type of prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's digestive system, supporting overall gut health and immunity.
Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate is a source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cat's cells from damage and promotes a healthy immune system.
Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.
Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.
Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.
Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
Iodized Salt is an essential source of iodine, a trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.
L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by supporting the metabolism of fats and promoting lean muscle mass.
Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.
Zinc Oxide is a source of essential trace mineral zinc, which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, skin and coat health, and supporting various metabolic processes in your cat's body.
Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.
Manganous oxide is a source of manganese, a trace mineral that supports various bodily functions including bone development, metabolism, and nerve function.
Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.
Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.
L-Threonine is an essential amino acid that supports your cat's immune system, muscle development, and overall well-being.
Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Beta-Carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps support your cat's immune system and promotes healthy skin and coat by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis value of crude protein at a minimum of 34.10% is quite high and is primarily contributed by the chicken, which is the first ingredient and thus the most prevalent in the formula. Other protein sources in this food include corn gluten meal, egg product, wheat gluten, pea protein, and flaxseed. These ingredients not only provide protein but also contribute to the overall amino acid profile, which is important for pets with kidney care needs.
The crude fat minimum of 21.80% is likely due to the inclusion of chicken fat, which is a common source of energy and essential fatty acids in pet foods. Additionally, other fat sources such as soybean oil and fish oil contribute to this value. Fish oil is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for kidney health and inflammation.
Crude fiber is listed at a maximum of 1.50%, indicating that this diet is not very high in fiber. This is consistent with the need for kidney support diets to be easily digestible. The fiber present in this food likely comes from sources like whole grain wheat, brown rice, and dried beet pulp. These ingredients help with intestinal health and stool quality without contributing excessive amounts of fiber, which could be harder on the kidneys.
Lastly, the caloric content is 4082.00 kcal/kg, which helps determine the energy density of the food. The high calorie content is likely influenced by the fats (chicken fat, soybean oil, and fish oil) and carbohydrates (brewers rice, whole grain wheat, and corn gluten meal) in the food. These ingredients provide the energy necessary for maintaining body weight and supporting overall health, especially important for pets with kidney concerns that may have altered energy requirements.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support With Chicken costs approximately $8.00 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $41.98 |
| 10 lbs | $70.60 |
| 15 lbs | $95.69 |
| 20 lbs | $118.73 |
| 30 lbs | $160.93 |
| 40 lbs | $199.68 |
| 50 lbs | $236.06 |
| 60 lbs | $270.65 |
| 70 lbs | $303.82 |
| 80 lbs | $335.82 |
| 90 lbs | $366.84 |
| 100 lbs | $397.00 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed satisfaction with Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support, noting that their cats, including those who are picky eaters or have early renal failure, enjoy the chicken flavor. One cat owner was particularly pleased, stating that their pet, Yoda, who is managing a disease since 2017, has regained some weight after switching to this food. Another customer highlighted the positive health changes in their 14-year-old cat, including weight gain and improved coat condition, since starting the diet.
While some reviews mention cats refusing to eat the food, it's important to note that many cats with kidney issues have shown a preference for Hill's k/d Early Support over other diets. For instance, a 17-year-old cat with declining kidney function reportedly prefers this food to her previous diet. A customer's cat, Boogie, not only loves the food but also exhibits a softer coat and increased energy, suggesting that the product is well-received by some pets when it comes to both taste and health benefits.
In cases where cats initially accepted the food but later became disinterested, some owners successfully mixed it with non-prescription food to encourage eating. One cat owner found that their cat adjusted well to the new diet and has been on it for about 8 months with good results. Another mentioned that their cat, who is in the early stages of kidney failure, enjoys both the dry and wet versions of the food. It's also worth noting that a cat owner recommended trying a small bag or a sample first to ensure the cat's acceptance of the diet before committing to a larger purchase.
