Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d With Chicken Review
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Review of Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chicken liver flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your cat.
Powdered Cellulose is a form of dietary fiber that can help maintain healthy digestion and weight management in cats by providing a feeling of fullness and promoting regular bowel movements.
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.
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.
L-Threonine is an essential amino acid that supports your cat's immune system, muscle development, and overall well-being.
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.
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.
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support your cat's immune system and is also vital for the production of certain proteins, enzymes, and antibodies.
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.
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.
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.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
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.
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.
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.
Iodized Salt is an essential source of iodine, a trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.
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-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by supporting the metabolism of fats and promoting lean muscle mass.
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's mood regulation, sleep cycle, and overall well-being. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety in your cat.
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
1. Crude Protein (min) of 28.90%: This value refers to the minimum percentage of protein in the food. The main contributors to this value in the ingredient list are Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Pea Protein, and Egg Product. These are all high-protein ingredients. The amino acids like L-Threonine, L-Arginine, L-Lysine, and DL-Methionine also contribute to the protein content.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 23.00%: This value refers to the minimum percentage of fat in the food. The primary contributors to this value are Chicken Fat, Fish Oil, and Soybean Oil. These are all high-fat ingredients.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 3.10%: This value refers to the maximum amount of fiber in the food. The main contributors to this value are Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Powdered Cellulose, and Whole Grain Oats. These are all high-fiber ingredients.
4. Calories of 4083.00 per kg: This value refers to the total caloric content of the food per kilogram. All ingredients contribute to this value, but the most calorically dense are typically the fats (Chicken Fat, Fish Oil, and Soybean Oil) and the proteins (Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Pea Protein, and Egg Product). The carbohydrates like Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, and Whole Grain Wheat also contribute to the caloric content.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d With Chicken costs approximately $8.72 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 | $45.75 |
| 10 lbs | $76.94 |
| 15 lbs | $104.28 |
| 20 lbs | $129.39 |
| 30 lbs | $175.38 |
| 40 lbs | $217.61 |
| 50 lbs | $257.25 |
| 60 lbs | $294.95 |
| 70 lbs | $331.10 |
| 80 lbs | $365.97 |
| 90 lbs | $399.77 |
| 100 lbs | $432.65 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have reported that their cats, even the picky ones, seem to enjoy Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d With Chicken. Some have seen significant improvements in their cats' health after switching to this diet. For instance, one user noted that their cat's recent blood work was great after a year on this diet, while another mentioned that their cat, who was in kidney failure, showed improved health numbers and even gained a bit of weight back.
However, there were reviews from customers whose cats didn't take to the food. Some suggested methods to help the transition, such as mixing it with their regular food or trying the wet version of the food. Others noted that while their cats didn't initially like the food, they eventually got used to it. A few customers mentioned that they had to switch to other brands due to their cats' refusal to eat the food.
A few customers expressed concerns about the cost of the food and wished they could buy sample sizes before committing to a full bag. Some also questioned the need for a prescription for the food, given its high price. Despite these concerns, many customers still recommended the product, crediting it with improving their cats' health and extending their lives.
There were also several reviews mentioning that the food was not only beneficial for cats with kidney issues, but also enjoyable for their other cats. This suggests that even if a cat doesn't require a special diet, they might still enjoy this food.
Lastly, a few customers mentioned that they had issues with the food being oily or having a strong smell, but these reviews were rare compared to the overall positive feedback.
