Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities d/d Duck Formula Review
$64.99 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.
Review of Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities d/d Duck Formula
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 Skin/Food Sensitivities d/d Duck Formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities d/d Duck Formula, we'll examine all 38 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.
Water is an essential component of your cat's diet, as it helps maintain proper hydration levels, supports digestion, and aids in the absorption of nutrients. It's crucial for maintaining your cat's overall health and well-being.
Duck is an excellent source of lean, easily-digestible protein and contains essential amino acids that your cat requires.
Duck liver is a highly nutritious organ meat that provides a rich source of vitamins A, B, and iron, which are essential for your cat's overall health, immune system, and energy levels.
Green Pea is a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides your cat with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It supports a healthy digestive system and contributes to your cat's overall well-being.
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.
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.
Dried Brewers Yeast is a rich source of B-vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that support your cat's overall health. It also helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting a strong immune system.
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.
Dextrose is a simple sugar derived from corn that provides an easily digestible source of energy for your cat. It can also improve the texture and palatability of the food, encouraging your cat to eat more.
Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Cysteine is an essential amino acid that supports the production of taurine, a crucial nutrient for cats' heart and eye health.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Ascorbic Acid, also known as vitamin C, is an antioxidant that helps support your cat's immune system, combat oxidative stress, and promote overall health. Although cats can produce their own vitamin C, supplementation can be beneficial in certain situations or for specific health needs.
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.
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.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
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.
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.
Glycine is an amino acid that plays an important role in the synthesis of proteins and other essential compounds in your cat's body. It helps support healthy muscle growth, immune function, and overall well-being.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thiamine Hydrochloride is a supplemental form of vitamin B1 that helps support your cat's nervous system and metabolism. It is essential for converting food into energy and maintaining healthy muscles, heart, and brain function.
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 Crude Protein minimum of 38.50% is likely contributed by the duck, duck liver, and pea protein listed in the ingredients. Duck and duck liver are both high in protein, and pea protein is a concentrated source of plant-based protein.
The Crude Fat minimum of 28.50% is likely contributed by the duck, duck liver, soybean oil, and fish oil. Duck and duck liver naturally contain fat, and both soybean oil and fish oil are added fats. Fish oil can also contribute to the omega fatty acids content, which is not explicitly listed in the guaranteed analysis but is a common component in pet foods for skin and coat health.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 7.40% is most likely due to the green peas and powdered cellulose. Green peas can provide dietary fiber, and powdered cellulose is often used in pet foods as a fiber source.
The Calories of 1142.00 per kg are derived from all the macronutrients in the food - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The duck, duck liver, green peas, pea protein, brewers dried yeast, soybean oil, and fish oil are the main contributors. Dextrose, a form of glucose, may also contribute to the caloric content.
The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients are typically added to ensure the pet food meets the nutritional requirements for pets. These may not directly contribute to the protein, fat, and fiber values, but they are essential for overall health.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities d/d Duck Formula costs approximately $11.88 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 | $222.83 |
| 10 lbs | $374.75 |
| 15 lbs | $507.93 |
| 20 lbs | $630.25 |
| 30 lbs | $854.24 |
| 40 lbs | $1059.94 |
| 50 lbs | $1253.04 |
| 60 lbs | $1436.65 |
| 70 lbs | $1612.73 |
| 80 lbs | $1782.61 |
| 90 lbs | $1947.24 |
| 100 lbs | $2107.36 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have reported that Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities d/d Duck Formula has been highly beneficial for their cats with food sensitivities, IBD, allergies, and other health issues. Even cats that are extremely picky eaters have been reported to enjoy this food. The food has also been praised for its effectiveness in managing symptoms of these conditions, such as chronic diarrhea and vomiting.
A few customers have mentioned that their cats initially disliked the food, but grew to enjoy it after a gradual transition. Some have also noted that their cats prefer the wet version of this food over the dry one. This could be useful information for those whose cats are not immediately receptive to the food.
Despite the positive effects of the food, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the high cost. However, many seem to consider it a necessary expense due to the significant health benefits it provides for their cats.
Several customers have reported that their cats love the food and would eat it constantly if allowed. This is a testament to the taste and palatability of the food, which can often be a concern with prescription diets.
Some customers have had issues with the consistency and smell of the food, but these seem to be minor concerns compared to the overall benefits. Some have also noted that the food doesn't always mix well with water, which may be a consideration for cats with specific dietary needs.
Lastly, there have been some concerns about the availability of the product, with customers reporting that it has been out of stock for extended periods. However, others have found suitable alternatives that their cats also enjoy and tolerate well.
