Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Review
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Review of Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe
According to our data, this Hill's Science Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Unlike other AAFCO approved dog 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 Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe, 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 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.
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.
Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.
Whole grain wheat is a source of wholesome fiber, promoting good digestive health, and it also provides essential nutrients like protein and B vitamins.
Whole grain corn is a wholesome carbohydrate source that provides your dog with the energy they need to stay active and healthy, while also delivering essential nutrients.
Whole grain sorghum is a gluten-free grain that provides your dog with a source of digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients for overall health.
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.
Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.
Whole grain oats are a nutrient-rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion in dogs.
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.
Soybean meal is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle growth and overall health, while also being highly digestible.
Soybean oil is a plant-based source of healthy fats in dog food. Rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, soybean oil helps support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their immune system. It also provides energy for active dogs and assists in nutrient absorption.
Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.
Natural pork flavor enhances the taste of your dog's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable for them to eat.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
Iodized salt provides essential iodine for your dog, which is necessary for proper thyroid function and overall health.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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.
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.
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.
L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.
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.
Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.
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.
Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.
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.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.
Oat fiber is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, as well as promoting a feeling of fullness and aiding in weight management.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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.
L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.
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.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote overall health in dogs.
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.
Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The crude protein minimum of 19.00% is likely contributed by the chicken meal, soybean meal, and the grains (barley, rice, wheat, corn, and sorghum). Chicken meal, being the first ingredient, is the main source of protein. It's a concentrated source of animal protein because it's essentially dehydrated chicken. Soybean meal is also a significant source of plant-based protein.
The crude fat minimum of 13.70% is most likely derived from the chicken fat, soybean oil, and flaxseed. Chicken fat is a quality source of essential fatty acids and energy, while flaxseed provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Soybean oil also contributes to the fat content, although it's not as beneficial as animal-based fats.
The crude fiber maximum of 2.40% is primarily provided by the whole grains (barley, rice, wheat, corn, sorghum, and oats), dried beet pulp, and oat fiber. These ingredients are all sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
The calorie content of 3558.00 per kg is derived from all the ingredients, with the major contributors being the protein and fat sources - chicken meal, chicken fat, and the grains. Fats are a concentrated source of energy, providing more than twice the amount of calories per gram compared to proteins and carbohydrates.
The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients are added to ensure a balanced diet, meeting all the nutritional needs of an adult dog. These include Vitamin E, Vitamin C, niacin, thiamine, Vitamin A, and various others, along with minerals like ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, and copper sulfate.
Lastly, ingredients like apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries, and green peas contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the food, providing additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe costs approximately $2.69 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $16.20 |
| 10 lbs | $27.24 |
| 15 lbs | $36.92 |
| 20 lbs | $45.81 |
| 30 lbs | $62.09 |
| 40 lbs | $77.04 |
| 50 lbs | $91.08 |
| 60 lbs | $104.42 |
| 70 lbs | $117.22 |
| 80 lbs | $129.57 |
| 90 lbs | $141.54 |
| 100 lbs | $153.18 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers appreciate Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe for its quality and the positive effects it has on their dogs. Many customers have noted that their dogs, including those with specific health conditions such as pancreatitis and heart disease, enjoy the food and have shown improvements in health and vitality. The small size of the kibbles is appreciated, particularly for smaller breeds or older dogs with chewing difficulties.
Several customers have praised the product for its suitability for picky eaters. Some dogs that were previously selective with their food now finish their meals eagerly. The product has been recommended for its nutritional benefits, with one customer noting that their senior rescue dog has thrived since being put on this diet.
Despite some negative reviews about the product causing allergies or digestive issues in some dogs, many customers have found the food to be beneficial for their pets' health. Some customers have mentioned that their dogs' health conditions improved or stabilized after switching to this diet. A few customers have also noted that their dogs' coats look healthier and that the dogs seem more energetic and happy.
While some customers have raised concerns about the product's ingredients, many others have expressed satisfaction with the food's quality and the research backing it. Some customers have used the product for years and have seen their dogs thrive. One customer even mentioned that their toy poodle, who is 19 years old, enjoys this product as a treat after each meal.
The product has been praised for its convenience, with one customer noting that the bag's Velcro closure makes it easy to open and close. Some customers have also mentioned that the food is fresh and in good condition upon arrival. Despite a few negative reviews about the product's price, many customers have expressed satisfaction with the value for money provided by the product.
Despite some negative reviews about the product causing allergies or digestive issues in some dogs, many customers have found the food to be beneficial for their pets' health. Some customers have mentioned that their dogs' health conditions improved or stabilized after switching to this diet. A few customers have also noted that their dogs' coats look healthier and that the dogs seem more energetic and happy.
