Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Review
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Review of Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Brown 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.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, 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.
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.
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.
Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.
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.
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.
Whole grain oats are a nutrient-rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for 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.
Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
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.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.
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.
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.
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.
Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote overall health in dogs.
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.
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 content of 23.60% in this pet food is likely contributed by the chicken, chicken meal, and pea protein listed in the ingredients. Chicken and chicken meal are high-quality sources of protein that provide the essential amino acids pets need. Pea protein is a plant-based protein that also contributes to the overall protein content.
The crude fat minimum of 16.40% comes from ingredients such as chicken fat and flaxseed. Chicken fat is a common ingredient in pet foods as it is a rich source of energy and helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Flaxseed not only contributes to the fat content but also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.
Crude fiber maximum of 1.70% is relatively low, which is typical for a diet that is not specifically aimed at weight management or gastrointestinal health. The fiber in this food likely comes from sources like brown rice, cracked pearled barley, whole grain oats, and dried beet pulp. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.
The caloric content of 3713.00 kcal/kg can be attributed to the combined energy provided by the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food. Carbohydrates are provided by ingredients like brown rice, brewers rice, and whole grain oats, which also contribute to the overall calorie count. Chicken and chicken fat are calorie-dense ingredients that significantly contribute to the energy content of the food.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $3.97 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 | $22.92 |
| 10 lbs | $38.55 |
| 15 lbs | $52.25 |
| 20 lbs | $64.83 |
| 30 lbs | $87.88 |
| 40 lbs | $109.04 |
| 50 lbs | $128.90 |
| 60 lbs | $147.79 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers are expressing high satisfaction with Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, noting that even picky eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs have taken well to the food. One customer was particularly pleased to see their dog enthusiastically switch from puppy to adult formula, while another highlighted the food's digestibility and palatability without the need for additional toppings.
Many reviews emphasize the health benefits and quality ingredients of the food, with several pet owners mentioning improvements in their dogs' well-being after switching to this brand. One dog owner noted that their dog, who previously suffered from vomiting, had no issues after transitioning to this food. The small kibble size is also appreciated by owners of dogs with dental issues or smaller breeds.
While some reviews mention concerns about kibble size and digestibility, these appear to be isolated cases, with the broader consensus being very positive. Owners of dogs with very specific dietary needs or preferences have been able to find success with this food, and many trust the brand based on veterinary recommendations. Additionally, the lack of corn in the recipe is a selling point for some customers, and there's a call for a senior version of the food to cater to older pets.
