Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner (Pouch) Review
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Review of Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner (Pouch)
According to our data, this Hill's Science Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing kittens and pregnant/nursing cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner (Pouch) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growing kittens and pregnant/nursing cats.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner (Pouch), we'll examine all 40 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.
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.
Pork Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, copper, and vitamin A, which are vital for your cat's overall health, immune system, and vision.
Wheat Flour is a source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which provide energy and support your cat's digestive system. However, it is important to note that some cats may have sensitivities to wheat or gluten.
Modified Rice Starch is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that can provide energy and support your cat's overall health. It is used as a thickening agent, and its hypoallergenic nature makes it suitable for cats with food sensitivities.
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.
Soybean Protein Isolate is a highly digestible plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health. It supports strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and proper growth and development.
Egg Whites are a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids for maintaining strong muscles and supporting overall health in cats.
Oat fiber is a source of dietary fiber that can promote digestive health and help control hairballs in cats.
Chicken liver flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your cat.
Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.
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.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.
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.
Calcium Chloride is a mineral supplement used to ensure your cat receives the necessary calcium for optimal bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
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.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Iodized Salt is an essential source of iodine, a trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.
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.
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.
Magnesium oxide is a source of magnesium, an essential mineral that plays a key role in numerous bodily functions, including nerve function and protein synthesis.
Caramel color is a food coloring used to enhance the visual appeal of cat food.
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 content at a minimum of 44.20% is quite high, which is typical for kitten food as kittens require a lot of protein for growth. The primary contributors to this protein content are the animal-based ingredients such as chicken and pork liver. These ingredients are rich in proteins that are essential for the growth and development of kittens. Wheat gluten and soy protein isolate are also significant contributors to the overall protein content, as they are concentrated sources of plant-based proteins.
Crude Fat at a minimum of 21.60% is essential for providing energy as well as aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The chicken, which is likely to include both muscle and fat, along with pork liver and fish oil, are the main contributors to the fat content in this kitten food. Fish oil also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain and eye development.
The Crude Fiber content is relatively low at a maximum of 1.30%, which is typical for animal-based wet foods. Fiber is not a primary nutrient for cats, who are obligate carnivores, but it is necessary for digestive health. The wheat flour, modified rice starch, and oat fiber are likely the ingredients contributing to this fiber content, helping to provide some structure to the food as well as aiding in the kitten's digestion.
The calorie content of 962.00 per kg provides an idea of the energy density of the food. This is a result of the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The high protein and fat levels, in particular, make this a high-energy food suitable for the rapid growth phase of kittens.
Overall, the guaranteed analysis reflects a diet formulated to support the rapid growth and high energy demands of kittens, with a strong emphasis on protein and fat from animal-based sources. The inclusion of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids like taurine ensures the food is nutritionally complete for a kitten's development needs.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner (Pouch) costs approximately $11.03 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $157.19 |
| 10 lbs | $264.36 |
| 15 lbs | $358.32 |
| 20 lbs | $444.60 |
| 30 lbs | $602.62 |
| 40 lbs | $747.73 |
| 50 lbs | $883.95 |
| 60 lbs | $1013.48 |
| 70 lbs | $1137.69 |
| 80 lbs | $1257.53 |
| 90 lbs | $1373.67 |
| 100 lbs | $1486.62 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have tried Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner generally have positive things to say about their kittens' reception of the food. Many note that their kittens, including some picky eaters, loved the taste and texture of the food. The gravy, in particular, seems to be a hit, with some owners using the product as a topper over dry food to entice their kittens to eat every bite.
Despite some concerns about the size of the food cubes for very young kittens, the overall consensus is that kittens enjoy the flavor and the tender chunks of chicken. Some kittens were so eager to eat this food that they chewed through the packaging. Owners appreciate the convenience of the pouch and the quality ingredients used by a trusted brand.
While a few kittens did not take to the food, and some owners were put off by the price, these seem to be the minority. The food has also been praised for its ability to attract even older cats or those with dental issues, making it versatile for multi-cat households. The product also receives commendations for its nutritional value and the convenience of the packaging.
In response to any negative reviews, it's worth noting that pet food preferences can be highly individual, and what works for one kitten may not work for another. Additionally, while some customers find the product expensive, others believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.
