Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Adult 6+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Adult 6+ Chicken Meal, Barley & 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.

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 Large Breed Adult 6+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Adult 6+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 49 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

  4. Whole grain wheat is a source of wholesome fiber, promoting good digestive health, and it also provides essential nutrients like protein and B vitamins.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Whole grain oats are a nutrient-rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion in dogs.

  8. 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.

  9. Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.

  14. 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.

  15. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  16. 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.

  17. Iodized salt provides essential iodine for your dog, which is necessary for proper thyroid function and overall health.

  18. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  19. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  23. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  24. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  25. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  26. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  27. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.

  32. 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.

  33. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  34. 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.

  35. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

  36. 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.

  37. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  38. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  46. Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote overall health in dogs.

  47. 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.

  48. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  49. 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

1. Crude Protein (min) of 18.70%: The main contributors to the protein content of this food are likely the chicken meal and soybean meal. These ingredients are high in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair in dogs. The grains such as whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain sorghum, and whole grain oats also contribute to the protein content, although to a lesser extent.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 13.70%: The chicken fat and soybean oil are the primary sources of fat in this food. Fats are essential in the diet of dogs for energy and for the absorption of certain vitamins. The flaxseed also contributes some fat, and it is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.

3. Crude Fiber (max) of 2.40%: The primary sources of fiber in this food are likely the grains (barley, rice, wheat, corn, sorghum, and oats), dried beet pulp, and oat fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health in dogs.

4. Calories of 3558.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is determined by the amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates (from the grains and vegetables) in the food. The chicken meal, grains, and fats are likely the primary contributors to the caloric content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Adult 6+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $2.54 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers are generally very pleased with Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Adult 6+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe. Many have noted that their dogs have reacted positively to the change in diet, with some even showing increased energy levels and improved coat health. One customer mentioned that their dog, who had been experiencing allergies and itching, showed significant improvement after switching to this food. Another customer noted that even their picky cats were stealing pieces of this dog food, indicating a great taste.

Despite some negative reviews, it's clear that a majority of dogs are enjoying this food and benefitting from it health-wise. A few customers mentioned their dogs initially refusing to eat the food, but this could be attributed to the dogs' personal preferences or the transition process from their previous food. Some customers also mentioned their dogs having bad gas after switching to this food, but it's important to note that dietary changes can often cause temporary digestive issues.

Several customers have praised Hill's Science Diet for its high-quality ingredients and the positive impact on their dogs' health. One customer noticed that their dog's bowel movements were smaller and less frequent after switching to this food, suggesting that it's more filling and nutritious. Another customer mentioned that their dog, who had been a picky eater, started eating more after switching to this food.

Some customers have mentioned that their dogs, particularly older ones, didn't seem to like the flavor of the food. However, taste is subjective and can vary greatly from one dog to another. It's also worth noting that transitioning to a new food can take some time, and some dogs may initially resist the change.

A few customers mentioned that their dogs had adverse reactions to the food, such as diarrhea or nausea. It's important to remember that while this food is designed for large breed adult dogs aged 6 and above, every dog is unique and may react differently to a new diet. It's always recommended to consult with a vet before making significant changes to a pet's diet.

Despite some negative reviews, many customers have had great success with this product. One customer mentioned that their 8-year-old Belgian Malinois likes the taste and hasn't had any strange reactions to the food. Another customer mentioned that their dog, who had been on Hills Science Diet food since birth, transitioned to the adult 6+ large breed dry food without any adverse reactions.

Some customers mentioned that the food was too expensive for their budget. However, others have noted that the benefits of the food, such as improved health and energy levels, make it worth the cost. It's also worth noting that high-quality dog food often comes with a higher price tag due to the superior ingredients used.

There were a few reviews that mentioned issues with the dog food molding if it came into contact with water. It's important to store dog food properly to maintain its freshness and prevent mold growth. If a dog is a messy drinker and often gets water in their food dish, it may be worth considering a different feeding setup to prevent this issue.

In conclusion, the majority of customers are happy with Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Adult 6+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe and have noticed positive changes in their dogs' health and behavior after switching to this food. While there were a few negative reviews, these appear to be the exception rather than the rule.