Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

According to our data, this Hill's Science Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies. 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 Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition for growing puppies.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 51 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 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.

  2. 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.

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

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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

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

  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. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Ground pecan shell can be used as a fiber source in dog food, aiding in healthy digestion.

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

  15. Pork Liver Flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your dog.

  16. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  17. 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.

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

  19. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

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

  21. Dried citrus pulp is a nutritious by-product of the citrus juice industry, providing an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber. This ingredient supports healthy digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

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

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

  24. Pressed cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help support your dog's immune system and urinary tract health.

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.

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

  41. 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.

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

  43. 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.

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

  45. 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.

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

  47. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.

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

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. 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

Starting with the Crude Protein minimum of 26.30%, this value is primarily derived from the chicken, chicken meal, and pea protein in the ingredient list. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein, while chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of chicken, contributes a significant amount to the protein content. Pea protein also contributes to this value.

The Crude Fat minimum of 15.40% is likely to come from the chicken fat and fish oil in the ingredients. Chicken fat is a rich source of linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid for dogs. Fish oil also contributes to the fat content and provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a puppy's skin, coat, and cognitive development.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 2.40% is primarily contributed by the whole grains (brown rice, whole grain oats, cracked pearled barley, whole grain wheat, and whole grain corn) and the dried beet pulp. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is essential for healthy digestion. The ground pecan shells and dried citrus pulp also contribute to the fiber content.

The Calories of 3628.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients, but the main contributors are likely the protein and fat sources (chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, and fish oil) as well as the carbohydrate sources (brown rice, whole grain oats, cracked pearled barley, whole grain wheat, and whole grain corn). These ingredients provide the energy your puppy needs for growth and play.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $3.00 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers are very pleased with Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe. They report that their puppies love the taste and are thriving on this food. Some have noticed their puppies have more energy, firmer stools, and shinier coats since switching to this brand. Several customers mentioned that their veterinarians recommended this food, and they have been happy with the results.

There were some negative reviews, mostly concerning changes to the product. Some customers were unhappy that the bag size was reduced while the price remained the same. Others reported that their puppies experienced digestive issues, such as diarrhea, after switching to this food. However, many of these complaints were countered by positive reviews stating that the food improved their puppies' digestion.

A few customers mentioned that their puppies initially refused to eat the food or seemed to get bored with it after a while. However, others commented that their puppies were very excited to eat this food and never seemed to tire of it. Some customers suggested mixing in other flavors or types of food to keep their puppies interested.

Several people praised the quality of the ingredients in this food. They appreciated that the ingredients were easy to understand and seemed to be nutritious. However, a few customers expressed concerns about the quality of the ingredients and suggested that other brands might be better.

Despite some negative reviews, the overall consensus among customers is that Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is a high-quality, nutritious food that their puppies enjoy. Many customers plan to continue using this brand as their puppies grow into adults.