Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley Recipe For Large Breed Adult Dogs Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley Recipe For Large Breed Adult Dogs

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 Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley Recipe For Large Breed Adult Dogs provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley Recipe For Large Breed Adult Dogs, 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.

  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. 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.

  3. Yellow peas are a good source of protein and fiber, which can aid in digestion and provide necessary amino acids for your dog's health.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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

  7. 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.

  8. Egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that also provides essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

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

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

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

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

  37. 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.

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

  39. 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.

  40. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 25.00%: This value indicates the minimum percentage of protein in the food. The primary contributors to this protein content are the chicken and chicken meal, which are listed as the first two ingredients, indicating they are present in high amounts. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered and contains less water than whole chicken. Egg product also contributes to the overall protein content, as eggs are a high-quality source of protein for dogs.

Crude Fat (min) of 16.80%: The crude fat content is reflective of the oils and fats present in the diet. Chicken fat, listed as an ingredient, is a significant contributor to this value, providing essential fatty acids and energy. Soybean oil also adds to the fat content, offering additional essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a dog's skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: This is a measure of the indigestible portion of the food that helps with intestinal function. The cracked pearled barley, brown rice, brewers rice, and dried beet pulp are likely the main sources of fiber in this formula. These ingredients are less digestible than the animal-based components and contribute to the overall dietary fiber content, which is intentionally kept relatively low for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Calories of 3756.00 per kg: This value indicates the energy content of the food. The caloric content is influenced by the levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. In this case, the chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat are calorie-dense ingredients that contribute significantly to the total calorie content. The carbohydrates from grains like barley, brown rice, and sorghum also provide energy, adding to the caloric value of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley Recipe For Large Breed Adult Dogs costs approximately $2.67 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 have shared that their dogs with various allergies and sensitivities have shown improvement after switching to Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley Recipe. Many have noted that their pets are more affectionate, have healthier-looking eyes and noses, and exhibit less shedding. The larger kibble size is appreciated by owners of large breed dogs and is seen as beneficial for their pets' dental health.

Several owners of older dogs with sensitive stomachs have praised the food for its positive impact on their pets' digestive health and overall well-being, including improved coat condition and attitude. The velcro feature on the bag has also been highlighted as a convenient addition.

Some dogs with chronic digestive issues, such as loose stools, have experienced rapid and significant improvements within 24 hours of starting this diet. Owners have expressed relief and satisfaction with the food's effectiveness in resolving long-standing gastrointestinal problems.

Despite some dogs with environmental allergies continuing to struggle, many have found that combining this food with allergy treatments has led to noticeable improvements. Owners report that their dogs are happier and no longer suffering thanks to the combination of Hill's Science Diet and medical interventions.

For dogs with a history of loose bowels and digestive disturbances, the Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin formula has been credited with stabilizing bowel movements and firming up feces. This has provided relief for both the pets and their owners.

In cases where pets were not enthusiastic eaters, this food has been well-received, with dogs eagerly eating their meals and showing reduced itching and scratching. The health benefits have been recognized by veterinarians during check-ups, further endorsing the quality of the food.

A minority of dogs did not experience the desired results with this food, but their owners are hopeful that continued use, possibly after a period of prescription diet and medication, will lead to improvements. Owners of dogs with itchy skin have also noted some relief after switching to this food, although they are waiting to see if the benefits are solely due to the food or a combination of treatments.

The food has also been recommended by veterinary professionals and has led to positive changes in dogs' coat condition, weight, and relief from allergies and digestive issues. Owners have noticed significant improvements in their pets' health and are pleased with the results.

In summary, Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley Recipe For Large Breed Adult Dogs has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from pet owners whose dogs have sensitive stomachs, skin issues, or allergies. The food is often described as life-changing, with noticeable health benefits, and is favored for its larger kibble size and palatability.