Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 52.5% of this cup, the highest tenth of everything we have measured. Protein comes in at 15.5%.
- Protein
- 15.5%
- Starch, derived
- 52.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 362
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Chicken Meal
Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
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Cracked Pearled Barley
Pearled barley broken into smaller pieces so it cooks and digests more...
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Brown Rice
Rice with only the inedible outer hull removed, so the bran and...
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Brewers Rice
The small fragments of rice kernel separated out during milling, a by-product...
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Whole Grain Wheat
Wheat with the bran, germ and endosperm all left intact, rather than...
Salt is listed at #24. The 10 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 15.5% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 10.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 6.0% |
| Moisture, maximum | 10.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 52.5% |
| Calories | 362 kcal/cup |
The Open Score
Computed from this food's own figures, not from an opinion. Every line below shows what it awarded and why. Read the full method.
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Protein, dry matter 17.2% 2/30
Protein is 17.2% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 15.5%, but that figure includes the water. This food is below 18% dry matter, which is low even against the AAFCO adult minimum.
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Carbohydrate load 58.3% 4/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 58.3% dry matter, between 50% and 60% dry matter, very high. No manufacturer publishes this figure. We derive it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total.
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First five ingredients 1 named 5/25
The first five ingredients are Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice and Whole Grain Wheat. 1 of them is a named animal protein.
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Flagged additives none found 10/10
None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.
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Brand recall history 1 on record 9/10
1 FDA recall matched to this brand, 0 of them in the last three years. This reflects the manufacturer, not this specific recipe.
A score is a summary of measurable things. It cannot tell you whether your dog will do well on this food, and it does not account for price, availability or a condition your vet is managing.
Nutrition, dry matter
The guaranteed analysis on the bag is measured "as fed", which includes the water. Converting to dry matter removes the water so this food can be compared with any other, wet or dry. This food is 90% dry matter.
| Nutrient | As fed | Dry matter | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 15.5% | 17.2% | low |
| Fat | 10% | 11.1% | |
| Fibre | 6% | 6.7% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 52.5% | 58.3% | very high |
Carbohydrate is not published by any manufacturer. We estimate it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total. This food carries 3,548 kcal per kilogram, or 362 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,548 kcal/kg), using the resting energy formula vets use. It is a starting point to adjust from, not a prescription. A pregnant dog, a dog recovering from illness, or one on a prescription diet needs a figure from your vet.
Recall history: Hill's
1 FDA recall on record for Hill's.
- Nutrient levels Hill’s Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Canned Dog Food for Excessive Vitamin D
Get told if this changes
Recalls are announced without warning. We will email you when one is published. No newsletter, no sharing your address, one click to stop.
The Science Behind Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
As dog owners, we want to provide our furry companions with the best nutrition possible to ensure their health and well-being. When it comes to choosing the right dog food, it can be overwhelming with so many options available. One brand that stands out is Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and how they contribute to canine longevity.
The Key Ingredients
The main ingredients in this dog food are chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, brown rice, brewers rice, and whole grain wheat. These ingredients provide a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, which are essential for a dog’s overall health.
Chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein, which is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and supporting lean body tissue. It provides the necessary amino acids that dogs need for energy and vitality. Protein also plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy coat and promoting good skin health. The positive reviews from dog owners who have noticed improvements in their dogs’ coat condition and overall energy levels attest to the benefits of this ingredient.
Cracked pearled barley and brown rice are excellent sources of carbohydrates that provide sustained energy for active dogs. These grains are easily digestible and provide essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The inclusion of fiber in this dog food, as mentioned by one reviewer, is crucial for maintaining good digestive health. A healthy digestive system ensures proper nutrient absorption and supports overall well-being.
Brewers rice and whole grain wheat are additional sources of carbohydrates that contribute to the overall nutritional profile of this dog food. While some reviewers have expressed concerns about grains in dog food, it’s essential to note that grains can provide essential nutrients and energy for dogs. It’s all about finding the right balance for your dog’s specific needs, and the positive feedback from dog owners who have noticed improvements in their dogs’ weight management and energy levels suggests that these ingredients can be beneficial.
The Impact on Longevity
When it comes to assessing the impact of dog food on longevity, it’s important to consider the overall health benefits that the ingredients provide. The collective feedback from dog owners reveals that this dog food has had positive effects on various aspects of their dogs’ health.
The improved coat condition mentioned by one reviewer is a testament to the positive impact of this dog food on skin health. A healthy coat not only looks beautiful but also serves as a reflection of a dog’s overall well-being. Dogs with a shiny, lustrous coat often have good overall health and longevity.
Another reviewer mentioned that their dog’s weight issues improved after switching to this dog food. Obesity in dogs can lead to various health problems, including joint issues and a shorter lifespan. By providing a balanced diet with the right nutrients and portion control, this dog food can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, which in turn promotes longevity.
Several reviewers also mentioned improvements in their dogs’ energy levels and overall vitality. A dog that has a good energy level is more likely to engage in regular exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, promoting cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
Lastly, the positive feedback from reviewers regarding their dogs’ digestive health is crucial for longevity. A healthy digestive system ensures proper absorption of nutrients, which are essential for all bodily functions. It also reduces the risk of gastrointestinal issues and promotes overall well-being.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog food is a critical decision that can impact your dog’s health and longevity. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food offers a balanced combination of ingredients that provide essential nutrients for your dog’s overall well-being. The positive feedback from dog owners regarding improvements in coat condition, weight management, energy levels, and digestive health is a testament to the benefits of this dog food. While individual experiences may vary, it’s clear that this dog food has the potential to contribute to canine longevity. As always, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dietary options for your specific dog’s needs.