Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 44.0% of this cup, above the site average. Protein comes in at 20.0%.
- Protein
- 20.0%
- Starch, derived
- 44.0%
- Kcal / cup
- 271
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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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Pea Fiber
The fibrous outer portion of the pea, separated from the starch and...
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Whole Grain Wheat
Wheat with the bran, germ and endosperm all left intact, rather than...
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Whole Grain Corn
Corn kernels ground with the bran, germ and endosperm still intact, rather...
Salt is listed at #17. The 15 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 20.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 5.5% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 14.0% |
| Moisture, maximum | 10.5% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 44.0% |
| Calories | 271 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 22.3% 13/30
Protein is 22.3% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 20%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 22% and 26% dry matter, adequate but unremarkable.
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Carbohydrate load 49.2% 9/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 49.2% dry matter, between 40% and 50% dry matter, 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, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat and Whole Grain Corn. 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 89.5% dry matter.
| Nutrient | As fed | Dry matter | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 20% | 22.3% | low |
| Fat | 5.5% | 6.1% | |
| Fibre | 14% | 15.6% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 44% | 49.2% | 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 2,987 kcal per kilogram, or 271 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (2,987 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.
Assessing Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food for Canine Longevity
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for your furry companion, it’s important to consider their long-term health and well-being. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food is a popular choice among dog owners looking to support their pet’s longevity. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and customer feedback to determine the benefits and drawbacks of this dog food brand.
The Ingredients
The main ingredients of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food are chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, pea fiber, whole grain wheat, and whole grain corn. These ingredients provide a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber that are essential for a dog’s overall health.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein, which is important for maintaining energy levels and supporting muscle development. The cracked pearled barley and whole grains provide complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly, keeping your dog satisfied and preventing spikes in blood sugar levels.
The inclusion of pea fiber contributes to digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements. This is a significant factor in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity-related issues in dogs. Fiber also aids in the absorption of nutrients and supports a healthy digestive system.
According to the manufacturer, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food also contains additional ingredients such as corn gluten meal, whole grain sorghum, powdered cellulose, and flaxseed. These ingredients further contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dog food.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into how a dog food brand actually performs in real-world scenarios. The feedback on Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food is largely positive, with many dog owners reporting positive changes in their pets’ health and well-being.
Several customers mention that their dogs have lost weight and reached their target weights while enjoying this food. Weight management is crucial for a dog’s longevity, as maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of obesity-related health issues. The combination of reduced calorie content and the inclusion of fiber in this dog food appears to be effective in supporting weight loss.
Additionally, many customers report improvements in their dogs’ coat condition. A glossy coat is often an indicator of good overall health, and the positive comments about coat appearance suggest that the ingredients in this dog food contribute to a shiny and healthy coat.
Some customers also mention that their dogs have shown increased energy levels and improved digestion since switching to Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food. These benefits can greatly enhance a dog’s quality of life and potentially contribute to a longer lifespan.
However, it’s important to note that a few customers have experienced issues with this dog food. Some dogs developed skin issues or experienced gastrointestinal upset after consuming it. While these cases may be isolated incidents, they highlight the importance of monitoring your dog’s reaction to any new food and consulting with a veterinarian if necessary.
Conclusion
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food appears to be a solid choice for supporting canine longevity. The combination of high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber contributes to a balanced diet that supports weight management, energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health.
While the majority of customer feedback is positive, it’s essential to be aware of potential individual sensitivities or reactions to the ingredients. Monitoring your dog’s response to the food and seeking veterinary advice if needed is crucial to ensure their well-being.
Ultimately, choosing the right dog food is a personal decision based on your dog’s specific needs and preferences. By considering the ingredients and customer feedback, you can make an informed choice that promotes your furry friend’s health and longevity.