Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites 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.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food: An Analysis of Canine Longevity
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for our furry companions, there are a multitude of options available. As responsible pet owners, we want to ensure that the food we provide not only satisfies our dog’s taste buds but also supports their overall health and longevity. One brand that often comes recommended by veterinarians is Hill’s Science Diet, and their Adult Light Small Bites with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food is specifically designed to meet the needs of adult dogs who require a lighter diet.
The Ingredients and Their Impact on Canine Health
To understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites, let’s take a closer look at its main ingredients:
- Chicken Meal: As a primary source of protein, chicken meal provides essential amino acids that support muscle development and overall strength. The positive feedback from dog owners highlights that this ingredient has contributed to their dogs’ well-being, as they have noticed increased energy levels and improved coat condition.
- Cracked Pearled Barley: This whole grain ingredient is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight by promoting a feeling of fullness. Dog owners have reported that their dogs have experienced better digestive health after switching to this dog food.
- Pea Fiber: Another source of fiber, pea fiber helps regulate bowel movements and promotes a healthy digestive system. Reviews suggest that dogs who previously struggled with stomach problems have found relief after transitioning to this food.
- Whole Grain Wheat and Whole Grain Corn: While these ingredients provide carbohydrates for energy, they may not be suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies. Some reviews mention that dogs experienced digestive issues after consuming this food, indicating that these grains may not be well-tolerated by all dogs.
Overall, the ingredient list of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food appears to offer a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and energy sources. The positive feedback from dog owners suggests that many dogs have experienced improved energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health after consuming this food.
The Impact on Canine Longevity
When it comes to assessing the impact of a dog food on longevity, it’s important to consider factors such as weight management and the prevention of health issues. Several reviews emphasize that this dog food has been effective in helping dogs maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a significant risk factor for various health problems in dogs, including joint issues and diabetes. By providing a lighter diet, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites may contribute to a longer and healthier life for our canine companions.
Furthermore, the positive feedback regarding improved coat condition and digestive health suggests that this dog food supports overall well-being. A healthy coat is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also indicate good internal health. Likewise, a well-functioning digestive system is crucial for nutrient absorption and waste elimination, both of which are vital for a dog’s overall health and longevity.
Conclusion
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food appears to be a solid choice for adult dogs who require a lighter diet. The combination of high-quality protein, fiber, and whole grains can contribute to improved energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health. However, it’s important to consider individual factors such as grain sensitivities or allergies when selecting a dog food.
While the majority of reviews express satisfaction with this dog food, it’s worth noting that a few negative reviews mention potential issues with the ingredients or a lack of preference from their dogs. As with any dog food, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s individual response and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Ultimately, providing our dogs with a balanced and nutritious diet is one of the most impactful decisions we can make to support their longevity. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food offers a promising option for pet owners seeking a dog food that promotes overall health and well-being, helping our beloved companions live their best lives for years to come.
