Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dry Dog Food
A half of this cup is starch, the highest tenth of everything we have measured. Protein comes in at 20.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 20.0%
- Starch, derived
- 49.0%
- Kcal / cup
- 359
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Chicken
The clean flesh of the chicken, with or without skin, used fresh....
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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 Oats
Oats with the bran and germ still on the grain rather than...
Salt is listed at #19. The 12 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 20.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 11.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 4.0% |
| Moisture, maximum | 10.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 49.0% |
| Calories | 359 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 22.2% 13/30
Protein is 22.2% 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 54.4% 4/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 54.4% 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, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice and Whole Grain Oats. 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 | 20% | 22.2% | low |
| Fat | 11% | 12.2% | |
| Fibre | 4% | 4.4% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 49% | 54.4% | 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 3,620 kcal per kilogram, or 359 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,620 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 Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for our furry friends, it’s essential to consider not only their taste preferences but also the impact it has on their overall health and well-being. One such option that has gained popularity among dog owners is the Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dry Dog Food. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and the insights from customer reviews to evaluate its benefits and drawbacks in relation to canine longevity.
The Main Ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, and Whole Grain Oats
The main ingredients in this dog food are chicken, cracked pearled barley, brown rice, brewers rice, and whole grain oats. Chicken, being the first ingredient, provides a high-quality source of protein, which is essential for muscle development and overall energy levels in dogs. Protein-rich diets have been linked to improved longevity and overall health in canines, and this ingredient choice seems to align with that principle.
Cracked pearled barley and brown rice are both wholesome grains that offer a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. These ingredients contribute to healthy digestion and help maintain stable blood sugar levels in dogs. The inclusion of whole grain oats further enhances the fiber content, promoting a healthy digestive system. Fiber is crucial for preventing constipation and ensuring regular bowel movements, which is essential for overall digestive health.
However, it’s worth noting that some customer reviews expressed disappointment with the kibble size, despite the product being labeled as “small bites.” While the kibble is relatively small, it may not meet the expectations of those looking for the smallest kibble size available. This could potentially impact dogs with dental issues or those who prefer smaller kibble.
The Impact on Energy Levels and Coat Condition
Several customer reviews mentioned positive experiences with this dog food. Some reported that their dogs enjoyed the flavor, which is always a crucial factor in ensuring that our furry friends are excited about their meals. Additionally, dogs seemed to have good energy levels and maintained healthy coat conditions while consuming this food.
Energy levels in dogs are closely tied to their diet, and the high-quality protein from chicken in this dog food likely contributes to the reported positive effects. Protein is essential for muscle development and repair, and a well-balanced diet that includes adequate protein can help dogs maintain their energy levels, ensuring they stay active and vibrant throughout their lives.
A healthy coat is another indicator of a dog’s overall well-being. The protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids found in this dog food can contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin. These nutrients are known to promote hair growth and reduce excessive shedding, thus enhancing the appearance of a dog’s coat.
The Importance of Digestive Health
Several customer reviews mentioned the positive impact of this dog food on their dogs’ digestive health. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues seemed to benefit from the high-quality ingredients and fiber content in this food.
Fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It aids in regulating bowel movements and can alleviate common issues such as constipation or diarrhea. The inclusion of cracked pearled barley, brown rice, and whole grain oats in this dog food provides a good source of dietary fiber, which can contribute to better digestive health in dogs.
However, it’s important to note that one review mentioned that their dog became sick after consuming this food. While it’s difficult to determine the exact cause without further information, it emphasizes the importance of understanding our individual dogs’ dietary needs and any specific sensitivities they may have.
Overall Impression and Considerations
Based on the ingredient list and the collective feedback from dog owners, Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dry Dog Food appears to be a high-quality option that can positively impact a dog’s health and longevity. The inclusion of chicken as the primary protein source, along with beneficial grains and fiber, contributes to energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health.
While individual experiences may vary, the overall sentiment from reviews suggests that the majority of dogs enjoy this food and experience positive effects. However, it’s crucial to consider your dog’s specific dietary needs and any sensitivities they may have before making a final decision. Consulting with a veterinarian can provide valuable insights tailored to your dog’s unique requirements.
Remember, choosing the right dog food is a vital part of ensuring our furry companions live long, healthy lives. By prioritizing ingredients that promote energy, coat condition, and digestive health, we can make informed decisions that positively impact our dogs’ well-being and overall longevity.
