Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Two fifths of this cup is starch, above the site average. Protein comes in at 25.0%.
- Protein
- 25.0%
- Starch, derived
- 41.0%
- Kcal / cup
- 374
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Chicken Meal
Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
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Whole Grain Wheat
Wheat with the bran, germ and endosperm all left intact, rather than...
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Cracked Pearled Barley
Pearled barley broken into smaller pieces so it cooks and digests more...
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Whole Grain Sorghum
Sorghum grain with its bran and germ intact, a gluten-free cereal also...
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Whole Grain Corn
Corn kernels ground with the bran, germ and endosperm still intact, rather...
Salt is listed at #16. The 14 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 25.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 15.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 3.0% |
| Moisture, maximum | 10.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 41.0% |
| Calories | 374 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 27.8% 20/30
Protein is 27.8% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 25%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 26% and 32% dry matter, a typical mainstream level.
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Carbohydrate load 45.6% 9/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 45.6% 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, Whole Grain Wheat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum 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 90% dry matter.
| Nutrient | As fed | Dry matter | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 25% | 27.8% | moderate |
| Fat | 15% | 16.7% | |
| Fibre | 3% | 3.3% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 41% | 45.6% | 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 3,774 kcal per kilogram, or 374 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,774 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.
Dog Food Analysis: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Choosing the right dog food is crucial for ensuring the health and longevity of our furry friends. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find a brand that meets our expectations. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food and evaluate its impact on canine longevity based on customer feedback and scientific research.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food are chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, and whole grain corn. Let’s examine how these ingredients contribute to different aspects of dog health.
Energy Levels and Overall Well-being
Many dog owners have reported that their puppies have high energy levels and seem to enjoy eating this food. This could be attributed to the presence of chicken meal, a protein-rich ingredient that provides the necessary fuel for active pups. Whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, and whole grain corn are complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy throughout the day. These ingredients, combined with other beneficial vitamins and nutrients, contribute to the overall well-being of puppies.
Coat Condition
A shiny and healthy coat is often a reflection of a dog’s overall health. Several dog owners have mentioned that their dogs have received compliments on their beautiful coats after switching to Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. This could be attributed to the high-quality protein from chicken meal, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat. Additionally, the presence of whole grains like wheat, barley, and sorghum provides essential vitamins and minerals that support coat health.
Digestive Health
Digestive health is a crucial aspect of a dog’s overall well-being. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food has received positive feedback from dog owners whose pets have sensitive stomachs. The easily digestible nature of this food can be attributed to the carefully selected ingredients, such as chicken meal and whole grains. These ingredients are known to be gentle on the digestive system and can help prevent stomach upset.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback plays a vital role in evaluating the effectiveness of a dog food brand. The majority of the reviews for Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food are positive. Dog owners appreciate the taste of this food, as their puppies eagerly consume every bite. The small kibble size is also a hit among small breed puppies, making it easier for them to chew and enjoy their meal.
Many dog owners trust Hill’s Science Diet as a reputable brand, and they appreciate that the ingredients are wholesome and filled with beneficial vitamins and nutrients. The resealable bag is another feature that customers appreciate, as it helps keep the food fresh and easy to store.
While the overall sentiment from customers is positive, it’s worth noting that a few reviews mention the presence of allergens such as corn and wheat in the ingredients. While these ingredients are common allergens for some dogs, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If your dog has known allergies or sensitivities, it’s always recommended to consult with a veterinarian before making any dietary changes.
Ingredient Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food states that this kibble has 25% protein, 15% fat, 3% fiber, 10% moisture, and 42% starch. While protein and fat levels are within the recommended range for puppies, the high starch content may be a concern for some dog owners. Studies have found that high amounts of carbohydrates can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems in dogs. It’s important to consider the individual needs of your puppy and consult with a veterinarian to ensure a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Based on customer feedback and ingredient analysis, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food appears to be a nutritious choice for puppies. The high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals contribute to energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health. However, it’s important to consider individual dog’s needs and potential allergens, as some dogs may be sensitive to ingredients like corn and wheat. Consulting with a veterinarian is always recommended to determine the best diet for your dog’s specific needs. By prioritizing their health and well-being, we can ensure that our furry friends live long, happy lives.
Information from the Manufacturer: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food contains chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn, and other beneficial ingredients. The guaranteed analysis states that this kibble has 25% protein, 15% fat, 3% fiber, 10% moisture, and 42% starch.
All pet food labels must state Guaranteed Analysis for the minimum levels of crude protein and crude fat, plus the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture in the food. Starch is basically carbohydrates and high amounts of carbs can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems in dogs. It’s important to consider the starch content when choosing a dog food.
