This is our Hill’s Science Diet dog food review.
The review is based on our detailed research to establish whether this food is worthy for your Frenchies.
Hill’s Science Diet offers your dog science-based nutrition with tailor-made options for your dog’s unique needs for every life stage.
In addition, Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food is clinically proven to address all your dog’s health needs.
Let’s dive in to learn more.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews
About Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet dog diet was started in 1939 by Dr. Mark Morris and his wife in their kitchen.
This was a result of their sick dog suffering from kidney failure.
The couple believed they could find a nutritional solution for their sick dog.
They came up with biology-based options for your dog’s whole health.
What types of dog food does Hill’s Science Diet offer?
Hill’s Science Diet offers the following dog food products:
- Puppy diets ( up to 1-year-old)
- Adults dog diets ( 1 to 6 years old)
- Adults dog’s age 7 years plus
These foods are further categorized as tailor-made for:
- Small breed
- Large breed
- Digestive health
- Weight maintenance
- Joint and mobility
- Healthy skin and coat
- Dental and oral care
- Energy and mental health
Brands
You can shop Hill’s Diet Dog Food by brand:
- Prescription Diet Dog Food
- Science Diet Dog Food
- Bioactive Recipe Dog Food
- Healthy Advantage Dog Food
Health conditions
Hills Science Diet Dog FOOD addresses the following health issues:
- Urinary issues
- Liver issues
- Environmental sensitivities
- Kidney issues
- Digestive issues
- Management of glucose
Hill’s science diet
Hill’s Science diet is made from natural ingredients scientifically researched to fit your dog’s unique needs. You can choose from their variety for all ages, sizes,s and nutritional needs.
Hill’s prescribed diet
Hill’s food is clinically prescribed for your dog’s unique health needs, such as:
- Digestive care
- Weight maintenance
- Urinary care
- Kidney care
- Skin and coat care
Hill’s healthy advantage
Hill’s Healthy Advantage food brand is uniquely formulated to offer your dog 5 essential health benefits. This includes antioxidants that are clinically proven to support your dog’s healthy immune system.
Hill’s Bioactive
Hill’s Bioactive is formulated to support your dog’s healthy skin and coat and boost healthy metabolism for natural activeness. It is rich in proteins from the chicken as the number one ingredient, carrots, and coconut oil.
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Review: 5 Best Dry Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, and Cracked Pearled Barley
Key Feature: Real chicken as the first ingredient
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 20%, Crude Fat 13%, Crude Fiber 4%, Moisture 10%
Caloric Content: 382 kcal /cup
Type of Product: No corn, no wheat, no soy
Life Stage: Adult dogs
Best for: Dogs with sensitive digestion
This is a dry dog food formulated to promote healthy digestion and shiny, healthy skin on your dog.
It also contains antioxidants to support your dog’s healthy immune system.
Benefits
- Formulated to promote healthy digestion hence good for dogs with digestion issues.
- It contains prebiotics and a fiber blend to support your dog’s gut health.
- Fortified with vitamin E and omega -6 for your dog’s healthy skin.
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal & Oat Recipe Dry Dog Food
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain
Sorghum, and Corn Gluten Grain
Key Feature: formulated for puppies up to 1 year of age.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24%, Crude Fat 11%, Crude Fiber 3%, Moisture 10%
Caloric Content: 394 kcal /cup
Type of Product: wholesome grain packed
Life Stage: puppies up to 1 year of age.
Best for: Puppies with gastrointestinal issues.
This recipe is designed with wholesome ingredients to provide your puppy with all the nutritional needs for growth.
It is specifically formulated as a starter of age. Your puppy meal is up to 1 year of age.
Benefits
- Contains chondroitin and glucosamine for your dog’s muscle mass.
- Has added antioxidants, vitamin C, and E to boost your dog’s immune health.
- Contains calcium for the healthy growth of your puppy’s bone.
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, and Whole Grain Corn
Key Feature: Formulated for puppies up to 1 year of age.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25%, Crude Fat 15%, Crude Fiber 3%, Moisture 10%
Caloric Content: 374 kcal /cup
Type of Product: Wholesome grain formula
Life Stage: puppy
Best for: Puppies with digestion issues
This premium puppy diet is made from wholesome ingredients to support your puppy’s healthy immune system and development of the brain, eyes, and strong bones.
Additionally, it is easy to digest; therefore it lessens the risk of constipation and stomach upsets.
Benefits
- Crafted from wholesome ingredients with no artificial ingredients to promote your dog’s overall health.
- Contains natural DHA from fish oil for your dog’s eye and brain development.
- Fortified with vitamins E and C plus antioxidants to support your puppy’s immune system.
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken Meal
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, and Whole Grain Corn
Key Feature: recommended for puppies up to 1 year
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24.5%, Crude Fat 15.5%, Crude Fiber 3%, Moisture 10%
Caloric Content: 397 kcal / cup
Type of Product: wholesome grain formula
Life Stage: Puppy
Best for: Puppies with a sensitive tummy
This puppy diet is designed with high premium protein to build strong muscles. It further has DHA from fish oil to promote your puppy’s eye and brain health.
Benefits
- Contains DHA from fish oil to help boost your puppy’s eye and brain development.
- Rich in antioxidant blend to support a prolonged immune system in your puppy.
- Has high-quality protein for your puppy’s strong, lean muscle building.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light With Chicken Meal & Barley
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat, and Whole Grain Corn.
Key Feature: Designed for large breed dogs 1 to 5 years of age
Guaranteed Analysis: t Crude Protein 20%, Crude Fat 5.5%, Crude Fiber 14%, Moisture 10.5%
Caloric Content:271 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Grain- Heavy formula
Life Stage: Adult dogs
Best for Weight management
Designed for large breed dogs 1 to 5 years of age weighing 55 t0 110 lbs, this is a complete balanced meal suitable for your large breed weight management since it contains low calories.
Benefits
- Crafted with 18% lower calories than other large breed formulas for weight management.
- Contains chondroitin and glucosamine to support your dog’s healthy cartilage and joints.
- Made from high-quality ingredients with no artificial preservatives to lessen the risk of food allergies.
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Review: 5 Best Wet Food
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entree
First 5 Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Cracked Pearled Barley, and Soy Meal
Key Feature: Crafted from real chicken.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 7.4%, Crude Fat 4%, Crude Fiber 1.5%. Moisture 78%
Caloric Content: 482 kcal /can
Type of Product: Grain-heavy formula
Life Stage: Puppy
Best for: Puppies with digestion issues
This super-premium puppy recipe is made from real chicken, a source of high-quality protein for your puppy. It also contains DHA from fish oil to support your puppy’s memory and eye health.
Benefits
- Contains premium protein to support your pup’s strong and lean muscles.
- Has added minerals such as zinc and taurine to support strong teeth and bones.
- Crafted to ensure optimal digestibility hence suitable for pups with digestion issues.
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Savory Chicken
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Pork Liver, Brown Rice, and Wheat Flour
Key Feature: Crafted from real chicken.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 5%, Crude Fat 3%, Crude Fiber 1.5%, Moisture 82%
Caloric Content: 88 kcal / 3.5-oz tray
Type of Product: Whole grain meal formula
Life Stage: Puppy
Best for: Puppies with digestion issues
This recipe designed for puppies is formulated to provide your puppy with all the development he needs. With DHA for brain and eye health, it further has high-quality protein for muscle mass building.
Benefits
- Crafted with high quality to support lean, strong muscles in your pup.
- Designed for optimal digestion therefore good on pups with digestion issues.
- Enhanced with vitamins C and E to boost your puppy’s strong immune system.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée
First 5 Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Pork Liver, Whole Grain Corn, and Cracked Pearled Barley
Key Feature: Crafted for toy breed adult dogs of 1 to 6 years of age
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 5.2%, Crude Fat3%, Crude Fiber 1.5% Moisture 87%
Caloric Content: 166 kcal/ can
Type of Product: Grain- Heavy formula
Life Stage: Adult dog
Best for: Dogs with digestion issues
This meal is made from real wholesome ingredients containing all the nutrients your adult dog needs.
Additionally, it is highly digestible therefore suitable for dogs with tummy issues.
Benefits
- It is crafted with high-quality protein to boost your pup’s energy levels and muscle mass.
- Crafted for optimal digestion, ensuring that your dog absorbs the nutrients for overall health.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Turkey, Carrots, Pork Liver, and Rice
Key Feature: formulated for optimal digestion
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 2.8%, Crude Fat 1.9%, Crude Fiber 2% Moisture 86%
Caloric Content: 253 kcal/can
Type of Product: No corn, No wheat, No soy
Life Stage: Adult dogs
Best for: Dogs with sensitive digestion
This adult dog food is crafted with ingredients that are easily digestible hence good for your dog with stomach sensitivities. It is further fortified with vitamin E, omega 6 fatty acids for your dog’s healthy skin.
Benefits
- Crafted with turkey cooked slowly cooked in a savory stew to entice your dog’s appetite.
- Contains vitamins E and omega 6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Made from easy-to-digest ingredients to boost healthy digestion hence lessening dog food allergies on your dog.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Chicken & Vegetables & Beef & Vegetables Variety Pack Wet Food
First 5 Ingredients: Beef & Vegetables, Water, Beef, Pork Liver, and Brown rice
Key Feature: Real meat and vegetables
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 4%, Crude Fat 2.5%, Crude Fiber 2% Moisture 82%
Caloric Content: Beef & Vegetables 87 kcals/ 3.5 oz tray, Chicken & Vegetables 84kcals / 3.5-oztray
Type of Product: No corn, no wheat, no soy
Life Stage: Adult
Best for Dogs having digestion issues
This recipe is crafted with real meat to provide your dog with high-quality protein for muscle building. It contains fibers to help support optimal digestion, ensuring your dog’s overall health.
Benefits
- Contains high-quality protein to boost your dog’s strong and lean muscle development.
- Crafted with gentle fiber to aid digestion making it suitable for your dogs with digestive issues.
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Review: 5 Best Treats
Hill’s Natural Soft Savories with Peanut Butter & Banana Treats
First 5 Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Potatoes, Wheat Flour, Cane Molasses and Glycerin
Key Feature: Peanut Butter Is the first ingredient
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 10%, Crude Fat 8%, Crude Fiber 4%
Caloric Content: 27.33 kcal / treat
Type of Product: No corn, no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives
Life Stage: Adult
Best for: Dogs that have sensitive stomachs
This dog treat is crafted with peanut butter as the number one ingredient providing your dog with savory flavor hard to resist.
Benefits
- Contains no corn, no artificial flavors, or preservatives to lessen food allergies on your dog.
- Rich in natural flavors to entice your dog to clear his bowl.
Hill’s Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals with Beef & Sweet Potatoes Dog Treats
First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Potatoes, Peas, Glycerin and Sweet potatoes
Key Feature: Crafted with real beef.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 7%, Crude Fat 6%, Crude Fiber 5%, Moisture 18%
Caloric Content: 12 kcal / treat
Type of Product: No grain, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
Life Stage: Adult
Best for: Dogs with digestion issues
This is a healthy treat for your dog with stomach sensitivities. It is crafted with real beef for your dog’s strong lean muscle build.
Benefits:
- Crafted with real beef to support your pup’s muscle building.
- It has no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives to reduce the risk of food allergies to your dog.
Hill’s Natural Flexi-Stix Turkey Jerky Dog Treats
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Whole Grain Oats, Wheat Flour, Wheat Starch, and Glycerin
Key Feature: Crafted from real turkey
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 9%, Crude Fat 5%, Crude Fiber 2.5%
Caloric Content: 29.56% kcal / treat
Type of Product: Grain- Heavy formula
Life Stage: Adult
Best for: dogs with mobility issues
Crafted from real turkey as the first ingredient, this premium dog recipe also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for your dog’s overall health.
Benefits
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for your dogs’ healthy joints and hips.
- Free from artificial flavors and preservatives to prevent food allergies on your dog.
Hill’s Natural Baked Light Biscuits with Real Chicken Dog Treats
First 5 Ingredients: Rice Bran, Whole Grain Wheat, Wheat Flour, Chicken, and Potato
Key Feature: Low calorie
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 15%, Crude Fat 3.5%, Crude Fiber 5%
Type of Product: No corn, no artificial preservatives or flavors.
Life Stage: Adult dogs
Best for Weight Management
This is a tasty snack for your dog crafted with real chicken, minerals, and amino acids to provide the necessary nutrients.
It is also low-calorie, making it good for your dog’s weight management.
Benefits
- Contains low calories to support your dog’s weight management.
- Made from real chicken as a source of protein to support your dog’s strong, lean muscle building.
Hill’s Natural with Real Chicken Soft & Chewy Training Dog Treats
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Oats, Wheat Flour, Wheat Starch, and Glycerin
Key Feature: Made from real chicken
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 9%, Crude Fat 5%, Crude Fiber 2.5%
Caloric Content: 3.47 kcal / treat
Type of Product: No corn, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Life Stage: Adult
Best for: Dogs with digestion issues
Designed with real chicken, this dog treat is an excellent reward for your training dog.
With protein to boost your dog’s energy levels and support strong, lean muscles, this treat will help your dog to learn faster.
Benefits
- Rich in protein to support your dog’s strong, lean muscle building.
- Free from corn and artificial flavors and preservatives hence safe on dogs with food allergies.
Best for Aging Care
Hill’s Science Diet Senior Vitality Small & Min
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, and Whole Grain Oats
Key Feature: Chicken as number one ingredient
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 19%, Crude Fat 11%, Crude Fiber 3% Moisture 10%
Caloric Content: 363 kcal /cup
Type of Product: No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Life Stage: senior
Best for: Dogs with digestive issues
This meal contains high-quality protein, vitamins C and E, antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids all designed to promote your aging dog’s vitality.
Benefits
- Contains antioxidants to support your senior’s brain health.
- Rich in protein for your dog’s higher energy levels and movement vitality.
Best for Digestive Care
Hill Science Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Oats, Brown Rice, and Brewers Rice
Key Feature: Formulated with real chicken, the number one ingredient
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 17%, Crude Fat 9.5%, Crude Fiber 4%, Moisture 10%
Caloric Content: 353 kcal / cup
Type of Product: Grain-heavy formula
Life Stage: Adult dogs
Best for: Dogs with sensitive digestion
This super-premium dog food is formulated to ensure optimal digestion and boost dogs’ microbiome above 7 years.
Benefits
- Formulated to support optimal digestion and good microbiome for your dog.
- Rich in protein to support your dog’s energy levels and strong, lean bones building.
Best for Skin Care
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, and Cracked Pearled Barley
Key Feature: Real chicken as the first ingredient
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 21%, Crude Fat 12%, Crude Fiber 4%, Moisture 10%
Caloric Content: 392 kcal / cup
Type of Product: No corn, No wheat, No Soy
Life Stage: Adult dogs
Best for: Dogs with sensitive digestion
This food crafted to feed your dog’s microbiome guarantees optimal digestion therefore great on your dog with stomach sensitivities. It also has antioxidants, omega 6 -fatty acids, and vitamin E for your dog’s overall health.
Benefits
- Contains vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids for your dog’s healthy shiny skin.
- Rich in prebiotic fiber to support optimal digestion making it suitable for dogs with stomach sensitivities.
Best for Weight Management
Hillscience c/d Multicare + Metabolic Chicken Flavor Dry Food
First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Pea Fiber, and Chicken Meal.
Key Feature: Crafted to manage urinary health and weight
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 21%,Crude Fat 8.5%, Crude Fiber 16% ,Moisture 10%
Caloric Content: 279 kcal /cup
Type of Product: Grain-Heavy formula
Life Stage: Adult, Senior
Best for Weight Management
This is a clinically prescribed food to help your dog maintain a healthy weight and have urinary health.
Additionally, it lessens the risk of oxalate stones and struvite on your dog.
Benefits
- Formulated to support your dog’s weight management and prevent struvite and oxalate stones.
- Enhanced with fiber blends to keep your dog feeling full in between meals and ensure optimal absorption of nutrients for your dog’s overall health.
Best Grain- Free
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain-Free
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Yellow Peas, Potatoes, Potato Starch, and Chicken Meal
Key Feature: Real Chicken as number one ingredient.
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 20.5%, Crude Fat 13%, Crude Fiber 4% Moisture 10%
Caloric Content: 405 kcal /cup
Type of Product: Grain-free
Life Stage: Adult
Best for: Dogs with sensitive digestion
Crafted from high-quality natural ingredients, This diet is tailor-made for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
It contains premium protein, natural prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins E and C for your dog’s healthy long life.
Benefits
- Crafted to support optimal digestion for dogs with stomach sensitivities.
- Has vitamins E and C to support your dog’s healthy immune system.
Where to Buy
You can purchase online through the following retailers:
- Petco
- Petflow
- Petsmart
- Chewy
- Amazon
Hill’s Science Diet recall history
The most recent recall of Hill’s Science Diet happened in January 2019.
The recall involved Hill’s Prescription Diet and Hill’s Science Diet
The reason for the recall was high levels of vitamin D in the food.
The company blamed this error on their supplier.
A market withdrawal happened also in November 2015. https://www.petful.com
This was however initiated by the company following a speculated wrong labeling.
Suspected salmonella contamination in June 2014 prompted another recall.
Additionally in March 2007, Hill’s food was recalled due to potential melamine contamination.
The company is however determined to provide you with healthy dog products despite the few challenges.
Customer Reviews
Positive
- A dog has skin issues, hot spot skin. On introducing him to Hill’s Science food, he digested well and the skin problem was sorted.
- A parent wanted his dog to drop some pounds, on changing to Hill’s Science, the stools looked better and the dog lost some weight.
Negative
- Causes lethargy in some dogs.
Hill’s Science Diet Advantages- Things we Love About
- Great on dogs with digestive issues
- Ensures healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Builds a strong immune system
- Rich in protein for muscle building
- Gathers for dog’s mobility and joint issues
- Contains common dog health needs
- Helps in weight maintenance
- Ensures good mental wellbeing
Hill’s Science Diet Disadvantages- Things we don’t like about it
- The protein content in Hill’s food is low. This means you have to supplement the food with other protein sources for your dog.
- This food formula is also grain-heavy, therefore not good for dogs with food allergies.
Hill’s Science Diet Alternatives
Pure Balance
Pure balance was created in 2012 by Walmart.
Behind its creation was a need for quality dog food that is affordable and loved by dogs.
This was to be possible without compromising the quality of ingredients.
Pro
- Made from wholesome ingredients this food is highly digestible.
- Contains DHA for your pup’s brain development
- Formulated to boost digestion hence good on dogs with stomach sensitivities.
Cons
- Does not have tailor-made foods for puppies, large breeds or seniors.
4Health
This is a private label brand belonging to the Tractor Supply Company located in Tennessee.
Diamond Pet Foods make 4Health.
The company was born in 2010.
Pro
- Contain amino fatty acids to support your dog’s strong immune system and healthy skin and coat.
- Free from wheat, corn, or soy to avoid dog food allergies.
- Enhanced with probiotics for healthy digestion.
- Ensures pocket-friendly quality foods.
- Provides options for all sizes, breeds, health, and ages.
Cons
- It contains low fiber content; hence may not boost optimal digestion.
Royal Canin
Royal Canin Pet Food Company was created in 1989. It was founded by Jean Cathary with a vision to manufacture foods that impact pets’ health.
Pro
- Contains fish oil for your dog’s healthy skin and coat.
- Contains EPA and DHA for your dog’s healthy joints and strong bones.
Cons
- The products are relatively expensive.
- The food can cause flatulence in some dogs.
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Review: FAQs
Can you add water to Hill’s Science Diet dog food?
Yes, you can add water to dry Hill’s Science Diet dog food. The water, however, should be warm to support your dog’s hydration. Water also helps food taste better, especially on puppies.
Why do vets recommend Hill’s Science Diet?
Vets recommend Hill’s diet because it has the answer to dog problems like IBD ( inflammatory bowel disease caused by prolonged intestinal tract irritation) and dog allergies, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease.
Does Hill’s Science Diet need to be refrigerated?
Yes, open canned Hill’s Science Diet needs to be refrigerated to preserve the moisture. This also reduces odors that can be a turn-off for dogs.
How long is Hill’s Science Diet dog food good for?
The opened canned food should stay refrigerated for 3 to 5 days. The dry food has a shelf life of up to one year. It is essential to read and adhere to the expiry date indicated for dog food products.
Are Hill’s and Hill’s Science Diet the same?
Science diet is a type of pet food marketed by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. So yes, they are the same, the product and its marketer.
Final Thought
Yes, Hill’s Science Diet is worth it for your Frenchies.
If you are looking for tailor-made food for your dog’s age, size, breed, and specific health issues, you need not look further.
We recommend this food for you that is scientifically manufactured and clinically proven for your dog’s unique needs.
You are free to make your best choice based on your dog’s needs.
Like any other new food, it is essential to talk to your vet before introducing our reviewed diets to your dog.
As you and your vet make an informed choice, we wish you and your dog a long, happy life!
