Who Makes Hills Science Diet
The Hills Pet Nutrition Company was founded in the 1930s by devoted dog owner Morris Frank and clinical nutritionist Dr. Mark Morris Sr. Together, this pair of dog lovers created a specialty diet for Mr. Franks dog which then blossomed into a pet food company dedicated to improving the protecting the health and wellness of pets.
Today, Hills Science Diet pet food is produced and manufactured by the Colgate-Palmolive Company and it is recommended by veterinarians all over the world.
- Calorie Content 29.56 kcal/treat
Rating: 5/5 stars
While giving your dogs these treats as rewards for good behavior or as snacks, youre also providing them support for their hips and joints.
And based on many customer reviews, once given these little sticks for several days, previously inactive dogs have been moving around much better.
The nutrition is on point. There is a perfect balance of protein, carbs, fiber, and fat. And since the food is completely natural , these are perfect for giving on a daily basis.
Understanding The Shelf Life And Expiration Date Of Dog Foods
All foods designed for dogs, whether they are dry kibble or the canned dog food variety, come with a best before or expiration date. Like foods designed for human consumption, such info can give you knowledge of the products longevity. In dog foods, you can see the date somewhere on the bag or can. It could be at the back or the side. It should be noted, though, the date indicated does not necessarily mean the dog food is officially expired and is no longer safe for consumption.
What it means is that the food can no longer offer the quality and nutrition indicated in its guaranteed analysis. In other words, the highest level of nutrition the product can provide to your dog is the one before it is officially expired. As for the food, you can still expect it to be good, just not the same quality the manufacturer initially advertised.
As for the shelf life and expiration date of a specific dog food, take note that it varies significantly from one manufacturer to another. Dry dog foods, for instance, can be expected to have a shelf life that ranges from 4 months to three years. The pouched or canned varieties, on the other hand, have a shelf life of around 1-5 years. As for dog treats, they usually have a similar shelf life as to the dry food products offered by the same manufacturer.
What Our Vets Say About Prescription Diet Dog Food
I spoke about prescription diets with pet food guru Marion Smart PhD recently and she said something that I thought would be fun to follow through with.
Dr Smart said, How do you think vets would evaluate prescription diets if we just showed them the ingredients? Would they be able to tell if they were prescription diets?
So I called up some of our veterinary friends and gave them four pet food ingredient labels, one of which was a veterinary diet. They were only shown the ingredients and did not know what brand or manufacturer made the food.
I then asked the vets to list which food or foods they thought was a grocery store food and which food or foods they thought was a premium food.
Here are the four ingredient labels I asked the vets to rank. Can you guess which one is the prescription diet?
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What To Consider When Buying Hills Dog Food
Hills Dog Food offers a range of foods for dogs. Few of them are aimed at the simple, average dog. However, even these varieties are characterized by a high degree of digestibility and a positive effect. This means that they are also recommended for slightly sensitive dogs.
Most of the other strains are intended for dogs with special needs. It starts with the fact that some of them shouldnt be fed just like that. They are intended as therapy or as support for therapy when certain complaints are presented. That means they work like medicine.
These very special varieties should not just be procured and fed on your own. At least a veterinarian should be consulted beforehand. Usually, however, the whole thing is reversed. That is, a dog develops a clinical picture. The treating veterinarian then prescribes the appropriate feed for him.
There are also varieties that have a significant impact but are not directly understood as medical therapy. This means that these varieties are suitable for feeding on your own responsibility. At the same time, however, they are not general types of dog food.
These special varieties are also intended to treat certain ailments. However, the symptoms are not so severe that medical treatment is indicated. These can be, for example, general digestive problems or allergic reactions to certain food components.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Vitamin D Toxicity
Excess vitamin D in the diet can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling and weight loss. Vitamin D at toxic levels can cause kidney failure and death. Pet owners whose dogs have been eating the recalled brands and are showing these symptoms should contact their veterinarians.
For more information, please see Vitamin Toxicity in Dogs.
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Overall Is Hills Science Diet Dog Food A Good Choice
Science Diet has upgraded some of their ingredients in the last few years. A meat ingredient, such as chicken meal, is now the first ingredient in most or all of their kibbles.
Hills Science Diet foods contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. We think there is less for critics to complain about now, especially with veterinarians and others advising a return to grains for some dogs.
Many of the foods are high in carbohydrates but, looking at the calories and fat in the foods, your dog probably wont get fat.
Hills recall problems are troubling but, overall, we do think that Hills Science Diet dog foods are good foods, especially if your dog has any specific health issues that require a special food.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
One of the prominent and recurring problems in dogs is stomach upsets. This can be in the form of constipation, excessive flatulence, diarrhea or indigestion. Stomach issues can lead to itchy skin or a flaky coat, which is an eyesore.
This recipe is specially designed to be easy on the stomach and effectively deal with such issues. It contains no artificial flavoring, colors, or preservatives. These are usually the culprits of stomach issues.
The main ingredient in this formulation is real chicken which is savory and promotes lean muscle growth. Chicken meal is also included to provide additional protein as well as calcium for bone strength.
Another special thing about this formulation is that it contains adequate probiotic fiber that supports a balanced microbiome for a healthier gut. The result is frequent bowel movement and quality fecal matter.
Generally, Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach is a great option for all adult dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs. You can visit chewy.com or any other well-known online pet store to place your order today.
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Why Is Fiber Added To Some Pet Foods
Fiber is a complex carbohydrate. The primary function and benefit of adequate dietary fiber are to increase bulk and water in the intestinal contents to help promote and regulate normal bowel functions.
There are 2 types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is seen in ingredients like wheat, rice and corn. Insoluble fiber is seen in cellulose and may be used to replace fat in a pet food and thus decrease the calorie content of the food. Foods high in insoluble fiber are also appropriate for weight control or reduction by promoting a sense of fullness without adding calories. Fiber is not a filler. Fillers offer no nutritional value whatsoever.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Undue weight gain can lead to obesity and complications that come with being overweight such as joint problems.
If you see that your dog is on the chubbier side, you might want to consider this diet. It has the perfect balance of nutrition and low calories that can help your pooch lose weight and remain healthy.
Nutrition is not compromised as the main animal protein source is real chicken to encourage lean muscle growth. It also contains prebiotics for gentle digestion and a blend of vitamin E and C promote a strong immune system.
Don’t let your canine buddy suffer the discomfort of being overweight. Consult with your vet and get your mutt this scientifically proven weight management diet. Dont also hesitate to order one from well-stocked online stores like chewy.com because the demand for this recipe keeps going up.
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Which Dog Food Is Killing Dogs
A pet food recall is widening after the Food and Drug Administration announced that more than two dozen dogs died after eating Sportmix brand dry kibble. The statement issued on Monday said that the suspect is aflatoxin, a byproduct of a corn mold Aspergillus flavus, which at high levels can kill pets.
The Wet Hills Dog Food Reviews
Pros
- 4% lovely protein in every can, helping your little one grow up big and strong!
- Fats at a whopping 22%, so its great for energy with around 482 calories within a can
- 4% calciums thoughtfully balanced with phosphorus, so this ones especially good for puppy skeletal development
- Vitamin C, alongside Vitamin E supplements- the first of which helps counteract deficiencies, and the second acts as a cancer-fighting antioxidant that looks after your puppys immune system
- According to many, many dog owners, its a pretty popular one with dogs of every size, taste-wise!
Cons
- We dont see any veggies in this specific blend, apart from corn.
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Hills Science Diet Recalls
As a major worldwide brand we can expect numerous recalls, and in perspective the standard of Hills products is generally good. They have, however, had some major recalls, the latest being as recent as when Hills issued a massive worldwide recall of various varieties of canned foods due to toxic levels of vitamin C. The recall was issued for 22 million cans covering both Hills Science Diet and Hills Prescription Diet wet food products, with numerous alleged reported deaths.
Hills were one of the many affected manufacturers who fell victim to the pet food recalls of 2007 which led to numerous pet deaths from vegetable proteins imported from China contaminated with melamine.
Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care I/ddog Food Review
Although this is a prescription product, our review has nothing to do with the accuracy of claims made by the manufacturer as to the products ability to treat or cure a specific health condition.
So, to find out whether or not this dog food is appropriate for your particular pet, you must consult your veterinarian.
With that understanding
Judging by its ingredients alone, Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care I/D Canine looks like an average dry kibble.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 27%, a fat level of 15% and estimated carbohydrates of about 50%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 25% and a mean fat level of 13%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 55% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.
Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the pea protein and corn gluten meal, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a modest amount of meat.
Bottom line?
Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care I/D Canine is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a modest amount of named meat and by-product meals as its dominant source of animal protein.
However, due to its intentional therapeutic design, this dog food is not rated.
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Hills Recall History List:
Since the company’s founding, there have been multiple recalls of this dog food. Here they are in reverse chronological order.
- Hills recalls 25 different brands of dry and wet food due to elevated levels of Vitamin D.
- Hills recalls six different brands of Science Diet due to labeling concerns.
- Hills recalls Science Diet small and toy breed dry foods for possible salmonella contamination.
Why Choose This Brand
If youre into dog food that is designed specifically to specific canine conditions and requirements such as oral care, fitness, sensitive stomach and skin, kidney disease, weight management, and many more, then the Hills Science Diet range of dog food is for you. These preparations are designed by veterinarians who specialize in veterinary clinical nutrition. Youll always feel a lot safer knowing that youre giving your pet the right kind of food that your veterinarian himself would also prescribe.
If you dont necessarily believe that corn, wheat, or soy or any other of the so-called allergenic grains and ingredients will bring harm to your pet, then this brand is definitely for you. Unless otherwise specified, Science Hill diets always include these ingredients as a major source of energy for your pet. At the very least youre saving the proteins in their food from ever being used as an energy source. Its the perfect diet for pets that lead a very active lifestyle.
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Hills Science Diet Dog Food Top 5 Recipes Reviewed
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- Hills Science Diet makes a diverse range of foods for dogs of different ages, sizes, and health conditions
- Hills Science Diet makes its own foods at its own manufacturing facilities
- The company invests in nutritional research and has veterinary nutritionists on staff. Hills Science Diet foods have been recommended by veterinary cardiologists who are researching the dietary form of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs
- Hills Science Diet uses ingredients for nutritional purposes many of them will not appeal to customers reading the label
- The company does not discuss where they source their ingredients
- The company has had some serious recall problems at times something you would not expect from a company that operates its own manufacturing facilities
- Hills Science Diet makes a diverse range of foods for dogs of different ages, sizes, and health conditions
- Hills Science Diet makes its own foods at its own manufacturing facilities
- The company invests in nutritional research and has veterinary nutritionists on staff. Hills Science Diet foods have been recommended by veterinary cardiologists who are researching the dietary form of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs
Our reviews are based on extensive research and years of professional knowledge of dog food brands. In order to remain objective, we do not accept gifts of free products or write sponsored posts on this site.
Where Can I Find Coupons
A large percentage of promotions and coupons are routed through retailers of our products. Please check with your veterinarian or pet food retailer periodically to see if they have rebates or other promotions available. You will also find promotions available from time to time on HillsPet.com/SpecialOffers.
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Placing your order for Hill’s ® Prescription Diet ® and Hill’s ® Science Diet ® pet food and treats online gives you these benefits:
- Real-time pricing and product availability
- Instant order confirmation
- 24-hour access
- Immediate access to financial information including credit balance, credit history, unpaid invoices, past invoices and last billing statement
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What Is The Problem
The FDA has become aware of reports of vitamin D toxicity in dogs that ate certain canned dog foods manufactured by Hills Pet Nutrition and marketed under the Hills Science Diet and Hills Prescription Diet brands. This is a developing situation, and the FDA will update this page with additional information as it becomes available.
Hills Prescription Diet Food Sensitivities
Hills Prescription Diet Food Sensitivities is food for sensitive and allergic dogs. It is designed to avoid allergenic substances. This limits the number of these and only uses those that normally do not cause allergies. This doubles the risk of a negative reaction.
The food is suitable for people with digestive, skin, and fur sensitivities. This puts an end to indigestion, promotes skin health, and stops hair loss. The fur will soon be shiny again.
Dogs love the food and owners swear by it. Especially very allergic dogs can tolerate this food. Your symptoms will be relieved quickly and will stop after a while. On the other hand, the food clearly belongs in the higher-priced area.
Benefits:
- For a healthy coat and skin
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Educational And Community Involvement
In 1890, Madison University in New York State was renamed in honor of the Colgate family following decades of financial support and involvement.
The Colgate-Palmolive Company has sponsored a track meet open to women of all ages called the . The Colgate Women’s Games is the nation’s largest amateur track series open to all girls from elementary school through college. Held at ‘s , competitors participate in preliminary meets and semi-finals over five weekends throughout January. Finalists compete for trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company at New York City’s in February. For more than 20 years, the company supports the which is a non profit organization dedicated to help seriously ill children and their families. The mission is to help children to cope with pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, family activities and education.
Fromm Family Dog Food
Fromm Gold is one of the better dog food brands for active adult dogs.
It is prepared with real Wisconsin cheese, lamb, chicken, duck, whole eggs and enhanced with salmon oil for a healthy coat and probiotics for aiding digestion. Buy Fromm dog food
Their guaranteed analysis has minimum levels of around 24% of Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat and a maximum 3.5% of Crude Fiber and 10% Moisture. It also has a minimum of about 0.5% Omega 3 Fatty Acids and 2.5% Omega 6 Fatty Acids.Fromm has all the high-quality dog food ingredients that should be present to strengthen the dogs immune system and provide balanced nutrition.
PLEASE NOTE: Amazon.com and Chewy are NOT authorized retailers to sell Fromm Family Dog Food. Because of this, we suggest using only .
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