Hill's Healthy Advantage Dry Cat Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens Review

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Review of Hill's Healthy Advantage Dry Cat Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens

According to our data, this Hill's Healthy Advantage recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing kittens and pregnant/nursing cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Unlike other AAFCO approved cat foods which rely in laboratory testing to substantiate nutritional adequacy, this recipe has undergone feeding trials. In the pet food industry, feeding trials are often considered to be the superior testing method.

Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Hill's Healthy Advantage Dry Cat Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens provides complete and balanced nutrition for growing kittens and pregnant/nursing cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Healthy Advantage Dry Cat Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens, we'll examine all 54 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.

  2. Brown Rice is a whole grain ingredient that provides a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients to support your cat's energy levels and digestive health.

  3. Chicken Fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-6, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall health and immune system function.

  4. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.

  5. Whole grain wheat provides cats with a source of digestible fiber, which can help support a healthy digestive system, as well as essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron.

  6. Wheat Gluten is a highly digestible source of protein that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle development and overall health. It also contains fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

  7. Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle development and maintenance. It also contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and biotin, which support healthy skin, coat, and immune function.

  8. Soybean Protein Isolate is a highly digestible plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health. It supports strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and proper growth and development.

  9. Cracked pearled barley is a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and some essential nutrients. It's used in cat food to provide energy and support digestive health.

  10. Chicken liver flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your cat.

  11. Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.

  12. Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.

  13. Whole grain oats are a source of dietary fiber that can promote a healthy digestive system in your cat.

  14. Pork Protein Isolate is a highly concentrated and easily digestible source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle growth and maintenance. It's an excellent option for cats with food sensitivities or allergies, as it's less likely to trigger adverse reactions.

  15. Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.

  16. L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support your cat's immune system and is also vital for the production of certain proteins, enzymes, and antibodies.

  17. Soybean oil is a plant-based source of essential fatty acids, which can help maintain healthy skin and coat for your cat. However, animal-based fats are generally more beneficial for cats, so soybean oil should be used in moderation.

  18. Lactic Acid is a natural preservative and pH regulator used in cat food to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. It is a safe and effective way to preserve the quality of your cat's food.

  19. Fish Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being. It also promotes proper brain function and helps maintain a healthy immune system.

  20. Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.

  21. Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

  22. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  23. Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.

  24. Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.

  25. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.

  26. Iodized Salt is an essential source of iodine, a trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.

  27. Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  28. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate is a source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cat's cells from damage and promotes a healthy immune system.

  29. Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.

  30. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

  31. Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.

  32. Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.

  33. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  34. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

  35. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.

  36. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  37. Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.

  38. Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.

  39. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.

  40. Green Pea is a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides your cat with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It supports a healthy digestive system and contributes to your cat's overall well-being.

  41. Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.

  42. Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.

  43. Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.

  44. Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.

  45. Zinc Oxide is a source of essential trace mineral zinc, which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, skin and coat health, and supporting various metabolic processes in your cat's body.

  46. Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.

  47. Manganous oxide is a source of manganese, a trace mineral that supports various bodily functions including bone development, metabolism, and nerve function.

  48. Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.

  49. Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.

  50. Magnesium oxide is a source of magnesium, an essential mineral that plays a key role in numerous bodily functions, including nerve function and protein synthesis.

  51. While cats are obligate carnivores, small amounts of vegetables like broccoli can provide additional nutrients and fiber, potentially aiding in digestion and overall health.

  52. Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.

  53. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  54. Beta-Carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps support your cat's immune system and promotes healthy skin and coat by neutralizing harmful free radicals.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein content of 37.30% is primarily derived from the chicken, chicken meal, wheat gluten, egg product, soy protein isolate, pea protein, and pork protein isolate listed in the ingredients. These are all high-protein sources, with chicken and chicken meal being particularly rich in animal proteins, which are essential for kitten growth and development.

The Crude Fat minimum of 24.80% is likely contributed by the chicken fat, soybean oil, and fish oil. Chicken fat is a common high-energy ingredient in pet foods, providing essential fatty acids. Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.

The maximum Crude Fiber content of 1.90% suggests that this food is relatively low in fiber, which is typical for cat food as cats require a diet that is higher in protein and fat than fiber. The fiber present may come from ingredients such as brown rice, whole grain wheat, pea fiber, and flaxseed. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to support gastrointestinal health while keeping the overall fiber content moderate.

The caloric content of 4139.00 kcal/kg indicates the energy density of the food. High levels of protein and fat contribute to this caloric density, ensuring that growing kittens receive enough energy for their active lifestyles. The combination of chicken, chicken fat, and carbohydrate sources such as brown rice and whole grain wheat contributes to the overall caloric content.