Hill's Healthy Advantage Dry Dog Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of Hill's Healthy Advantage Dry Dog Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies

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

Unlike other AAFCO approved dog 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 Dog Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies provides complete and balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Healthy Advantage Dry Dog Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies, we'll examine all 49 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 lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  3. Soybean meal is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle growth and overall health, while also being highly digestible.

  4. Whole grain wheat is a source of wholesome fiber, promoting good digestive health, and it also provides essential nutrients like protein and B vitamins.

  5. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  6. Pork fat is a highly palatable source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support overall health, skin and coat condition, and immune function.

  7. Egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that also provides essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  8. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  9. Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.

  10. Chicken liver flavor is a natural flavor enhancer that makes dog food more palatable and enjoyable for your pet. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  11. Cracked pearled barley is a wholesome, easily digestible grain that provides your dog with essential nutrients, fiber, and energy. It supports healthy digestion, maintains stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to overall health and vitality.

  12. Whole grain oats are a nutrient-rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion in dogs.

  13. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

  14. Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.

  15. Soybean oil is a plant-based source of healthy fats in dog food. Rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, soybean oil helps support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their immune system. It also provides energy for active dogs and assists in nutrient absorption.

  16. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  17. Iodized salt provides essential iodine for your dog, which is necessary for proper thyroid function and overall health.

  18. Green peas are a nutritious and low-calorie ingredient that provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's overall health.

  19. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  20. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  21. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  22. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  23. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  24. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  25. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  26. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  27. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  28. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  29. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  30. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  31. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  32. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  33. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  34. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  35. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  36. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  37. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  38. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  39. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

  40. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  41. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  42. Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote overall health in dogs.

  43. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

  44. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.

  45. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  46. L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.

  47. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  48. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  49. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and overall well-being. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and vision, making it an essential ingredient for your dog's diet.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of 28.80% is primarily contributed by the chicken, soybean meal, whole grain wheat, chicken meal, and egg product. Chicken, being the first ingredient, suggests it is the most abundant and thus a significant source of protein. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken with most of the water and fat removed, which provides a dense protein source. Soybean meal and whole grain wheat also contribute to the protein content, though they provide plant-based protein which may not be as complete in amino acid profile as animal-based proteins.

Crude fat content at 22.10% is largely provided by the pork fat, chicken (which naturally contains fat), and to a lesser extent by the flaxseed, fish oil, and soybean oil. Pork fat is a high-calorie ingredient rich in energy, while flaxseed and fish oil are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a puppy's skin and coat health. The presence of these ingredients not only increases the fat content but also ensures a balance of essential fatty acids.

The maximum crude fiber content of 2.40% is relatively low, which is typical for dog food focused on growth and high energy. Ingredients such as brown rice, dried beet pulp, and cracked pearled barley contribute to the fiber content. Fiber is important for digestive health, and while this formula doesn't have a high fiber content, it includes enough to aid in proper digestion without compromising calorie density needed for growing puppies.

The caloric content of 3928.00 calories per kilogram is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This high energy content is consistent with the needs of puppies for growth and development. The caloric density is influenced by the levels of protein and fat, particularly from the chicken, pork fat, and oils present in the ingredients. These are energy-dense nutrients that contribute to the overall calorie count, making the food suitable for the high metabolism and energy requirements of puppies.