Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe

According to our data, this Hill's Science Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe, we'll examine all 48 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. 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.

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

  4. Whole grain corn is a wholesome carbohydrate source that provides your dog with the energy they need to stay active and healthy, while also delivering essential nutrients.

  5. Whole grain sorghum is a gluten-free grain that provides your dog with a source of digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients for overall health.

  6. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing that serves as an alternative protein source for dogs. It is rich in essential amino acids, and it can also provide energy and support healthy skin and coat for your pet.

  7. 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.

  8. Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.

  9. 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.

  10. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

  11. 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.

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

  13. 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.

  14. Natural pork flavor enhances the taste of your dog's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable for them to eat.

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

  16. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  17. 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.

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

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

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

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

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

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

  34. 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.

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

  36. 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.

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

  38. 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.

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

  40. Oat fiber is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, as well as promoting a feeling of fullness and aiding in weight management.

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

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

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

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

  46. 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.

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

  48. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis for Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe lists the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, the maximum percentage of crude fiber, and the caloric content per kilogram.

1. Crude Protein (min) of 23.90%: The main sources of protein in this food are from the chicken, corn gluten meal, and soybean meal. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein and is the first ingredient listed, implying it is the most abundant. Corn gluten meal and soybean meal are also high in protein. The chicken meal listed further down the ingredient list also contributes to the protein content.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 14.70%: The primary source of fat in this food is chicken fat, which is a highly digestible and energy-dense source of fat. Soybean oil and flaxseed also contribute to the fat content.

3. Crude Fiber (max) of 2.10%: Fiber in this pet food likely comes from the whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain sorghum, and dried beet pulp. Oat fiber listed further down the ingredient list also contributes to the fiber content.

4. Calories of 3654.00 per kg: The caloric content is derived from all the ingredients, but primarily from the protein and fat sources. The chicken, chicken fat, corn gluten meal, and soybean meal are likely the major contributors to the calorie content.

It's also worth mentioning the range of vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients. These are often added to ensure a balanced diet for the pet, and may not directly correlate with the crude protein, fat, or fiber percentages.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe costs approximately $2.58 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $15.16
10 lbs $25.49
15 lbs $34.55
20 lbs $42.87
30 lbs $58.10
40 lbs $72.09
50 lbs $85.22
60 lbs $97.71
70 lbs $109.69
80 lbs $121.24
90 lbs $132.44
100 lbs $143.33

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers are happy with Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe, stating that their dogs love the taste and that it keeps them healthy and active. Some customers have noted that the food is particularly beneficial for older dogs with dental issues, as the small bites are easier to chew. The food has also been praised for improving skin issues and digestion problems in some dogs.

A few customers have mentioned that the food is a bit expensive, but most seem to think that the quality of the product justifies the cost. Several customers have noted that their dogs prefer this brand to others, and some have even used it as a training treat due to their dogs' fondness for it.

While a few customers mentioned that their dogs did not like the food, these reviews were in the minority. Some customers suggested that it might be necessary to transition dogs to this food slowly, particularly if they have sensitive stomachs.

Some customers were disappointed with the size of the kibble, finding it too small for their dogs' liking. However, many others appreciated the small size, particularly those with small breeds or older dogs with dental issues.

Overall, Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe is well-received by the majority of customers, with many praising its quality, nutritional value, and the positive effects it has on their dogs' health.