Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

According to our data, this Hill's Science Diet 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 Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice 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. 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. 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. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

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

  8. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  9. 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.

  10. Hydrolyzed chicken flavor is a highly digestible protein source that adds an appealing taste to your dog's food. It stimulates a healthy appetite, ensuring that your dog receives the essential nutrients required for optimal health.

  11. Ground pecan shell can be used as a fiber source in dog food, aiding in healthy digestion.

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

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

  14. Pork Liver Flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your dog.

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

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

  19. Dried citrus pulp is a nutritious by-product of the citrus juice industry, providing an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber. This ingredient supports healthy digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

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

  21. 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.

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

  23. Pressed cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help support your dog's immune system and urinary tract health.

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

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

  40. 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.

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

  42. 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.

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

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

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

  46. 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.

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

  48. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 27.80%: The primary sources of protein in this pet food are likely coming from the chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, and soybean meal. These ingredients are all high in protein and make up a significant portion of the food.

Crude Fat (min) of 19.00%: The fat content in the food is likely derived from the chicken fat, soybean oil, and fish oil. These ingredients are high in fat and provide essential fatty acids for the puppy's growth and development.

Crude Fiber (max) of 2.50%: The fiber content in this pet food would primarily come from the brown rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain oats, ground pecan shells, dried beet pulp, and dried citrus pulp. These ingredients are often used in pet food for their fiber content, which helps with digestion.

Calories of 3747.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is a result of the combined ingredients, but primarily from the macronutrients: protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, and soybean meal are high in protein, which contributes significantly to the calorie content. The chicken fat, soybean oil, and fish oil provide high-calorie fats. Finally, the brown rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, and whole grain oats are carbohydrate sources that also contribute to the calorie content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $3.37 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $12.32
10 lbs $20.72
15 lbs $28.08
20 lbs $34.84
30 lbs $47.22
40 lbs $58.60
50 lbs $69.27
60 lbs $79.42
70 lbs $89.16
80 lbs $98.55
90 lbs $107.65
100 lbs $116.50

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have praised Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe for its high palatability, with many puppies reportedly loving the taste. Several reviewers noted that even their picky eaters enjoyed this food. Some customers also mentioned that the small kibble size was perfect for their puppies, making it easier for them to eat.

Many customers reported that their puppies showed signs of improved health and vitality after switching to this food. Some noticed their puppies had shinier coats, while others reported that their puppies had more energy. A few customers also noted that their puppies had firmer bowel movements after starting this food.

Some customers mentioned that they trust Hill's Science Diet because of its reputation and the fact that it is often recommended by veterinarians. They appreciated the nutritional value of the food and believed it to be beneficial for their puppies' overall health.

A few customers had issues with the size of the kibble, finding it too small for their puppies. However, others felt that the small size was ideal, especially for smaller breeds. This shows that the suitability of the kibble size may depend on the breed and individual preferences of the puppy.

Some customers mentioned that their dogs had issues digesting other brands of dog food, but did not experience these problems with Hill's Science Diet. They appreciated that the food was easy on their puppies' stomachs and did not cause any adverse reactions.

Several customers mentioned that they have been feeding their dogs Science Diet for years and have always been satisfied with the results. They appreciated the consistent quality of the product and felt that it contributed to their dogs' long-term health and well-being.

A few customers mentioned that although the food is more expensive than some other brands, they believe it is worth the price because of the quality and the positive impact it has had on their puppies' health. They felt that the benefits of feeding their puppies this food outweighed the cost.

Despite some negative reviews about the size of the kibble, the overall consensus among customers was that Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is a high-quality, nutritious food that puppies love.