Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Review

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Review of Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew

According to our data, this Hill's Prescription Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult 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 Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Early Support Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew, 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. Water is an essential component of your cat's diet, as it helps maintain proper hydration levels, supports digestion, and aids in the absorption of nutrients. It's crucial for maintaining your cat's overall health and well-being.

  2. 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.

  3. Pork Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, copper, and vitamin A, which are vital for your cat's overall health, immune system, and vision.

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

  5. Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your cat. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your cat's overall health and well-being.

  6. 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.

  7. Rice Starch is a carbohydrate that provides a quick energy source and can help to give cat food the right consistency.

  8. 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.

  9. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat's overall health. This ingredient also contains antioxidants, which support your cat's immune system and help maintain a healthy weight.

  10. 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.

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

  12. 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.

  13. Powdered Cellulose is a form of dietary fiber that can help maintain healthy digestion and weight management in cats by providing a feeling of fullness and promoting regular bowel movements.

  14. Potassium Alginate is a natural gelling agent derived from seaweed, which helps improve the texture and consistency of wet cat food, while providing essential minerals and dietary fiber.

  15. Egg Whites are a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids for maintaining strong muscles and supporting overall health in cats.

  16. Calcium lactate is a source of calcium, a crucial mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth in cats.

  17. Calcium Gluconate is a calcium supplement that helps support your cat's bone and teeth health, as well as muscle function and nerve transmission.

  18. L-Arginine is an essential amino acid that supports your cat's overall health, including heart function, immune response, and tissue repair. It is particularly important for maintaining healthy kidney function and regulating blood pressure in cats.

  19. Betaine is an ingredient known for its ability to aid in liver function and cellular reproduction. It can also help the body metabolize and break down fat.

  20. Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

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

  26. 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.

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

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

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

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

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

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

  34. Sodium tripolyphosphate is often used in cat food as a preservative and texturizer. It helps in maintaining the texture and appearance of the food.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. Fructooligosaccharides are a type of prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's digestive system, supporting overall gut health and immunity.

  38. Calcium Chloride is a mineral supplement used to ensure your cat receives the necessary calcium for optimal bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission.

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

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

  41. Potassium citrate is a source of potassium, an essential mineral for proper heart and muscle function in cats. It also helps maintain a healthy urinary pH.

  42. L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by supporting the metabolism of fats and promoting lean muscle mass.

  43. 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.

  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. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.

  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. 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.

  48. Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of 35.00% is primarily contributed by the chicken, pork liver, pea protein, and wheat gluten listed in the ingredients. Chicken and pork liver are high-quality sources of animal protein that provide essential amino acids. Pea protein is a plant-based protein that helps boost the overall protein content, and wheat gluten is a protein-rich ingredient derived from wheat.

Crude fat at a minimum of 23.10% is likely to come from the chicken fat and fish oil in the product. Chicken fat is a common source of animal fat in pet foods and is high in essential fatty acids, while fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a pet's skin, coat, and overall health.

The crude fiber maximum of 2.20% can be attributed to ingredients such as powdered cellulose, spinach, and whole grain oats. Powdered cellulose is a source of insoluble fiber, while spinach and oats provide both soluble and insoluble fibers. These fibers are important for gastrointestinal health and can aid in digestion.

The calorie content of 1120.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the combined caloric values of all the macronutrients in the product, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from ingredients such as chicken, pork liver, rice, and chicken fat. The energy density is important for managing the portion sizes and ensuring that pets with specific dietary needs, like those with kidney care requirements, receive the appropriate amount of calories.