Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d With Lamb Review

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Review of Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d With Lamb

According to our data, this Hill's Prescription Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult 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 Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d With Lamb provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d With Lamb, we'll examine all 47 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 ingredient in wet dog food, providing hydration and helping to maintain the proper texture of the food.

  2. Pork liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins, which help support your dog's overall health.

  3. Corn starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog. It's also often used as a thickening agent in wet dog foods.

  4. Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.

  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. Dextrose is a simple sugar that can provide a quick source of energy for dogs. It's often used in therapeutic diets or to help dogs recover from illness.

  7. 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.

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

  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. 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.

  11. Powdered cellulose is a natural source of dietary fiber that promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain your dog's weight by providing a feeling of fullness without adding extra calories.

  12. 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.

  13. Potassium citrate is an essential mineral that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance, supports muscle function, and aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Additionally, it can help to prevent the formation of certain urinary stones in dogs.

  14. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.

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

  16. Betaine is a natural compound that helps support liver function and digestive health, as well as maintain proper hydration in your dog's body.

  17. 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.

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

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

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

  21. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  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. 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. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

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

  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. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic fiber that can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in your dog. They may help support your dog's digestive and immune health.

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

  35. Magnesium oxide is a source of magnesium, which is necessary for many processes in your dog's body, including muscle function and nerve transmission.

  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. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  39. 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.

  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. 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.

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

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

  44. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a food additive used in dog food to help maintain freshness and extend shelf life. It also acts as a binding agent, helping the dog food maintain its shape and texture.

  45. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

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

  47. 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 guaranteed analysis of Crude Protein (min) of 15.30% is largely contributed by the animal-based ingredients such as pork liver, lamb, and chicken liver flavor. These ingredients are high in protein and provide the essential amino acids required by pets. Pork liver and lamb are particularly rich in protein, which justifies their contribution to the minimum protein content in the diet.

Crude Fat (min) of 26.00% is significantly influenced by the chicken fat, flaxseed, and fish oil present in the ingredients. Chicken fat is a high-energy ingredient with a substantial fat content, which is likely the primary contributor to the overall fat percentage. Flaxseed and fish oil are also rich in essential fatty acids, which not only contribute to the fat content but also provide health benefits such as supporting kidney function and reducing inflammation.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.40% can be attributed to the inclusion of ingredients like powdered cellulose, dried beet pulp, and whole grain oats. These are fibrous components that help regulate the digestive system. Powdered cellulose and dried beet pulp are particularly known for their high fiber content, which helps to limit the maximum crude fiber content in the food.

The calorie content of 1137.00 per kg is a result of the combined energy provided by the protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. The high fat content from chicken fat and oils significantly contributes to the caloric density of the food. Carbohydrates from sources like corn starch and dextrose also add to the overall energy content, albeit to a lesser extent compared to fats.