Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities z/d Original Flavor Review
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Review of Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities z/d Original Flavor
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 Skin/Food Sensitivities z/d Original Flavor provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities z/d Original Flavor, we'll examine all 42 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.
Brewers Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides cats with a source of energy and supports healthy digestion.
Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver is a highly digestible source of protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat. This ingredient supports muscle growth, immune function, and overall well-being.
Rice protein concentrate is a highly digestible source of protein, often used in hypoallergenic diets.
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.
Soybean oil is a plant-based source of essential fatty acids, which can help maintain healthy skin and coat for your cat. However, animal-based fats are generally more beneficial for cats, so soybean oil should be used in moderation.
Coconut Oil is a healthy fat source that provides energy and supports your cat's skin and coat health. Rich in medium-chain triglycerides, it is easily digestible and may also help support brain function in older cats.
Chicken liver flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your cat.
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.
Lactic Acid is a natural preservative and pH regulator used in cat food to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. It is a safe and effective way to preserve the quality of your cat's food.
Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.
Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Glyceryl monostearate is an emulsifier that helps maintain the consistency of the cat food, ensuring a smooth texture that's easy for cats to eat.
Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.
L-Threonine is an essential amino acid that supports your cat's immune system, muscle development, and overall well-being.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.
Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
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.
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.
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.
Iodized Salt is an essential source of iodine, a trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.
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.
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's mood regulation, sleep cycle, and overall well-being. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety in your cat.
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.
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.
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.
Manganous oxide is a source of manganese, a trace mineral that supports various bodily functions including bone development, metabolism, and nerve function.
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.
Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.
Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Beta-Carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps support your cat's immune system and promotes healthy skin and coat by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities z/d Original Flavor shows that it has a minimum of 34.50% crude protein. This protein content is likely contributed by the hydrolyzed chicken liver and rice protein concentrate found in the ingredient list. Hydrolyzed proteins are proteins that have been broken down into smaller components, which can make them easier for pets with food sensitivities to digest.
The product also has a minimum of 15.20% crude fat, which is most likely contributed by the soybean oil and coconut oil. These oils are common sources of dietary fats in pet foods, providing essential fatty acids and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
The maximum of 3.20% crude fiber in the product can be attributed to the brewers rice and powdered cellulose. Brewers rice is a processed rice product that is a source of dietary fiber, while powdered cellulose is a common source of dietary fiber in pet foods, helping to promote healthy digestion.
The caloric content of the product, 3688.00 calories per kg, is derived from the combined energy provided by the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the product. These carbohydrates are mainly provided by the brewers rice and rice protein concentrate, while the proteins and fats have already been discussed above.
The product also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, which are likely contributed by the various supplements listed in the ingredients, such as Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, and others. These supplements help ensure that the product provides a balanced and complete diet for the pet.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities z/d Original Flavor costs approximately $9.52 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $55.29 |
| 10 lbs | $92.99 |
| 15 lbs | $126.04 |
| 20 lbs | $156.39 |
| 30 lbs | $211.98 |
| 40 lbs | $263.02 |
| 50 lbs | $310.94 |
| 60 lbs | $356.50 |
| 70 lbs | $400.20 |
| 80 lbs | $442.35 |
| 90 lbs | $483.20 |
| 100 lbs | $522.94 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have found Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities z/d Original Flavor to be highly beneficial for their cats, particularly those suffering from food allergies, digestive issues, or skin problems. Numerous reviews mention that their cats' health improved significantly after switching to this food, with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritations subsiding. Some cats have even gained weight and their fur has become healthier and softer.
The food is also praised for its palatability, with many cats seeming to enjoy the taste. However, a few customers noted that their cats did not like the food, suggesting that individual cats' preferences can vary.
While some customers found that the food didn't improve their cat's condition, or even exacerbated certain symptoms, these instances seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. It's also worth noting that these negative experiences could be due to specific health conditions or individual sensitivities rather than the food itself.
The price of the product is a common concern among customers. While many agree that the benefits to their cats' health justify the cost, others find it to be too expensive. Some customers also mentioned that they had difficulty finding the food in stock, suggesting that it's a popular choice among cat owners.
Overall, Hill's Prescription Diet Skin/Food Sensitivities z/d Original Flavor seems to be a reliable choice for cats with food sensitivities, though individual results may vary.
