Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice 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 Small & Mini Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice 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 Small & Mini Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe, 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. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

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

  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. Wheat gluten is a highly digestible protein source that helps to maintain your dog's muscle mass and support a healthy immune system. It's also low in fat and high in amino acids.

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

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

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

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

  16. Pork Liver Flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to 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. 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.

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

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

  21. 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.

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

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.

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

  37. 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.

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

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

  41. 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.

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

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

  44. 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.

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

  46. 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.

  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 this pet food product indicates the minimum or maximum amounts of certain nutrients that are present in the product.

1. Crude Protein (min) of 25.00%: The main contributor to this protein content is the first ingredient, lamb meal. Other ingredients such as brown rice, brewers rice, whole grain corn, wheat gluten, whole grain wheat, pea protein, and soybean oil also contribute to the protein content.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 15.50%: The chicken fat listed in the ingredients is the primary source of this fat content. Other sources of fat in the product include the lamb meal, pea protein, soybean oil, and flaxseed.

3. Crude Fiber (max) of 1.70%: The fiber content in this product comes from the whole grains (brown rice, whole grain corn, whole grain wheat, whole grain sorghum), cracked pearled barley, dried beet pulp, and flaxseed.

4. Calories of 3654.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is derived from all the ingredients, but the primary contributors are the energy-dense ingredients such as lamb meal, chicken fat, whole grains, and pea protein.

In addition to these, the product also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from both natural food ingredients and added supplements, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the product.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $3.87 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $22.71
10 lbs $38.20
15 lbs $51.78
20 lbs $64.25
30 lbs $87.08

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers appreciate that Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe is well-suited for small dogs, as the small kibble size is easy for their pets to eat and chew. Many customers have noticed that their dogs, even those with sensitive stomachs, have responded well to the lamb and rice recipe. Some have mentioned that their dogs' energy levels and coat health have improved since switching to this food.

While some customers expressed their dissatisfaction with the new formula, which includes pea protein, many others have praised the food for its apparent health benefits. One customer even connected their dog's longevity to the Science Diet products. Several users have also noted that their dogs, who are typically picky eaters, enjoy this food.

Despite a few negative reviews about the change in formula and a price increase, many customers remain loyal to the brand. They appreciate the food's quality and the positive impact it has had on their pets' health. However, some customers have reported that their dogs didn't like the taste of this particular flavor and preferred the chicken variant.

A few customers have also expressed concerns about the freshness of the product, with one customer receiving a bag close to its expiration date. However, many others have reported prompt delivery and good packaging.

In conclusion, Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe is generally well-received by customers and their pets. The small kibble size is particularly appreciated by owners of small dogs, and the food's health benefits are also frequently mentioned. Some customers have been displeased with changes to the formula and price increases, but the overall sentiment remains positive.