Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Entree Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Entree

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.

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 Adult Turkey & Barley Entree provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Entree, we'll examine all 32 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. Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Beef by-products are nutrient-dense protein sources that provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's overall health and muscle development.

  6. 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.

  7. Dried Whey is a by-product of cheese making and is rich in protein and calcium, supporting healthy growth and strong bones.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  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. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  19. 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.

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

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

  22. 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.

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

  24. 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.

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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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 crude protein content of 22.60% is primarily derived from the turkey, beef by-products, pork liver, and to a lesser extent, the dried whey and chicken liver flavor. These animal-based ingredients are rich in proteins, which are essential for muscle development and maintenance in pets.

The crude fat minimum of 18.40% is likely contributed to by the chicken fat, fish oil, and soybean oil listed in the ingredients. These are all high-fat content ingredients, with chicken fat and fish oil providing beneficial fatty acids that are important for a pet's skin, coat, and overall health.

Crude fiber, listed at a maximum of 1.80%, is relatively low, which is typical for animal-based wet foods. The cracked pearled barley and whole grain corn are the primary sources of fiber in this pet food. These ingredients help with digestion and provide a source of carbohydrates.

The caloric content of 1035.00 per kg can be attributed to the combined energy provided by the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The fats, especially from chicken fat, fish oil, and soybean oil, have a higher caloric density, which significantly contributes to the total calorie count of the food.

The additional vitamins and minerals listed, such as Vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and various minerals like ferrous sulfate and zinc oxide, are typically added to ensure a complete and balanced diet but do not contribute significantly to the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, and fiber. These are more about ensuring the food meets the nutritional needs of the pet beyond the macronutrient profile.