Hill's Science Diet Hairball Control Light Adult Chicken Recipe Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Hairball Control Light Adult Chicken Recipe

According to our data, this Hill's Science 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 Science Diet Hairball Control Light Adult Chicken Recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Hairball Control Light Adult Chicken Recipe, we'll examine all 45 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. 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.

  2. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing and is used as a source of protein. However, it's not as beneficial as meat-based proteins.

  3. Brewers Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides cats with a source of energy and supports healthy digestion.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Whole grain wheat provides cats with a source of digestible fiber, which can help support a healthy digestive system, as well as essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron.

  7. Chicken liver flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your cat.

  8. Dried beet pulp is a fiber source that aids in digestion, helping your cat maintain a healthy weight and control hairballs.

  9. 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.

  10. Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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

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

  16. Iodized Salt is an essential source of iodine, a trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

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

  22. 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.

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

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

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

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. Manganous oxide is a source of manganese, a trace mineral that supports various bodily functions including bone development, metabolism, and nerve function.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.

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

  40. Green Pea is a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides your cat with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It supports a healthy digestive system and contributes to your cat's overall well-being.

  41. Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.

  42. Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.

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

  44. While cats are obligate carnivores, small amounts of vegetables like broccoli can provide additional nutrients and fiber, potentially aiding in digestion and overall health.

  45. 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 Crude Protein minimum of 40.00% in the Hill's Science Diet Hairball Control Light Adult Chicken Recipe is primarily contributed by the first ingredient, chicken, as well as the corn gluten meal and wheat gluten. These are high-protein ingredients that significantly contribute to the overall protein content of the food.

The Crude Fat minimum of 9.60% is likely contributed by several ingredients including chicken, chicken fat, and soybean oil. These ingredients are known for their high fat content. Fish oil also contributes to the fat content, but it's lower on the ingredient list, meaning it's present in smaller amounts.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 8.00% is largely contributed by powdered cellulose and dried beet pulp. These are common sources of dietary fiber in pet foods. The whole grain wheat also contributes to the fiber content.

The Calories of 3172.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients but primarily from the macronutrients: protein (from chicken, corn gluten meal, and wheat gluten), fat (from chicken, chicken fat, and soybean oil), and carbohydrates (from brewers rice, whole grain wheat, and corn gluten meal). These three macronutrients are the main calorie sources in pet food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Hairball Control Light Adult Chicken Recipe costs approximately $4.24 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $28.66
10 lbs $48.20
15 lbs $65.33
20 lbs $81.07
30 lbs $109.88
40 lbs $136.34
50 lbs $161.18
60 lbs $184.79
70 lbs $207.44
80 lbs $229.29
90 lbs $250.47
100 lbs $271.06

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have found Hill's Science Diet Hairball Control Light Adult Chicken Recipe to be highly effective in controlling hairballs and improving their cats' fur quality. Some have also seen positive results in weight management for their cats. There have been instances where cats have experienced reduced vomiting frequency after switching to this diet. The light formula and lower calorie content have been appreciated by customers with larger cats, and many have reported that their cats seem to enjoy the taste of the food.

However, some customers have reported that their cats experienced digestive issues, including constipation and increased vomiting, after switching to this food. Some have found the kibble pieces to be larger than expected, making it difficult for smaller or older cats to eat. It's also been noted that while some cats took to the new food immediately, others were more hesitant or refused to eat it altogether.

Despite some negative experiences, many customers have reported that their cats have had fewer hairballs since switching to this food. Some have even noticed their cats losing weight, which has been a positive outcome for those with overweight pets. The food's consistency and the company's reputation for quality have also been praised.

A few customers have mentioned that their cats did not like the taste of the food, and some reported that their cats had adverse reactions, such as increased vomiting or refusal to eat. However, these seem to be the minority of cases, and many customers have found the food to be beneficial for their cats' health and well-being.

In summary, while Hill's Science Diet Hairball Control Light Adult Chicken Recipe may not be suitable for all cats, many customers have found it to be an effective solution for controlling hairballs and managing weight. The size of the kibble may be a concern for some, but overall, the product is well-received by the majority of customers and their feline companions.