Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Review
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Review of Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
According to our data, this Hill's Science Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing kittens and pregnant/nursing cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growing kittens and pregnant/nursing cats.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice 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.
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.
Brewers Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides cats with a source of energy and supports healthy digestion.
Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.
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.
Brown Rice is a whole grain ingredient that provides a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients to support your cat's energy levels and digestive health.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.
Yellow pea is a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals beneficial for your cat's health.
Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle development and maintenance. It also contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and biotin, which support healthy skin, coat, and immune function.
Chicken liver flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your cat.
Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
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.
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.
Iodized Salt is an essential source of iodine, a trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and 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.
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.
Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
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.
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.
Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.
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.
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.
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.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
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.
While cats are obligate carnivores, small amounts of vegetables like broccoli can provide additional nutrients and fiber, potentially aiding in digestion 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.
Magnesium oxide is a source of magnesium, an essential mineral that plays a key role in numerous bodily functions, including nerve function and protein synthesis.
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 crude protein content of 35.90% is a significant amount and is primarily derived from the chicken, pea protein, chicken meal, and egg product listed in the ingredients. Chicken, being the first ingredient, suggests it is the most abundant and therefore a primary source of protein. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken, where the water has been removed, providing a dense protein source. Pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content, as peas are a good plant-based protein source.
The crude fat minimum of 21.80% is quite high, indicating that this is a calorie-dense food appropriate for the rapid growth phase of kittens. The main contributors to this fat content are chicken fat and fish oil. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy. Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain and vision development in kittens.
Crude fiber is listed at a maximum of 0.50%, which is relatively low, reflecting that this is a diet formulated for carnivorous animals that require less fiber. The sources of fiber in this diet are likely the brown rice, yellow peas, and the various fruits and vegetables listed such as apples, cranberries, and carrots. However, given their position in the ingredient list and the low maximum percentage, they are present in small amounts.
The calorie content of 4017.00 per kg is an indication of the overall energy density of the food. This is influenced by both the fat and protein content, as fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates. The high calorie content supports the energy needs of growing kittens.
Overall, the ingredients are chosen to provide a balanced diet for kittens, with high protein for growth, adequate fat for energy and healthy development, low fiber for digestibility, and a calorie content suited for their high energy needs.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $6.00 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $20.47 |
| 10 lbs | $34.43 |
| 15 lbs | $46.67 |
| 20 lbs | $57.91 |
| 30 lbs | $78.49 |
| 40 lbs | $97.39 |
| 50 lbs | $115.13 |
| 60 lbs | $132.00 |
| 70 lbs | $148.18 |
| 80 lbs | $163.78 |
| 90 lbs | $178.91 |
| 100 lbs | $193.62 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally express great satisfaction with Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, noting that their kittens eagerly anticipate mealtime and consume the food with gusto. The small kibble size is frequently praised for being well-suited to kittens’ tiny teeth, and many have observed improvements in their pets' coat quality, indicating the food's nutritional benefits.
Several reviews highlight the food's digestibility and the positive impact on kittens with sensitive stomachs or those needing to gain weight. The absence of corn, wheat, and soy is appreciated by pet owners who prefer protein-rich diets for their growing kittens. The food's popularity extends beyond the kittens, as some adult cats in multi-cat households are also reported to enjoy it.
While a few reviews mention kittens with adverse reactions such as allergies or digestive issues, these are relatively rare and may reflect individual sensitivities rather than a general problem with the food. It's worth noting that dietary changes can sometimes lead to such issues, and it may be necessary to transition pets slowly onto new foods or consult a veterinarian if problems persist.
The brand loyalty is evident among customers who have switched from other brands and are pleased with the positive changes they've observed in their kittens. The food is also recommended by veterinarians, reinforcing the trust in the product's quality. Despite some concerns about cost, the resealable bags and the health benefits are seen as valuable, with many customers planning to continue purchasing this diet for their kittens.
