Hill's Science Diet Kitten Savory Salmon Entree Review
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Review of Hill's Science Diet Kitten Savory Salmon Entree
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 Savory Salmon Entree 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 Savory Salmon Entree, we'll examine all 40 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.
Water is an essential component of your cat's diet, as it helps maintain proper hydration levels, supports digestion, and aids in the absorption of nutrients. It's crucial for maintaining your cat's overall health and well-being.
Pork Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, copper, and vitamin A, which are vital for your cat's overall health, immune system, and vision.
Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.
Pork By-Products are an excellent source of high-quality protein for your cat, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals needed for optimal health. They are made from clean, nutrient-dense parts of the pig, such as liver, lungs, and kidneys, which are highly beneficial for your cat's overall well-being.
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.
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.
Soybean meal is a source of protein that can support your cat's muscle development and tissue repair.
Corn Starch is a highly digestible carbohydrate source used in some cat foods as a binding and thickening agent. It provides a source of energy and can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and steady blood sugar levels for your cat.
Soybean Protein Isolate is a highly digestible plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health. It supports strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and proper growth and development.
Chicken liver flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your cat.
Wheat Flour is a source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which provide energy and support your cat's digestive system. However, it is important to note that some cats may have sensitivities to wheat or gluten.
Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
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.
Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.
Dried Brewers Yeast is a rich source of B-vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that support your cat's overall health. It also helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting a strong immune system.
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.
Locust Bean Gum is a natural thickening agent that helps maintain the texture and consistency of your cat's food, while also providing a source of dietary fiber for healthy digestion.
Carrageenan is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from seaweed, used to improve the texture and consistency of wet cat food. However, some studies have raised concerns about its safety, linking it to gastrointestinal issues in pets. Some pet owners may choose to avoid products containing carrageenan.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme 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.
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.
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 44.20% is primarily derived from the animal-based ingredients such as pork liver, salmon, pork by-products, egg product, and to a lesser extent from plant-based sources like soybean meal and soy protein isolate. The high protein content is essential for the growth and development of kittens, and the inclusion of salmon also suggests a contribution of essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a kitten's coat and skin health.
The crude fat minimum of 28.40% is likely to come from the chicken fat, which is a common high-energy source in pet foods, and the fats present in salmon and pork liver. Fats are crucial for providing energy as well as for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
The maximum crude fiber content of 1.90% is relatively low, reflecting the carnivorous bias of a kitten's diet. This fiber likely comes from the plant-based ingredients such as corn starch, wheat flour, powdered cellulose, and possibly from some of the thickening agents like guar gum and carrageenan. Fiber is important for digestive health, but as obligate carnivores, cats require less fiber than omnivorous animals like dogs.
The calorie content of 1321.00 per kg indicates the overall energy density of the food. This is influenced by the proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates present in the food. Given that fats provide more than twice the energy per gram as proteins or carbohydrates, the high fat content in this food likely contributes significantly to the calorie count.
Other ingredients such as dicalcium phosphate and calcium sulfate contribute to the mineral content of the food, while the vitamins and minerals listed (including the vitamin supplements and minerals like ferrous sulfate and zinc oxide) ensure that the diet is complete and balanced for a growing kitten. Taurine, an essential amino acid for cats, is also added, which is crucial for heart and eye health. The presence of beta-carotene, a source of vitamin A, supports vision and immune function.
