Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe For Adult Cats Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe For Adult Cats

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.

Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe For Adult Cats is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe For Adult Cats, 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. 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. Cracked pearled barley is a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and some essential nutrients. It's used in cat food to provide energy and support digestive health.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Whole grain oats are a source of dietary fiber that can promote a healthy digestive system in your cat.

  6. Whole Grain Corn is a wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates that can help provide sustained energy throughout the day.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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

  10. Ground Pecan Shell is a natural source of dietary fiber that supports your cat's digestive health. This ingredient helps maintain regular bowel movements and promotes a healthy balance of gut bacteria, contributing to your cat's overall well-being.

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

  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. Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.

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

  16. Dried citrus pulp is a source of dietary fiber which aids in digestion and can help maintain healthy bowel movements.

  17. L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support your cat's immune system and is also vital for the production of certain proteins, enzymes, and antibodies.

  18. 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.

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

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

  21. Pressed Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which helps support your cat's urinary tract health and overall wellness.

  22. 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.

  23. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion in cats.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

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

  28. 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.

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

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

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

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

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.

  38. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

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

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

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

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

  47. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 35.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this cat food are animal-based ingredients such as chicken, corn gluten meal, chicken meal, and egg product. These ingredients are high in protein, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of lean muscle in cats. The "chicken" listed as the first ingredient indicates it is a significant source of the protein, and the inclusion of "chicken meal" suggests a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered and contains less water than whole chicken.

Crude Fat (min) of 18.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the chicken fat, which is a common source of animal fat in pet foods and provides essential fatty acids. Whole grain oats and flaxseed may also contribute to the fat content, along with fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 2.00%: The crude fiber amount is relatively low, which is typical for feline diets as they require less fiber than some other animals. The fiber in this food is probably coming from ingredients like cracked pearled barley, whole grain oats, dried beet pulp, and ground pecan shells. These ingredients help with digestive health and provide a source of dietary fiber to aid in the cat's digestion.

Calories of 3851.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is influenced by the combined macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The high protein and fat levels, as well as carbohydrates from ingredients like barley, oats, and corn, contribute to the total caloric value. Chicken fat and oils (such as soybean oil and fish oil) are calorie-dense, significantly impacting the food's overall energy content.

Overall, the guaranteed analysis provides a general idea of the nutritional content of the pet food, while the ingredients list gives specific sources for these nutrients. The animal-based ingredients are key contributors to protein and fat, while grains and other plant-based ingredients offer fiber, carbohydrates, and additional nutrients.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe For Adult Cats costs approximately $5.49 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $30.53
10 lbs $51.34
15 lbs $69.59
20 lbs $86.35
30 lbs $117.04
40 lbs $145.22
50 lbs $171.68
60 lbs $196.83
70 lbs $220.96
80 lbs $244.23
90 lbs $266.79
100 lbs $288.72

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally express satisfaction with Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion for Adult Cats. Many cat owners have reported that their cats, including those with previously sensitive stomachs or intestinal issues, have shown improvement in stool consistency and overall digestive health after switching to this food. The product seems to be particularly effective for cats with specific dietary needs, as it has helped firm up stools and reduce vomiting in some cases.

Positive experiences have also been shared by pet owners who have older cats with sensitive stomachs. They've found that their pets not only enjoy the taste of the food but also experience fewer digestive problems, such as less vomiting and better-formed stools. Some cats with chronic conditions like IBD have also seen improvements, with owners noting tidier litter boxes and a decrease in symptoms.

While there are instances where cats have had adverse reactions, such as increased hairballs or continued vomiting, these seem to be less common. In cases where the food did not suit a particular cat, owners have found alternatives that work better for their pets' unique needs. Overall, the feedback suggests that Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion is a reliable option for many cats, especially those with digestive sensitivities.