Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée

According to our data, this Hill's Science Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing 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 Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée provides complete and balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée, we'll examine all 38 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  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. 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.

  6. Soybean meal is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle growth and overall health, while also being highly digestible.

  7. Hydrolyzed chicken flavor is a highly digestible protein source that adds an appealing taste to your dog's food. It stimulates a healthy appetite, ensuring that your dog receives the essential nutrients required for optimal health.

  8. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  9. Ground pecan shell can be used as a fiber source in dog food, aiding in healthy digestion.

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

  11. 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.

  12. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  13. Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.

  14. Dried citrus pulp is a nutritious by-product of the citrus juice industry, providing an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber. This ingredient supports healthy digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

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

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

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

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

  19. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

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

  21. 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.

  22. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

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

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

  25. 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.

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

  27. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. Pressed cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help support your dog's immune system and urinary tract health.

  32. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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 guaranteed analysis values for Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée indicate the minimum or maximum percentage of certain nutrients present in the product.

The Crude Protein minimum of 29.00% is largely contributed by the Chicken, Soybean Meal, and Pork Liver in the ingredient list. These are all high in protein, which is crucial for a puppy's growth and development.

The Crude Fat minimum of 20.30% is likely contributed by the Chicken, Pork Liver, and Fish Oil. These ingredients are known for their high fat content, which provides the essential fatty acids and energy required for a puppy's growth.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 2.00% is likely due to the presence of ingredients like Whole Grain Corn, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground Pecan Shells, Dried Beet Pulp, and Dried Citrus Pulp. These ingredients are known for their fiber content, which is crucial for healthy digestion.

The calorie content of 1339.00 per kg is a result of the cumulative energy provided by all the ingredients in the product, with high-energy ingredients like Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, and Cracked Pearled Barley likely being the main contributors.

Overall, the ingredients in Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée contribute to a balanced diet for puppies, providing the necessary protein, fat, fiber, and energy they need for healthy growth.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée costs approximately $4.76 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $48.74
10 lbs $81.97
15 lbs $111.10
20 lbs $137.86
30 lbs $186.85
40 lbs $231.85
50 lbs $274.09
60 lbs $314.25
70 lbs $352.76
80 lbs $389.92
90 lbs $425.93
100 lbs $460.96

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers report that their puppies enjoy Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée. They note that even picky eaters have taken to this product, and it has helped improve digestion in some cases. Some customers mix it with dry food, which their puppies seem to love. One customer reported that their puppy, who previously had issues with "Gulpies" or "lick fits", no longer has these issues after switching to this product.

A few customers noted that the food is a bit dry and does not look very appetizing, but this did not seem to deter their puppies from enjoying it. Some puppies with sensitive stomachs responded well to this food when it was mixed with dry food. A few customers also used this product for underweight or malnourished dogs, and reported that it helped them gain weight without upsetting their stomachs.

There were a few negative reviews, with some customers noting that their puppies did not like the taste of the food. Others found it hard to mix with other food due to its dryness. However, it's important to note that taste preferences can vary widely among dogs. Some reviewers also mentioned that the food made their puppy gassy, but switching to a different variety resolved the issue.

Several customers expressed disappointment that the canned food did not come with an easy-open feature. Some also mentioned receiving dented cans, which made opening them even more difficult. Despite these minor issues, many customers were satisfied with the product and would recommend it to others.

One customer reported that their puppy developed a lump after eating this food, but it's unclear whether the food was the cause. It's always important to monitor your pet's health and consult with a vet if any issues arise.