Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe

According to our data, this Hill's Science Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies. 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 Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition for growing puppies.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 52 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. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  2. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  3. 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.

  4. Whole grain oats are a nutrient-rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion in dogs.

  5. Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.

  6. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  7. Whole grain wheat is a source of wholesome fiber, promoting good digestive health, and it also provides essential nutrients like protein and B vitamins.

  8. Brewers rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your dog.

  9. Wheat gluten is a highly digestible protein source that helps to maintain your dog's muscle mass and support a healthy immune system. It's also low in fat and high in amino acids.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that also provides essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

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

  14. Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.

  15. Pork Liver Flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your dog.

  16. Soybean oil is a plant-based source of healthy fats in dog food. Rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, soybean oil helps support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their immune system. It also provides energy for active dogs and assists in nutrient absorption.

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

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

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

  23. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.

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

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

  26. L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.

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

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

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

  40. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a food additive used in dog food to help maintain freshness and extend shelf life. It also acts as a binding agent, helping the dog food maintain its shape and texture.

  41. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

  42. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.

  43. 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.

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

  45. 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.

  46. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

  47. 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.

  48. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  49. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  50. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  51. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

  52. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 27.90%: The high crude protein content in this pet food is primarily contributed by the lamb meal, which is a concentrated form of protein as it is rendered and contains less water than whole lamb meat. Additionally, pea protein, soybean meal, egg product, and wheat gluten are significant plant-based protein sources. The combination of these ingredients helps to achieve the minimum protein level necessary for the growth and development of large breed puppies.

Crude Fat (min) of 17.80%: The crude fat in this diet is likely to come from the chicken fat, which is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy. Other contributors to the fat content may include soybean oil, flaxseed, and fish oil. These ingredients not only provide energy but also contribute to the healthy development of the puppy's skin and coat.

Crude Fiber (max) of 2.40%: The fiber content is controlled to ensure proper digestion without excessive stool volume. Ingredients such as brown rice, cracked pearled barley, whole grain oats, and whole grain wheat provide natural sources of fiber. Additionally, dried beet pulp and dried citrus pulp are included as fibrous ingredients that can help with intestinal health and stool quality.

Calories of 3742.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates from all the ingredients contributes to the total caloric value. Ingredients such as lamb meal, chicken fat, and the various grains (brown rice, barley, oats, wheat) are calorie-dense, providing the energy that large breed puppies require for their active metabolism and growth.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $2.36 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.