Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult 11+ Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult 11+ Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe

According to our data, this Hill's Science Diet recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult 11+ Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult 11+ Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe, we'll examine all 49 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 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.

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

  3. 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.

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

  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. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Whole grain sorghum is a gluten-free grain that provides your dog with a source of digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients for overall health.

  10. 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.

  11. Chicken liver flavor is a natural flavor enhancer that makes dog food more palatable and enjoyable for your pet. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  12. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing that serves as an alternative protein source for dogs. It is rich in essential amino acids, and it can also provide energy and support healthy skin and coat for your pet.

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

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

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

  17. 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.

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

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

  20. 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.

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

  22. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  23. Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

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

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

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

  39. 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.

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

  41. 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.

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

  43. 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.

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

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

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

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

  49. 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 Small & Mini Adult 11+ Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe indicate the minimum or maximum percentages of certain nutrients in the product.

1. Crude Protein (min) of 22.40%: The primary source of protein in this pet food product is Chicken, which is listed as the first ingredient. Chicken Meal also contributes to the protein content. Other ingredients such as Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, and Soybean Meal also contain protein, albeit in smaller amounts.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 18.00%: The main sources of fat in this product are Chicken Fat, Fish Oil, Flaxseed, and Soybean Oil. Chicken Fat is listed as the fifth ingredient, indicating a significant presence in the product. Fish Oil and Flaxseed also contribute to the fat content, with the added benefit of providing omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.

3. Crude Fiber (max) of 1.80%: Fiber in this product comes primarily from plant-based ingredients such as Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Soybean Meal, and Dried Beet Pulp. These ingredients help with digestion and maintaining a healthy weight.

4. Calories of 3811.00 per kg: The caloric content of the product is derived from all the ingredients, but primarily from the protein and fat sources (Chicken, Chicken Fat, Fish Oil, etc.). Carbohydrates from grains like Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, and Whole Grain Corn also contribute to the overall caloric content.

Remember, the order of the ingredients listed on pet food labels represents their weight in the product, with the heaviest ingredients listed first. This can give you an idea of the main contributors to the nutrient content of the product.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Adult 11+ Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe costs approximately $3.62 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $20.37
10 lbs $34.26
15 lbs $46.44
20 lbs $57.62
30 lbs $78.10

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers love that Hill's Science Diet for small and mini adult dogs is specifically designed for older dogs. Many noted the positive health effects on their pets, including improved digestion, increased energy, and better urinary tract health. The small kibble size is also appreciated, especially for dogs with dental issues or missing teeth.

Several customers mentioned that their dogs, who are typically picky eaters, enjoy this food. Some even noted that their dogs' coats have become healthier since switching to this food. The food's beneficial effect on weight management was also highlighted by some customers.

A few customers noted that their dogs had difficulty adjusting to the new food initially but ended up loving it. There were also some concerns about the food causing constipation in some dogs, and a few customers noted that their dogs had allergic reactions to the food.

Despite some negative experiences, many customers recommended this product, with some mentioning that their veterinarians also recommended it. The product's price point was seen as fair considering its benefits.

The product's packaging also received positive feedback, with customers appreciating the resealable Velcro feature. Some customers were not pleased with the smell of the food, describing it as fishy, but this did not seem to affect the dogs' enjoyment of the product.

While a few customers were disappointed that the food did not suit their dogs, many were happy with the product and planned to continue purchasing it. One customer even noted that her dog's bald spot disappeared after switching to this food.

Overall, Hill's Science Diet for small and mini adult dogs was well received by customers. The positive health effects, small kibble size, and palatability were highly praised. Despite a few negative experiences, the majority of customers were pleased with the product and planned to continue using it.