Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Review
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Review of Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
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 Small & Mini Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Puppy Chicken & 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.
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.
Whole grain oats are a nutrient-rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pork Liver Flavor enhances the taste of the food, making it more appealing to your dog.
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
Ground pecan shell can be used as a fiber source in dog food, aiding in healthy digestion.
Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.
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.
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.
Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.
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.
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.
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.
Iodized salt provides essential iodine for your dog, which is necessary for proper thyroid function and overall health.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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.
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.
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.
Pressed cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help support your dog's immune system and urinary tract health.
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.
L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.
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.
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.
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.
Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.
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.
Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.
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.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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.
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 Crude Protein minimum of 28.90% is likely derived from the Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, and Soybean Meal ingredients. These are all high in protein and are the primary sources in this dog food.
The Crude Fat minimum of 19.70% is likely contributed by the Chicken Fat, Soybean Oil, and Fish Oil. These ingredients are rich in fats and are the main sources of fats in this recipe.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 2.30% is likely derived from the Whole Grain Oats, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground Pecan Shells, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, and Dried Citrus Pulp. These ingredients are rich in dietary fiber.
The Calories of 3780.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients but primarily from the protein and fat sources - Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, and Fish Oil. These are energy-dense ingredients that significantly contribute to the calorie content of the food.
The vitamins and minerals listed are added to ensure the pet gets a balanced diet, and they do not significantly contribute to the protein, fat, or fiber percentages. The same applies to the added amino acids like L-Threonine, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, and L-Tryptophan. They are essential for the health and growth of the puppy but do not contribute significantly to the guaranteed analysis values.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $3.47 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $12.58 |
| 10 lbs | $21.16 |
| 15 lbs | $28.68 |
| 20 lbs | $35.58 |
| 30 lbs | $48.23 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have praised Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe for being a hit with their puppies. The small kibble size is appreciated for being easy for small breeds to eat. Several reviews mentioned that their pets had better digestion and fewer allergies after switching to this food.
Some owners shared that their pets, who were previously picky eaters, took to this food quite well. A few customers have also noted that their pets had healthier weight gain after switching to this food. Several customers stated that they trust the Hill's Science Diet brand and have used their products for all their pets.
Several customers mentioned that their pets had initially loved the food, but later became disinterested or refused to eat it. However, it's worth noting that taste preference can vary from pet to pet. Some reviews mentioned that the food caused digestive issues in their pets, but these were relatively few compared to the positive reviews.
A few customers found the food to be expensive, but most felt that the quality of the product justified the price. Some customers had issues with the kibble being too hard and had to soften it with water, but this was not a common complaint. Overall, the majority of customers recommended this product, stating that it was beneficial for their pets' health and well-being.
A few negative reviews mentioned issues with the food causing digestive problems or being unpalatable to their pets. However, these reviews were in the minority and most customers reported positive experiences with the product.
