Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Chicken & Barley Entree Review

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Review of Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Chicken & Barley Entree

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.

Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Chicken & Barley Entree is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Chicken & Barley Entree, we'll examine all 29 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. 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.

  6. 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.

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

  8. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  14. 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.

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

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

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

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

  21. 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.

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

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

  29. 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 content of 28.00% in this pet food is primarily attributed to the chicken and soybean meal. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that provides essential amino acids necessary for a puppy's growth and muscle development. Soybean meal is also a significant source of plant-based protein.

The crude fat minimum of 21.60% is likely to come from the chicken, which contains natural fats, and the added pork liver and fish oil. Pork liver is a nutrient-dense ingredient that contributes not only to fat content but also vitamins and minerals. Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cognitive development and skin health.

Crude fiber has a maximum value of 1.70%, which is relatively low, indicating that the food is designed to be easily digestible. The fiber in this product comes from whole grain corn and cracked pearled barley. These grains provide the necessary fiber to aid in healthy digestion but are kept at a level that ensures the food is not too high in fiber, which could be harder for puppies to digest.

The calorie content of 1296.00 per kg provides an estimate of the energy the food can supply. The caloric content is influenced by the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The high levels of protein and fat, particularly from the chicken, pork liver, and fish oil, contribute to the overall calorie count, ensuring that the food meets the energy requirements of growing puppies. Whole grain corn and cracked pearled barley also contribute to the caloric content through carbohydrates.