Hills dog food: reviews and composition overview

About the manufacturer

The company's history dates back to 930, when a blind guy named Morris Frank traveled across America with his dog Buddy. On his trips, he shared with others that dogs are excellent guides that help blind people.

Frank's only problem was his dog's long illness, namely kidney failure. So he had to turn to Dr. Mark Morris Sr. for help. The doctor believed that the pet’s illness was associated with a poorly organized nutrition system and created special food for the dog. This is how the story of one of the largest pet food brands began.

Today, Hill's products are sold in 87 countries around the world, and the company's annual revenue is up to $1 billion. Due to the quality and properly developed technology, doctors around the world confidently recommend animal food.

The development of food for dogs is carried out at the special Hills Pet Nutrition Center in Kansas. Every year the quality of products and the trust of dog owners increases.

Briefly about the manufacturer

The production of Hills feed began in the 30s of the 20th century. Product developed by veterinarian Mark Morris. Once while treating a guide dog, he realized that the cause of kidney failure was the animal’s poor diet. The doctor thought about developing a diet for dogs that would be healthy and balanced. In the 40s, he entered into an agreement with the famous company Hill's Packing Company and the result of cooperation was the development of dry dog ​​food.

More than two hundred veterinarians, nutritionists, and scientists continue to work on improving the food produced and their new recipes. Each ingredient of the future product is controlled, its composition is analyzed. The manufacturer carefully monitors the quality of the finished feed. In 2021, some of the rations were removed from sale, and the composition of the rest was updated.

Description and composition of food

Due to the research results that Hills receives from its own certified laboratories. The company supplies the market with high quality food products for pets (cats, dogs). During development, special foods are created that meet the individual needs of any pet.

Hill's philosophy is the belief that proper nutrition for pets determines their healthy and long life. Currently, Hills is considered one of the leaders in the international supply of dog and cat food.

Hill's is guided by science-based nutritional research and produces its own complete pet food products with a precise balance of 50 nutritional ingredients. This is necessary to ensure that the individual needs of animals are met, based on age, lifestyle, breed, size and chronic diseases.

Hill's feed contains the following components in varying proportions (it all depends on the needs of the animal):

• proteins;
• fats;
• minerals;
• vitamins;
• cellulose.

Among the vitamins in feed from the Hills company contain:

• Group A vitamins help ensure proper muscle tone and support healthy skin and coat. Pregnant dogs and puppies in the active growth stage have a special need for vitamin A.
• B vitamins support proper metabolism and have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of your pet. The vitamin is needed primarily for animals with sensitive bodies, as well as those with skin problems.
• Vitamins of group C are considered a substance that improves your pet's immunity.
• Vitamins D and E help slow down the aging process, promote proper coat renewal, and strengthen the animal’s bone tissue and muscular skeleton.

In addition, the composition may contain cereals, rice, chicken pieces, egg powder, fish, lamb, rice and other components.

The ratio of each ingredient in different types of food is different.

Types, range and composition of feed

The Hills company produces dry food for purrs, canned food and spiders.

There are several lines of these products.

SciencePlan – food for healthy pets of all ages . The composition of each individual food is carefully selected, taking into account age characteristics, as well as the specifics of individual breeds.

• Kitten – for kittens with tuna, chicken, as well as chicken and vegetables.
• Senior 7+ – for animals over 7 years old.
• YoungAdultSterilised – products for sterilized cats.

The AdultFeline series with lamb, tuna, rabbit or chicken will be useful for purebred purrs.

• HairballControl – makes it easier for furry breeds to swallow hair.
• LightChiken and IndoorCat are low-calorie foods for animal weight control.
• SensitiveStomach – helps pets with sensitive stomachs digest food.
• OralCare - takes care of the purr's oral cavity.
• SensitiveSkin – helps reduce irritation on sensitive cat skin.

The composition of each individual food is specially selected, taking into account age characteristics, as well as the specifics of individual breeds.

The composition of the food depends on the formula and may contain the following ingredients.

• Chicken liver;
• Animal fat;
• Protein extracted from chicken bones, feathers and beaks;
• Soy protein;
• Corn gluten;
• Shredded corn.

Not long ago, Hill's began releasing two more new lines of food: IdealBalance and Nature'sBest. These products do not contain preservatives, dyes, soy, wheat flour, or dairy products.

But they include:

1. Brown rice
2. Flax-seed
3. Peas.
4. Potato.
5. Tomatoes.
6. Broccoli.
7. Beetroot.
8. Carrot.
9. Natural antioxidant and preservative.

They also produce various medicinal foods, otherwise called “prescribed diets” from the PrescriptionDiet line.

• Metabolic and R/D are prescribed in the treatment of obesity in a pet to correct its weight.
• LowFat/Diabet W/D will be useful for diabetes in pussies.
• K/D is prescribed for existing problems with the kidneys and heart.
• J/D will be a good helper in the treatment of joints. Here it will be possible to restore cat cartilage tissue with the help of omega-3 fatty acids contained in the food.
• L/D will help with existing liver diseases.
• Z/D is attributed to pets with allergies. This food contains vitamins, hypoallergenic hydrolyzed protein, various beneficial minerals and antioxidants.
• Y/D aibolit is prescribed for hyperthyroidism.
• T/D has a preventive effect against diseases of the cat's oral cavity.
• S/D and C/D are prescribed for urolithiasis.
• A/D helps your pet's body recover after injury or surgery.
• I/D will help in solving intestinal problems.

Some cat owners consider it acceptable to give medicinal food to completely healthy pets. Never do this! Please consult your veterinarian on all nutritional issues.

Daily feeding rate

Hills has a number of recommendations to help pet owners keep their pets healthy:

• measure the dog's weight;
• Feeding should begin after examination by a veterinarian and taking into account the advice on the food packaging;
• By assessing the physical condition of the animal, you can independently adjust the amount of feed the animal needs during its growth and development.

The transition to new food should be smooth so that the pet does not experience food rejection. In addition, gradualism means that over the course of a week it is necessary to mix the old food with the new, increasing the amount of the latter until the transition is complete.

Feeding can be selected from three possible variations:

• access to food is freely available;
• feeding is time limited;
• feeding is limited by the amount of food.

Also, do not forget to provide clean drinking water to relieve thirst. Hills experts do not recommend giving your animal a variety of treats from the “human table,” as this can have a negative impact on the pet’s health.

How and when to feed a puppy?

It is very important to feed your puppy a diet that suits his needs and at regular intervals. To grow properly and become a healthy dog, your puppy requires adequate levels of nutrients. It is extremely important for your pet's health to regularly monitor its physical condition and adjust its daily food intake as needed. Simple recommendations from s™ Science Plan™ Puppy Healthy Development™, this should be done gradually over 7 days. Mix the old food with the new one, constantly increasing the proportion of the latter until you completely switch to Science Plan. Then your pet can fully enjoy the taste and benefits of the superior nutrition that Hill's™ Science PlanTM Puppy Healthy Development™ provides.

You and Your Veterinarian Your veterinarian is your best source of information regarding your puppy's health and well-being. Encourage him to regularly monitor your puppy's weight, as achieving and maintaining an ideal weight not only reduces the risk of developing certain diseases, but also ensures a long, healthy and energetic life for your pet.

Talk to your veterinarian about which of these three feeding methods is best for your pet:

Free access to food: food is available to the puppy at any time.

Time-restricted feeding: Food is only available to the puppy for a limited time. Restricted feeding: food is given to the animal in portions at a certain fixed time every day.

Water Your puppy should always have plenty of fresh water. Not being able to quench your thirst for a long period of time will harm your pet's health.

Treats Although it can be difficult to resist the temptation to feed your pet a tasty morsel from the table, remember that such treats do not provide the correct balance of nutrients. Practice moderation when it comes to treats—too much can lead to weight gain or nutrient imbalances.

Next step

As your puppy gets older, his nutritional needs will change. He will need to be switched to an adult dog diet that will provide essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the correct ratios appropriate for his breed size and age. Hill's™ Science Plan™ diets provide exactly what you need. Products for different stages of life allow you to maintain the health of your dog, regardless of breed and lifestyle.

Product line

Hills Company produces two product lines: dry and canned food. Thanks to the variety of food, each owner can choose the right one, taking into account the condition of his dog.

Hill's dry food forms the basis of your pet's diet. All ingredients are collected in the correct proportions so that the dog not only gains weight, but also continues to be active.

Hill's dry food

Hill's Science Plan

It forms the basis of the daily diet of healthy dogs of various breeds and ages. You can buy this type of food without prior approval from your veterinarian. The line includes food for puppies, nursing dogs and seniors.

Hill's Prescription Diet

Prescribed to those animals that have health problems. The need for food is associated with the doctor’s requirement for the dog to gain proper weight and maintain the liver and kidneys in normal condition.

Hills ideal balance

Wet dog food is also divided into two lines (for healthy and weakened animals). At the same time, you can feed such food only in exceptional cases, following the recommendations of a veterinarian.

Hills small breed food

Adult Mini Chicken

Products for adult dogs that contain dietary chicken meal. The photo and price of the product should be checked on the company’s website. Pros: good composition. Cons: not a pleasant taste.

Adult Advanced Fitness Mini

Prescribed to increase the activity of dogs that work in special facilities (suitable for corgis). Pros: Quality ingredients. Cons: high cost compared to analogues.

Canine Adult Small

It is a diet that contains dietary white meat. Pros: availability of turkey meat. Cons: Contains corn and wheat.

Canine Mature Adult 7+

Necessary for breeds to strengthen their bones, teeth, joints. Pros: pronounced effect. Cons: High amount of saturated fat.

All food for small breed dogs is distinguished from the rest by its dietary composition.

Food for large breeds from Hill's

Canine Performance Chicken

Prescribed to dogs that help in pastures and in the police. The ingredients include chicken meat, as well as vitamins and minerals in the required proportions. Pros: granules with increased energy value. Cons: Not suitable for all breeds.

Canine Adult Advanced Fitness Large Breed

It is recommended to include in the diet of dogs that are constantly active. You can buy it both dry and wet. Pros: good taste. Cons: Wet food should not be given to dogs very often.

Canine Adult Large Breed

Designed for breeds weighing over 25 kilograms. Pros: Contains proteins to improve the muscles of dogs. Cons: price.

Puppy Healthy Development Large Breed Chicken

Pros: suitable for large dogs up to a year old. Cons: Not suitable for small breeds.

Hypoallergenic food Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin

Prescribed for those pets who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract and hair loss. The composition contains omega 3.6 fatty acids and fiber.

Hill's medicated food

Prescription Diet Canine id

Pros: suitable for dogs of any breed diagnosed with gastritis. Cons: high cost.

Prescription Diet Canine j/d

Pros: Recommended for dogs with arthritis. Cons: complex composition.

Wet food

Canine zd

Pros: relieves allergy symptoms. Cons: problems with ordering.

Kidney Care k/d

Kidney health food with chicken.

Hill's Prescription Diet Canine W/D

Essential for those dogs that have been diagnosed with obesity. Pros: stabilization of the pet's weight. Cons: complex composition.

Reviews from veterinarians

Anatoly Viktorovich Sergeev, veterinarian:

“I recommend Hill's food to four-legged patients. And not only for those who have kidney or liver problems, but also for completely healthy dogs. The fact is that the food is the most balanced compared to analogues, due to which the diet contains the required daily dose of vitamins and nutrients.”

Anna Germanovna Akhtuba, veterinarian:

“I learned about the quality of Hill's feed when I was just studying to become a veterinarian. I did an internship in a hospital where they fed me exactly this food. Since then I have been recommending Hill’s, since every owner can choose the food he needs based on the condition of the dog and its characteristics.”

Hill's today

In 1976, Colgate-Palmolive acquired Hill's Pet Nutrition. Today, Hill's™ pet food products are available in 86 countries around the world. The company's sales reached US$1 billion in 1999 and continue to grow every year. Veterinarians around the world recommend and feed Hill's™ products to their own pets more than any other pet food brand.

At Hills Pet Nutrition Center in Topeka, Kansas, a staff of veterinarians and board-certified nutritionists and internal medicine specialists work alongside our companion animal staff to develop nutritious and delicious pet foods. Each companion has a team to provide clean, spacious living quarters, exercise areas, agility courses, and other human and animal companions. The world-class organization also features a fully equipped veterinary clinic certified by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which meets the highest standards of small animal veterinary clinics available today.

Today, Hill's Pet Nutrition continues the tradition of care that began in 1939 with one wonderful veterinarian. Our Prescription Diet™ , Science Plan™ and >™ pet foods offer the highest quality nutrition for pets.

®/™ Seeing Eye is a trademark owned by Seeing Eye, Inc. Ball is a trademark of Ball Corporation.

When a person gets a pet, the question of its nutrition arises. Many veterinarians recommend Hills food for large and small breed dogs. Reviews, composition, positive and negative aspects - these are the topics that will be covered further. All types of this food will also be considered.

It is important to approach the choice of menu for your pet responsibly. The condition of his body depends on this. It is important that your diet contains all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed to maintain health. For this reason, Korm Hills is common among owners, dog trainers and veterinarians.

Owner reviews

Nadezhda V., Yorkshire terrier dog:

“I buy Busie only food from the Hill's line for small and large breeds. I like the balanced composition, thoughtful caloric content, and also the fact that the packaging provides clear nutritional recommendations.”

Nikolay I., lap dog:

“The dog has problems with the functioning of the stomach (congenital obstruction). The veterinarian recommended medicinal food (Prescription Diet Canine id) from Hills. I am satisfied with the cost, as well as its composition. In addition, it is sold in canned form, which is convenient, since you constantly have to feed on the road.”

Read also:  Coconut oil for dogs: benefits and applications

Inspired by a guide dog

In the late 1930s, Morris Frank, a blind young man, toured the country with his guide dog Buddy, promoting Seeing Eye™ dogs. However, German Shepherd Buddy was suffering from kidney failure, and Mr. Frank turned to Dr. Mark Morris Sr. for help. Dr. Morris believed that Buddy's illness was the result of poor nutrition, so he developed a new food in his kitchen with his wife Louise Morris. Louise and three other women continued to prepare the food in the Morris family's basement, storing it in Ball™ cans. Raritan Ration B was the predecessor to Hill's™ Prescription Diet™ k/d™ Canine and was formulated for dogs with kidney failure.

Dr. Morris sent the food to Mr. Frank, who was traveling around the country with Buddy. However, the banks often broke along the way. Morris Frank arranged for several thousand cans and a manual canning machine to be delivered to Dr. Morris. After that, his employees began canning food.

Analogs

Hill's feed analogues are:

Chappie, Pedigree. These foods are called the most undesirable for consumption, since they contain virtually no high-quality nutrients.

Purina. Good quality food, included in the average cost category. There is a wide range of flavors, as well as types, depending on the breed.

Akana. Among the top premium dog foods. Satisfies the animal's daily need for vitamins and minerals.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Hills produces dry and wet pet food.
2. The history of the creation of food goes back to 930 years.
3. Hill's is one of the top best foods and has a fairly large line of products.
4. The food has good reviews from veterinarians and owners.

Has your pet tried this food? Share your impressions and observations in the comments.

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Choose carefully

Puppy diets come in dry and wet food forms, and what you choose depends entirely on your and your puppy's preferences. But make sure to choose a diet that contains everything your pet needs to ensure his best development. Choose “complete” diets. Then you will not need special additives or additional food.

Just like our food, pet foods vary in quality, so read the label carefully to know the benefits of each food. Some diets contain antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system, and minerals, which keep the urinary tract healthy. You should always check that the food does not contain too much salt. Excess salt can harm your kidneys. If in any doubt, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Whatever food you choose, you'll need a couple of good quality, stable bowls - one for food, one for water. It also doesn't hurt to place a rug under the bowls to protect the floor.