Dry dog food "Hills": composition, types, reviews

When purchasing a dog, owners are faced with the problem of choosing food. After deciding to feed your dog ready-made food, the question arises which food manufacturer is better. After all, in order for a dog to be healthy, products must include all the important microelements and vitamins. The first thing you should pay attention to is high-quality, high-quality nutrition. One of the best in this segment is Hill's dry dog food. They are chosen by breeders, nursery owners and veterinarians. Below we will tell you more about the products of this brand.

Manufacturer

The Hills brand has existed for about a hundred years. Over this period of time, the company has proven that its products are of high quality and deserve the attention of pet owners. The brand was formed at the beginning of the 20th century and was initially an unremarkable brand. Over time, the company achieved success, and today its products are sold in almost all countries of the world.

Compound

Hill's is the first brand to introduce food for different ages of animals onto the world market. After all, a growing organism has special nutritional needs. The puppy's diet should help the proper formation of the skeleton and muscle structures. Hill's dry dog food also takes into account the pet's level of mobility, so nutrition for older animals takes into account their tendency to gain excess weight and low activity.

The main component of nutrition is meat products. As a rule, it is chicken, rabbit, veal or turkey. Its content is about 38–40 percent.

Almost the entire Hill's line of dry dog food contains fatty acids. They help keep pets' fur and skin in good condition.

The correct balance of calcium, phosphorus and other substances contributes to the normal development of teeth and bones, and protein is needed for the good condition of the dog’s muscles. The food also contains taurine and beta-carotene. These amino acids support metabolic processes and fill the body with energy.

The disadvantages of Hills products include the presence of synthetic ingredients (preservatives, flavors, stabilizers and flavor enhancers). These components are used to reduce the cost of finished products.

New partnership

In 1948, Dr. Morris entered into an agreement with Burton-Hill of the Hill Packing Company in Topeka, Kansas, so that the food could be canned under the new name Canine k/d™ and licensed Hill to produce his pet food recipes.

In the following years, the partnership between Dr. Morris became Hill's™ Pet Nutrition, and it continued to grow and add new medicated pet food recipes to its Prescription Diet™ product line. Dr. Morris founded the research laboratory in Topeka in 1951, when four types of Prescription Diet dog food were available.

Dr. Morris' son Dr. Mark Morris Jr. continued to help grow Hill's Pet Nutrition over the next several decades. While conducting research, the younger Dr. Morris drew attention to the need for proper and high-quality food for pets. As a result, he developed food for healthy pets. In 1968, the Hill's™ Science Diet™ line of foods was made available to veterinarians and pet professionals. The line continued to expand and today includes over 50 pet foods designed to meet the varying ages and specific needs of healthy pets.

Range

All Hills food is usually divided into four main groups:

Science Plan - the products of this food line are aimed at maintaining the health of pets. When developing the diet, special attention was paid to the beneficial properties of food. The line contains many options for Hill's wet and dry food (for large breed dogs, for adult dogs, for puppies and for older pets).
Prescription Diet - here are medicated dog foods. This type is considered an auxiliary therapeutic diet when undergoing any type of therapy.
Nature's Best is the best the company has to offer for dogs. Here you can find food made from natural ingredients. This group perfectly supports the digestive system.
Ideal Balance is a line of products made from natural ingredients, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The main feature of these foods is the correct balance of proteins, fats and other important nutrients.

Hill's food belongs to the super premium category. This group is characterized by a high content of high quality animal protein. The entire range includes about seventy different food variations.

In addition, all groups are divided by age and size of the animals.

Hill's food review

Hill's produces 60 types of wet and dry dog food. It is impossible to describe everything in detail in one article. Therefore, we will briefly indicate the varieties, and examine in detail one, the most popular type.

Types and types of feed

In Russia they sell 3 Hills lines: Science Plan, Prescription Diet and VetEssentials. The first two are freely sold in pet stores and veterinary clinics. The latter can only be purchased on order from a veterinarian: after an examination and as prescribed by a doctor.

Science Plan

Science Plan - everyday line . A menu is presented for pets of all ages, sizes, with different lifestyles and needs. Almost every type of diet has 2-3 flavors, so you can choose the drying food that your dog likes best.

A 1.5 kg package from the Science Plan series costs an average of 900-1000 rubles.

The Science Plan line is represented by 22 types of dry food, which are divided into 2 types of diet: universal and for special needs. The first include diets:

for puppies of small, medium and large breeds with chicken;
for puppies of medium breeds with lamb and rice;
for adult dogs of large, medium and small breeds with chicken or lamb and rice;
for adult dogs of medium breeds with tuna and rice;
for older medium-sized dogs with lamb and rice;
for small and medium-sized older breeds with chicken.

Diets for pets with special needs are presented:

Performance: for adult active, hunting or working animals.
Senior Vitality: maintaining health in animals over 7 years old - for large breeds, as well as small and medium-sized ones.
Sensitive Stomach & Skin: for adult pets of medium or small breeds with digestive problems or skin diseases.
Perfect Weight: For overweight adult dogs of medium breeds.
Small & Miniature Light: for adult small and miniature dogs prone to obesity.

Also in the Science Plan line there are 3 types of canned food (pates) with chicken: for puppies, adults and older dogs.

Prescription Diet

The Prescription Diet series is a medicinal food intended for dogs with diseases. They cannot be given without a doctor’s prescription, although they are freely sold in pet stores and veterinary pharmacies - on average, 2,000 rubles per 2 kg package.

There are 20 types of drying in the Prescription Diet line:

Diabetes Care for dogs with diabetes and overweight;
Metabolic: for obese pets, includes 2 types - for small dogs and all breeds;
Metabolic + Mobility for improved mobility and weight loss;
j/d to normalize mobility, relieve joint pain;
u/d to regulate health in animals with urolithiasis;
c/d for struvite urolithiasis;
k/d+Mobility Canine for kidney diseases;
k/d for renal failure;
l/d for liver pathologies;
z/d – Hills is hypoallergenic, improves skin condition and digestive tract function;
d/d for allergies that cause skin diseases and gastrointestinal disorders;
z/d Mini for food allergies in small dogs;
Derm Defense for allergies to environmental components;
Gastrointestinal Biome to improve digestion and intestinal function;
i/d Low Fat for digestive disorders caused by excess fat in the diet;
i/d Stress Mini for small breed dogs with gastrointestinal disorders caused by stress;
i/d for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract during the recovery period;
t/d to reduce plaque formation and improve gum health.

Also in the Prescription Diet line there are 11 varieties of canned food: for diabetes, allergies, liver and urinary system diseases, for weight loss, etc.

VetEssentials

The VetEssentials line includes food for the prevention of diseases in pets. Each variety contains ingredients that improve your pet’s health in several ways:

increase immunity;
support the functioning of the heart and other internal organs;
normalize brain and eye functions;
ensure normal digestion and prevention of urinary tract pathologies;
improve the condition of teeth, gums, skin and coat;
strengthen joints, bones and muscles;
regulate weight.

The VetEssentials series is represented by 5 diets:

For puppies.
For adults.
Grain-free.
For healthy teeth and gums.
For neutered pets.

VetEssentials – preventative food. They are not a substitute for the Prescription Diet treatment menus. In addition, they are rare in the CIS countries: they are usually brought to order.

Feed composition

To have an idea about Hill's food, let's look at the most popular diet : Hill's Science Plan for adult dogs of medium breeds with chicken.
It has good nutritional value - 372 Kcal per 100. The composition screen was taken from the official Hill's website:

Before considering the composition of the food, let us explain the principle by which the ingredients are listed. The internationally accepted standard is to list components from largest to smallest. That is, the percentage of the product listed first is the highest, and the last one is the lowest. Therefore, the basis of any ready-made menu is the first 6 items.

Hill's Science Plan for adult dogs of medium breeds with chicken is:

Corn. Popular cheap filler. Manufacturers use this grain to compensate for the lack of animal protein. But the fact is that corn protein, gluten, is not fully digested by carnivores. In addition, this product is high in carbohydrates, which lead to obesity, diabetes and inflammation.
Wheat. Another common component that is used to reduce the cost of drying. Also contains vegetable protein (gluten) and many carbohydrates. When consumed regularly, grains cause health problems.
Chicken and turkey meal. It consists of dried and crushed parts of bird carcasses. A good source of animal protein that is easily digested by carnivores. But, given that the product is listed in 3rd place, its mass fraction is low. In addition, the manufacturer does not indicate what raw materials were used: one can only guess whether it was meat or low-grade components - offal, skin, bones, etc.
Animal fat. Obtained from the tissues of animals and birds. Gives the granules a pleasant taste and smell, promotes the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. But the ingredient is considered unsuitable for human consumption. In addition, high-quality fat is expensive. And, given that the manufacturer did not indicate from what raw materials the component was obtained, these could be the carcasses of sick animals. Plus, it is often preserved with dangerous chemical compounds.
Protein hydrolysate. Obtained from animal or plant proteins by treatment with enzymes, subsequent evaporation and drying. They are used in ready-made diets due to their high digestibility and taste. But the ingredient is considered low-grade: the manufacturer did not indicate from what raw materials the product was obtained and how high quality it is.
Corn gluten meal. Vegetable protein, which is obtained after the production of corn starch by grinding. As already indicated, gluten often causes allergies. In addition, separating the essentially identical components “Corn” and “Corn Gluten Flour” is a marketing ploy called “name splitting.” So the manufacturer deliberately underestimates the percentage of plant ingredients.

In addition to the 6 main components, the drying in question contains:

Vegetable oil. Source of fatty acids, but since the source of raw materials is not indicated, it is impossible to determine the quality of the product.
Minerals. Complex mineral supplement, added to any feed. Necessary for the full functioning of the body. There is no detailed breakdown included, but the manufacturer provides the data in a separate table - we will provide it at the end of the list.
Dry sugar beet pulp. Natural prebiotic and source of fiber, supports normal intestinal microflora. But, given that the ingredient is listed in the penultimate place after minerals, the volume of which is measured in grams, its content is extremely low and does not affect the health of animals.
Flax seed. Source of Omega-3, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. However, the digestibility of plant fatty acids in animals is a controversial issue: it is better when dogs get them from fish oil. The ingredient is listed at the end, so its content is extremely low and cannot be expected to benefit your pet.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hills - controversial diets. They have both advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of Hill's:

absence of chemical preservatives, dyes and flavors;
an abundance of species to suit the different needs of animals;
a wide range of veterinary diets;
good vitamin and mineral supplement;
high nutritional value;
prevalence;
relatively low price.

Minuses:

There are more plant components in drying than animal components, which is unacceptable in the diet of dogs;
allergenic products are used: wheat, corn and corn gluten flour;
the percentage of ingredients is not indicated;
sources of raw materials are not indicated - whole grain wheat or feed wheat, poultry fillet or whole carcass, etc.;
no quality animal products: fresh meat, fish oil, etc.;
split titles.

Daily norm

Hill's Pet Nutrition makes the following feeding recommendations.

For adult dogs:

For pregnant:

For puppies:

For the elderly:

Canned food feeding rate:

Please note that these are average values. Stick to them, but focus on the condition of your pet: the norms can be increased or decreased by 10-20 grams. How much exactly a dog needs depends on lifestyle, maintenance, individual needs and metabolism.

Dry food "Hills" for large dogs

This group of feeds primarily takes into account the size of the animal. This nutrition is aimed at maintaining the muscles, bones, cartilage and teeth of pets. This includes:

Grain-free food for adult dogs. Suitable for daily diet for dogs from one to seven years old.
For adult animals with chicken and rice. Suitable for pets from one to seven years old.
For pets over 7 years old with rice and lamb. For proper digestion and joint support.
For older dogs with chicken.
Adult Advanced Fitness Large Breed with chicken. For bones and joints.
Fitness food with lamb and rice. For the digestive system and joints of pets weighing over ten kilograms.
Chicken food for dogs over five years old. To maintain the functioning of internal organs and mobility of animals.
Natural food for adult dogs.

Price and where to buy

Hill's Science Plan dry and wet food can be purchased at many stores, such as:

"Old Farm" ():
Packaging 1.5 kg - from 684 rubles;
Packaging 3 kg - from 1235 rubles;
Packaging 6.5 kg - from 2855 rubles;
Packaging 12 kg - from 3910 rub.

The above prices are indicative, valid at the end of August 2019, may differ depending on the option and change significantly over time. For the exact cost, see the pet store websites using the links above.

Dry food "Hills" for small breed dogs

Nutrition for small dogs is aimed at treating allergic reactions, skin diseases and eliminating digestive problems. This line includes:

Food for daily nutrition.
A diet for adult animals aimed at increasing muscle mass and normalizing digestion.
Food for animals with increased activity.
With chicken for adult dogs. Designed for small breeds of animals with increased activity.
Adult Sensitive Skin with Chicken. Caring for your dog's skin.
With rice and egg to ease digestion.
Food for maintaining healthy skin and teeth.
Food for older dogs.
Natural food for dogs over one year of age.

Advantages and disadvantages of Hill's food

Having analyzed the composition of everyday products, we can highlight the advantages and disadvantages of Hill's food.

Advantages:

The total amount of proteins in the food meets the unspoken premium class standard.
The food contains a basic complex of vitamins and minerals.
According to most owners, the price-quality ratio is quite acceptable.
According to the experience of the owners, dogs eat Hill's food with pleasure.

Flaws:

The composition contains unclear formulations: animal fat, a mixture of tocopherols.
The food contains corn, which is practically not digestible by dogs.
The food contains gluten and salt - gluten is often intolerant to dogs, and constant consumption of salt can lead to urolithiasis.
The food does not contain vegetables and fruits - this is a significant minus.

Note! The food contains soybeans (soybean flour), a world-famous GMO product. Most likely, the negativity associated with soy is overly exaggerated, but it is not digestible by dogs, so it is useless in food.

For puppies

Products for puppies contain microelements and proteins necessary for the dog’s full growth and the formation of good immunity. This includes:

Food for puppies of all breeds.
Hypoallergenic products.
Nutrition aimed at maintaining immunity and active digestion.
Puppy Healthy Development Mini Chicken. Finely granulated food.
Food for strengthening the immune system, developing muscles, bones and brain.
Diet for large breed puppies. Promotes proper development of the animal's skeleton.

Medical and dietary line

Medicinal foods in this group are intended for dogs that have problems with excess weight or diseases of the kidneys, heart, liver, and bladder. There are also products that are aimed at quickly reducing your pet’s weight. These include:

Dry food for maintaining normal weight of small breed pets.
Dry food for weight loss for large breed dogs.
Low fat diet.
Low-calorie food for healthy skin and teeth.
Canine t/d. For dogs with oral problems.
Canine u/d. For therapeutic nutrition of dogs with kidney and urethral diseases.
Canine w/d. Maintaining normal weight.
h/d Canine. For dogs with heart pathologies.
Metabolic nutrition.
Dry food "Hill's d/d" for dogs. Therapeutic nutrition for pets with allergies, vomiting and skin reactions.
Medicinal food for disorders of the digestive system.
Nutrition to increase dog activity.
k/d Canine Original. For dogs with liver diseases.
z/d Canine. For dogs suffering from allergic reactions.

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.