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Hills Science Diet Adult Plus Dog Food Review (Dry)

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Hills Science Diet Adult Plus Dog Food Review (Dry)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 22, 2024

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Which Hills Science Diet Adult Plus Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

Hills Science Diet Adult Plus Dog Food receives the Advisors mid-tier rating of 3.5 stars.

The Hills Science Diet Adult Plus product line includes the 11 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Product	Rating	AAFCO
Hills Science Diet Large Breed Adult 6+	2.5	M
Hills Science Diet Small Paws Adult 11+	3	M
Hills Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+	3	M
Hills Science Diet Small Bites Adult 7+	2.5	M
Hills Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley and Rice	3	M
Hills Science Diet Small Paws Adult 7+	2.5	M
Hills Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Adult 7+	3	M
Hills Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult 7+	3	M
Hills Science Diet Senior Vitality Small and Mini Adult 7+	3	M
Hills Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy, Chicken and Brown Rice	3.5	M
Hills Science Diet Large Breed Adult 6+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy	3.5	M

Recipe and Label Analysis

Hills Science Diet Small Bites Adult 7+ was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Hill's Science Diet Small Bites Adult 7+

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain sorghum, chicken fat, dried beet pulp, whole grain oats, chicken liver flavor, soybean meal, soybean oil, lactic acid, pork flavor, flaxseed, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, choline chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement), l-lysine, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), taurine, dl-methionine, oat fiber, mixed tocopherols for freshness, natural flavors, l-carnitine, beta-carotene, apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries, green peas

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 2.4%

Red denotes any controversial items

Guaranteed Analysis	19%	14%	NA
Dry Matter Basis	19%	14%	59%
Calorie Weighted Basis	17%	30%	53%

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The second ingredient is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The third ingredient is brewers rice. Brewers rice is a cereal grain by-product consisting of the small fragments left over after milling whole rice. Aside from the caloric energy it contains, this item is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fourth item is wheat. Like corn, wheat is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

For this reason, we do not consider wheat a preferred component in any dog food.

The fifth ingredient is corn. Corn is another cereal grain and subject to the same issues as wheat (previously discussed).

The sixth ingredient is sorghum. Sorghum (milo) is a starchy cereal grain with a nutrient profile similar to corn.

Since it is gluten-free and boasts a smoother blood sugar behavior than other grains, sorghum may be considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.

The seventh ingredient is chicken fat. This item is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The next ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.

The ninth ingredient includes oats. Oats are rich in B-vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Science Diet product.

With 7 notable exceptions

First, this recipe contains soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production more commonly found in farm animal feeds.

Although soybean meal contains 48% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Next, we find flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Soybean oil is red flagged here only due to its rumored (yet unlikely) link to canine food allergies.

However, since soybean oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and contains no omega-3s, its considered less nutritious than flaxseed oil or a named animal fat.

In addition, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.

Next, we note the use of taurine in this recipe. Taurine is an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

This recipe also contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

And lastly, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Hills Science Diet Adult Plus looks like an average dry kibble.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 19%, a fat level of 14% and estimated carbohydrates of about 59%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 21% and a mean fat level of 14%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 58% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 68%.

Which means this Science Diet product line contains

Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the soybean meal and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.

Our Rating of Hills Science Diet Adult Plus Dog Food

Hills Science Diet Adult Plus is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a moderate amount of named meat meal as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 3.5 stars.

Recommended.

Hills Science Diet Adult Plus Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Hills through April.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

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5 Best Hills Science Diet Dog Foods (Reviews Updated 2022)

Its imperative to select a food option that is made by a reputable manufacturer and features premium quality ingredients, and Hills Science is one of those options. Known for creating a variety of food choices that are specially formulate to meet the unique needs of dogs of all types, ages, and activity levels, such as

grain free dog food

,

senior dog food

,

dog food for weight loss

, theres a Hills Science Diet dog food available that will provide your pup with the best possible nutrition.

Furthermore, all of their formulas are made with the highest quality ingredients to provide pups with well-balanced meals that are good for them and tasty, too! But with so many different types of Hills Science Diet dog foods on the market, trying to narrow down the options can seem daunting.

To help you find the best Science Diet dog food, weve read through countless Hills dog food reviews to see what customers had to say. Our research has allowed us to narrow down the field to what we consider the top five Hills Science Diet dog food options.

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Hills Science Diet Dog Food Reviews

If you have a large breed adult dog, such as a Great Dane, a Mastiff, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, or a Saint Bernard, you are going to want to feed him a high quality food for large dogs that is specially formulated to meet the needs of adult dogs. Based on the Hills Science Diet reviews that we read, their Adult Large Breed Dog Food is one of the best quality dry dog food options for adult large breed dogs. What makes this option such a good choice for large dogs is that it contains natural glucosamine and chondroitin, two ingredients that help to support joint health. Large breeds, in particular, are prone to joint issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, so by offering your pooch this formula, you can help to ensure that his joints maintain their strength and potentially offset problems.

The inclusion of glucosamine and chnodroitin isnt the only reason why this dog food is so high quality. It also contains reach animal protein, which is derived from chicken, as the first ingredient. It also features cracked pearled barley, apples, carrots, broccoli, cranberries, and green peaas. Infused with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, zinc, taurine, and calcium, this Science Diet dog food packs in all of the nutrition that your four-legged family member needs to thrive.

What We Like About It

• Features real chicken as the first ingredient
• Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health.
• Features a wealth of nutrients, including omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and antioxidants
• Includes real vegetables and fruits
• No artificial colors, flavors of preservatives
• Made in the USA
• Backed by the Hills Satisfaction Guarantee
• Most users say that they are very pleased with the nutrition it offers their dogs

Reasons to Complain

• Some pet owners said that they feel as if the formula has been changed

Final verdict: With Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog Food, you can ensure that the unique nutritional needs of your large pup will be met. Our experts were impressed by the high quality ingredients, and the majority of customers were, too.

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For pups that have a sensitive tummies and/or skin, Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dog Food is an excellent option. Its a dog food for sensitive stomachs and a dog food for allergies all in one! Thats because it is formulated with proteins and carbohydrates that are easy to digest, therefore easing any tummy problems. It also contains fewer proteins than other types of dog foods, which reduced the chances of any allergy flare-ups.

Brewers rice is the first ingredient in this dog food, which is easy to digest and helps to prevent allergic reactions. It does contain chicken, however, which many dogs are allergic to. But, since chicken is the second ingredient, there is less of a chance that a reaction will occur. This food also contains a variety of essential nutrients, including omega 6 fatty acids, amino acids, calcium, antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, and E, just to name a few. Most pet owners say that their dogs love the flavor and that they have noticed a definite difference in their digestion and/or skin.

What We Like About It

• Specially formulated for easy digestion and to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions
• Contains a bevy of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients
• Pet owners say that they have noticed a significant improvement in their sensitive pups health and well being
• Completely free of artificial colors, dyes, and preservatives
• Made in the USA
• Backed by the Hills Satisfaction Guarantee

Reasons to Complain

• It does contain chicken, which is a known allergen for dogs
• Some customers said that their pets didnt like the taste

Final Verdict: Overall, we were very impressed with Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dog Food. Based on the Hills Science Diet dog food reviews, most customers who have used this product have experienced positive results; however, it does contain chicken, so if thats an allergen for your dog, you might want to consider another option.

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Just like humans, its important for dogs to maintain a healthy weight. If your dog is carrying around extra pounds, it can cause a number of health complications, such as joint issues and cardiovascular disease; just to name a few. Whether you have a Pug, a German Shepherd, a West Highland White Terrier, a Schnauzer, or any other breed, if your four-legged friend is overweight, you should consider feeding him Hills Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Dog Food.

This formula features a reduced calorie content, which translates to weight loss. In fact, more than 70 percent of the overweight dogs who are fed this weight loss formula from Hills Science Diet lose weight in just 10 weeks! Not only does this formula support weight loss, but it also helps to maintain lean muscle mass. Real chicken is the first ingredient, which means that your pooch will be getting the protein that he needs to sustain healthy joints. Its also easy on the stomach, thanks to the prebiotic fibers that it contains, which are easy to digest. And, of course, as with all Science Diet formulas, it contains a wealth of nutrients, and is completely free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Most pet owners said that they saw a definite difference in the weight of their switched to this formula from Hills.

What We Like About It

• Specially formulated to support weight loss
• Features real chicken as the first ingredient to support lean muscle and strong joints
• Contains prebiotic fibers, so its easy to digest
• Offers various vitamins and minerals to provide well balanced nutrition
• Completely free of artificial dyes, colors, and preservatives
• Made in the USA
• Backed by the Hills Satisfaction Guarantee

Reasons to Complain

• Some pet owners said that they didnt see a difference in their dogs weight

Final Verdict: If your pup is putting on weight because of limited mobility, age, or for any other reason, consider feeding him Hills Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Dog Food. This dog food is formulated to help aid in weight loss while still providing the balanced nutrition that your pup needs. While some users said that they didnt see any results, thats likely because they were overfeeding their dogs. In our opinion and the opinion of many pet owners this formula does aid in weight loss.

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If your dog is finicky and just wont eat dry food, or he has dental health issues and dry food is difficult for him to eat, than a premium quality wet dog food is a great option to consider like Hills Science Diet Wet Dog Food. Featuring meaty, yet tender morsels that are easy to chew and digest, and offering savory chicken and stew flavor, your pooch will find this dog food very palatable; and youll be happy to know that hes getting the nutrition that he needs.

Made with premiums cuts of lean protein, including chicken and beef, this wet dog food from Hills Science Diet will help to build lean muscle and support your pups joints. It also features a variety of garden vegetables, including potatoes, spinach, and beets, as well as a variety of vitamins and nutrients, this food offers balanced nutrition to maintain your four-legged family members overall health. All of the ingredients are combined in delicious sauces and slowly stewed to create a succulent flavor that will please any pups palate. Its suitable for all life stages and sizes, making it an ideal food for small dogs or a dog food for labs and other large breeds, too. All that this wet dog food lacks is artificial flavors and preservatives! Most pet owners report that their furry friends love the taste; even those who are extremely picky.

What We Like About It

• Contains high quality ingredients, including real meat and vegetables
• Infused with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to meet the needs of dogs of all ages and sizes
• Easy to digest
• Free of artificial flavors and preservatives
• Made in the USA
• Backed by the Hills Satisfaction Guarantee
• According to the majority of Hills Science Diet dog food reviews, dogs love the flavor

Reasons to Complain

• Some users said that they think that the formula has changed, and that their dogs dont like the new version

Final Verdict: If you are looking for a highly quality wet dog food that is easy to digest, easy to chew, and tastes great, then Hills Science Diet Wet Dog Food is an excellent option to consider. It offers balanced nutrition, like all Hills products, features premium quality ingredients, and most pet owners say that their dogs love the taste.

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For large breed dogs that are having mobility issues as a result of joint health problems, Hills Science Diet Healthy Mobility Dry Dog Food for Joint Health is a great choice. This formula is specifically designed to improve the health of your pups joints and improve his mobility. In fact, Hills claims that it can improve mobility within just 30 days!

This dog food contains a variety of ingredients that are meant to strengthen the joints, such as real animal protein and fish oil derived omega 3 fatty acids. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to improve the health of a dogs joints and cartilage. Antioxidants support a healthy immune system, and the inclusion of a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids will improve your pups overall health. Like all other Hills Science Diet formulas, their Healthy Mobility formula is completely free of artificial colors and artificial flavors, as well as preservatives.

What We Like About It

• Specially formulated to support joint health and improve mobility
• Contains high quality fatty acids and protein
• Features glucosamine and chondroitin
• Offers a bevy of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are vital for a dogs health
• Most pet owners said that they noticed a marked difference in their dogs mobility after consuming this food
• Made in the USA
• Backed by the Hills Satisfaction Guarantee

Reasons to Complain

• Some customers said that their pets did not like the flavor and refused to eat it
• Others said that the kibble was too large and difficult for older dogs to chew

Final Verdict: If your pup is experiencing issues with his mobility as a result of joint health problems, consider feeding him Hills Science Diet Healthy Mobility Dry Dog Food for Joint Health. It is specifically made to improve the health of the joints and improve mobility. Most pet owners say that their dogs love the taste, too.

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Buyers Guide to the Best Hills Science Diet Dog Food

Making sure that your dog received the very best of care is your top priority; after all, hes more than just a pet hes a member of your family! Thats why you go to great lengths to ensure that you are offering him the best products that are designed to improve his health, keep him safe, and just make his life as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. For instance, you likely have the most comfortable dog collar and dog harness for him so that he can enjoy his walks. You likely have the most secure dog crate, the most comfortable and supportive dog bed, a dog house that features all the bells and whistles, an outdoor dog kennel where he can enjoy being outside in safety when you cant take him for a walk, and maybe even a dog playpen where he can be kept safe when keeping all eyes on him isnt possible.

But of all the products that are available for your dog, theres one product thats more important than all the rest: his dog food. Its absolutely essential that you feed your pup the best possible dog food that will meet all of his nutritional needs. While there are tons of dog food options available, one of the best is Hills Science Diet.

To find out why you should consider filling your pets dog bowl with Hills Science Diet dog food, read on to find out more about this company and why its one of the most trusted pet food manufacturers.

About Hills Science Diet

Hills Science Diet has been around since the 1960s; thats a long time for a pet food company! The company was started by Dr Mark L Morris, a veterinarian who as tasked with the job of creating a specially formulated dog food for a German Shepherd that was suffering from kidney disease.

After successfully making the dog food that he was asked to, the door for creating specialized dog food formulas was opened, and hence, Hills Science Diet was born! The dog foods that are offered under the Hills name are created by specialists in animal nutrition and veterinarians, and the goal of the company is to offer pet parents premium quality food choices that will meet the unique nutritional needs of their pets. For almost 60 years, Hills Science Diet has been able to provide the best possible foods that pet parents can trust for their four-legged family members.

Why Consider Feeding Your Dog Hills Science Diet?

While there are many pet food brands on the market, not all of them feature high quality ingredients. In fact, too many options contain fillers, additives, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors that can be harmful for a dog. Thats not the case with Hills. This company uses only the highest quality ingredients in their pet foods, including:

• Real protein that is sourced from chicken, salmon, beef, and pork
• Farm fresh vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, peas, spinach, and tomatoes
• Fresh fruits, such as apples, blueberries, and cranberries
• Natural vitamin and mineral supplements, including glucosamine, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin E, and so much more!

In other words, if you want to ensure that your pet is receiving the very best nutrition possible, then Hills is definitely an option that you are going to want to consider. And, because all of their formulas are designed to provide specific benefits for particular needs, such as mobility issues and weight control, you can rest assure that your four-legged family member will be receiving the essential nutrients that he needs to thrive.

Summing It Up

When it comes to dog food brands, there are tons of options to choose from. But if youre looking for something that you can rely on to offer high quality ingredients that your pet really needs to be as healthy as possible, then you should really consider Hills Science Diet. While the five options we listed in our review are what we believe to be the best choices from Hills, all of their dog food formulas feature the very best ingredients and are specifically made to enhance the health and well being of all pets.

For the best nutrition possible for your four-legged family member, Hills Science Diet will be sure to satisfy both you and your pooch.

Sources:

Hills Pet

Wikipedia

Consumer Affairs

Additional Recommended Reading: