Brenda Khan
Hill's Science Diet is a popular dog food brand that has been around since the 1930s. The brand offers a wide range of recipes tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of dogs based on their weight, age, breed, and health issues. Over the years, Hill's Science Diet has made changes to its formulas, incorporating sustainable seafood and insect-based protein while addressing concerns related to potential Salmonella contamination and elevated vitamin D levels. The brand is recommended by veterinarians and has a reputation for providing nutritious options for dogs, although some critics argue that the ingredients could be improved.
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What You'll Learn
Hill's Science Diet dog food changed its formula in 2022
Hill's Science Diet dog food has been around since the 1930s and is one of the most popular pet food brands in the US. The food is formulated to meet a dog's specific dietary needs depending on their weight, age, breed, and health issues.
In 2022, Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced new formulas for its Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin line. The new formulas for dogs and cats are made with high-quality, traceable, wild-caught Alaskan Pollock sourced from a fishery certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The dog food portion of the line now also includes formulas featuring insect-based protein sourced in North America. This provides pups with an additional source of fiber and other functional nutrients, as well as vitamin E and Omega 6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health, and antioxidants to support immune health.
The company has stated that the new formulas are part of their commitment to sustainability and unlocking the "trifecta of healthy, tasty, and sustainable." The formulas are developed at their Global Pet Nutrition Center in Topeka, Kansas, where they employ around 200 scientists to research the best foods for dogs' dietary needs.
Hill's Science Diet dog food has received mixed reviews. Some pet owners have reported that their dogs' health and coat quality improved after switching to the brand, while others have been critical of the ingredients used. It is recommended that pet owners consult reviews and their veterinarians before making changes to their dogs' diets.
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The brand has been around since the 1930s
The history of the Hills Science Diet brand goes back to the 1930s. It was during this decade that Morris Frank, a man promoting the use of guide dogs for the blind, met Dr. Mark Morris, Sr. when Frank's dog fell ill with kidney failure. Dr. Morris discovered that the dog's illness was due to a lack of proper nutrition, and he set about creating a dog food formula with his wife in their kitchen. The food successfully nursed Frank's dog back to health, and Dr. Morris realised the impact that nutrition could have on dogs' health issues.
In 1948, Dr. Morris partnered with Burton Hill of the Hill Packing Company, which had begun manufacturing dog food in 1930, to mass-market his dog food recipe. The food was initially known as Canine k/d and was the first veterinarian-prepared food for the management of a canine disease. In 1951, Dr. Morris moved his laboratory to Topeka, Kansas, to be closer to the cannery, and by this time, the company had expanded to four products. The dog food company was renamed Hill's Pet Nutrition.
In 1968, Hill's Pet Nutrition was acquired by Riviana Foods Inc., which began work on bringing additional products to market. The business was expanded by Dr. Morris' son, Mark Jr., who was also a veterinarian and co-authored the Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Textbook, which is still used in veterinary colleges today. In 1976, the company was purchased by Colgate-Palmolive, which continued the tradition of creating nutritious dog food for pups with health issues.
Today, Hills Science Diet is the number one veterinarian-recommended brand, providing precise nutrition for each life stage, breed, and size, with specific formulas for common health needs. The brand has a food processing plant, animal hospital, and nutrition centre in Topeka, Kansas, where they test and study how their food affects dogs. Their Global Pet Nutrition Centre employs around 200 scientists who research the best foods for dogs' dietary needs. The brand has also sponsored pet adoption campaigns and provided more than $300 million in science-led nutrition to pets in need.
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It is the number 1 veterinarian-recommended brand
Hill's Science Diet dog food has been around since the 1930s. It was created by Dr. Mark Morris, Sr., who discovered that a dog's health issues could be improved or resolved by addressing their nutrition. The food is made with carefully selected ingredients and to exacting standards. It contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives and is formulated to meet a dog's life stage, lifestyle, or life care needs.
The brand is the number 1 veterinarian-recommended brand. It provides expert nutrition for each life stage, breed, and size, with precise formulas for common health needs. For example, Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy food is made with an optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth, a unique developmental need of large breed puppies. The food is also suitable for dogs with allergies, with some of their recipes being grain-free. They also offer recipes with healthy grains like oats, brown rice, and barley.
Hill's Science Diet dog food contains high-quality protein, including real chicken, lamb, or salmon, plus the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that puppies, adult, and senior dogs need. Natural fibre supports digestive health, and other natural ingredients are included for an easy-to-digest, flavorful, and nutritious meal. Their recipes are particularly good for dogs with health issues, and they carry a range of recipes meant to help with common health problems such as obesity, joint issues, food sensitivities, and digestive issues.
The brand also has a strong commitment to animal welfare. Their Global Pet Nutrition Center helps them develop food that is a step ahead for a pet's best life. They also have a Food Shelter & Love program that helps shelter pets get the nutrition they need and find their forever homes.
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The food is formulated to meet a dog's specific dietary needs
Hill's Science Diet dog food has been around since the 1930s, when Morris Frank, a man promoting the concept of using dogs to help the blind, met Dr Mark Morris, Sr. Frank's dog was suffering from kidney failure, and the vet discovered that the issue was a lack of proper nutrition. Dr Morris created a dog food that led Frank's dog to recovery, and in 1948, he partnered with Burton Hill to mass-market the recipe.
Today, Hill's Science Diet dog food is formulated to meet a dog's specific dietary needs depending on their weight, age, breed, and health issues. The food is made with carefully selected ingredients and provides precise nutrition and exacting standards. It contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives and is designed to help dogs live a long and healthy life. The brand offers a wide variety of recipes for specific needs, including weight management, oral care, digestive health, and joint care.
Hill's Science Diet is made in Topeka, Kansas, and the company has a food processing plant, animal hospital, and nutrition centre where they test and study how their food affects dogs. Their Global Pet Nutrition Center employs around 200 scientists who research the best foods for dogs' dietary needs. Hill's is suitable for pretty much any dog, with food for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, and for all breeds.
The brand has recently introduced new formulas that tackle sustainability, with high-quality, traceable, wild-caught Alaskan Pollock sourced from a fishery certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The dog food portion of the line now also includes formulas featuring insect-based protein, providing an additional source of fibre and other functional nutrients.
Hill's Science Diet dog food is recommended by many veterinarians and is the number one veterinarian-recommended brand. It provides expert nutrition for each life stage, breed, and size, with precise formulas for common health needs. For example, their Large Breed Puppy food is made with an optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth, a unique developmental need of large breed puppies.
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The company has recalled certain batches of its food in the past
Hill's Science Diet is a popular brand of dog food that has been around since the 1930s. It was created by Dr. Mark Morris, who first developed the recipe to save the life of Morris Frank's guide dog, Buddy, who was suffering from kidney failure due to poor nutrition. The brand is now produced by Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. and is recommended by many veterinarians.
However, in recent years, the company has recalled certain batches of its food. In January 2019, Hill's Pet Nutrition issued a worldwide recall of 33 different varieties of its canned dog food due to potentially toxic levels of Vitamin D. This recall was in response to a complaint submitted to the FDA by a pet owner whose dog had developed vitamin D toxicity after eating Hill's canned dog food. The recall affected both the Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet brand lines and resulted in reports that hundreds of dogs died after consuming the tainted food.
The FDA issued a warning letter to Hill's, criticizing the company for not adhering to its safety protocols. The letter stated that "a systematic failure of your food safety plan occurred that resulted in the recall of canned dog food." Hill's was mandated to implement corrective measures and informed of upcoming inspections to ensure compliance.
Following the initial recall in January 2019, Hill's expanded its recall in March 2019 to include additional canned dog food products. The company also issued a voluntary recall in June 2024, related to the same vitamin premix issue that led to the January recall.
It is important for pet owners to stay informed about any recalls and to confirm their dog's diet history if they have any concerns. While Hill's Science Diet has a long history of providing nutritious food for dogs, these incidents highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance to ensure the safety of pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Hill's Science Diet dog food is formulated to meet your dog's specific dietary needs depending on their weight, age, breed, and health issues. It is recommended by many veterinarians and is considered a healthy option for your pet. However, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.
Hill's Science Diet dog food is made with carefully selected ingredients that provide precise nutrition for your dog's specific needs. It contains high-quality protein sources, including real chicken, lamb, or salmon, as well as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Some formulas also include grains like oats, brown rice, and barley, while others are grain-free to address allergies and sensitive stomachs.
Yes, there have been a few recalls for Hill's Science Diet dog food in the past. In 2014, the company recalled bags of Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed in Hawaii, California, and Nevada due to potential Salmonella contamination. In 2019, they recalled select batches of canned dog food due to potentially elevated vitamin D levels, which can cause serious health issues. It is important to stay informed about any recalls and take the necessary actions recommended by the company.
Hill's Science Diet is known for providing specialized nutrition for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. It offers a wide range of recipes that address specific health needs, such as weight management, oral care, digestive issues, joint care, and sensitive skin and stomach. Many pet parents have noticed improvements in their dog's health, energy levels, and coat quality after switching to Hill's Science Diet. Additionally, the company prioritizes sustainability by incorporating traceable and environmentally-friendly ingredients in their formulas.
