Madeleine Hull
Hill's Pet Nutrition, a well-known producer of prescription commercial dog food, has made changes to the formulas of two of its dry dog food products: G/D (Aging Care) and L/D (Liver Care). The new formulas were set to be released in late June or early July 2021 and would feature a red label indicating the change in flavoring. While the company assured customers that the dietary value would remain the same, some minor component changes were expected. In addition to this, Hill's Prescription Diet also altered the formula for their Canine Multi-Benefit w/d dry food, increasing the fat content from 9.1% to 13% on a dry-matter basis. This change was not widely communicated, and it could potentially impact pets with certain health conditions, such as pancreatitis or diabetes. It is worth noting that Hill's has faced scrutiny for issues with vitamin D toxicity and product recalls in the past.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Targeted Support | Sensitive skin, hairballs, weight loss, and serious or chronic conditions |
| Life Stage | Kitten (up to 1 year old), Adult cats (1-6 years), Adult cats (7+ years), Adult cats (11+ years) |
| Ingredients | Chicken, lamb, salmon, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, natural fats, chicken liver flavor, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, tuna, and omega-6 fatty acids |
| Formula Changes | Yes, Hill's Prescription Diet changed the formula for their Canine Multi-Benefit w/d dry food to increase palatability. The fat content increased from 9.1% to 13% |
| Recalls | Yes, Hill's Pet Nutrition recalled 25 Prescription Diet and Science Diet products on January 31, 2018, due to excessive vitamin D toxicity |
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What You'll Learn
- Hill's Science Diet cat food is formulated to support feline health at every life stage
- The food is categorised by life stage and provides targeted support for minor health issues
- Hill's Pet Nutrition has recalled some products due to reports of illness and vitamin D toxicity
- The company has also made changes to some of its formulas, including the addition of fillers and removal of natural fats
- Hill's Science Diet cat food contains natural ingredients and nutrients to support feline health and happiness
Hill's Science Diet cat food is formulated to support feline health at every life stage
Hill's Science Diet cat food is formulated with ingredients to support feline health at every life stage. The food is designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of cats as they age, from kittens up to one year old, to adults over 11 years old. For example, kitten food supports healthy brain development, while adult cat food helps maintain strong, lean muscles and ideal body weight. The food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients that are carefully selected to meet strict requirements for purity and nutrient content, exceeding industry standards.
The brand offers a range of products tailored to specific health needs, such as weight management, sensitive skin, and stomach issues. For instance, their adult light chicken recipe is formulated for less active cats that require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. It supports digestive health, nourishes the skin, and promotes a lustrous coat. The recipe includes natural ingredients such as chicken, salmon, and tuna, providing a source of animal-sourced protein and fat, as well as starchy carbohydrates.
Hill's Science Diet cat food is also formulated to support feline health through targeted solutions for minor health concerns. Some recipes address issues like hairballs and sensitive skin, while others focus on indoor cats' specific needs, such as higher fibre content for digestion and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. The brand's Prescription Diet offers clinical nutrition for more specific health needs, and their Food Shelter & Love program provides life-changing nutrition to shelter pets, helping millions find forever homes.
While Hill's Science Diet has faced recalls and formula changes due to issues with vitamin D levels and ingredient modifications, they have worked to improve safety and quality. The brand has implemented a 7-day transition period for significant formula changes and continues to refine its recipes based on veterinarian feedback. Overall, Hill's Science Diet cat food aims to provide comprehensive nutritional support for cats throughout their lives, ensuring their health and well-being.
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The food is categorised by life stage and provides targeted support for minor health issues
Hill's Science Diet cat food is categorised by life stage, providing tailored nutrition for cats of all ages, from kittens up to one year old to adults over 11 years old. Each life stage recipe is formulated to support the specific nutritional needs of cats during these different stages of their lives. For example, the Kitten recipe supports healthy brain development, while the Adult 7+ recipe helps maintain energy levels and supports heart and kidney health.
In addition to life stage-specific recipes, Hill's Science Diet also offers targeted support for minor health issues. For instance, the Adult Light recipe is designed for less active cats that require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. The Indoor recipe is formulated with high fibre content to support healthy digestion for cats living indoors. Other recipes provide support for sensitive skin and hairballs, promoting skin and coat health.
The food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients that meet strict requirements for purity and nutrient content, exceeding industry standards. It contains animal-sourced protein and fat, with chicken muscle meat as the primary ingredient in some recipes, supplemented by chicken meal, egg product, and plant-based proteins like corn gluten meal.
Hill's Science Diet is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of their ingredients, and their recipes are carefully formulated based on feedback from veterinarians. However, it is important to note that there have been instances where Hill's has had to recall certain products due to issues such as excessive vitamin D levels, emphasising the importance of staying vigilant and responsive to any potential concerns.
Overall, Hill's Science Diet provides a comprehensive range of cat food options, catering to different life stages and addressing common minor health issues, all while maintaining high nutritional standards.
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Hill's Pet Nutrition has recalled some products due to reports of illness and vitamin D toxicity
On January 31, 2019, Hill's Pet Nutrition recalled 25 of its Prescription Diet and Science Diet products due to reports of vitamin D toxicity in a dog that consumed its canned dog food. The company initiated the recall after notifying the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the report. The FDA then issued an alert to pet owners and veterinarians about the presence of elevated, potentially toxic levels of vitamin D in a variety of canned dog foods manufactured by Hill's Pet Nutrition.
The recall was subsequently expanded on March 20, 2019, to include an additional 19 lots of canned dog food, bringing the total number of recalled products to 86. The FDA requested that Hill's Pet Nutrition test a retain sample, which is a sample of food held by the manufacturer to verify shelf life, quality, and other components. The investigation confirmed that the elevated vitamin D levels were due to a supplier error.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, but excessive amounts can lead to serious health issues, including vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, excessive drooling, weight loss, renal dysfunction, and even kidney failure or death. Pet owners whose dogs exhibited these symptoms after consuming the recalled products were advised to contact their veterinarians.
While Hill's Pet Nutrition's recall in 2019 primarily affected canned dog food, it is worth noting that the company has also recalled some of its cat food products in the past. In 2018, the company announced changes to the formulas of two of its dry cat food products: G/D (Aging Care) and L/D (Liver Care). However, it is unclear if this formula change was directly related to vitamin D toxicity or other health concerns.
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The company has also made changes to some of its formulas, including the addition of fillers and removal of natural fats
Hill's Pet Nutrition, a well-known producer of prescription pet food, has made changes to some of its formulas. These changes include the addition of fillers and the removal of natural fats, as well as adjustments to flavouring and vitamin D levels. The company has also introduced new formulas for two of its dry dog food products: G/D (Aging Care) and L/D (Liver Care). The new formulas were set to be released in late June or early summer of 2021 and were designed to improve palatability without altering the overall dietary value of the food.
The changes to the formulas, particularly the addition of fillers and the removal of natural fats, have been controversial. Some cat owners reported that their cats stopped eating the food after the formula change. While these diets are promoted by veterinarians as a way to improve the health of pets and reduce the need for medication, they are also expensive. The high cost is justified by the extensive research, testing, and use of natural ingredients that go into these diets.
Hill's Science Diet cat food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats at different life stages, from kittens to adults over the age of 11. The food is designed to support heart health, digestive health, and overall feline health. It also provides targeted support for minor health concerns like sensitive skin or hairballs. The company uses clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and improve digestive health.
In addition to formula changes, Hill's has also recalled certain products due to safety concerns. In 2018 and 2022, the company voluntarily recalled several Prescription Diet and Science Diet products due to high levels of vitamin D, which led to reports of illness and death in pets. As a result, the FDA instructed Hill's to make critical changes to its products and prepare for future investigations.
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Hill's Science Diet cat food contains natural ingredients and nutrients to support feline health and happiness
The right food can make a huge difference in your cat's overall health and happiness. Hill's Science Diet cat food is formulated with natural ingredients and nutrients to support feline health and happiness. It provides science-led nutrition for cats of every age, all sizes, and a variety of needs. As cats age, their nutritional needs change, and Hill's Science Diet offers specific benefits tailored to each life stage.
For kittens up to one year old, Hill's Science Diet Kitten food supports healthy brain development. Adult cats aged 1-6 help maintain strong, lean muscles and ideal body conditions. Senior cats aged 7+ require support for their energy levels, heart, and kidney health, while cats aged 11+ need additional support for their eyes, heart, kidneys, and joints. The Science Diet Perfect Weight formula has helped over 70% of pets lose weight within 10 weeks.
Hill's Science Diet cat food contains natural ingredients such as chicken, lamb, or salmon, as well as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Their recipes are formulated to support general feline health and provide targeted support for minor health concerns like sensitive skin or hairballs. The Indoor Adult Chicken Recipe, for example, contains ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit, a blend of prebiotic fibers and antioxidants that support digestion, the immune system, and organ health.
The food is also designed to be highly digestible, with ingredients that meet strict requirements for purity and nutrient content, exceeding industry standards. The gut microbiome is essential for digestive health and overall health, and Hill's Science Diet recipes are formulated to help pets burn fat and maintain healthy digestion. The recipes are also tailored to specific needs, such as weight management, sensitive skin, and stomach issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Science Diet Feline is a range of cat food products from Hill's Pet Nutrition formulated to support general feline health. The food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of cats of all ages, sizes, and health conditions.
Yes, Hill's Pet Nutrition has changed the formula for some of its Science Diet Feline products. In 2018, the company recalled certain products due to dangerous levels of vitamin D. In 2022, the FDA stated that Hill's failed to follow its own procedures regarding vitamin D levels in its dog food products. While the company has not explicitly stated whether the formula for its Feline products has changed, it has made changes to its Prescription Diet Canine Multi-Benefit w/d dry food, increasing the fat content from 9.1% to 13% on a dry-matter basis.
If the formula for your pet's food changes, it is recommended to gradually transition them to the new food over a period of 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
