Science Diet Dog Food

Hill's and the Recent Recall

The recent dog food recalls have us all feeling less than confident about feeding our canine companions commercial dog food. Thankfully, none of Hill's Science Diet dog food is currently on the list, although one variety of their canned cat food was involved.

During the recent recalls, Hill's tested its own products for traces of melamine, the substance found in rice and wheat proteins used in some of the recalled brands. Hill's source for this ingredient was not the same as the product imported from China, and subsequently proved melamine free.

Ingredient Highlights

Science Diet prides itself on the quality of the ingredients used in manufacturing its feeds. Let's take a look at a few.

• Protein: Protein should be the highest percentage of any canine diet. It builds muscles, bones and internal organs. Science Diet Lamb formula uses lamb meal produced in New Zealand. This protein is highly digestible, so dogs can extract more nutrition from every bite.
• Brewers rice: This important source of carbohydrates is grown according to FDA standards in North America. Carbs give dogs energy and aid digestion.
• Corn gluten meal: This is an additional source of much needed protein and amino acids. The corn gluten meal used in Science Diet is also derived from North American sources.
• Linoleic acid: This nutrient found in soy beans is an essential fatty acid that supports the immune system and heart functions.
• Flaxseed: North American flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to a dog's skin, coat and heart.
• Vitamin E: This is a valuable antioxidant and natural preservative.
• Vitamin C: This is another excellent antioxidant that supports immune system functions.

Science Diet Dog Food Formulas

Hill's Science Diet produces a full line of formulas tailored to meet the needs of dogs in every stage of life, as well as Prescription Diets designed to support the health needs of sick dogs.

Popular formulas include:

• Puppy Original: This highly digestible formula gives puppies the nutrition they need during the rapid development period. It is also good for pregnant and nursing bitches.
• Natures Best® With Real Beef for Puppies: This formula takes a natural approach to puppy nutrition, using real beef and vegetables in the mix, along with added Omega-3 supplements to support development of the brain and nervous systems.
• Adult Chicken & Rice Recipe: Designed for dogs aged one to six, this formula includes white chicken meat and a blend of antioxidants for long range health.
• Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe: This product is designed to keep dogs healthy and active right up to their senior years.
• Lite Adult: This formula helps obesity prone dogs maintain a healthy weight.
• Mature Adult 7+ Original: This formula is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.
• Advanced Protection® Senior 7+: This unique antioxidant formula is designed to help keep senior pets mentally alert.

Prescription Diets include:

• z/d® ULTRA Allergen-Free Canine: Available in dry or canned formulas, this food is designed for dogs that suffer gastrointestinal and skin problems caused by food allergies.
• w/d® Canine: Canned or dry, this formula is beneficial for dogs suffering from diabetes, colitis and other digestive disturbances.
• h/d® Canine: This formula is designed specifically for dogs with heart disease and other conditions brought on by aging.
• k/d® Canine:This nutritional formula is designed to meet the needs of dogs suffering from kidney disease.

Conclusion

Sixty-seven percent of the veterinarians who recommend Science Diet dog food actually feed it to their own pets. That's a rather strong statement about the quality of the product, but it does make one wonder what the other thirty-three percent feed their dogs.

If what you've learned about Hill's Science Diet appeals to you, the next step is to buy a bag and let your dog give it a try. If you like the results you see, then you've found a dog food that will serve your pet well through every stage of its life.

External Link

To learn more about the complete line of Science Diet products visit:

• Hill's Science Diet