Hill’s Pet Nutrition is a renowned brand in the pet food industry, frequently recommended by veterinarians and stocked in animal shelters. But, is Hill’s cat food good for your feline friend? This unbiased review delves into Hill’s cat food, analyzing its ingredients, variety, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Evaluating Hill’s Cat Food: Our Standard
We evaluate Hill’s based on the Cats.com standard, focusing on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 6/10
- Ingredient Quality – 6/10
- Product Variety – 9/10
- Price – 6/10
- Customer Experience – 8/10
- Recall History – 4/10
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Hill’s cat food earns a 39 out of 60 rating, equivalent to a B- grade.
Cats.com’s Review Process
Our reviews involve extensive research and product testing by cat food experts. We investigate the brand’s history, analyze customer reviews, and assess ingredient sourcing and manufacturing. Our team tests the products with their own cats, evaluating the quality and biological appropriateness of the food.
Hill’s: A Brief History
Hill’s Pet Nutrition traces back to 1907 when Burton Hill established a rendering facility in Topeka, Kansas. In the late 1940s, Hill partnered with Dr. Mark L. Morris, a veterinarian who formulated clinical veterinary diets. Together, they manufactured Canine k/d, a diet for dogs with kidney disease.
The partnership evolved into Hill’s Pet Nutrition, adding lines like Hill’s Science Diet. In 1976, Colgate-Palmolive acquired Hill’s, further expanding its reach. Today, Hill’s products are available in 86 countries.
Sourcing and Production
Hill’s manufactures its cat food in U.S.-based, company-owned facilities. They claim to use ingredients meeting strict quality standards, primarily sourced from North America, Europe, and New Zealand. Over 220 veterinarians, food scientists, and Ph.D. nutritionists contribute to Hill’s product development. The Hill’s Pet Nutrition Center in Topeka, Kansas, is a leading research facility. The company also invests in sustainable practices, with 70% of its global packaging being recyclable by 2019.
Recall Information
Hill’s has faced product recalls, mostly related to dog food. Since the 2007 melamine recall, only one Hill’s Science Diet cat food was withdrawn in November 2015 due to a possible labeling error. In January 2019, a significant recall involving 22 million cans of Science Diet dog food occurred due to toxic levels of Vitamin D. Hill’s attributed this to a supplier error but faced criticism for not following safety protocols, leading to a class-action lawsuit.
Product Ranges: Science Diet vs. Prescription Diet
Hill’s offers two main lines: Science Diet and Prescription Diet, both including dry, canned, and semi-moist formulas, along with cat treats.
Both lines offer formulas for:
- Aging care
- Cancer patient support
- Dental care
- Digestive care
- Food sensitivity
- Glucose management
- Heart care
- Joint care
- Kidney care
- Liver care
- Skin care
- Thyroid care
- Urgent care
- Urinary care
- Weight management
Science Diet is available over the counter, while Prescription Diet requires a vet’s prescription, offering therapeutic nutrition for specific health concerns, often backed by clinical testing. Science Diet targets general feline health and minor issues, not serious conditions.
Top 3 Hill’s Cat Food Recipes
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein | Calories Per Ounce | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food | Dry | Chicken | 100 | $3.81 per lb | C |
| Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Dry Cat Food | Dry | Chicken | 117 | $4.06 per lb | C |
| Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Wet Cat Food | Wet | Pork | 32 | $0.58 per oz | B- |
#1 Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
This recipe is designed for indoor cats, with high fiber levels for digestion and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. It contains chicken, supplemented by chicken meal, and other ingredients like corn gluten meal.
Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Calcium Sulfate, Lactic Acid, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamins, Taurine, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Minerals, Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Flavors, Green Peas, Apples, Cranberries, Carrots, Broccoli, Beta-Carotene.
What We Liked: Chicken as first ingredient, animal-sourced fat, omega-3s, supplemental fiber.
What We Didn’t Like: High in carbohydrates, concentrated plant protein, lacks moisture.
Guaranteed Analysis (Dry Matter Basis): Protein: 35.23%, Fat: 14.77%, Fiber: 6.82%, Carbs: 43.18%
#2 Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
This formula is designed for cats with sensitive stomachs and skin, containing prebiotic fiber, vitamin E, and omega-6 fatty acids.
Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat, Chicken Meal, Egg Product, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Lactic Acid, Oat Fiber, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Iodized Salt, DL-Methionine, Taurine, vitamins, Calcium Carbonate, L-Tryptophan, minerals, Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.
What We Liked: Animal-sourced protein and fat, prebiotic fiber, palatable flavor, small kibble size.
What We Didn’t Like: High in carbohydrates, lacks moisture.
Guaranteed Analysis (Dry Matter Basis): Protein: 32.22%, Fat: 18.89%, Fiber: 3.33%, Carbs: 45.56%
#3 Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Wet Cat Food
This recipe targets urinary tract disease, reducing recurrence by 89% through controlled mineral levels and acidity.
Ingredients: Pork By-Products, Water, Pork Liver, Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Starch, Soybean Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Chicken Fat, Fish Oil, Calcium Sulfate, Guar Gum, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, vitamins, Taurine, Iodized Salt, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, minerals, Beta-Carotene.
What We Liked: Animal-based ingredients, supports urinary tract health, clinically proven results.
What We Didn’t Like: High in carbohydrates.
Guaranteed Analysis (Dry Matter Basis): Protein: 38.64%, Fat: 15.91%, Fiber: 4.55%, Carbs: 40.91%
Customer Feedback
Hill’s is widely respected in the pet food industry. Many customers report their cats prefer Hill’s and benefit from Prescription Diet recipes. However, some criticize Hill’s for its high prices and perceived overvaluation.
Positive Reviews: Customers praise the brand for catering to cats with different needs and sensitive stomachs.
Negative Reviews: Some dislike the ingredients, such as by-products, and report issues like diarrhea.
Cost Analysis
Hill’s cat food ranges from moderately priced to expensive. Science Diet dry foods range from about $0.20 to $0.30 per ounce, and wet foods from about $0.45 to $0.80 per ounce. Prescription Diet dry foods cost upwards of $0.35 per ounce, and wet foods average $0.55 to $0.90 per ounce.
Availability
Hill’s cat food is available globally in stores and online through retailers like Chewy, Amazon, and PetSmart. Prescription Diet requires a vet’s prescription for online orders.
Final Verdict: Is Hill’s Cat Food Good?
Hill’s excels in nutrition research, creating specialized diets for health conditions. While suitable for cats with health issues, it may not be the best daily choice for healthy cats due to high carbohydrate content from plant-based ingredients. The answer to “is Hill’s cat food good” is nuanced and depends on your cat’s specific needs.
Alternative Brands
Explore our reviews of other cat food brands to find the best fit for your feline.
