Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food
Part of the Science Diet product line →
Top 5 ingredients of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food are Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat, and Whole Grain Corn. According to the guaranteed analysis, we calculated the starch ratio as 44%.
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Chicken Meal
Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal, with most of the water and fat removed.
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Cracked Pearled Barley
Pearled barley broken into smaller pieces so it cooks and digests more quickly.
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Pea Fiber
The fibrous outer portion of the pea, separated from the starch and protein.
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Whole Grain Wheat
Wheat with the bran, germ and endosperm all left intact, rather than the refined endosperm alone.
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Whole Grain Corn
Corn kernels ground with the bran, germ and endosperm still intact, rather than the degermed endosperm used in refined corn products.
| Guaranteed Analysis | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min.) | 20% |
| Crude Fiber (max.) | 14% |
| Crude Fat (min.) | 5.5% |
| Moisture (max.) | 10.5% |
| Calories | 2,987 kcal/kg, 271 kcal/cup |
Nutrition, dry matter
The guaranteed analysis on the bag is measured "as fed", which includes the water. Converting to dry matter removes the water so this food can be compared with any other, wet or dry. This food is 89.5% dry matter.
| Nutrient | As fed | Dry matter | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 20% | 22.3% | low |
| Fat | 5.5% | 6.1% | |
| Fibre | 14% | 15.6% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 44% | 49.2% | high |
Carbohydrate is not published by any manufacturer. We estimate it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total. This food carries 2,987 kcal per kilogram, or 271 kcal per cup.
The Open Score
Computed from this food's own figures, not from an opinion. Every line below shows what it awarded and why. Read the full method.
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Protein, dry matter 22.3% 13/30
Protein is 22.3% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 20%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 22% and 26% dry matter, adequate but unremarkable.
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Carbohydrate load 49.2% 9/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 49.2% dry matter, between 40% and 50% dry matter, high. No manufacturer publishes this figure. We derive it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total.
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First five ingredients 1 named 5/25
The first five ingredients are Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat and Whole Grain Corn. 1 of them is a named animal protein.
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Flagged additives none found 10/10
None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.
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Brand recall history 1 on record 9/10
1 FDA recall matched to this brand, 0 of them in the last three years. This reflects the manufacturer, not this specific recipe.
A score is a summary of measurable things. It cannot tell you whether your dog will do well on this food, and it does not account for price, availability or a condition your vet is managing.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (2,987 kcal/kg), using the resting energy formula vets use. It is a starting point to adjust from, not a prescription. A pregnant dog, a dog recovering from illness, or one on a prescription diet needs a figure from your vet.
Analyzing Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food
Choosing the right dog food is crucial for the overall health and longevity of our furry friends. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to make an informed decision. In this article, we will take a closer look at Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food. By analyzing the main ingredients and considering the feedback from dog owners, we can assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of this particular brand in relation to canine longevity.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food include chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, pea fiber, whole grain wheat, and whole grain corn. Let’s examine how these ingredients contribute to various aspects of dog health and well-being based on the collective feedback from dog owners.
Energy Levels
One of the most common positive comments from dog owners is the increase in energy levels observed in their pets after switching to Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light. Several reviews mention that their dogs have become more active and playful, indicating a boost in energy. This improvement in energy levels can be attributed to the quality of the ingredients, including chicken meal, which is a rich source of protein, and whole grains like barley, wheat, and corn, which provide carbohydrates for sustained energy release.
Coat Condition
A healthy coat is often a reflection of a dog’s overall well-being. Many dog owners have reported improvements in their pets’ coat condition after feeding them Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light. Reviews mention that dogs on this diet have shinier, smoother, and healthier-looking coats. This can be attributed to the high-quality protein from chicken meal, which is essential for proper coat growth and maintenance.
Digestive Health
Proper digestion is vital for a dog’s overall health and can significantly impact their longevity. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light has received positive feedback regarding digestive health. Multiple reviews mention improved digestion, regular bowel movements, and the absence of digestive issues such as vomiting or loose stools. The inclusion of pea fiber in the ingredient list is likely responsible for promoting healthy digestion in dogs.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for a dog’s longevity and overall well-being. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light is specifically formulated for weight management in small breed dogs. Several reviews highlight successful weight loss in their dogs after switching to this brand. One reviewer mentions that their dog lost four pounds without any other changes in their routine, indicating the effectiveness of this diet for weight management. The combination of high-quality protein sources and carefully selected grains contributes to a balanced and satisfying meal, helping dogs feel full while consuming fewer calories.
Overall Well-being
The overall sentiment from the reviews suggests that Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light positively impacts the well-being of dogs. Many dog owners express satisfaction with the product, stating that their pets have never been healthier. This can be attributed to the balanced nutrition provided by the main ingredients, ensuring that dogs receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
Potential Drawbacks
While Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light has received mostly positive feedback, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. One aspect mentioned by some reviewers is the high starch content in the food. The guaranteed analysis states that the food has a starch content of 45%, which is higher than the average starch ratio of dry dog foods. High starch intake can lead to health problems such as insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes in dogs. It’s important to monitor your dog’s weight and overall health while feeding this food and consult with a veterinarian if any concerns arise.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the main ingredients and customer feedback, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food appears to be a beneficial choice for small breed dogs. The high-quality protein sources, combined with whole grains and fiber, contribute to improved energy levels, coat condition, digestive health, and weight management. The overall positive feedback from dog owners regarding the well-being of their pets further supports the potential benefits of this dog food for canine longevity.
However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the high starch content, and monitor your dog’s health while feeding this food. As always, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet. Every dog is unique, and individual needs may vary. By considering the specific requirements of your dog and seeking professional advice, you can make an informed decision that will contribute to their long and healthy life.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Lactic Acid, Pork Flavor, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Iodized Salt*The Salt Divider. Ingredients are listed heaviest first, and a dog food needs very little salt, so everything after this point is present in an even smaller amount., 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), Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Oat Fiber, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, L-Carnitine, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas
Nutrition Distribution of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food
According to the guaranteed analysis, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food has 20% protein, 5.5% fat, 14% fiber, and 10.5% moisture. Assuming there is 6% ash, then this dog food has 44% starch.
The largest proportion of Carbohydrates in dog food is provided by starch and indeed dogs don't have carbohydrate requirement at all.
We calculated the starch ratio in Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Light with Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food as 44%. Basically, almost half of the food you feed to your dog is starch.
Average starch ratio of dry dog foods on inthekibble.com is 38.51% - and that means this Hill's kibble has more starch ratio than the average.
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About Hill's Dog Food Brand
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Recall history: Hill's
1 FDA recall on record for Hill's.
- Nutrient levels Hill’s Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Canned Dog Food for Excessive Vitamin D
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