Hill’s Pet Nutrition is a well-known name in the pet food industry and one of the most recommended dog food brands by veterinarians across the globe. 

Founded in Kansas in 1907 by Burton Hill, the company initially focused on animal feed, but transitioned into pet nutrition in the 1930s. A major turning point in its history came in the 1940s, when veterinarian Dr. Mark Morris Sr. collaborated with the company to develop a specialized food for a guide dog with kidney disease. 

This laid the foundations for therapeutic pet nutrition and saw the birth of Hill’s Prescription Diet, one of the first pet food ranges designed to address specific health issues, including kidney disease, obesity, allergies, digestive issues and joint problems. These diets are clinically tested to provide therapeutic benefits and are often prescribed as part of a veterinarian treatment plan.

In 1976, Hill’s was acquired by Colgate-Palmolive, a move that helped expand its research and reach in the pet food market. Under this new ownership, Hill’s developed one of its most popular lines, Hill’s Science Diet, which focuses on providing balanced nutrition for healthy pets based on different life stages, sizes, and needs.

Because it has been around for decades, Hill’s has built a strong reputation in the veterinary community. The company works closely with veterinary schools and professionals, often providing education and resources to help build trust and familiarity with its products.

But. . .

Is Hill’s Good Dog Food?

Hill’s Prescription Diet Dog Food includes 35 dry and 39 wet recipes which can only be bought with a veterinarian prescription. None of these foods are rated by the Dog Food Advisor because the criteria we use to rate food is not applicable for those designed to target specific health conditions. 

Laura Ward, DFA’s pet nutritionist explains: “Hill’s Prescription Diet recipes meet different criteria than food designed for the everyday feeding of healthy dogs. Due to the need for the micronutrients and other parameters to be tightly controlled and meet safe levels suitable for the particular veterinary condition, often the ingredients included can be different to those of non-prescription foods. 

“Hill’s Prescription Diet foods undergo many tests and their design is based upon scientific studies of the veterinary conditions. They are important to deliver appropriate nutrition to support the health of dogs for whom other dog foods are inappropriate.”

Hill’s Science Diet is made up of 38 wet recipes with ratings which vary from 1 to 3 stars, the average rating of the range overall is  2 stars. The protein levels of each of these wet dog foods are often low and the majority contain controversial ingredients such as menadione (a source of vitamin K), beet pulp, powdered cellulose, caramel color, plus various corn derivatives, which provide limited nutritional value for dogs. 

There are also 47 Hill’s Science Diet dry recipes, with ratings which vary from 1 to 4 stars. The average rating of the product line overall is 2.5 stars. Although there is a wide choice of recipes and proteins to choose from, the protein levels in some are quite low and most of the foods include controversial ingredients such as sodium selenite, brewer’s rice and corn derivatives.

Laura said: “Hill’s Science Diet is centered around science. The ingredients included are not the natural, fresh or herbal ingredients which are sought after in much of the pet food market now. Instead Hill’s use ingredients which allow them greater control of the nutrient levels.”

Hill’s Puppy Food

Hill’s offers a selection of foods designed to support the nutritional needs of growing puppies. The products are formulated to promote  healthy development, including strong bones, muscles, and immune systems. 

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy includes eight dry puppy foods with ratings which vary from 3.5 to 4.5 stars. The average rating of the overall product line is 4 stars. This food is tailored for small, medium, and large breed puppies, focusing on a balanced diet rich in DHA from fish oil to support brain and eye development.

Hill’s Prescription Diet includes one dry food for puppies (Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete Puppy Rice & Egg). It is formulated for food and/or environmental sensitivities and helps support the skin’s barriers against environmental irritants to reduce licking, scratching, headshaking and skin redness.

Hill’s Dog Food Cost

The cost of Hill’s dog food depends on the specific product line, formula, and bag size. Here’s a general price range for their most popular dog food options:

Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food:

• Small Bags (4-5 lb / 1.8-2.27 kg): $15 to $25
• Medium Bags (15-20 lb / 6.8-9 kg): $40 to $60
• Large Bags (30-35 lb / 13.6-15.9 kg): $65 to $90

Hill’s Prescription Diet Dog Food:

• Small Bags (4-8 lb / 1.8-3.6 kg): $35 to $55
• Medium Bags (16.5 lb / 7.5 kg): $75 to $100
• Large Bags (27.5-30 lb / 12.5-13.6 kg): $90 to $130