The Best Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food: Reviewed and Ranked

Hill’s Science Diet has been at the forefront of discovering the best nutrition for dogs based on biology, research, gene study, and many other innovative technologies. They’re trusted by veterinarians worldwide who recommend and feed their own pets Hills Science Diet dog food; more than any other brand of pet food! With their many years of research, Hills Science Diet has specifically formulated a wide variety of different options to meet age, breed, and a variety of dietary needs.

We take care of ourselves by eating healthy but it is also equally important to make sure we take care of our best friends as well. A healthy diet is key to living a long life and depending on the age or breed of your dog they may have specific needs. To make sure that they can live a long and happy life you should look for organic ingredients, research the manufacturer producing their food, and ensure the type of food you’re feeding your dog is well suited for their specific needs. 

There are countless types of dog food available and it can be overwhelming trying to find the right choice, however, we’ve compiled a list of the best Hills Science dry dog foods which will vary depending on the category. Regardless of if you have a puppy at home, a senior dog, or a dog that has a particular dietary need you’ll be able to find the right product to ensure your furry friend is taken care of well throughout any stage of their life.

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food

#1 Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

Our selection as the best overall is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken and Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food.

This food is specifically formulated to provide the energy that your dog needs to live their best life. First, it’s made with natural ingredients that are easily absorbed and provides vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acid for a beautiful skin and coat. Second, it contains high-quality protein that will help promote lean muscles and it has natural fibers for healthy digestion. Third, it contains flaxseed and a variety of vitamins and amino acids. Fourth, it is a medium-size kibble that is ideal for medium-sized breeds.

The ingredients in this food include chicken, healthy grains, and chicken fat. Although this may not sound healthy it’s actually very important for dogs as it’s high in linoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids that are crucial for a healthy life. Additionally, it also has an option tailored for small breeds and large breeds, so no matter your dog’s size this is a great and healthy choice.

The only issue with this food seems to be that not all dogs like it.

Pros and Cons of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

Best Overall

Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

• Made with high-quality, natural ingredients
• Easy to digest
• Formulated to meet the energy needs of adult dogs
• Helps to maintain healthy skin and coat
• Promotes healthy digestion

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2. Best for Weight Management: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food

It’s easy when you’re not paying attention to put on a few pounds, and your dog is no exception. Maybe they’ve had too many treats, are not getting enough exercise, or perhaps they’re suffering from a health condition. Whatever the reason, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food will help get your dog back on track and make sure that they maintain a healthy weight.

This food been clinically proven for weight loss, showing that over 70% of the adult dogs who were fed this nutrition were able to lose weight within 10 weeks. Therefore, it helps maintain muscles and sustain a healthy weight over the long term. In addition, it’s made in the U.S. and is recommended by veterinarians.

The ingredients include chicken, healthy grains, fibers, oils, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, there is a small breed option also available, because regardless of size maintaining your dog’s ideal weight is an important part of their overall health.

Unfortunately, some pup parents have reported that their dogs do not like this food. It is also a more expensive option that some of the others on the list.

Pros and Cons of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food

Best for Weight Management

Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food

• Clinically proven for weight loss
• Helps maintain muscle
• Sustains healthy weight
• Made from healthy ingredients
• A small-breed option is also available

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3. Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

If you’ve noticed that your dog has a more sensitive stomach then Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dog Food is a great fit.

First, it’s going to provide optimal digestive health as it contains prebiotic fibers which are very beneficial for bacteria and it will support a balanced microbiome. Second, its high digestibility means that it is optimal for nutrient absorption as well as healthier stool. Third, it contains vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids which also provide nourishment to help support your dog’s skin and promote a healthy coat.

The ingredients include chicken, brewer’s rice, healthy grains, vegetables, fibers, flaxseed, vitamins, and minerals. This food also comes in a small breed and grain-free option as well. Unfortunately, it is more expensive than other options.

Pros and Cons of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

Best for Sensitive Stomachs

Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

• Formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Contains pre-biotic fiber to support your dog's balanced microbiome
• Highly digestible
• Promotes healthy skin and coat
• Veterinarian-recommended

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4. Best for Oral Care: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food

It’s always important to look after your dog’s teeth, which is why we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food.

Sometimes it’s easier said than done to make sure that your dog’s teeth are regularly brushed and kept clean, but it’s extremely important for your dog to maintain healthy oral care. This food improves the dental health of your canine by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Secondly, the clinically proven kibble technology has a texture that mimics the same results as a toothbrush. Third, the interlocking fiber technology helps clean teeth. Fourth, it helps freshen your dog’s breath. Lastly, it’s made with natural ingredients, fatty acids, and vitamin E so it will also support a healthy skin and coat. This is the number one veterinarian-recommended choice for supporting oral health. The ingredients include chicken, healthy grains, brown rice, chicken fat, vitamins, minerals, and vegetables.

The only issue with this food is the size of the kibble pieces, which customers report are too big for smaller dogs.

Pros and Cons of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food

Best for Oral Care

Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food

• Reduces plaque and tartar
• The kibble's texture mimics the results of a toothbrush
• Interlocking fibers clean teeth
• Freshens breath

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5. Best for Puppies: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Recipe

The puppy stage is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of your dogs life as they develop and grow. Therefore, to aid their development we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Recipe.

This food has been specifically formulated to meet the developmental requirements of puppies. To make sure they can grow to their full potential it includes DHA and omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil, which aids in a healthy brain and development. Additionally, it contains high-quality protein to support building lean muscles, is a small-sized kibble, and comes in a chicken flavor your puppy will love. Lastly, there are balanced minerals for strong teeth and bones. The ingredients include chicken meal, healthy grains, vitamins, minerals, fibers, and vegetables.

Hwever, some customers have reported that their puppies do not like this food.

Pros and Cons of Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Recipe

Best for Puppies

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Recipe

• Specially formulated to meet a puppy's developmental needs
• Includes DHA and omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy brain and development
• Contains high-quality protein
• Made from healthy ingredients

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6. Best for Small Breeds: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food

Smaller breeds often have specific needs as their digestive system may be a bit different than a medium or large breed. Therefore, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice as it is highly digestible.

First, it has ingredients that are easy on your dog’s stomach. Second, it includes omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to help promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Third, it has high-quality protein to support lean muscles. Fourth, the antioxidant blend provides long-term immune support in miniature and toy dog breeds. The ingredients include chicken meal, brewers rice, healthy grains, chicken fat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.

Unfortunately, a small number of customers reported that their dogs broke out in hives after eating this food.

Pros and Cons of Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food

Best for Small Breeds

Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food

• Made to meet the nutritional needs of small-breed dogs
• Highly digestible
• Promotes healthy skin and shiny coat
• Includes high-quality protein
• Made from healthy ingredients

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When choosing the best Hills Science Dog Food you’ll want to focus on four main factors: age, breed, ingredients, and dietary needs. Here is how to examine each of these factors when it comes to choosing the best Hills Science Dog food for your best friend. 

Age

Tailoring your dog’s food to their age will help them live a long and healthy life. Dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages of their lives, and the needs of a puppy will vastly differ from those of a senior. Puppies need vitamins and minerals to help them develop exactly as they should, while seniors need a diet tailored more towards joint support with the additional of glucosamine and chondroitin.

Breed

Selecting a food that is scientifically proven to help support your particular dog’s breed is a great investment in their long term health. Large breeds need the fuel to support vital organ health, lean muscles, and joint health. Small breeds should focus on supporting mobility with choices that aid with healthy cartilage and strong bones.

Ingredients

Depending on the breed, age, or specific needs of your dog, you should review the ingredients to make sure they provide what your dog needs to thrive. Avoid choices with ingredients that are packed with preservatives and which don’t contain any real sustenance, so making sure you carefully read the ingredients will help you choose a healthy option.

Dietary Needs

Some dogs have specific dietary needs — such as food for a sensitive stomach, weight loss, weight gain, or a grain-free diet. If that’s the case then you should chose a food that specifically caters to those needs.

Up Next

• Choosing the Best Dog Food: Everything You Need to Know — Check out our ultimate guide to dog food here. We’ve got you covered, whatever the needs of your pet.
• The Top Reviewed Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Foods — Check out our detailed guide to Hill’s Science Diet puppy food here.
• The Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs — Find the very best wet dog food for your senior here.