A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Delicious, highly digestible recipe, gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Precisely balanced nutrition in two delicous flavours to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Learn what to look for in healthy pet food & nutrition, including ingredients, quality of the manufacturer, your pet's age, and any special needs they have.
Water is the most important nutrient of all and essential for life. Animals can lose almost all their fat and half their protein and still survive, but if they lose 15% of their water, it will mean death.
Where you store your cat and dog food can make a big difference in the quality and freshness once it is opened. Here are some common questions and recommendations for optimal storage for all of Hill’s dry and canned cat and dog food.
You've just welcomed a new addition — maybe a 5-year-old dachshund or new kitten — into your home and you're getting everything in order to make your new pet comfortable. Of course, part of the comfort factor is a tasty, healthy pet food. So, you rush to the pet store, check the variety of brands and begin reading pet food labels.
A pet food label is a legal document regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and is the primary means of communication between the pet food manufacturers and pet owners.
Now, after reading the label, you're confused — ingredients versus nutritional facts, guaranteed analysis, an endorsement by AAFCO. What does it all mean?
Therefore, we'll try to help you interpret a pet food label so you can make the best purchasing decision for your dog or cat. Let's start at the top:
The difference between "ingredients" and "nutrients" needs to be clarified. Ingredients are the vehicles that provide nutrients, while nutrients are food components that support life and are metabolically useful. For example, lamb is an ingredient that provides nutrients such as protein, fatty acids and vitamins.
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The high water content in chicken, beef and lamb makes these ingredients weigh more than dry ingredients such as grains, meals and vitamins, so they are often listed first.
Indicates minimum or maximum levels of nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber and moisture.
Does not indicate or provide exact levels of nutrients in the pet food.
Is not a guarantee of the nutritional quality of the pet food.
Moisture levels in pet foods vary, making it nearly impossible for an average pet owner to accurately compare nutritional information.
AAFCO is an organization that sets the nutritional standards for pet foods sold in the United States.
This legally required statement verifies the testing method used to determine nutritional adequacy.
The statement indicates whether the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for a specific lifestage of your pet(growth, adult, pregnant/nursing), or if the product is nutritionally adequate for all lifestages.
Beware if the package states the food supports "all lifestages." The product likely contains excessive levels of some nutrients necessary for the most demanding lifestage, which is growth. For example, it might contain higher levels of protein and calcium for puppies and kittens, but those levels are inappropriate for an adult or senior pet.
As a pet owner, you should know that nutritional excesses can be as harmful and are more common than nutritional deficiencies. Download a PDF of How to Read a Pet Food Label to print and take with you to the store.
The package label should contain the manufacturer's name and phone number. We encourage you to call the companies to learn more about their products, including place of manufacturing, actual nutrient content, calories and palatability of your prospective pet food choice.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Precisely balanced nutrition in two delicous flavours to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Being overweight puts a cat at risk for developing many serious health issues. Weight gain indicates an increase in body fat and usually results when your cat eats too much and exercises too little.
HillsPet Nutrition provides information on proper nutrition, fitness and special needs in keeping your cat healthy and happy.
Get helpful information on proper feline oral healthcare and why it's so vital to take care of your cat's teeth.
As a responsible pet owner you owe it to yourself and your cat to understand problems associated with overweight cats.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.