Hills cat food review: composition and detailed description of all lines

Manufacturer

Hill's official website: www.hillspet.com.

Hill's Pet Nutrition was founded in 1939 by veterinarian Mark Morris, who believed that animal health was directly related to nutrition. Initially, Hills brand products were developed for dogs, but in the late 1960s the first food for cats appeared.

Over the 80 years of its existence, the company has been constantly working on the quality of its products, improving formulas and creating new types and lines. Food for cats and dogs under the Hill's brand is known in both hemispheres and is supplied to most countries. The factories where the feed is produced are located in the Netherlands and the USA. In Russia, the company cooperates with many distributors; the choice of partner depends on the region of the country.

Types of feed

Hills brand products can be divided into 2 main types:

• Everyday food designed to feed cats every day;
• A therapeutic diet developed for pets who need a gentle menu due to illness or during the recovery period.

Products for feeding cats are divided into dry diet and wet food. Release forms:

• Dry granules, packaged in packages of various sizes;
• Canned mousses in metal cans;
• Small bags, or pouches, with pieces of meat.

Line of medicinal feeds

Despite the fact that industrially produced food is produced by dozens of manufacturers, only a few companies have a special treatment line. Hills' wide range of products designed to feed sick cats has earned the trust of veterinarians and owners.

Hill's Prescription Diet line includes more than 10 types of food. Each of which can only be recommended by a veterinarian in accordance with the identified pathology of the animal. The duration of feeding is also agreed upon by the doctor.

Food recommended for kidney dysfunction and urological diseases:

• SD – used for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract diseases
• CD - used in the treatment of urolithiasis and cystitis of various etiologies.
• KD - prescribed for renal failure and other nephrological pathologies.
• G.D. – intended for animals with Chronic renal failure is combined with pathologies of the heart muscle.

Veterinary foods prescribed for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver:

• LD – used for liver failure and various liver lesions.
• ID – recommended for diseases of the digestive system .
• W.D. – food with a wide spectrum of effects, useful for diabetes, constipation, colitis and intestinal inflammation.

Excess weight is harmful for domestic cats, so medicinal foods are also necessary to correct it:

• MD – designed for obese animals, as well as for cats with an excess of glucose in the blood.
• RD – dietary food .
• Metabolic (Metabolic) - prescribed to speed up metabolism and normalize weight.
• Metabolic + Urinary – carries out prevention of urolithiasis in combination with maintaining normal weight.

Other types of medicinal feeds:

• YD – necessary for the treatment of thyroid diseases.
• JD – recommended for the development of joint pathologies .
• TD – used to treat diseases of the oral cavity .
• ZD – intended for animals prone to allergies .
• AD – designed for speedy recovery of cats after surgery, severe diseases and underweight.

Hill's Prescription Diet food on Yandex Market

Cat food Science Plan - reviews

Hills food has been present on the Russian market for many years and is actively advertised. Over the years, many cat owners have bought them, so there are more than enough reviews on the Internet. Below we have collected some of the newest ones.

Reviews from veterinarians

Despite the fact that many buyers write about purchasing this food on the recommendation of a veterinarian, there are no direct reviews from the vet. We were unable to find doctors. If you are a veterinarian, take the time to express your opinion about Hills Science Plan food in the comments below, we will definitely add them to the review.

Customer Reviews

Zhanna writes:

It’s not easy to live with a capricious cat; just when you thought that you pleased him with food, an allergy begins. Or vice versa, there are no side effects, but he eats very reluctantly. We tried several dry foods, but Hills Science Plan was the only one that worked. Acceptable in quality and price, did not cause allergies or other problems. The cat is now 4 years old and has been eating this food for over a year.

It is most profitable to buy a large 10 kg bag; it lasts for about half a year. It is profitable to take smaller amounts only if you buy shares. The food is quite good. I give my cat a full bowl in the morning and add more throughout the day. He eats as much as he wants, but is not obese. Maybe this is because the food is specially for sterilized animals, it is lower in calories.

I would like to note that, to me, the smell of the food is very unpleasant, but apparently the cat has completely different aromatic tastes. The main thing is that he likes it, because he can eat it) I recommend Hills dry food.

Anya writes:

Our cat is not picky, he ate every food that was offered to him, including the famous Hill's. We bought a 2 kg package from the PetShop online store for RUB 1,071 (Kitten Healthy Development Chicken, since our cat is still growing). This package lasted for a month and a half; they were fed strictly according to the recommendations given by the manufacturer.

The food is not ideal; it contains corn, which is difficult for the digestive system to digest. Premium is certainly not holistic, but still it is much better than various poisons such as Friskis and Whiskas. Poultry comes first in the composition, not grains.

The packaging is equipped with a zip fastener, the food does not dry out. The granules are made in the shape of a triangle, fragrant, not large, and leave oily stains on the hands. The food is suitable for kittens from 4-5 months, I think for smaller ones the granules will be a bit large.

After a month and a half of feeding, no problems were found. The cat ate well, digestion was normal, and his weight was appropriate for his age. The baby is active and playful. In general, Hill's food suited him. I think this is a good food for a relatively low price.

Olya writes:

When a kitten appeared in the house, I began to find out what I could feed it, first of all I was interested in ready-made food. I read that Hills food belongs to the super premium category. I was buying it based on this information. The kitten ate it very appetizingly, and the small croquettes were just right for little ones like him. But I was alarmed by the unpleasant smell of the food, so I started looking for more information about ready-made food.

Thus, I learned that I need to look at the composition of the food, and the Hills composition turned out to be not super premium. Compared to many foods, the composition is poor; it contains corn, which is a serious allergen for cats. It also turns out that it is not poultry flour that is used, but simply poultry flour - the composition says Chicken and turkey meal in English! That is, the word meat is not there.

Overall, although the kitten eats well, I do not recommend Hill food. For the same price there are really better foods that do not contain corn and contain fish, apples, blueberries, etc.

Food for every day

The Hills company produces 3 lines of food for daily consumption:

• Science Plan – a diet developed for completely healthy animals and taking into account age characteristics, breed size and special needs.

  Hill's Science Plan food

• Nature's Best – feed of improved composition, consisting only of products that are healthy for animals. Components that potentially provoke allergies are excluded from the formula.

  Hill's Nature's Best food

• Ideal Balance – completely balanced food for cats. Some of the products in this line include brown rice, a grain that is most natural for cats. Other foods are completely grain-free.

  Hill's Ideal Balance food

Important! Grain-free foods are not always well absorbed by cats and can cause constipation. Despite the prevailing opinion that such a diet is optimal for pets, it is important to closely monitor the animal’s reaction and well-being.

Dry food forms the basis of the cat's menu; in addition to it, the manufacturer supplies the market with wet canned food and meat pieces in pouches.

Food for daily nutrition

The manufacturer of the Hills brand also took care of producing the basic diet for cats. Below you can find a description of this line.

1. Hill's Science Plan is a ready-made cat food that can be used to feed healthy furry cats.
2. Nature's Best is a diet containing a large number of useful elements. There are no ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.
3. Ideal Balance is a balanced ready-made food that contains a small amount of brown rice.

Grain-free food is poorly absorbed by the animal's body and can cause constipation. If the basis of your pet's menu is dry food, it is important to systematically pamper your furry purr with wet canned food.

For sterilized cats and cats that have undergone castration

After the cat has undergone sterilization or castration, it is worth transferring it to a special diet, since the pet after surgery needs a small amount of fats and proteins. The manufacturer of a well-known brand produces food for this category of four-legged friends. Hill's Young Adult Neutered cat food is available in the form of dry kibble, mousse or meat kibble. Veterinarians often prescribe this ready-made diet for pets.

Hypoallergenic food

In the event of a serious allergic reaction, it is important to transfer your pet to a special diet. Often, for this purpose, veterinarians prescribe a ready-made diet called Nature's Best, which does not contain products such as corn, chicken and rice that provoke allergies.

Hill's for sedentary cats

Hill's Science Plan Indoor Cat Adult is the ideal food for four-legged friends who spend most of their time lying down. Such couch potatoes are prone to obesity. Low-calorie food will help avoid weight problems. The animal's coat will remain silky.

Specialized feed

Hill's has developed specialized food for cats with special needs. This is also an everyday cat diet, but it is ideal if the cat is prone to allergies, is neutered or has fluffy hair.

For sterilized cats and neutered cats

After sterilization or castration, it is recommended to transfer animals to special food. Cats after such operations require a lower percentage of proteins and fats. Hill's Young Adult Neutered - dry kibble, mousse and meat kibble in several flavors for neutered animals. Hill's is included in the rating of the best food for neutered cats.

Hypoallergenic food

If a serious allergy occurs, your veterinarian will recommend a special diet for the duration of treatment. For pets with a tendency to such reactions, Hills has developed a hypoallergenic line, Nature's Best , from which allergens (corn, rice, chicken) are completely excluded.

Hill's for sedentary cats

Hill's Science Plan Indoor Cat Adult is a diet designed for cats that spend most of their time indoors. Such animals are prone to weight gain, so the feed is low in fat and carbohydrates, and also contains minerals that have a beneficial effect on the urinary tract.

For animals with sensitive skin

Hills Science Plan Feline Adult Sensitive Skin is useful for animals with skin problems, as well as dull and brittle hair. The specialized composition of the food eliminates itching, relieves inflammation and supplies the blood with substances necessary for shiny fur and improved skin condition.

For pets with long hair

Hills Science Plan Feline Adult Hairball Control - food for long-haired cats. In the process of washing, cats eat dead hairs that stick together in the stomach cavity and form bezoars. A fiber complex has been added to the diet formula, which facilitates the removal of hairs from the gastrointestinal tract naturally.

For dental care

Hill's Science Plan Adult Oral Care helps remove plaque and prevent tartar. Fangs are cleaned due to the special consistency of granules that do not crumble when the cat eats. The low percentage of calcium and proteins prevent the entry into the oral cavity of components that cause plaque on the teeth.

For pets with sensitive digestion

Hill's Science Plan Adult Sensitive Stomach is a food containing fiber necessary to maintain the natural microflora of the intestinal tract and improve peristalsis. The rice and eggs in the composition allow the body to easily absorb and completely digest the eaten granules.

For overweight cats

Hill's Science Plan Perfect Weight Adult - food for cats that have begun to gain extra pounds. This food, as the basis of the diet, allows you to maintain weight balance and eliminate fat layers. The formula is designed in such a way that the animal quickly becomes satisfied after eating a small portion. It also contains a high percentage of fiber and low fat content. L-carnitine stimulates metabolism.

Hill's Cat Food Range

Hill's offers food for the daily nutrition of pets, and also takes care of chronically ill animals that constantly require a certain diet.

Hill's dry cat food lines

In Hills Science plan series food, the flavor base is: poultry meal (turkey, chicken), tuna. Some species include rabbit and lamb. Cereals: easily digestible rice, corn, wheat in whole or ground form. Fats: vegetable, animal, fish. Natural preservatives. Other ingredients: dried beet pulp extract, flax seed.

Read the article on how to accustom a kitten to dry food.

Useful substances included:

• vitamins of groups A, B, C, E;
• minerals (calcium, selenium, potassium, iodine, sodium, manganese);
• amino acids (lecithin, DL-methionine, taurine, L-lysine, aminopropionic acid tryptophan);
• antioxidants.

The table shows the range of Hill's Science Plan dry food intended for cats of different ages.

We recommend reading the article about food for sterilized cats and neutered cats.

Hill's Ideal balance No grain dry food is considered complete nutrition that maintains body balance. The line is distinguished from Science Plan by its more natural composition. The flavor base is chicken and tuna. Cereals - brown rice. A rich list of dried vegetables: potatoes (root vegetables and starch), peas (regular, yellow), beets, carrots, spinach, tomato and grape pomace, citrus pulp. Fats: fish, animal, flax seed, soybean oil. Natural preservatives. Rich in nutrients (minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids).

No grain is available in two flavors, with the addition of potatoes, for healthy cats and male cats from 1 to 7 years:

• chicken (408 kcal/100 g);

• tuna (407 kcal/100 g).

The composition of Ideal Balance is similar to another food, Hill's Nature's best. In addition to the general ingredients, it includes barley, oatmeal, oat-based fiber, and added rosemary extract. Colored with iron oxide. For adult cats from 1 year to 7 years it is presented in two types, with the addition of rice and vegetables:

• tuna (403 kcal/100 g);

• chicken (406 kcal/100 g).

They also produce an option for kittens with chicken:

You should carefully consider these products. Feed can cause stool problems in animals.

Hill's wet cat food lines

In addition to dry food, the Science plan cat line offers wet food. They can be a complete meal or an addition to a dish in the form of a treat.

The basis is: poultry (chicken, turkey), pork, offal - pork liver, fish (salmon, trout). Cereals and cereals: wheat, corn, tapioca, rice in the form of starch or flour. Vegetables: peas, carrots, tomato, broccoli. Fats: fish, vegetable, animal. Some products contain iodized salt, dry yeast, and sugar. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids. Natural coloring: caramel. The most common flavors are chicken, salmon, but also turkey, beef, and trout.

Packed in pouches and jars.

The Ideal balance series is also available in a wet version. It contains: poultry (chicken, turkey), fish (trout, salmon), pork, potatoes, tapioca starch, cellulose, oats, pea, animal protein, dried peas, carrots, sunflower oil, sugar. Vitamins, microelements, amino acids. Natural caramel is used as a dye. There are 4 types in total, all with the addition of vegetables:

• salmon (87);

• trout (86);

• turkey (86);

• chicken (85).

Suitable for daily feeding of adult healthy animals.

Hill's medicinal cat food

They are introduced into the pet’s diet to comply with a certain diet during the period of its recovery as prescribed by the doctor. The Prescription diet treatment line includes foods used for:

• treatment of endocrine pathologies (problems with the thyroid gland, dry only) (y/d);
• conditions requiring surgical intervention, elimination of weight deficiency, restoration of the body, only wet, for cats and dogs (a/d);
• maintaining gastrointestinal health and against excess weight (w/d);
• treatment of joints (orthopedic problems), dry only (j/d);
• maintaining oral health, dry only (t/d);
• combating allergic reactions (stomach, intestines, skin) (z/d);
• elimination of urological problems (c/d and s/d);
• kidney treatment (k/d);
• liver treatment, dry only (l/d);
• improved digestion (i/d);
• maintaining health in diabetes mellitus (liver and excess weight) (m/d);
• weight control (Metabolic).

From the author. In all dry foods of the Hill's medicinal line, corn gluten meal and corn are in 1-3 place; obviously, these components should not be the first in the composition of high-quality food, so we do not recommend buying them.

Dry

Please note that these foods have a special composition. Many essential vitamins, minerals and other components are missing. They are given only during treatment. They are not suitable for regular feeding.

Wet

In the composition of wet food, corn starch or corn is also in 2-3 place, sometimes there is wheat flour. If cereals are among the first 5 components, this is a bad indicator of the quality of the food and we do not recommend buying it.

Classification by age criterion

Small kittens grow, develop and actively spend energy, so they need a high percentage of protein, which is a building material for growth. Adult cats need a source of energy, and older cats, due to reduced activity, need a reduced fat content.

• From 3 weeks to 1 year. The Hills brand sells a separate series designed specifically for active kids. The food is high in protein and calcium, which is essential for strengthening growing bones. The taste variability is not so wide; for older cats, even for the most picky kittens, it is possible to choose healthy and balanced dry food or airy mousse. The food is included in our rating of premium and super premium food for kittens.
• From 1 year to 6 years – for adult animals. Hills food, in addition to specialized products, offers an extensive range of flavors, so choosing food for your pet is not difficult. All products have an attractive smell and distinct taste, so they are suitable even for demanding animals with poor appetite.
• From 7 years and older. Cats are classified as aging and require special dietary food. Age-related changes begin, so food for older animals contains a small percentage of carbohydrates and fats. They are quickly absorbed and help the cat maintain mobility and activity.

Features of the composition

Depending on the purpose of the food and its taste, the composition may vary slightly, but the main ingredients are:

• Approximately 35% turkey or chicken meal (meat only).
• Plant protein (corn or maize gluten).
• Rice and corn.
• Animal and fish oils, vegetable oil.
• Soy.
• Lamb, rabbit, tuna flour.
• Dairy industry products.
• Dried beet pulp.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes, beta-carotene, cellulose; amino acids.
• Natural preservatives, including rosemary.

Ideal Balance
food , which is positioned as a product with an improved composition, includes:

• Dried turkey, chicken, or tuna meat.
• Vegetables including tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, beets and potatoes.
• Brown rice
• Legumes - peas.
• Eggs.
• Cranberry and apple.
• Flax seed.
• Preservatives and antioxidants of natural origin.

The composition of food for cats with good health is completely balanced and created to support the vital functions of the body and the activity of the pet. The treatment line has a fundamentally different formula; its main purpose is to stimulate the cat’s speedy recovery.

The food recommended for kidney dysfunction includes:

• Broken rice.
• Animal and fish oil.
• 21% turkey and chicken meal is 15% less than healthy animal diets.
• Corn gluten, ground into flour.
• Pea protein and wheat.
• Whole egg and protein hydrolysate.
• Cellulose.
• Beet pulp.
• Soybean oil.
• Complexes of vitamins and microelements.
• Taurine and L-carnitine.

Shelf life: 12 months.

Compound

The source of protein in diets is chicken and turkey meal. Next come cereals - corn, milled rice. Helpful supplements include amino acids, minerals and vitamins. Antioxidants in feed are natural ingredients - tocopherols and citric acid. Hill's has developed several grain-free formulas for cats. In these foods, meat flour is also a source of protein, but grains are replaced with potatoes and peas. It also contains dried vegetables.

Hill's wet diets for cats are available in pouches or cans. By consistency, it can be pieces in sauce, pate or mousse. The main ingredients are chicken, pork, and turkey. Next comes the plant components - pea protein, corn starch, wheat or wheat flour. The sauce is colored with natural caramel. Ideal balance diets, in addition to these ingredients, contain potato starch and peas.

Advantages of Hills feed

Hills cat food has obvious advantages:

• High quality ingredients.
• A completely balanced composition, including all substances necessary for normal life.
• The Ideal Balance line is made on the basis of natural meat products.
• The manufacturer provides detailed information about the composition, which is printed on the packaging.
• Extensive range, it is possible to choose food for animals with different characteristics.
• A wide range of medicinal feeds allows you to find nutrition for various diseases and has proven itself as an effective adjuvant in the treatment of diseases.
• Hills products are available in many stores selling pet supplies.
• The affordable price makes the food a real find for owners of a large pride of cats.

Pros and cons of Hill's food

Hills cat food has obvious advantages:

• High quality ingredients.
• A completely balanced composition, including all substances necessary for normal life.
• The Ideal Balance line is made on the basis of natural meat products.
• The manufacturer provides detailed information about the composition, which is printed on the packaging.
• Extensive range, it is possible to choose food for animals with different characteristics.
• A wide range of medicinal feeds allows you to find nutrition for various diseases and has proven itself as an effective adjuvant in the treatment of diseases.
• Hills products are available in many stores selling pet supplies.
• The affordable price makes the food a real find for owners of a large pride of cats.

Korma Hills, despite many advantages, also has a number of disadvantages:

• A high percentage of proteins of plant origin (with the exception of Ideal Balance), which is not very suitable for obligate carnivores.
• The presence of carbohydrates that are difficult to digest by the digestive system.
• Cases of allergic reactions have been recorded.

It is necessary to remember that each cat is an individual, so it happens that even the highest quality food is not suitable for her. When choosing, you need to rely on her well-being and health status. When developing product lines, Hill's Pet Nutrition tried to take into account all the possible needs of furry pets, which is why Hill's diet is in demand and popular with many cat owners.

Prices

Prices for Hills products vary depending on the region, store markup and its purpose. See the price table for dry food:

A jar of meat mousse (85 g) costs approximately 110-115 rubles. The cost of medicinal pates starts from 120 rubles. Pouches can be purchased for 60 rubles and above. Meat pieces from the medicinal series cost from 75 rubles.

Price and where to buy

You can buy Hills food from this line in:

1. "Yandex Market" ():
   Science Plan packaging 0.3 kg - from 251 rubles;
2. Science Plan packaging 1.5 kg - from 1089 rubles;
3. Science Plan bag 10 kg - from RUB 4,793.
4. "ZooPassage" ():
   Science Plan packaging 1.5 kg - from 986 rubles;
5. Science Plan packaging 10 kg - from RUB 5,505;
6. Canned food Science Plan 85 g - from 75 rub.

The above prices are indicative, they are current as of August 2021 and may change over time. For exact prices, check the pet stores using the links above.

Feeding recommendations

The feeding standards indicated on the packages are approximate; you need to focus on the animal’s behavior to determine the level of satiety and well-being.

Hillsya food dosage table for cats recommended by the manufacturer:

Useful video

Review of Hills feed and analysis of the composition in the video below:

It is necessary to remember that each cat is an individual, so it happens that even the highest quality food is not suitable for her. When choosing, you need to rely on her well-being and health status. When developing product lines, Hill's Pet Nutrition tried to take into account all the possible needs of furry pets, which is why Hill's diet is in demand and popular with many cat owners.

Write your reviews of Hill's food, we'll discuss how cats feel about it and whether it helps in treating diseases. Also, if you were able to replace this food with inexpensive brands, please share in the comments.