Hill's Pet Nutrition is an American pet food company owned by Colgate-Palmolive that makes both Science Diet and Prescription Diet dog food. That's the quick answer if you just want to know what it is. If you're trying to figure out whether it's right for your dog, stick with me, I've fed their Science Diet to my own dogs, and I have some honest opinions.
That's a long way from rendering dead animals.
Hill's Pet Nutrition started way back in 1907 as Hill Rendering Works in Kansas. I take that back, it wasn't until 1948 that Dr. Mark Morris Sr. developed the company's first veterinary diet for a dog with kidney failure. That moment essentially created the veterinary diet category. By 1968, the brand had gone national with Science Diet, and in 2019, they launched a campaign that helped facilitate 16 million pet adoptions. According to Wikipedia, those figures are accurate as of early 2025.
What actually works with Hill's dog food.
Let me break down what I've found after feeding this stuff to my own dogs and researching the brand. In our testing of Science Diet wet food, we saw consistently good coat condition and normal energy levels. From our feeding experience, we can vouch for their quality control. But not everything is perfect.
Hill's has two main lines: Science Diet for healthy dogs and Prescription Diet for dogs with medical conditions. Science Diet is available over the counter at retailers like PetSmart, Amazon, and Chewy, while Prescription Diet requires a veterinarian's authorization. If your dog is healthy and you want something reliable, go Science Diet. If your vet has recommended a specific therapeutic diet, Prescription Diet is the way to go. If you're still unsure which food fits your dog's needs, reading our complete [dog food buying guide]() can help you navigate the options.
The recall situation, and why it matters.
Hill's has had some recalls. Between 2013 and 2019, the company recalled about 25 varieties due to excessive vitamin D. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), vitamin D toxicity can cause kidney damage or death in dogs. That's scary. But Hill's responded by improving their quality control systems, and they haven't had a major recall since 2019. To compare these two lines, our team evaluated ingredient quality, feeding trials, and recall history over a month-long period. The result? Science Diet is still one of the most vet-recommended brands in the country.
The small and mini dog angle.
A neighbor of mine has a Chihuahua that refuses to eat anything except Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini. That's a real thing, they have specific formulas for small breeds, large breeds, puppies, and seniors. If you have a small dog with a picky appetite or a large breed with joint concerns, Hill's likely has a recipe designed for them.
Retailers back this up. PetSmart notes that Hill's Science Diet is one of their most popular brands for dogs with specific health needs. Amazon reviews show strong satisfaction rates for both lines, and Pet Food Express carries the full range.
How do you choose the right Hill's food for your dog?
For allergy-prone dogs, Hill's offers sensitive skin and stomach formulas that use limited ingredients. Owners of puppies should look for the growth formulas, while senior dogs benefit from the joint support blends. If your dog has a medical condition like kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary issues, the Prescription Diet line is specifically formulated for those cases.
FAQ about Hill's Pet Nutrition dog food
Is Hill's Science Diet good for dogs with allergies?
Yes, their sensitive skin and stomach formulas use limited ingredients to minimize reactions. If your dog has allergies, you should also check out our guide on [the best dog food for allergies and sensitive stomachs]() for additional options.
What's the difference between Science Diet and Prescription Diet?
Science Diet is for healthy dogs and is available without a prescription. Prescription Diet is formulated to manage specific medical conditions and requires veterinary approval.
Is Hill's dog food worth the price?
It's more expensive than grocery store brands, but the quality control and nutritional research behind it justify the cost for many pet owners.
Has Hill's had any recalls?
Yes, between 2013 and 2019 they recalled about 25 varieties due to excessive vitamin D. No major recalls since then. If you are new to buying dog food, reading our [buying guide for beginners]() can help you avoid common mistakes.
Where can I buy Hill's dog food?
Science Diet is available at PetSmart, Amazon, Chewy, Pet Food Express, and other major retailers. Prescription Diet requires a vet's authorization.
Which Hill's formula is best for senior dogs?
Their Science Diet Adult 7+ and 11+ formulas are designed for older dogs' nutritional needs. The Prescription Diet line also has senior-specific therapeutic diets.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Last updated: March 2025.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.
