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Hill’s Ideal Balance Grain-Free Natural Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food Review

Hill’s Ideal Balance Grain-Free Natural Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food Review

Our Recommendation

Hill’s brand has been around for a while, and it has a loyal following of dog parents. Hill’s Ideal Balance is a grain-free formula that continues the tradition that Hill’s has established over the years. It is good to see a quality grain free option from this trusted company.

  • Real chicken is the first ingredient.
  • No corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.
  • No artificial colors or flavors.
  • Minimal ingredient formula is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
  • Mix of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables also provide antioxidant protection for your dog.
  • Moderately priced.
  • Flaxseed adds valuable Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
  • Potato starch and beet pulp help with digestion.
  • Alternative to prescription based dog foods for sensitive pooches.
  • Lean proteins help dogs maintain a healthy weight and good muscle mass.

Scout gives this formula 4 Paws Up out of 5. While this is good dog food, it does have some ingredients that are considered fillers. At around $50 for 21 lbs, it is not a practical ration for those that have multiple dogs or giant breeds. Of course, if your dog has special health concerns, it could be worth it for what it can do to help your dog.

Ingredients

Chicken, Potatoes, Yellow Peas, Pea Protein, Potato Starch, Chicken Fat, Chicken Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Lactic Acid, Flaxseed, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Green Peas, Apples, Cranberries, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Carrots, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Broccoli, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.

Nutritional Analysis

Pet food ingredients, nutritional values, and the way they are labeled for consumers are monitored by several organizations in the United States including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the NGO, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein 21.0% min

Crude Fat 16.0% min

Crude Fiber 3.0% max

Moisture 10.0% max

Vitamin E 500 IU/kg min

Ascorbic Acid 85 mg/kg min

Chondroitin SulFate 500 ppm min

Glucosamine 200 ppm min

Omega-3 0.3.0% min

Omega-6 3.0% min

Caloric Content

3891 kcal/kg, 419 kcal/cup

Feeding Amounts

Weight Daily Feeding (cup)

5 LBS                 ½

10 LBS               1

20 LBS              1 1/3

30 LBS               2

40 LBS                2 1/3

50 LBS               2 3/4

60 LBS               3 1/4

80 LBS               4

100 LBS             4 2/3

120 LBS             5 1/3

Feeding Instructions

Amounts may need to be adjusted based on activity level and age.

Transition Instructions

Compare the calorie count of Hill’s per cup to that you are feeding now if switching. The calorie count of a grain free dog food may be different than your current dog food. Pregnant and nursing dogs have much higher nutritional needs. You may need to feed nursing or pregnant dogs 2-3 times as much as the suggested feeding amounts.

When transitioning all you need to do is gradually replace your current dog food with Hill’s. Five days is long enough for many dogs but if your dog is sensitive to food changes you may want to transition them over 7-10 days.

The Bottom Line

Hill’s is a quality option for dogs that thrive on a limited ingredient and grain free diet. This formula is from a trusted brand that has made a point to create a lot of different formula’s so all dogs have a chance to eat what is best for them. While the price point is out of my budget as a parent of 4 large and giant breed dogs, if one of them needed a special diet then I would consider Hill’s.