Pet food brands: Hill's Science Diet vs. Nutro
Quick Verdict
Both Hill's Science Diet and Nutro offer quality pet food with different strengths. Hill's Science Diet provides more specialized formulas for specific health conditions and life stages, while Nutro emphasizes natural ingredients and caters to dogs with sensitivities.
- Both brands offer life stage-specific formulas, but Hill's Science Diet provides more specific support for mature and senior dogs.
- Nutro emphasizes natural ingredients and offers a Limited Ingredient Diet, while Hill's Science Diet focuses on a wider range of health condition support.
- Both brands offer grain-inclusive and grain-free options, but Hill's Science Diet's grain-inclusive formulas may contain common allergens like corn, wheat, or soy.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Hill's Science Diet | Nutro |
|---|---|---|
| Life Stage Suitability | Puppy, adult (1-6 years), mature adult (7+ years), and senior (11+ years) | Puppy, adult, and senior |
| Specific Breed Support | Options for small and mini breeds, large breeds, and specific breeds like Dachshunds | Small and large breeds |
| Primary Protein Source | Chicken (common), lamb meal, or fish | Chicken, lamb, and salmon |
| Grain Inclusion | Grain-inclusive formulas (corn, wheat, or soy). Grain-free options available | Grain-inclusive and grain-free options |
| Specific Health Condition Support | Sensitive stomach, weight management, oral care, urinary health, kidney and heart health, and joint support | Limited Ingredient Diet for food sensitivities or allergies, Healthy Weight Formulas for weight management |
| Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives | Claims to have no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in some formulas | Does not include artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors |
| Dry vs. Wet Food Options | Both dry and wet food options available | Both dry kibble and wet food options |
Overall Comparison
Life Stage: Hill's more specific; Health Support: Hill's more varied; Ingredients: Nutro emphasizes natural
Pros and Cons
Hill's Science Diet
Pros:
- Life stage specific formulas
- Specific breed support available
- Formulas for specific health conditions
- Added vitamins and minerals for overall health
- AAFCO approved
- Dry and wet food options
- Vet recommended
- Widely available
Cons:
- May contain filler ingredients
- May contain lower-quality protein sources compared to premium brands
- Some recipes contain common allergens like chicken
- Palatability can vary
Nutro
Pros:
- Offers formulas for all life stages
- Recipes tailored for small and large breeds
- Uses high-quality protein sources
- Offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free options
- Includes added vitamins and minerals
- Does not include artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
- Offers a Limited Ingredient Diet for dogs with sensitivities
- Offers weight management formulas
- Uses real, recognizable ingredients
- Good stool quality reported by some reviewers
- Many dogs seem to enjoy the taste
- Some users have observed improvements in coat shine and energy levels
- Offers good value for the quality according to many reviewers
- Widely available
Cons:
- Some dogs may still experience sensitivities
- Not the cheapest option
User Experiences and Feedback
Hill's Science Diet
What Users Love
- Easy to digest
- Promotes good stool quality
- Improvements in coat, skin, and energy levels
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
Common Complaints
- May contain filler ingredients
- May contain lower-quality protein sources
- Some pets may not find it palatable
Value Perception
- More affordable than some premium brands
User Recommendations
- Some reviewers report that Hill's Science Diet is easy to digest and promotes good stool quality.
- Some users have noticed improvements in their pet's coat, skin, and energy levels after switching to Hill's Science Diet.
- Hill's Science Diet is generally considered more affordable than some premium brands, but may not have the highest quality ingredients.
Nutro
What Users Love
- Good stool quality reported with Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Brown Rice
- Disappearance of allergies after switching to Nutro Max Grain Free noted by some reviewers
- Many dogs enjoy the taste, even picky eaters
- Improvements in coat shine and energy levels observed by some users
- Helpful for maintaining a healthy weight according to some reviewers
- Quality of ingredients and higher protein content compared favorably to other brands
- Vets recommend Nutro
Common Complaints
- Some dogs may still experience sensitivities
Value Perception
- Offers good value for the quality according to many reviewers
User Recommendations
- Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Brown Rice keeps digestion smooth
- Some reviewers noted the disappearance of allergies after switching to Nutro Max Grain Free
- Many reviewers feel Nutro offers good value for the quality
- Some reviewers mention their vets recommending Nutro