Hill's Prescription Diet
z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor
Rating
Is Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor wet cat food good?
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor is a wet cat food rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name, giving good visibility into protein sources. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Egg, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Grains (gluten-free), Legumes, Nuts, Poultry.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 32%
- Fat 11%
- Est. Carbs 18%
- Fiber 7%
- Ash 32%
Moisture (78%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 7%
- Fat 3%
- Est. Carbs 4%
- Fiber 2%
- Moisture 78%
- Ash 7%
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (32% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Cats usually benefit from higher protein than dogs, so confirm the food is complete for cats and fits the cat's life stage.
- Fat is Medium (11% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many cats, but total calories and body condition still matter.
Ingredients Analysis
36 of 36 matched
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1 Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Chicken liver is broken down into smaller parts by using enzymes in a process called "Hydrolysis". MSG (food enhancer) is formed during the process.
Why Concerned?
An animal protein with high digestibility. However, MSG could be linked to several side effects including headache, nausea, and weakness.
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2 Water
OthersDescription
It is added in the pet food as a blending / thinning agent.
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3 Corn Starch
CarbsDescription
Starch extracted from corn, used as a binder and carbohydrate source.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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4 Coconut Oil
FatDescription
The richest source of "medium-chain triglycerides" (MCT). One of the MCT, lauric acid is said to help to fight off viruses and infection of the body.
Digestion Concern
High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
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5 Ground Pecan Shells
CarbsDescription
Pecan shell fiber (also known as pecan shell flour or ground pecan shells) is a food ingredient produced from shells of pecans, excluding the husks and nut kernels. In pet food, it is used as a source of fiber.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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6 Calcium Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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7 Powdered Cellulose
CarbsDescription
The substance provides strength and rigidity to plants, which are mostly made of insoluble fiber. It is commonly added to pet foods to reduce the calorie content for the "weight management" type.
Why Notice?
Unspecified plant products made of unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Digestion Concern
Dogs and cats lack the enzymes capable of digesting cellulose. A high level of fiber could interfere with the digestion of protein and other minerals.
Uncertain/Risky
Could be made up of cheap and unwanted fiber by-products. However, from our research, most cellulose used in pet food is made up of pine trees.
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8 Dicalcium Phosphate
SupplementDescription
A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Digestion Concern
It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.
Uncertain/Risky
Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.
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9 Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
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10 Dried Beet Pulp
CarbsDescription
The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
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11 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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12 Calcium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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13 Cystine
SupplementDescription
An amino acid important for protein structure, skin, hair, and nail health.
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14 Iodized Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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15 Potassium Citrate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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16 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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17 L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
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18 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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19 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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20 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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21 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
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22 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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23 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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24 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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25 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
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26 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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27 Dl-methionine
SupplementDescription
Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Why Concerned?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
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28 Soybean Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from soybeans, an inferior option as it contains more saturated fats than the majority of vegetable oils.
Why Concerned?
A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
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29 Pressed Cranberries
OthersDescription
Cranberries that have been pressed, retaining fiber and antioxidants while reducing moisture.
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30 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
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31 Zinc Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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32 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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33 Manganese Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
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34 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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35 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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36 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Coconut Oil, Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 100%
Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor wet cat food Review
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor is a strong choice — rated 5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
- Your pet is allergic to nuts
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Grains (gluten-free), Legumes, Nuts, Poultry.
- On a dry-matter basis: 32% protein, 11% fat, 18% estimated carbohydrates.
- 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Egg, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor good for cats?
Yes — rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor contain Nuts?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor contains Nuts, so pets sensitive to Nuts should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Is Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor grain-free?
No — the recipe contains Grains (gluten-free).
What are the main protein sources in Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor?
The top animal proteins are Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
