Hill's
Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Rating
Is Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food good?
Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe is a dry dog food rated 4 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Gluten grains, Legumes, Poultry, Red meat.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Ingredients Analysis
41 of 41 matched
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1 Lamb Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of lamb, a meat concentrate that contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a type of red meat, high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Brown Rice
CarbsDescription
Whole grain rice with its bran and germ remained, high in carbs and fiber. Studies have shown that rice bran depletes taurine in cats, which is an essential amino acid.
Why Concerned?
A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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3 Brewers Rice
CarbsDescription
Small milled fragments (5/164 of an inch) of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. “Dust” and “floor sweepings” from rice.
Why Concerned?
A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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4 Whole Grain Sorghum
CarbsDescription
Whole grain sorghum, a gluten-free ancient grain providing carbohydrates and fiber.
Why Concerned?
A gluten-free grain carbohydrate source.
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5 Whole Grain Wheat
CarbsDescription
The most common inexpensive filler in lower-grade pet foods. Other than carbs and fiber, it does not contain important nutrients for dogs / cats.
Why Concerned?
A common filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
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6 Corn Gluten Meal
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Produced during wet milling of corn by separating protein from the starch. It contains 60% of protein, a relatively inexpensive source to boost up the protein level of pet foods.
Why Notice?
High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
Allergen Concern
Made with corn, which is one of the most reported ingredients to be the likely cause of allergies. This could be due to the undiscovered contaminants within corns. Contrary to the real situation, studies show that the chance of getting corn allergy is 14% and only accounts for 3% of allergies.
Digestion Concern
A high dose of plant-based protein is hard for digestion and offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
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7 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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8 Cracked Pearled Barley
CarbsDescription
A type of grain that is high in carbs and fiber, along with manganese and selenium.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
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9 Chicken Liver Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
The flavor made of chicken parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
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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 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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12 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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13 Lactic Acid
Food AdditiveDescription
A by-product of fermentation, used as a food preservative, especially for microbial control including Salmonella in pet foods.
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14 Pork Liver Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
A flavoring agent derived from or mimicking pork liver taste.
Why Concerned?
Flavorings may mask low quality ingredients.
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15 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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16 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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17 L-lysine
SupplementDescription
One of the essential amino acids that dogs and cats cannot produce by themselves therefore must be obtained from the diet. Usually, pet foods with a high amount of meat and legumes do not require this supplement as they are high in lysine naturally.
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18 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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19 Vitamin E
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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20 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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21 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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22 Thiamine
SupplementDescription
A supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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23 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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24 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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25 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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26 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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27 Vitamin B12
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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28 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.
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29 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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30 Vitamin D3
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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31 Calcium Carbonate
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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32 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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33 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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34 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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35 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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36 Manganese Oxide
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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37 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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38 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.
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39 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
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40 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
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41 Beta-carotene
SupplementDescription
An antioxidant and a precursor to Vitamin A helps to regulate both cellular and immune responses.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Lamb Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Corn Gluten Meal may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Corn Gluten Meal.
- Possible allergy triggers: Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley 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 Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe'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
Moderate- Animal 67%
- Plant concentrate 33%
Mixed protein sources in Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe: 67% animal, 0% whole plants, and 33% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant concentrate
Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food Review
Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4 stars with high ingredient transparency and moderate 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
- Your pet has a grain or gluten sensitivity
- You're avoiding legumes
- You're avoiding plant-protein concentrates like pea or soy isolate
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Corn Gluten Meal.
- Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Legumes, Poultry, Red meat.
- 67% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe good for dogs?
Yes — rated 4 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content.
Does Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe grain-free?
No — the recipe contains Gluten grains.
What are the main protein sources in Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe?
The top animal proteins are Lamb Meal — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
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