Hill's Science Diet
Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon
Rating
Is Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon dry cat food good?
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon is a dry cat food rated 2 stars, with high ingredient transparency and limited 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 Gluten grains, Dairy, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Fish.
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.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 32%
- Fat 15%
- Est. Carbs 41%
- Fiber 4%
- Ash 8%
Moisture (8%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 29%
- Fat 14%
- Est. Carbs 38%
- Fiber 4%
- Moisture 8%
- 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 (15% 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
47 of 47 matched
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1 Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
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 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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4 Whole Grain Oats
CarbsDescription
A whole grain that has higher protein and fats compared to other types. It is rich in B-vitamins and dietary fiber.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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5 Potato Protein
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
A protein concentrate extracted from potatoes, contains about 75% protein, often added to boost up the protein content of pet foods with less meat.
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.
Digestion Concern
It offers much less biological value (less digested and absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
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6 Whole Grain Corn
CarbsDescription
A grain that is often referred as "cheap filler" in pet foods, mainly due to its high carbs content and low to moderate nutrition profile.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
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
It is high in cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber that is hard to digest.
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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 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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9 Egg Product
Animal ProteinDescription
A processed form of eggs, a less expensive option compared to whole eggs. It could mean anything from egg yolk, white, and eggshell.
Why Concerned?
A less preferable egg ingredient that is made of unspecified egg parts - which quality is concerned.
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10 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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11 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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12 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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13 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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14 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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15 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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16 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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17 Dried Citrus Pulp
OthersDescription
Dried pulp from citrus fruits, a source of pectin fiber and flavonoids.
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18 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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19 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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20 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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21 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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22 Pressed Cranberries
OthersDescription
Cranberries that have been pressed, retaining fiber and antioxidants while reducing moisture.
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23 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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24 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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25 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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26 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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27 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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28 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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29 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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30 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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31 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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32 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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33 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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34 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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35 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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36 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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37 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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38 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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39 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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40 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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41 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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42 Manganous 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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43 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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44 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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45 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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46 Natural Flavors
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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47 Beta-carotene
SupplementDescription
An antioxidant and a precursor to Vitamin A helps to regulate both cellular and immune responses.
Tips
- Cat formula needs review: cats rely heavily on animal protein, and this label does not show strong named animal protein near the top.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Corn Gluten Meal, Potato Protein may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Corn Gluten Meal, Potato Protein.
- Possible allergy triggers: Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
- Possible digestion triggers: Corn Gluten Meal, Potato Protein, Whole Grain Corn 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 Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon'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
Low- Animal 35%
- Plant concentrate 65%
Protein in Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon leans on plant signals: only 35% comes from animal sources, while plant-protein concentrates make up 65% and whole plant proteins 0%. Plant concentrates like pea or soy isolate are cheap protein boosters but lack the amino-acid profile pets need from meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant concentrate
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon dry cat food Review
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon scores 2 stars on this analysis, with high ingredient transparency and limited animal protein content. There are several concerns in this label that may make it a poor fit.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
- 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.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Corn Gluten Meal, Potato Protein.
- Contains common allergens: Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 32% protein, 15% fat, 41% estimated carbohydrates.
- Free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon good for cats?
This recipe scored 2 stars, with high ingredient transparency and limited animal protein content. Worth understanding the concerns before choosing it for your cat.
Does Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon contain Egg?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon contains Egg, so pets sensitive to Egg should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon contain Nuts?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon contains Nuts, so pets sensitive to Nuts should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Is Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon grain-free?
No — the recipe contains Grains (gluten-free).
What are the main protein sources in Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food - Salmon?
The top animal proteins are Salmon, Chicken Meal, Egg Product — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
