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Hill's

Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe

DogDry

Rating

★︎★︎★︎☆︎☆︎ 3.5 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

Moderate

Is Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food good?

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is a dry dog food rated 3.5 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, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Gluten grains, Legumes, Poultry, Fish.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

Gluten grainsLegumesPoultryFish

Free From:

DairyEggNutsRed meatShellfishUnknown Meal

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 28%
  • Fat 17%
  • Est. Carbs 43%
  • Fiber 4%
  • Ash 8%

Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.

  • Protein 25%
  • Fat 16%
  • Est. Carbs 39%
  • Fiber 4%
  • Moisture 10%
  • 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 (28% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This may be reasonable for many adult dogs, though active, growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs may need a more specific fit.

    Understanding Medium Protein (25% - 33% Dry Matter)

    Middle Comparison Bucket This bucket is species-aware: the cat medium range starts higher than the dog range. It helps compare labels, but it is not a complete nutrition verdict.

    Cats Need Closer Review Cats are obligate carnivores and generally need more protein than dogs. For cat foods in this range, the complete-and-balanced statement and life-stage claim are especially important.

  • Fat is High (17% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.

    Understanding High Fat (16% – 22% Dry Matter)

    Higher Calorie Density This range can support pets with higher energy needs, but it can also make overfeeding easier. Portion size, total calories, and body condition matter.

    Pancreatitis and Digestive History For dogs with pancreatitis history, fat level is often reviewed carefully. For cats, fat is only one part of the decision. Use this as a flag for vet-guided review, not as an automatic rejection.

Ingredients Analysis

25 of 25 matched

  • 1 Salmon
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 2 Chicken Meal
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 3 Cracked Pearled Barley
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 4 Brown Rice
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 5 Brewers Rice
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 6 Chicken Liver Flavor
    Food Additive

    Description

    The flavor made of chicken parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.

  • 7 Corn Protein Meal
    Plant Protein Concentrate

    Description

    A concentrated corn protein similar to corn gluten meal, used to boost protein levels.

    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.

  • 8 Dried Beet Pulp
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 9 Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor
    Food Additive

    Description

    Chicken is broken down into smaller parts by using enzymes in a process called "Hydrolysis". MSG (food enhancer) is formed during the process.

    Why Concerned?

    MSG could be linked to several side effects including headache, nausea, and weakness.

  • 10 Chicken Fat
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 11 Flaxseed
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 12 Lactic Acid
    Food Additive

    Description

    A by-product of fermentation, used as a food preservative, especially for microbial control including Salmonella in pet foods.

  • 13 Soybean Oil
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 14 Fish Oil
    Fat

    Description

    Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.

    Why Concerned?

    A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 15 Iodized Salt
    Others

    Description

    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.

  • 16 Potassium Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 17 Dicalcium Phosphate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 18 Calcium Carbonate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 19 Vitamins
    Supplement

    Description

    A mixture of vitamins supplements to ensure the complete nutrition profile of pet food.

  • 20 Taurine
    Supplement

    Description

    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).

  • 21 L-tryptophan
    Supplement

    Description

    An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) required for normal growth.

  • 22 Minerals
    Supplement

    Description

    A general term for mineral supplementation, specific sources not identified.

  • 23 Mixed Tocopherols
    Food Additive

    Description

    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.

  • 24 Natural Flavors
    Food Additive

    Description

    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.

  • 25 Beta-carotene
    Supplement

    Description

    An antioxidant and a precursor to Vitamin A helps to regulate both cellular and immune responses.

Tips

  • Named animal proteins near the top: Salmon, Chicken Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • Plant protein signal: Corn Protein Meal may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
  • Higher-priority ingredients to review: Corn Protein Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate.
  • Higher-caution ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
  • Possible allergy triggers: Cracked Pearled Barley have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & 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

Salmon Chicken Meal

Animal Protein

Moderate
Moderate
  • Animal 74%
  • Plant concentrate 26%

Mixed protein sources in Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe: 74% animal, 0% whole plants, and 26% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.

Contributing ingredients

Animal

Salmon Chicken Meal

Plant concentrate

Corn Protein Meal

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food Review

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is a solid mid-tier dry dog food at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.

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 Protein Meal.
  • Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 28% protein, 17% fat, 43% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 74% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe good for dogs?

Mostly — a solid mid-tier pick at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. Best paired with knowledge of your pet's needs.

Does Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & 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 Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & 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 Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe contain Legumes?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & 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 Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & 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 Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe grain-free?

No — the recipe contains Gluten grains.

What are the main protein sources in Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe?

The top animal proteins are Salmon, Chicken Meal — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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