Hill s Science Diet Senior 7+ Youthful Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 3.5 lb bag

Common questions

Is Hill s Science Diet Senior 7+ Youthful Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 3.5 lb bag healthy?

Hill s Science Diet Senior 7+ Youthful Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 3.5 lb bag scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This dog food contains several high-quality ingredients such as chicken, yellow peas, and whole grains, which provide essential nutrients and support overall health.

How processed is Hill s Science Diet Senior 7+ Youthful Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 3.5 lb bag?

Hill s Science Diet Senior 7+ Youthful Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 3.5 lb bag is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Hill s Science Diet Senior 7+ Youthful Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 3.5 lb bag's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Chicken, Yellow peas, Cracked pearled barley count in its favor; Natural flavors is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Hill s Science Diet Senior 7+ Youthful Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 3.5 lb bag

65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 13
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Pet Food
Summary

This dog food contains several high-quality ingredients such as chicken, yellow peas, and whole grains, which provide essential nutrients and support overall health. However, it is a processed product with the inclusion of 'natural flavors', which lack transparency and do not contribute nutritional value. The processing level and presence of this additive limit the score despite the beneficial ingredients.

Key ingredients 31

Whole grain oats
Very Good

Whole grain oats are a nutritious source of fiber and essential nutrients. They support heart health and provide sustained energy. Their inclusion enhances the nutritional profile of the product.

Benefits

Rich in fiber and nutrients, supporting heart health and providing sustained energy.

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Flaxseed
Very Good

Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. It supports heart health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Its inclusion enhances the nutritional profile of the product.

Benefits

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, supporting heart health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

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Chicken
Good

Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle maintenance and overall health. It provides essential amino acids necessary for various bodily functions. As a primary ingredient, it indicates a focus on animal-based nutrition.

Benefits

Rich in protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle health and energy levels.

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Yellow peas
Good

Yellow peas are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. They contribute to digestive health and provide essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Their inclusion supports a balanced diet with diverse protein sources.

Benefits

Rich in protein and fiber, supporting digestive health and providing essential nutrients.

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Cracked pearled barley
Good

Cracked pearled barley is a whole grain that provides fiber and essential nutrients. It supports digestive health and helps maintain stable energy levels. Its inclusion adds nutritional diversity to the diet.

Benefits

Provides fiber and essential nutrients, supporting digestive health and energy stability.

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Egg product
Good

Egg product is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids. It supports muscle maintenance and overall health. Its inclusion indicates a focus on diverse protein sources.

Benefits

Rich in high-quality protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle health.

Chicken fat
Good

Chicken fat is a source of healthy fats that provide energy and support skin and coat health. It is a natural source of omega-6 fatty acids. Its inclusion enhances the palatability of the food.

Benefits

Provides healthy fats for energy and supports skin and coat health.

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Carrots
Good

Carrots are a source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They support eye health and provide antioxidants. Their inclusion adds nutritional diversity and natural sweetness to the product.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supporting eye health and providing fiber.

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Spinach
Good

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It supports overall health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Its inclusion enhances the nutritional profile of the product.

Benefits

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supporting overall health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

See more about Spinach →
Fish oil
Good

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. It enhances skin and coat health in pets. Its inclusion indicates a focus on providing essential fatty acids.

Benefits

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

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Vitamins
Good

The vitamin blend provides essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being. It includes vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex, which are crucial for various bodily functions. Their inclusion ensures a balanced diet with adequate vitamin intake.

Benefits

Provides essential vitamins that support overall health and well-being.

Minerals
Good

The mineral blend provides essential nutrients that support bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. It includes iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, and selenium. Their inclusion ensures a balanced diet with adequate mineral intake.

Benefits

Provides essential minerals that support bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.

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Beta-carotene
Good

Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and provides antioxidant benefits. It supports eye health and immune function. Its inclusion enhances the nutritional profile of the product.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant benefits and supports eye health and immune function.

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Brewers rice
Neutral

Brewers rice is a by-product of the rice milling process and serves as a carbohydrate source. It provides energy but lacks the nutritional density of whole grains. Often used in pet foods as a filler ingredient.

Risks

May contribute to a less nutrient-dense diet if overused.

Benefits

Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy.

Whole grain corn
Neutral

Whole grain corn is a source of carbohydrates and provides some fiber and nutrients. It is commonly used in pet foods as an energy source. While not as nutrient-dense as other grains, it contributes to the overall carbohydrate content.

Risks

May cause allergies in some pets sensitive to corn.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates for energy and some fiber.

Chicken liver flavor
Neutral

Chicken liver flavor is used to enhance the palatability of pet food. It provides a taste that is appealing to pets but does not contribute significant nutritional value. Its inclusion is primarily for flavor enhancement.

Benefits

Enhances the palatability of the food, making it more appealing to pets.

Dried tomato pomace
Neutral

Dried tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato processing and provides fiber. It supports digestive health but is primarily used as a filler ingredient. Its nutritional contribution is limited compared to whole tomatoes.

Benefits

Provides fiber that supports digestive health.

Pork liver flavor
Neutral

Pork liver flavor is used to enhance the taste of pet food. It provides a flavor that is appealing to pets but does not contribute significant nutritional value. Its inclusion is primarily for flavor enhancement.

Benefits

Enhances the palatability of the food, making it more appealing to pets.

Lactic acid
Neutral

Lactic acid is used as a preservative and flavoring agent in pet foods. It helps maintain freshness and enhances flavor. Its inclusion is common in processed foods for these purposes.

Benefits

Helps maintain freshness and enhances flavor in pet foods.

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L-lysine
Neutral

L-lysine is an essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis and immune function. It is often added to pet foods to ensure adequate intake. Its inclusion supports overall health and well-being.

Benefits

Supports protein synthesis and immune function, contributing to overall health.

Potassium chloride
Neutral

Potassium chloride is used as a source of potassium and as a salt substitute. It helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports heart health. Its inclusion ensures adequate potassium intake.

Benefits

Provides potassium, supporting electrolyte balance and heart health.

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Calcium carbonate
Neutral

Calcium carbonate is used as a calcium supplement in pet foods. It supports bone health and helps maintain strong teeth. Its inclusion ensures adequate calcium intake.

Benefits

Supports bone health and helps maintain strong teeth by providing calcium.

See more about Calcium carbonate →
Dried citrus pulp
Neutral

Dried citrus pulp is a by-product of citrus processing and provides fiber. It supports digestive health but is primarily used as a filler ingredient. Its nutritional contribution is limited compared to whole citrus fruits.

Benefits

Provides fiber that supports digestive health.

Iodized salt
Neutral

Iodized salt is used to provide sodium and iodine, essential for thyroid function and electrolyte balance. It is a common additive in pet foods to ensure adequate intake of these nutrients. Its inclusion supports metabolic health.

Risks

Excessive sodium intake can lead to health issues, but this is managed at the product level.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium and iodine, supporting thyroid function and electrolyte balance.

Lipoic acid
Neutral

Lipoic acid is an antioxidant that supports metabolic health and energy production. It is often included in pet foods for its potential health benefits. Its inclusion supports overall well-being.

Benefits

Acts as an antioxidant, supporting metabolic health and energy production.

Choline chloride
Neutral

Choline chloride is a source of choline, an essential nutrient that supports brain health and liver function. It is commonly added to pet foods to ensure adequate intake. Its inclusion supports cognitive and metabolic health.

Benefits

Supports brain health and liver function by providing essential choline.

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Tauric acid
Neutral

Tauric acid is an amino acid that supports heart health and vision. It is often added to pet foods to ensure adequate intake. Its inclusion supports overall health and well-being.

Benefits

Supports heart health and vision by providing essential amino acids.

L-tryptophan
Neutral

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that supports mood and sleep regulation. It is often added to pet foods to ensure adequate intake. Its inclusion supports overall health and well-being.

Benefits

Supports mood and sleep regulation by providing essential amino acids.

Mixed tocopherols for freshness
Neutral

Mixed tocopherols are used as natural preservatives to maintain freshness. They are derived from vitamin E and help prevent oxidation. Their inclusion supports product stability and shelf life.

Benefits

Helps maintain freshness and prevent oxidation, supporting product stability.

L-carnitine
Neutral

L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative that supports energy metabolism and weight management. It is often added to pet foods for its potential health benefits. Its inclusion supports overall health and well-being.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and weight management by providing essential amino acid derivatives.

See more about L-carnitine →
Natural flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are used to enhance the taste of pet food but lack transparency in their composition. They may contain a variety of compounds that are not disclosed. Their inclusion is often criticized for not providing nutritional value.

Risks

Lack of transparency in composition may pose risks for pets with sensitivities.

Benefits

Enhances the palatability of the food, making it more appealing to pets.

See more about Natural flavors →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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