Hill s Science Diet Senior 7+ Youthful Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 3.5 lb bag
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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 oatsVery 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.
FlaxseedVery 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.
ChickenGood
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.
Yellow peasGood
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.
Cracked pearled barleyGood
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.
Egg productGood
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 fatGood
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.
CarrotsGood
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.
SpinachGood
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.
Fish oilGood
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.
VitaminsGood
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.
MineralsGood
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.
Beta-caroteneGood
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.
Brewers riceNeutral
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 cornNeutral
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 flavorNeutral
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 pomaceNeutral
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 flavorNeutral
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 acidNeutral
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.
L-lysineNeutral
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 chlorideNeutral
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.
Calcium carbonateNeutral
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.
Dried citrus pulpNeutral
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 saltNeutral
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 acidNeutral
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 chlorideNeutral
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.
Tauric acidNeutral
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-tryptophanNeutral
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 freshnessNeutral
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-carnitineNeutral
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.
Natural flavorsBad
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.
Processing
Processed Foods
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