Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care with Chicken Dry Dog food, 16 lbs.
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This dog food contains beneficial ingredients like chicken, cracked pearled barley, and whole grain oats, which provide essential nutrients and support digestive health. However, it includes processed components such as corn protein meal and natural flavors, which reduce transparency and quality. The product's processing level limits its score, despite the presence of some high-quality ingredients.
Key ingredients 18
Whole Grain OatsVery Good
Whole grain oats are a nutritious grain providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are minimally processed, retaining their nutritional benefits. Oats support digestive health and provide sustained energy.
Benefits
Rich in dietary fiber and nutrients that support digestive health and provide sustained energy.
ChickenGood
Chicken is a high-quality source of animal protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and growth. It is minimally processed and offers a rich nutrient profile. Compared to plant-based proteins, it provides a more complete amino acid profile.
Benefits
Rich in essential amino acids and nutrients that support muscle health and overall well-being in dogs.
Cracked Pearled BarleyGood
Cracked pearled barley is a whole grain that provides dietary fiber, supporting digestive health. It is minimally processed, retaining most of its nutritional value. The fiber content aids in maintaining healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
Benefits
Provides dietary fiber and essential nutrients that support digestive health and regularity.
L-TryptophanGood
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that supports mood regulation and sleep. It is included in pet foods to promote calmness and well-being. As an amino acid, it plays a role in protein synthesis and neurotransmitter production.
Benefits
Supports mood regulation and promotes calmness in pets.
Mixed TocopherolsGood
Mixed tocopherols are a form of vitamin E, used as a natural preservative and antioxidant. They help extend the shelf life of pet foods by preventing oxidation. Vitamin E also supports immune function and skin health.
Benefits
Acts as a natural preservative and supports immune function and skin health.
Beta-CaroteneGood
Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, supporting vision and immune health. It is a natural antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables. As a source of vitamin A, it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision and skin.
Benefits
Supports vision and immune health as a precursor to vitamin A.
Brewers RiceNeutral
Brewers rice is a by-product of the rice milling process, providing carbohydrates and some energy. It is a processed ingredient with limited nutritional value compared to whole grains. It serves as a filler ingredient in pet foods.
Risks
May contribute to a less nutrient-dense diet if overused.
Benefits
Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy.
Corn Protein MealNeutral
Corn protein meal is a plant-based protein source derived from corn, offering amino acids. It is a processed ingredient with a less complete amino acid profile compared to animal proteins. It is often used to boost protein content in pet foods.
Risks
May not provide a complete amino acid profile compared to animal-based proteins.
Benefits
Contributes to the overall protein content of the diet.
Whole Grain CornNeutral
Whole grain corn is a source of carbohydrates and some fiber, supporting energy needs. It is a minimally processed grain but may not be as nutrient-dense as other grains. It is commonly used in pet foods for its energy content.
Risks
Potential allergen for some pets and may contribute to weight gain if overconsumed.
Benefits
Provides carbohydrates for energy and some dietary fiber.
Ground Pecan ShellsNeutral
Ground pecan shells are used as a fiber source in pet foods, aiding in digestion. They are a by-product of pecan processing and provide insoluble fiber. While they contribute to fiber content, they offer limited nutritional value.
Benefits
Contributes to dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
Chicken Liver FlavorNeutral
Chicken liver flavor is used to enhance palatability in pet foods. It is a processed flavoring agent derived from chicken liver. While it improves taste, it does not contribute significant nutritional value.
Benefits
Enhances palatability, encouraging consumption.
Ferrous SulfateNeutral
Ferrous sulfate is a source of iron, essential for oxygen transport in the blood. It is a processed mineral supplement used to prevent iron deficiency. While beneficial in small amounts, excessive intake can lead to toxicity.
Risks
Excessive intake can lead to iron toxicity.
Benefits
Provides essential iron for healthy blood function.
Zinc OxideNeutral
Zinc oxide is a source of zinc, important for immune function and skin health. It is a processed mineral supplement used to ensure adequate zinc intake. While beneficial, excessive zinc can interfere with the absorption of other minerals.
Risks
Excessive zinc intake can interfere with the absorption of other minerals.
Benefits
Supports immune function and skin health.
Manganous OxideNeutral
Manganous oxide is a source of manganese, important for bone health and metabolism. It is a processed mineral supplement used to ensure adequate manganese intake. While beneficial, excessive manganese can lead to toxicity.
Risks
Excessive intake can lead to manganese toxicity.
Benefits
Supports bone health and metabolic processes.
Calcium IodateNeutral
Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, essential for thyroid function. It is a processed mineral supplement used to prevent iodine deficiency. While necessary, excessive iodine can disrupt thyroid function.
Risks
Excessive intake can disrupt thyroid function.
Benefits
Supports thyroid health and hormone production.
Sodium SeleniteNeutral
Sodium selenite is a source of selenium, important for antioxidant defense and immune function. It is a processed mineral supplement used to ensure adequate selenium intake. While beneficial, excessive selenium can be toxic.
Risks
Excessive intake can lead to selenium toxicity.
Benefits
Supports antioxidant defense and immune function.
Copper SulfateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Excessive intake can lead to copper toxicity.
Benefits
Supports enzymatic processes and overall health.
Natural FlavorsBad
Natural flavors are used to enhance taste but lack transparency in their composition. They are processed flavoring agents that may contain various additives. The lack of specificity can be concerning for those monitoring ingredient quality.
Risks
Potential allergen and may contain undisclosed additives.
Benefits
Enhances palatability, encouraging consumption.
Processing
Processed Foods
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