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Science Diet
Science Diet
from Wikipedia

Science Diet is a brand of cat and dog foods marketed by Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.[1] (a subsidiary of the Colgate-Palmolive Company). In the United Kingdom and Europe, Science Diet operates as Science Plan.

Key Information

History

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Science Diet was developed in the 1960s[2] by Mark L. Morris Jr. PhD DVM (February 3, 1934 – January 14, 2007). Dr. Morris Jr. was the son of veterinarian Dr. Mark Morris Sr. DVM, who pioneered the field of veterinary clinical nutrition after being asked to formulate a specialized diet for the original seeing-eye dog, Buddy, a female German Shepherd with kidney disease. That success led Dr. Morris Sr. and his son to devise additional condition-specific and life-stage pet food formulas under the Prescription Diet and Science Diet brand names.[3]

The Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet brands steadily gained market share, peaking in 2008 at 10.7% of dog food sales, but by 2011, this had dropped to 9.4% with shifts in consumer preferences toward pet foods marketed as "natural" and consumer perceptions of Science Diet as being "artificial".[4]

Recalls

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Science Diet has had multiple product recalls.[5]

  • March 16, 2007 [6] & March 27, 2017 [7] — FDA Recall on Science Diet Savory Cuts canned cat food due to "melamine contamination" (chemical used in plastics manufacture)
  • April 1, 2007 — Manufactured Recall on Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry cat food due to "melamine contamination" (chemical used in plastics manufacture)[8]
  • June 2, 2014 — FDA Recall for Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry dog food products for potential "salmonella contamination" regarding 62 bags in total. This was limited to the following states: California, Hawaii and Nevada.[9][10]
  • November 28, 2015 — Manufactured Recall due to "Labelling problems" on Adult Perfect Weight Chicken and Vegetables, Small & Toy Adult Gourmet Beef Entrée, Small & Toy Mature Gourmet Beef Entrée, Adult Beef Entrée, Adult Beef & Chicken Entrée, and Mature Adult Gourmet Beef Entree.[9]
  • January 31, 2019 — Manufactured Recall on Hill's Prescription dog food as well as wet Science Diet for "Elevated levels of vitamin D" [11]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Science Diet is a brand of premium dog and cat food manufactured by , Inc., a of Company, specializing in science-led formulated for s' specific life stages, breeds, sizes, and health needs. Introduced in 1968, the brand originated from veterinary aimed at creating balanced diets to support overall pet wellness, building on innovations started in the late 1930s by Dr. Mark Morris Sr. to address nutritional deficiencies in guide dogs. Hill's Pet Nutrition, the parent company, traces its roots to 1939 when Dr. Morris and his wife Louise developed a specialized pet food in their kitchen to treat kidney failure in a German Shepherd named Buddy, the guide dog of blind activist Morris Frank. This effort evolved into a commitment to evidence-based pet nutrition, with Science Diet becoming available through veterinarians and pet professionals to promote preventive health care. Over 75 years of research, including more than a decade of microbiome studies involving thousands of samples analyzed by over 200 veterinarians and nutritionists, underpin the brand's formulations. Key features of Science Diet products include the ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit blend, which incorporates prebiotic fibers and antioxidants to support , stool quality, immune health, energy levels, and organ function; this blend provides at least six times the minimum required by AAFCO standards. The lineup offers tailored options for puppies, kittens, adults, seniors, and pets with specific concerns like or sensitive skin, all exceeding basic nutritional guidelines for complete and balanced diets. Recognized as the #1 veterinarian-recommended brand for non-prescription in the United States, Science Diet emphasizes natural ingredients and is widely available through pet stores, online retailers, and veterinary channels.

Brand and Company

Founding and Early Development

Hill's Pet Nutrition, the company behind the Science Diet brand, was founded in 1939 by veterinarian Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr. and his wife, Louise Morris, in their home kitchen. The initiative stemmed from a request by Morris Frank, a blind man traveling with his , Buddy, who was suffering from ; Dr. Morris developed a specialized nutritional formula to address Buddy's condition, laying the groundwork for therapeutic pet nutrition. Early development involved key collaborations to scale production. In 1948, Dr. Morris partnered with the Hill Packing Company in , led by Burton Hill, to commercially can the formula originally known as Raritan Ration B, a diet designed for dogs with renal issues that became the precursor to modern kidney support foods. This partnership marked the formal establishment of as a dedicated to veterinary-formulated diets. A significant milestone came in 1953 with the introduction of Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d, the first commercially available diet specifically formulated for urinary health in both cats and dogs, emphasizing controlled mineral levels and pH balance to prevent crystals. This product solidified the company's commitment to clinically tested, therapeutic backed by veterinary science. In the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. Mark L. Morris Jr., son of , played a pivotal role in advancing research-based pet foods by expanding clinical studies and ensuring consistent quality for veterinary use, including co-authoring influential texts on small animal . His efforts helped transition the focus from solely therapeutic diets to broader wellness formulations, such as the eventual launch of Science Diet for healthy pets.

Ownership and Modern Operations

In 1968, Dr. Mark Morris Jr. introduced the Science Diet brand as the first over-the-counter line designed for healthy dogs and cats, beginning with the Adult Maintenance formula and distributed exclusively through veterinarians. This marked a shift from therapeutic diets to preventive for the general population. The company behind Science Diet, originally Hill Packing Company, underwent significant corporate evolution when it was acquired by in 1976 through a merger with Riviana Foods, which had purchased the firm in 1968. This acquisition integrated Science Diet into 's global portfolio, facilitating expanded production capabilities and international distribution while preserving the brand's veterinary roots. Following the acquisition, key milestones underscored ongoing innovation under Colgate-Palmolive's ownership. In 1992, Hill's launched Prescription Diet a/d, a highly digestible canned for dogs and cats recovering from illness or . The 2005 release of Prescription Diet j/d introduced targeted support for joint health in dogs, backed by on mobility improvement. In 2017, Science Diet Youthful (later rebranded as Senior ) debuted to address age-related vitality in pets over seven years, focusing on brain health and energy. The 2018 opening of the Pet Nutrition Center in , established a state-of-the-art 180-acre facility for , housing over 900 pets in controlled studies. As of 2025, operates as a division of with a global presence in 86 countries, emphasizing science-led pet nutrition. The company employs more than 220 veterinarians, Ph.D. nutritionists, and food scientists dedicated to and clinical trials. Manufacturing occurs in advanced facilities across the United States (including Topeka and ; Bowling Green, Kentucky; Emporia, Kansas; Orangeburg, South Carolina; Clinton, Oklahoma; and Washington Court House, Ohio) and Europe (such as in the and ), supporting scalable production that meets human-food-grade safety standards. Hill's maintains substantial investments in at its Topeka center, driving evidence-based advancements in pet health.

Product Portfolio

Dog Food Offerings

Science Diet offers a range of dry kibble products tailored to dogs' life stages and sizes. For puppies, formulas such as Puppy Small & Toy and Puppy Large support growth during early development. Adult offerings include Adult Small & Toy , designed for support in smaller dogs, and Adult Large , which addresses for bigger breeds. Senior lines, like Senior Vitality for dogs 7+ and Senior 11+, focus on maintaining vitality and mobility in aging dogs. Wet and canned varieties complement the dry options, providing moist textures for palatability. Savory Stew selections, including those with chicken and vegetables, come in tender chunks suitable for general feeding. Breed-specific options, such as Small Paws for small dogs, offer targeted formats like stews or pate-style foods to meet size-related preferences. Specialized health-focused products address specific canine needs without overlapping into broader nutritional formulations. The line aids digestive comfort, while options, including Perfect Weight, provide calorie-controlled support for maintaining ideal body condition. Oral Care formulas promote dental health through textured kibble that helps reduce buildup. These are backed by Hill's research foundation. Packaging for Science Diet dog foods ranges from small 1.5 lb bags for sizes to larger 30 lb options for bulk feeding, with prices typically between $20 and $80 USD depending on size and type. Products are available through specialty stores, retailers like Chewy and Amazon, and veterinary clinics. In 2025, the has advanced initiatives, with a goal of 100% recyclable materials for dry bags globally.

Cat Food Offerings

Science Diet offers a range of dry kibble formulas tailored to specific feline needs, including the Adult Hairball Control line, which incorporates to promote healthy digestion and reduce formation through regular grooming support. The Indoor formula addresses for less active cats by providing controlled calories and fiber to support lean body condition and easy maintenance. For younger cats, the formula delivers high-quality protein and essential nutrients like DHA to foster growth, brain development, and strength during the first year of life. Senior formulas, such as Adult 7+ and Adult 11+, emphasize health, vitality, and joint support with balanced minerals and antioxidants to maintain energy levels in aging cats. Wet and canned varieties complement these dry options, featuring textures like Tender Chicken Dinner in gravy and pâté styles for palatability and hydration. The Urinary Hairball Control wet food combines controlled minerals for urinary tract health with fiber to minimize hairballs, while Multi-Benefit varieties promote overall digestion through prebiotic fibers. Specialized health-focused products include the Sensitive Stomach formula, enriched with probiotics and highly digestible ingredients to support gut and reduce digestive upset. The Perfect Weight line offers high-protein, low-carbohydrate , clinically proven to help over 70% of cats achieve within 10 weeks while preserving muscle mass. For aging cats, Youthful blends antioxidants to combat and support cognitive and cardiac function. These formulations are backed by veterinary trials demonstrating in targeted health outcomes. Products are available in convenient packaging, including pouches and cans ranging from 2.8 to 5.5 ounces for wet foods, and dry bags from 1.5 to 15.5 pounds, with prices typically spanning $15 to $60 USD depending on size and variety. In , Science Diet has placed increased emphasis on reduction formulas, aligning with the rise in ownership, which reached 49 million U.S. households following a 23% increase in 2024.

Nutritional Philosophy

Scientific Research Foundation

Science Diet's scientific research foundation is rooted in an evidence-based approach guided by the principle that "science leads the way" in pet nutrition. Hill's Pet Nutrition, the company behind Science Diet, employs over 220 veterinarians, PhD nutritionists, and food scientists who collaborate globally to develop and refine pet foods through rigorous testing and innovation. These experts author more than 50 research papers and textbook chapters each year, contributing to advancements in clinical nutrition for pets at various life stages and health conditions. The foundation traces back to pioneering work in the 1930s by Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr., a who developed the first prescription diet to manage in a named Buddy, in partnership with The Seeing Eye organization. This collaboration, which continues as a longstanding support relationship, underscored the impact of targeted nutrition on canine health outcomes. Building on this, Dr. Mark L. Morris Jr. advanced nutritional research in the mid-20th century, conducting trials that demonstrated how specific levels could influence disease management and overall pet well-being, laying the groundwork for modern therapeutic diets. Contemporary research occurs at the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Center in , a state-of-the-art facility housing approximately 900 dogs and cats in controlled environments for long-term feeding trials and evaluations. These studies emphasize objective measures, such as blood analyses for organ function, to assess nutritional impacts on biomarkers of health like and liver performance. For instance, multi-year investigations have informed formulations by tracking long-term physiological responses. In 2025, Hill's integrated into research efforts, notably through a pilot AI algorithm developed in partnership with the Urolith Center to predict and analyze urinary stone composition from images, enhancing diagnostic precision in pet health management. This innovation aligns with broader publications in peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of the (JAVMA), where Hill's researchers report findings on topics ranging from microbiome influences to chronic nutrition.

Ingredient Selection and Formulation

Hill's Pet Nutrition, the maker of Science Diet, sources ingredients exclusively from suppliers whose facilities undergo rigorous vetting and must comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) modeled after production standards. Each incoming is subjected to physical inspections and laboratory testing for purity, potency, and safety before use, ensuring only high-quality materials are incorporated into formulations. For example, proteins like are often sourced from U.S. facilities, and all dry Science Diet products are formulated without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors to maintain natural integrity. The brand's recipes adhere to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profiles, providing complete and balanced nutrition, with most formulas featuring at least 20-25% minimum crude protein primarily from high-quality animal sources such as to support muscle maintenance and growth. Science Diet formulations emphasize nutritional balance through carefully selected components backed by Hill's research. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, derived from sources like and , are included in optimal ratios to promote healthy and by reducing and supporting . Prebiotics such as beet pulp are incorporated in many recipes, particularly those for sensitive , to nourish beneficial gut and enhance stool quality. Antioxidants including vitamins E and C are added to bolster by neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells, with levels calibrated to exceed AAFCO minimums for lifelong health support. What sets Science Diet apart from many competitors is its focus on clinically tested levels and avoidance of certain fillers in select lines. Premium offerings, such as grain-free or sensitive skin formulas, exclude meat by-products, relying instead on whole animal proteins for superior digestibility and . Puppy and kitten foods include DHA from at guaranteed minimum levels of approximately 0.06-0.1% to brain and , with studies demonstrating improved cognitive outcomes compared to unsupplemented diets. In 2025, Science Diet advanced its formulations with ActivBiome+ technology, a microbiome-supporting blend integrated into multiple dry dog and cat foods to improve and absorption while promoting through efficient ingredient use. These enhancements build on Hill's foundational scientific studies to deliver targeted nutritional benefits.

Safety and Controversies

Product Recalls

In March 2019, , the parent company of Science Diet, initiated a voluntary recall of select canned products, including several Science Diet varieties such as Adult Perfect Weight, due to elevated levels of resulting from a manufacturing error involving a supplier's nutrient premix. The initial recall covered 25 varieties across multiple lots, and it was expanded on March 20, 2019, to include an additional 8 varieties, totaling 33 varieties and 85 lots. FDA testing confirmed vitamin D concentrations in affected products ranging from 100,170 to 107,282 IU/kg, exceeding the AAFCO safe upper limit of 3,000 IU/kg by more than 33 times and posing risks of including vomiting, , and death in dogs. The recall affected products distributed nationwide and internationally but did not include any varieties. Following an FDA investigation, Hill's received a warning letter in November 2019 citing failures in and current good manufacturing practices. In 2021, Hill's settled a related class-action for $12.5 million to compensate affected pet owners for veterinary costs and product refunds. In June 2014, Hill's voluntarily recalled 62 bags of Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry sold in , , and due to potential contamination detected during routine testing. The affected bags, weighing 15.5 pounds each with a specific SKU code 9097 and "Best Before" dates of April 25 and 28, 2015, were limited to a single production run, and no illnesses were reported in pets or humans. This isolated incident prompted enhanced testing protocols but did not expand to other products. In November 2015, Hill's conducted a voluntary market withdrawal of select lots of Science Diet canned dog and cat foods due to potential issues, though the specific cause was not publicly detailed. The action was limited to certain production codes, with no reported illnesses or broader required by the FDA. In 2014, independent testing by the Hong Kong Consumer Council detected trace levels of (1.0–2.0 µg/kg) in samples of Hill's Science Diet dry dog and cat foods, below EU safety thresholds and not triggering a full . No was found in these samples. As of November 2025, FDA records show no major recalls or withdrawals for Science Diet products.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Controversy

In February 2024, a class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas against Hill's Pet Nutrition, the Morris Animal Foundation, and several affiliated veterinarians, alleging that the defendants conspired to fabricate or exaggerate a link between grain-free, boutique, and exotic ingredient (BEG) diets and non-hereditary canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The suit, led by pet food company KetoNatural Pet Foods, claims this was done to manipulate FDA investigations starting in 2018, discredit competitors' grain-free products, and boost sales of Hill's grain-inclusive formulations, seeking up to $2.6 billion in damages. Hill's has denied the allegations, calling them "baseless" and moving to dismiss the case, arguing that their actions were based on legitimate scientific concerns about DCM risks. As of November 2025, the lawsuit remains ongoing, with the court denying a motion to dismiss in part but allowing further proceedings on key claims; the FDA's 2018–2019 DCM probe concluded without establishing a definitive causal link to specific diets.

Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance

Hill's Pet Nutrition implements rigorous quality control measures throughout its manufacturing process to ensure product and nutritional integrity. Incoming ingredients undergo comprehensive inspections, including microbiological, sensory, physical, chemical, and foreign matter testing, to verify purity and compliance with established standards. Finished products receive daily final checks, along with physical inspections and analysis before release, helping to maintain consistency and prevent contamination. These protocols include ongoing monitoring for pathogens such as at every production step, contributing to the overall of Science Diet formulations. The company adheres to key regulatory frameworks, including current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) enforced by the U.S. (FDA), as well as nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Hill's products also meet or exceed guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), which emphasize feeding trials and nutritional adequacy statements on labels. Annual quality system audits are conducted across all manufacturing facilities to uphold these requirements, with a focus on sanitary production conditions. While specific EU compliance details are not publicly detailed, the company's global operations align with international norms through supplier verification and internal controls. Following the 2019 voluntary of select canned foods due to elevated levels—a issue stemming from a supplier error—Hill's enhanced its applied controls (SCACs) as outlined in its revised submitted to the FDA. This included clearer integration of supplier oversight into overall protocols, addressing FDA-identified lapses in following established procedures. No major recalls have occurred since 2020, reflecting sustained improvements in . To promote transparency, Hill's provides a 24/7 hotline (1-800-445-5777) for inquiries and support, including recall-related concerns, and maintains an online contact system for lot-specific information. These initiatives enable rapid response to needs, reinforcing trust in the brand's commitment to pet health.

References

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