petfoodprice.com

Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe (33 lb. Bag) Product Review

Hill's Science Diet · 33 lb · Dog

Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-5 Large Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice, 33 lb. Bag
$2.73/ lb·$89.99total

Verified 6 days ago on Amazon. Best-seller rank #489.

Check price on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, petfoodprice.com earns from qualifying purchases.

Overview

For owners of large breed dogs in their prime years, finding a diet that precisely matches their metabolic and structural needs is key. Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-5 Large Breed recipe with Lamb Meal & Brown Rice is engineered for this specific life stage, targeting dogs between one and five years old. This formula moves away from more common poultry proteins, centering on lamb meal as the primary animal protein source, which can be a beneficial choice for big dogs who may have sensitivities to chicken. Paired with brown rice, this food is designed to deliver sustained energy and balanced nutrition to support the active lifestyle of breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. Offered in a substantial 33 lb. bag, this product is geared towards households that appreciate the convenience and long-term value of buying in bulk for a large canine companion.

Key features

  • Formulated for the specific needs of large breed adult dogs aged 1 to 5 years.
  • Features lamb meal as a quality alternative protein source to chicken or beef.
  • Includes brown rice, a whole grain for digestible carbohydrates and fiber.
  • Comes in a large 33 lb. bag, ideal for owners of big dogs.
  • Produced by Hill's Science Diet, a brand widely recognized and used by veterinarians.

Pros

  • Lamb meal provides a robust protein profile and is often well-tolerated by dogs with sensitivities to other proteins.
  • The age-specific formulation (1-5 years) is more tailored than generic "adult" dog foods, addressing the needs of dogs in their peak physical years.
  • A 33 lb. bag offers good value and convenience, reducing the frequency of purchases for owners of large dogs.
  • Hill's is a long-standing, research-driven brand with a strong reputation in the veterinary community.

Cons

  • The price per pound is slightly above the average for the large-bag dry dog food category.
  • Large-breed kibble can be too large for some dogs, particularly if they are smaller or have dental limitations.
  • Committing to a 33 lb. bag can be a risk if your dog has not tried and approved of the formula before.
  • This recipe contains grains (brown rice), which may not be suitable for dogs on a prescribed grain-free diet.

Best for

This recipe is an excellent match for adult dogs over 55 lbs, between the ages of one and five. It's particularly well-suited for households looking for a reliable, non-chicken protein source from a major brand and who have the storage space for a large 33 lb. bag. It's designed to support the joint and muscle health typical of large, active dogs in their prime.

Feeding guide

Feeding requirements can vary significantly based on your dog's metabolism, activity level, and environment. As a general guideline, most large-breed adult dogs need approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dry food per 10 lbs of body weight per day. This total amount should be split into at least two meals. For a 70 lb dog, this would be around 2 1/3 to 3 1/2 cups daily. Always start with the feeding chart on the product bag as your primary guide and adjust the amount to maintain a lean, healthy body condition. Fresh water should be available at all times.

Ingredients & nutrition note

As we do not have the full ingredient panel, we can only comment on the information provided in the product title. This food features 'Lamb Meal' as a protein source, which is a concentrated, rendered form of lamb that is high in protein by weight. 'Brown Rice' is included as a whole-grain carbohydrate source, providing energy and dietary fiber. Formulas in this category from major brands like Hill's Science Diet are typically fortified with a complete range of vitamins and minerals. They often include supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to support the joint health of large breeds, although we cannot confirm their presence in this specific bag.

Price comparison

This 33 lb. bag of Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Lamb is currently priced at $2.73 per pound. When compared against over 100 other large bags of dry dog food on the market, its cost sits just slightly above the category average of $2.61/lb and the median of $2.43/lb. While it is far from being the most expensive option available (with some premium foods exceeding $5.00/lb), it is not a budget food. The price reflects its positioning as a science-backed formula from a leading veterinary brand.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'lamb' and 'lamb meal'?

'Lamb meal' is a rendered product, meaning the fresh lamb has been cooked down to remove water and fat, creating a more concentrated source of protein by weight compared to fresh lamb. It's a very common and high-quality ingredient in dry pet foods.

Is this food suitable for a 7-year-old Golden Retriever?

This specific formula is targeted for adult dogs aged 1-5. Hill's Science Diet offers other recipes specifically for mature adult or senior dogs (typically ages 6 or 7+), which would have adjusted nutrient profiles for the needs of an older dog, such as lower calories and different levels of joint support. You should look for a 'Mature Adult' or 'Senior' version from the same brand for your 7-year-old dog.

Is this a grain-free dog food?

No, this recipe is not grain-free. It contains brown rice as a key ingredient, which is a whole grain that provides carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health.

My large dog eats fast. Is the kibble size big?

Yes, dry foods labeled for 'Large Breed' dogs typically feature a larger kibble size. This encourages dogs to chew their food more thoroughly, which can aid digestion and help prevent the risks associated with eating too quickly, such as bloat.

Why is this food only for ages 1-5?

Dogs have different nutritional needs at various life stages. A dog aged 1-5 is in its prime and generally requires higher energy and protein levels for muscle maintenance. A senior dog (6+) often needs fewer calories and more support for aging joints, which is reflected in senior-specific formulas.

Is lamb a good source of protein for dogs?

Yes, lamb is an excellent source of high-quality protein for dogs. It's a red meat that provides essential amino acids needed for muscle development and energy. It is also a very popular alternative for dogs that may have digestive sensitivities or allergies to more common proteins like chicken.

Ready to buy?

View on Amazon →

Compare similar dog foods