Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food, Pollock Meal, Barley, & Insect Meal, 3.5 lb. Bag

Name: Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food, Pollock Meal, Barley, & Insect Meal, 3.5 lb. Bag
Brand: Hill's Science Diet
SKU: B0C12WQN1F
Price: 26.97 USD
Availability: InStock

Hill's Science Diet · 3.5 lb · Dog

$7.71/ lb·$26.97total

Verified 5 days ago on Amazon. Best-seller rank #95.

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Overview

Hill's Science Diet offers a forward-thinking approach to digestive and skin health with this unique Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin recipe. By veering away from common proteins, this formula blends pollock meal and innovative insect meal to create a diet designed for the modern dog with specific sensitivities. Pollock, a mild whitefish, provides a quality source of protein that is often gentle on the stomach. The inclusion of insect meal is a cutting-edge choice, serving as a novel protein that is not only highly digestible but also exceptionally sustainable. Many food sensitivities in dogs are triggered by proteins they have been exposed to repeatedly, such as chicken or beef; introducing a novel source like insect meal can be a breakthrough for pets who have struggled with other foods. Partnered with barley, a nutritious whole grain that supplies steady energy, this 3.5 lb bag of Hill's Science Diet provides a complete and balanced meal. It represents a fantastic opportunity for owners to trial a truly different kind of nutrition for their adult dogs, especially when digestive upset or skin irritation is a concern.

Key features

Features a unique protein combination of pollock meal and sustainable insect meal.
Formulated specifically for adult dogs to support sensitive stomachs and promote healthy skin.
From Hill's Science Diet, a brand widely recognized for its veterinarian-backed, scientific approach to pet nutrition.
Uses barley as a primary carbohydrate source for sustained energy.
Offered in a smaller 3.5 lb. bag, which is ideal for testing the food with a picky eater or a dog with a sensitive system.

Pros

**Novel Protein Blend:** The use of insect meal alongside fish makes this an excellent option for dogs who have sensitivities or allergies to traditional proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb.
**Targeted Digestive Support:** As a "Sensitive Stomach & Skin" formula, its ingredients are chosen to be gentle and support gastrointestinal health and a lustrous coat.
**Science-Backed Brand:** Hill's Science Diet is a globally trusted brand with a long history of investing in nutritional research and maintaining high quality control standards.
**Trial-Friendly Size:** The 3.5 lb bag allows pet owners to try a new, specialized food without committing to a large, expensive purchase, minimizing waste if it's not a good fit for their dog.

Cons

**Premium Price Point:** The cost-per-pound for this specialized formula is higher than most grocery store brands and sits above the median for small-bag dog foods.
**Not Grain-Free:** While many dogs thrive on wholesome grains, this recipe contains barley and is not suitable for dogs with specific grain allergies or those on a veterinarian-recommended grain-free diet.
**Limited Cost-Effectiveness:** For owners of large breeds or multiple dogs, the small 3.5 lb bag is not an economical choice for long-term feeding.
**Unconventional Ingredient:** Some owners may be hesitant about feeding their dog a food containing insect-based protein, despite its nutritional and environmental benefits.

Best for

This Hill's Science Diet formula is best suited for adult dogs that show signs of food sensitivities, such as intermittent digestive upset, gas, itchy skin, or a dull, patchy coat. It is an ideal choice for owners looking to try a novel protein diet to help rule out or avoid common allergens like poultry and beef. Because it contains a unique blend of fish and insect protein, it offers a nutritional profile that many dogs have not been exposed to before, which can be the key to resolving sensitivity issues. This food is designed for dogs who do well with grains but need a specialized protein source to look and feel their best.

Feeding guide

Every dog's metabolism and activity level is different, so feeding amounts will vary. As a general starting point, most adult dogs need roughly 1/2 to 1 and 1/3 cups of food per 20 pounds of body weight each day. This daily portion should be divided into two meals, morning and evening. For the most accurate guidance, always consult the feeding chart on the packaging. Adjust the serving size as needed to maintain your dog's ideal body condition, and ensure fresh, clean water is always available.

Ingredients & nutrition note

petfoodprice.com is a price-comparison service and does not have access to the full manufacturer-provided ingredient list or guaranteed analysis. Pet food recipes can be updated by the manufacturer at any time, so the most reliable source of information is always the product's physical packaging. Dry foods in this "sensitive" category often contain beneficial additions like omega fatty acids from fish oil to support skin health, and prebiotic fibers to nourish healthy gut bacteria.

Price comparison

With a price of $7.71 per pound, this 3.5 lb bag of Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin lands slightly above the median price of $6.49 per pound observed across more than 100 comparable small-bag dry dog foods. While it is certainly a more premium option than budget-friendly brands, its cost is well below the highest-priced prescription or boutique diets on the market. The price reflects its positioning as a specialized, science-backed formula from a leading brand that uses innovative and premium ingredients like pollock and insect meal.

Frequently asked questions

Why is insect meal used in this dog food?

Insect meal is a novel protein source, meaning most dogs have never been exposed to it. This makes it a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef. It's also a highly sustainable and eco-friendly protein, requiring significantly less land, water, and resources to produce than traditional livestock.

Is this a grain-free dog food?

No, this is not a grain-free recipe. It purposefully includes barley, a wholesome grain that provides essential fiber, carbohydrates for energy, and other nutrients. If your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with a grain allergy, you should seek out a specifically grain-free formula.

Can I feed this Sensitive Stomach & Skin formula to my puppy?

This food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs. Puppies require different levels of calories, protein, and minerals like calcium for healthy growth and development. Hill's Science Diet offers separate lines of food specifically designed for a puppy's unique life stage requirements.

What's the benefit of pollock in dog food?

Pollock is a type of whitefish that is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are known to support healthy skin, promote a shiny coat, and contribute to overall wellness, making it a great fit for a "Sensitive Stomach & Skin" formula.

Is a small 3.5 lb bag a good value?

While the per-pound cost of a small bag is typically higher than a large bag, the 3.5 lb size offers excellent value in a different way. It allows you to trial a new, specialized food with your dog without the financial risk and potential waste of buying a 25 lb bag they might not eat or tolerate well.

Does Hill's Science Diet perform feeding trials?

Hill's Science Diet is known for its commitment to scientific research and employs a large team of veterinarians and Ph.D. nutritionists. The brand states that it conducts feeding trials and clinical studies to ensure its diets are effective and palatable for pets. For specific details on this formula, it's best to consult the Hill's Pet Nutrition website.

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