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Hill's Science Diet vs Instinct

Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition (owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company), and Instinct by Nature's Variety (owned by Agrolimen S.A.), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Hill's Science Diet averages 8.6 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.4 for Instinct. Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Instinct does not.

Hill's Science Diet and Instinct compared

Hill's Science Diet Instinct
Manufacturer Hill's Pet Nutrition Nature's Variety
Parent company Colgate-Palmolive Company Agrolimen S.A.
Founded 1907 2002
Headquarters Topeka, Kansas, USA St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Products listed 73 108
Serves Cats & dogs Cats & dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$$$$ $$$$$
WSAVA guidelines The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands.
Yes No
PSC accredited The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality.
Yes Yes
Score The average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works .
8.6 (avg of 73) 8.4 (avg of 108)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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Hill's Science Diet vs Instinct: how they compare

Scores

Hill's Science Diet scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.6 out of 10 across 73 scored foods, compared with 8.4 across 108 for Instinct. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes them

Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company, based in Topeka, Kansas, USA, founded in 1907. Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, owned by Agrolimen S.A., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2002.

Standards and range

Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Instinct does not. Both are accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition. KibbleLab lists 73 Hill's Science Diet foods and 108 Instinct foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Hill's Science Diet or Instinct?

Hill's Science Diet scores higher: it averages 8.6 out of 10 across 73 scored foods, compared with 8.4 for Instinct. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Hill's Science Diet and Instinct?

Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which is owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company. Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, which is owned by Agrolimen S.A.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Instinct has 108 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 73 for Hill's Science Diet.

Where is each brand based?

Hill's Science Diet is based in Topeka, Kansas, USA. Instinct is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Do Hill's Science Diet and Instinct meet WSAVA criteria?

Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; Instinct does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.

Are Hill's Science Diet or Instinct PSC Accredited?

Both Hill's Science Diet and Instinct are PSC Accredited businesses. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact.

Have Hill's Science Diet or Instinct been recalled?

Neither Hill's Science Diet nor Instinct has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: Hill's Science Diet and Instinct .

More comparisons

KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.

Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.