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Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet

Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 22, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a dry kibble designed for adult dogs, using lamb meal as the main protein source alongside brown rice, wheat, and corn for carbohydrates. It includes prebiotic fibers (like beet pulp and FOS) to support digestion, added omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E for skin and coat, and a controlled mineral balance suitable for healthy adult maintenance. The small kibble size can be easier for smaller-mouthed dogs to chew.

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Over-the-counter Meets WSAVA criteria AAFCO Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
9.5 out of 10

Top Pick

A well-balanced adult maintenance food with moderate protein and fat, backed by AAFCO feeding trials, which is a strong indicator of good overall nutrient digestibility and adequacy. It relies on lamb meal and chicken fat for animal-derived nutrients, with multiple grains providing energy and fiber, and includes prebiotics and omega fatty acids for digestive and skin support. This formula is a solid choice for otherwise healthy adult dogs who do well on grain-inclusive diets and don't need a higher-protein performance food.

Nutritional profile 8.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 10.0
Health considerations 10.0
Manufacturer evidence (WSAVA criteria) +0.5

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Digestive Health Immune Support Skin Coat Health
Diet & Compliance
Meets WSAVA criteria
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Backed by AAFCO feeding trials rather than just formulation, which gives extra confidence in digestibility and real-world performance for adult maintenance.
  • Lamb meal as the first ingredient provides a concentrated, animal-based protein source, and overall protein and fat levels are appropriate for most adult pet dogs.
  • Grain-inclusive formula with brown rice, barley, and oats offers digestible carbohydrates and fiber without relying on high levels of pulses linked to diet-associated DCM concerns.
  • Includes prebiotic fibers (beet pulp, FOS) plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, which can support healthy digestion, skin, and coat.

Considerations

  • Contains common allergens such as lamb, chicken-derived ingredients, wheat, soy, and corn, so it is not suitable for dogs with known sensitivities to any of those ingredients.
  • The carbohydrate content is relatively high, which is fine for many companion dogs but may be less ideal for very active or working dogs that might benefit from higher protein and fat.
  • Uses flavorings (hydrolyzed chicken flavor, pork liver flavor), which can be very palatable but may be an issue if a dog requires a strictly limited-ingredient or single-protein diet.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Protein Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Flaxseed, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Pork Liver Flavor, Iodized Salt, Whole Grain Oats, L-Lysine, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
View ingredient
02
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
03
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
04
Whole Grain Wheat
Whole grain wheat is used in pet foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates, fiber and some plant protein, and provides B‑vitamins and minerals to supply energy and help support stool quality—its nutritional contribution is typically more relevant for dogs than for obligate‑carnivore cats. While whole wheat retains more nutrients and fiber than refined wheat, it is calorie‑dense and can trigger gluten or grain sensitivities in a minority of pets, so animals with known wheat allergies or weight management concerns may be better served by wheat‑free or lower‑carbohydrate options.
05
Corn Protein Meal
Corn protein meal is a concentrated plant-based protein ingredient commonly used to raise crude protein and energy in dry kibbles, treats and some wet diets as a cost-effective alternative to animal protein sources. It provides digestible amino acids for dogs but has an incomplete amino acid profile (notably low in lysine and lacking taurine), so it should be balanced with higher-quality animal proteins for growing animals and obligate‑carnivore cats; some pets may also be sensitive to corn and quality/sourcing can affect safety and nutrient content.

Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
Dry Matter Basis
Protein (typical)
23.40%
Low AAFCO min: 18% High
Fat (typical)
16.60%
Low AAFCO min: 5.5% High
Crude Fiber (typical)
1.70%
Low Typical: 3–5% High
3721
kcal / Kg
369
kcal / Cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Feeding Trials
Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs.

Brand

Hill's Science Diet is a premium pet food brand focused on life-stage and lifestyle-specific nutrition for dogs and cats, formulated with high-quality ingredients and balanced by veterinarians and nutritionists for optimal pet health.

Price tier $$$$
WSAVA Meets criteria

WSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.

Manufacturer

Company name Hill's Pet Nutrition
Parent company Colgate-Palmolive Company
Founded 1907
Headquarters Topeka, Kansas, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Kansas
Manufacturing oversight

Hill's Pet Nutrition maintains strict quality and safety standards in all of its manufacturing sites, with adherence to rigorous ingredient testing and safety validation procedures. Facilities follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and are regularly audited for quality, safety, and consistency. All products meet or exceed AAFCO and FDA regulatory standards for pet food.

Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited business seal
Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited

PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Hill's Pet Nutrition is a PSC Accredited business. View profile

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

Hill's Science Diet has 2 recalls on record. View brand recalls

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KibbleLab food report
TOP TIER.
9.5 /10 Grade A+
Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Hill's Science Diet ever been recalled?

Hill's Science Diet has 2 recalls on record. The most recent was FDA Recall: Hill’s Pet Nutrition on May 21, 2019.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.