z/d Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 14, 2026
This is a hydrolyzed-protein dry diet for adult dogs, designed for those with suspected or confirmed food sensitivities. It uses hydrolyzed chicken liver and chicken as the protein sources, with corn starch as the main carbohydrate, and includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fats plus beet pulp and prebiotic fibers to support skin and digestive health. The formula is complete and balanced for adult maintenance and has been validated through AAFCO feeding trials.
Nutritionally, this is a well-designed therapeutic diet for adult dogs with food allergies or adverse food reactions. The use of hydrolyzed chicken proteins helps lower the risk of triggering an immune response, while the moderate protein and fat levels and higher carbohydrate content make it gentle on the digestive system. It’s best suited for adult dogs under veterinary supervision who need a strict, single-therapeutic diet for skin, GI, or urinary concerns related to food reactions.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses hydrolyzed chicken liver and hydrolyzed chicken as the only protein sources, which can be very helpful for managing true food allergies and sensitivities.
- Complete and balanced for adult dogs and backed by AAFCO feeding trials, which provides strong evidence for nutrient adequacy and good digestibility.
- Moderate protein (about 20% on a dry-matter basis) and fat (about 14.5% DM) with a controlled mineral profile, which can be easier on sensitive digestive systems and helps support urinary health goals.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, beet pulp, flaxseed, and added vitamins C and E to support skin barrier function and overall immune and digestive health.
Considerations
- This diet is formulated for adult maintenance only and is not appropriate for puppies, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
- Corn starch and soy-derived ingredients are key components; while generally well tolerated, they may not suit the rare dog with sensitivities to these specific ingredients.
- Protein level is intentionally on the moderate side for a therapeutic allergy diet, so it may not be ideal for very high-activity or working dogs unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it.
- As a prescription therapeutic formula, it should be used only under ongoing veterinary guidance, especially if your dog has multiple health conditions.
Full Ingredient List
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
Corn Starch
Corn starch is a concentrated carbohydrate used in pet foods primarily as a thickener, binder and texture enhancer for kibbles, treats and canned gravies. It supplies digestible calories with minimal protein or micronutrients, so while generally safe for most dogs and cats it can contribute to excess calories and blood‑sugar increases in overweight or diabetic pets and may be a concern for animals with grain sensitivities.
02
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
03
Hydrolyzed Chicken
Hydrolyzed chicken is chicken protein that has been enzymatically broken down into small peptides and amino acids and is used in pet foods as a highly digestible protein source, commonly formulated into hypoallergenic or elimination diets for dogs and cats. Because the proteins are reduced in molecular size they are less likely to trigger food‑allergy reactions and still supply essential amino acids, but some animals can remain reactive and these diets should be used under veterinary guidance; palatability may also differ from intact protein formulas.
04
Pecan Shell
Pecan shell is an insoluble, high‑lignin plant material sometimes used as a low‑cost fiber or bulking agent in pet products, but it provides negligible protein, fat, vitamins or minerals for dogs and cats. Because shells are hard, largely indigestible and potentially abrasive or sharp, they can cause dental wear, oral or gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction and may carry contaminants, so they should not be fed in whole form and only used when finely milled and validated as food‑grade and safe by the manufacturer.
05
Cellulose Powder
Cellulose powder is an insoluble, plant-derived fiber commonly used in pet foods as a bulking agent, binder and calorie-diluting texturizer to help control weight and improve stool formation; it is not digestible by dogs or cats and contributes negligible energy or vitamins. While it can aid stool consistency and manufacturing performance, cellulose is non‑fermentable so offers little prebiotic benefit, and high inclusions can reduce palatability or displace nutrients—formulations, especially for cats with lower fiber tolerance, should be balanced accordingly.
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.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Hill's Prescription Diet offers clinically formulated therapeutic nutrition designed to help manage specific health conditions in pets such as kidney disease, urinary issues, skin sensitivities, digestive problems, and weight management. Sold primarily through veterinarians, it's backed by research from Hill's Pet Nutrition Center and veterinary nutritionists.
Visit Hill's Prescription DietWSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.
Manufacturer
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.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Hill's Prescription Diet ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Hill's Prescription Diet. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
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.
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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook