z/d Low Fat Hydrolyzed Soy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Aug 29, 2026
This is a veterinary therapeutic dry food for adult dogs that need a low‑fat, hydrolyzed-protein diet due to food sensitivities or certain digestive issues. It uses hydrolyzed soy as the main protein source with corn starch as the primary carbohydrate, keeping overall fat quite low while still meeting adult maintenance needs. Added omega fatty acids, fiber sources, and antioxidants are included to support skin, coat, and digestive health.
Jump to ingredientsAffiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
This is a therapeutic diet, formulated for a specific medical condition under veterinary direction. KibbleLab does not assign it a general wellness score, because a therapeutic diet's nutrient targets are set clinically, not by maintenance standards. Your veterinarian selects the right therapeutic diet for your pet.
At a Glance
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.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Hydrolyzed soy protein and hydrolyzed chicken flavor are specifically processed to reduce the likelihood of food-allergic reactions while still providing complete protein.
- Low fat content (around 7.4% on a dry matter basis) is appropriate for dogs that need dietary fat restriction under veterinary guidance.
- Formulated and proven through AAFCO feeding trials to provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult maintenance, which gives good evidence of digestibility and nutrient availability.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, added antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene), and L-carnitine, which can support skin, coat, and metabolic health in dogs on a therapeutic diet.
Considerations
- Relies on soy as the primary protein source; while hydrolyzed, this may not be ideal for dogs that must avoid soy entirely for medical reasons as determined by a veterinarian.
- Contains chicken-derived flavor, so it may not be suitable if a dog must strictly avoid all chicken ingredients despite the hydrolysis.
- This formula is specifically designed for adult dogs and is not appropriate for growing puppies or pregnant/lactating females unless a veterinarian directs otherwise.
- Because it is a therapeutic, low‑fat diet, it should be used under veterinary supervision to be sure it fits your dog’s specific medical and nutritional needs.
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
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Hydrolyzed soy protein is a processed plant protein broken into small peptides and amino acids and is used in pet foods as a digestible protein source and flavor enhancer, often in hypoallergenic or limited‑ingredient formulations. It can improve digestibility and may reduce allergic reactions for some animals, but it may still trigger soy‑sensitive pets, does not supply certain nutrients cats need from animal proteins (e.g., taurine), and formulations should be evaluated for added sodium or flavoring compounds.
03
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.
04
Dicalcium Phosphate
Dicalcium phosphate is an inorganic mineral supplement commonly added to dog and cat foods to supply concentrated, bioavailable calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone and teeth formation as well as general metabolic processes. It must be used in balanced amounts (typical Ca:P targets ≈1:1–1.4:1) because improper ratios or excess phosphorus can contribute to skeletal problems in growing animals and worsen conditions like chronic kidney disease, so formulation and dosing should be carefully controlled.
05
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source and palatability enhancer, providing energy and omega‑6 fatty acids (primarily linoleic acid) that support skin and coat condition. Because it is calorie‑dense and higher in omega‑6 than omega‑3, formulators balance it with omega‑3 sources to avoid an inflammatory imbalance; highly refined soybean oil is unlikely to trigger soy protein allergies but can oxidize and should be stabilized and stored properly, and it does not supply the arachidonic acid cats require from animal fats.
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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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.
WSAVA 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.
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 recall is listed for Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Low Fat Hydrolyzed Soy Recipe Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
Hill's Prescription Diet has 1 recall on record. View brand recalls
Sign up for the full picture
Ingredient Check
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.
Similar Foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Hill's Prescription Diet ever been recalled?
Hill's Prescription Diet has 1 recall 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.
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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook