Skip to content

6,000+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
Adult Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet

Adult Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a dry kibble formulated for adult dogs, using chicken as the primary animal protein along with barley, rice, oats, and corn as carbohydrate sources. It’s designed to support digestive health with added fiber sources, prebiotic-type ingredients, and live-culture-friendly nutrients, plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for overall wellness. The small kibble size makes it easier for smaller-mouthed dogs or those who prefer smaller bites to eat comfortably.

Over-the-counter Meets WSAVA criteria AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.7 out of 10

A well-balanced, research-driven dry food for adult dogs that emphasizes digestive health and uses AAFCO feeding trials for validation. Chicken is the main animal protein, supported by several whole grains and beet/citrus pulp and pecan shells as fiber sources to help support the gut microbiome. This formula is a solid choice for generally healthy adult dogs who do well on chicken and grains and may benefit from a digestion-focused diet.

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

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
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 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Digestive Health Probiotic Support
Diet & Compliance
Meets WSAVA criteria
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.
Check for my pet

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Backed by AAFCO feeding trials for adult maintenance, which gives extra confidence in digestibility and overall nutrient balance.
  • Chicken and chicken meal provide clearly named animal protein sources, with a moderate protein and fat profile appropriate for many adult dogs.
  • Multiple fiber sources (ground pecan shells, beet pulp, citrus pulp, pumpkin, cranberries) to support stool quality and digestive health.
  • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, offering antioxidant and skin/coat support.

Considerations

  • Contains several common allergens, including chicken, corn, and soy, so it’s not suitable for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
  • Moderate protein level (around 25% on a dry-matter basis) may be on the lower side for very high-energy or working dogs that need extra protein.
  • Ground pecan shells are a concentrated fiber source; while generally safe, a small number of dogs with very sensitive GI tracts may need a slower transition to avoid loose stools.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Protein Meal, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Chicken Liver Flavor, Pork Liver Flavor, Ground Pecan Shells, Soybean Oil, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Citrus Pulp, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Pressed Cranberries, Pumpkin, 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), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, 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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
03
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.
04
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.
05
Whole Grain Oat
Whole Grain Oat is used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble and insoluble fiber—especially beta‑glucans—that support healthy digestion and can help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and lipid levels. It also provides modest protein, B‑vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs (cats require far fewer carbs), but should be fed in appropriate amounts for weight or diabetic pets and may pose an issue for animals with grain sensitivities unless certified gluten‑free and properly processed for digestibility.

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)
25.10%
Low AAFCO min: 18% High
Fat (typical)
14.30%
Low AAFCO min: 5.5% High
Crude Fiber (typical)
2.10%
Low Typical: 3–5% High
3607
kcal / Kg
368
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.

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 provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs.

Brand

Hill's Science Diet

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.

Visit Hill's Science Diet
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.

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

Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

Unlock More

Sign up for the full picture

Ingredient Check

We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.

Get started

Feeding Calculator

Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.

Get started

Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.

Get started

Share this food
KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.7 /10 Grade A
Adult Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet · kibblelab.com

Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.


Frequently Asked Questions

Has Hill's Science Diet ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Hill's Science 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.

What does YOUR pet eat?
Look up any dog or cat food. Free, takes 30 seconds, no sign-up.
Check a Food

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.