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Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet

Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 16, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a dry adult dog food designed for dogs that need extra support for sensitive digestion and skin, in a smaller kibble size. It uses chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources, with barley, rice, and peas providing carbohydrates and fiber. The formula is enriched with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and added joint-support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin.

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

Overall, this is a high-quality adult dry food, especially appropriate for dogs with mild sensitive stomach or skin issues who do well on chicken-based diets. It has moderate protein and fat levels, a digestible mix of grains and peas, and is backed by AAFCO feeding trials, which is a strong indicator of good nutrient balance and digestibility. The small kibble makes it easier for smaller dogs or those that simply prefer a smaller bite, though it does contain common allergens like chicken, egg, and soy that won’t suit every dog.

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 Skin Coat Health Immune Support Sensitive Stomach
Diet & Compliance
Meets WSAVA criteria
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken and chicken meal provide clearly named, high-quality animal protein sources as the foundation of the diet.
  • Backed by AAFCO feeding trials for adult maintenance, which supports real-world digestibility and nutritional adequacy rather than just theoretical formulation.
  • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene to support skin, coat, and immune health.
  • Added glucosamine and chondroitin, which help supply building blocks for joint tissues, useful for active adult dogs over time.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken, egg product, and soybean oil, which are common allergens, so it is not a good fit for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
  • Yellow peas appear high on the ingredient list; while this is not necessarily harmful, owners of breeds at higher risk for heart disease may wish to discuss legume-rich diets with their veterinarian.
  • Calorie density is relatively high at about 393 kcal per cup, so portion control is important to prevent weight gain in less active dogs.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Egg Product, Chicken Fat, Soybean Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Lactic Acid, Flaxseed, Pork Liver Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, 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, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), 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
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.
03
Yellow Pea
Yellow pea is a common plant-based ingredient in dog and cat foods used as a source of digestible protein, starch and both soluble and insoluble fiber, and it also contributes B vitamins and minerals. It can help increase protein and fiber content and replace grains, but formulators must balance essential amino acids and process peas to reduce anti-nutrients, and pet owners should know that very high inclusion of pulses in some grain‑free diets has been scrutinized for possible links to canine DCM, so feeding complete, balanced diets and veterinary monitoring is recommended.
04
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.
05
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.

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)
25.00%
Low AAFCO min: 18% High
Fat (typical)
16.70%
Low AAFCO min: 5.5% High
Crude Fiber (typical)
1.50%
Low Typical: 3–5% High
3747
kcal / Kg
393
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 Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food 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 Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.7 /10 Grade A
Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites Chicken & Barley 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?

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.

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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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.