Skip to content

7,500+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet

Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 30, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult Small

This is a dry kibble formulated specifically for adult small-breed dogs, using chicken as the primary animal protein along with brown rice, corn, and other whole grains for energy. The recipe offers moderate protein and fat levels with added omega fatty acids, vitamins C and E, prebiotic fiber, and L-carnitine. It is an AAFCO-tested, complete and balanced option for healthy adult small dogs.

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

Affiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Official product page
KibbleLab Score
9.5 out of 10

Top Pick

This food is a well-balanced, research-backed option for healthy adult small-breed dogs who do well on a grain-inclusive diet. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most small dogs, and the added omega fatty acids, antioxidants, prebiotics, and L-carnitine are thoughtful touches. It is particularly suitable if you value a diet that has been validated in AAFCO feeding trials by a reputable manufacturer.

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

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

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 Weight Management
Diet & Compliance
Meets WSAVA criteria
Suitable For
Adult Small
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken is the first ingredient, providing a primary animal protein source for small adult dogs.
  • Formulated through AAFCO feeding trials, which is the gold standard for confirming nutritional adequacy and digestibility.
  • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids plus vitamins C and E to support skin, coat, and immune function.
  • Contains prebiotic fructooligosaccharides and a modest fiber level that can help support digestive health in small dogs.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken, corn, wheat, and soy, so it is not a good fit for dogs with known allergies to any of those ingredients.
  • With about 357 kcal per cup, portions may need careful measuring to avoid unwanted weight gain in less active small dogs.
  • Soybean meal and corn protein meal boost protein content but are plant-based, which may not suit owners seeking predominantly animal-sourced protein.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, Soybean Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Corn Protein Meal, Pork Liver Flavor, Flaxseed, Lactic Acid, Soybean Oil, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Whole Grain Oats, Iodized Salt, 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), Pumpkin, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, L-Carnitine, 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.
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
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.
04
Whole Grain Corn
Whole grain corn is commonly used as a carbohydrate and energy source in pet foods, providing digestible starch, dietary fiber, some protein, and B vitamins and minerals while retaining more nutrients than refined corn. It is generally economical and well-tolerated by most dogs and many cats, but because cats are obligate carnivores animal-based proteins are nutritionally more important, and pets with grain sensitivities, certain metabolic conditions, or requirements for low-carbohydrate diets may need alternatives; proper sourcing and processing also reduce mycotoxin risk and improve digestibility.
05
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.

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)
15.30%
Low AAFCO min: 5.5% High
Crude Fiber (typical)
1.50%
Low Typical: 3–5% High
3699
kcal / Kg
357
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.

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

Lifestage Adult
Breed size Small
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 & Mini Chicken & 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 & Mini Chicken & 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

Unlock More

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

Hill's Prescription Diet Onc Care With Chicken Dry Dog Food
Meets WSAVA criteria · Cancer support · Immune support · Digestive health
Hill's Prescription Diet Onc Care With Chicken Dry Dog Food
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Small Bites Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Meets WSAVA criteria · Urinary care · Probiotic support · Immune support
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Small Bites Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Meets WSAVA criteria · Digestive health · Immune support · Skin coat health
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food
Digestive health
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food
Beneful Healthy Weight Farm-Raised Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food
Weight management
Beneful Healthy Weight Farm-Raised Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food
Black Gold Pet Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food
Weight management · Skin coat health · Digestive health
Black Gold Pet Explorer Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food
Greenies Smart Essentials Adult Large Breed High Protein Real Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
Heart care · Joint care · Skin coat health
Greenies Smart Essentials Adult Large Breed High Protein Real Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
Greenies Smart Essentials Small Breed Adult High Protein Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
Heart care · Probiotic support · Joint care
Greenies Smart Essentials Small Breed Adult High Protein Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
Share this food
KibbleLab food report
TOP TIER.
9.5 /10 Grade A+
Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice 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?

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.

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 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.