z/d Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a veterinary therapeutic canned diet formulated for adult dogs with suspected or confirmed food sensitivities. It uses hydrolyzed chicken liver as the protein source to help reduce the chance of triggering an adverse food reaction, with corn starch as the main carbohydrate. The recipe also includes added omega fatty acids, prebiotic fibers, and a controlled mineral profile, and it has been validated in AAFCO feeding trials for adult maintenance.
Nutritionally, this is a well-designed hydrolyzed protein diet for adult dogs who need a strict food sensitivity or elimination-type plan. The use of hydrolyzed chicken liver, combined with a relatively moderate protein and fat content and added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, makes it appropriate for many dogs with skin and digestive issues related to adverse food reactions. It is best used under veterinary guidance, especially because it is intended as a therapeutic prescription diet rather than a general everyday food for healthy dogs.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses hydrolyzed chicken liver as the primary protein source, which greatly reduces the chance that the immune system will recognize it and react, making it very useful in managing food sensitivities.
- Complete and balanced for adult maintenance and backed by AAFCO feeding trials, which confirms the diet supports adult dogs when fed as the sole food.
- Includes several fiber sources (ground pecan shells, beet pulp, citrus pulp, cellulose) that can help support normal stool quality and digestive health.
- Contains fish oil and flaxseed providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus added antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene, which support overall health and skin/coat quality.
Considerations
- Because the protein is hydrolyzed chicken, dogs with very severe chicken allergies should still only start this diet under veterinary supervision, in case they are extremely sensitive.
- Corn starch and soy-derived ingredients are present, which is usually not a problem, but may matter if your vet is aiming for a very narrowly restricted ingredient list for diagnostic purposes.
- This formula is designed specifically for adult maintenance, so it is not appropriate as the main diet for growing puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs.
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
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
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
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.
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
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.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 Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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