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Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Wet Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet

Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Wet Dog Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult Small

This is a canned loaf-style food for small adult dogs, using beef as the primary animal protein along with barley and corn for carbohydrates. It offers moderate protein and fat levels on a dry matter basis, with added fish oil, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene. The formula is complete and balanced for adult maintenance and has been validated through AAFCO feeding trials, which is a strong indicator of nutritional adequacy and digestibility.

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

This wet food is a well-formulated option for healthy small-breed adult dogs who do well with beef and grains. It provides balanced nutrition with moderate protein and fat, added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and a solid vitamin and mineral profile. The fact that it has passed AAFCO feeding trials adds confidence in its real-world performance and digestibility for adult maintenance.

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

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At a Glance

Health Benefits
Digestive Health Immune Support
Diet & Compliance
Meets WSAVA criteria
Suitable For
Adult Small
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Validated by AAFCO feeding trials, which confirms it supports adult maintenance under real-world feeding conditions.
  • Beef as a primary animal protein source, with a reasonable protein level (about 23.5% on a dry matter basis) suitable for most adult small dogs.
  • Includes fish oil and a defined omega-3 and omega-6 content, which can support skin, coat, and overall health needs.
  • Uses digestible grains (barley and corn) and beet pulp as a fiber source, providing a stable carbohydrate and fiber profile.

Considerations

  • Contains beef, pork liver, chicken-derived flavors, and soy, which are common allergens for some dogs; not ideal for dogs with known sensitivities to these proteins or ingredients.
  • Carbohydrates make up a little over half of the dry matter, which is fine for many dogs but may be higher in carbs than some owners prefer for very active or overweight-prone dogs.
  • Sodium is moderate on a dry matter basis; dogs with specific heart or kidney conditions may need individualized dietary guidance from a veterinarian.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Water, beef, cracked pearled barley, whole grain corn, pork liver, corn protein meal, dried beet pulp, chicken liver flavor, soybean oil, hydrolyzed chicken flavor, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, iodized salt, potassium chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), ascorbic acid (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin A supplement, biotin, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, menadione sodium bisulfate complex (source of vitamin K), vitamin D3 supplement), fish oil, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, calcium iodate), taurine, choline chloride, 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
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
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
03
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.
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
Pork Liver
Pork liver is an organ meat used in pet foods as a nutrient‑dense source of high‑quality protein and concentrated vitamins and minerals—notably vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12 and folate), iron and copper—that support red blood cell production, skin/coat condition and overall metabolism. Because liver is very rich in vitamin A and certain minerals, it should be included in limited amounts to avoid hypervitaminosis A or mineral imbalances and must be properly processed to reduce pathogen risk; pets with urinary stone issues or a pork sensitivity should use caution.

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)
23.50%
Low AAFCO min: 18% High
Fat (typical)
16.50%
Low AAFCO min: 5.5% High
Crude Fiber (typical)
2.10%
Low Typical: 3–5% High
166
kcal / Oz
166
kcal / G
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 Small
Texture Loaf
Processing method Canned
Food type Wet

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. Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles 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 Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.6 /10 Grade A
Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Wet 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.