Privately, Hill's puts a name to their fear: Dietary-induced hypercalcemia and hypervitaminosis D toxicity. As so many other pet food companies before them have done, Hill's laid the blame for their failures and the excess levels of vitamin D in their Science Diet and Prescription Diet formulas on their supplier.

What is the difference between Hill's Prescription Diet™ and Science Diet™ brand pet foods? Hill's Prescription Diet™ brand pet foods are formulated to address specific medical conditions that can develop in pets. Science Diet™ brand pet foods are formulated to meet the needs of healthy pets during various life stages.

8.16% Analytical Constituents: Protein 23.85%, Crude Fibres 2.14%, Crude Oils and Fats 8.16%, Crude Ash 5.44%, Moisture 8.5%.

While vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure. Dogs may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss.

Most pet foods are very poor quality. It doesn't take much to offer a pet food marginally better. Vets see an improvement in pet health when they are transitioned to Hill's Science or Prescription Diet products, very likely for this reason.

Hill's Science Diet is a well-known brand that offers a range of wet dog foods formulated to meet the specific needs of different life stages and health conditions. Their wet dog foods are made with high-quality protein sources and contain essential nutrients for optimal health.

Veterinary food is formulated to treat a specific condition; think of it as medicine. Typically, a veterinarian would need to prescribe this nutrition for the treatment of a specific disease or condition. Hence the brand “Prescription Diet”.

The recommended amount of fat for young, active adults is 8-20% of dry matter. Mature adults are more likely to gain excess weight, and so this should drop to 8-15%, with those with low activity levels or prone to obesity using the lower end at 8-10% dry matter.

While low-fat food might be beneficial for your pup, remember that your dog still needs some fat to thrive. Foods that are too low-fat don't provide adequate amounts of fat-soluble vitamins.

Most pet foods are very poor quality. It doesn't take much to offer a pet food marginally better. Vets see an improvement in pet health when they are transitioned to Hill's Science or Prescription Diet products, very likely for this reason.

All of the brands also offer high-calorie options for puppies and easily digestible kibble sizes for various sized dogs.

• Best overall dry dog food: Royal Canin.
• Best subscription dog food: The Farmer's Dog.
• Best dog food for puppies: Hill's Science Diet.
• Best dog food for large breeds: Purina.

All Science Diet dry foods offer: Natural, great tasting ingredients - with high-quality protein as ingredient #1. Precise nutrition to support healthy skin, coat and stool. Clinically proven antioxidants for a healthy immune system.