Hill's Science Diet
Hill's Science Diet is everyday nutrition for healthy dogs and cats — no prescription needed. Developed by over 220 vets and nutritionists, every formula is backed by genuine feeding trials, not just lab analysis. From puppies and kittens through to seniors, Science Diet covers every life stage with clinically researched food your pet will actually eat.
Hill's Science Diet NZ — Vet-Recommended Dog & Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet is one of the most trusted everyday pet nutrition brands in New Zealand — and one of the most frequently recommended by NZ vets. Developed by a team of over 220 veterinarians, nutritionists, and food scientists, Science Diet delivers clinically researched nutrition for healthy dogs and cats at every life stage. No prescription required. PetSupply stocks the full Hill's Science Diet range for dogs and cats with fast NZ-wide delivery and subscribe-and-save pricing.
Hill's Science Diet for Dogs — Full Range
| Range | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Science Diet Puppy | Puppies up to 12 months (large breed: up to 24 months) | DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development; supports immune health |
| Science Diet Adult | Healthy adult dogs 1–6 years | Balanced nutrition with antioxidants for immune support |
| Science Diet Large Breed | Adult dogs over 25kg | Controlled minerals for joint health; glucosamine and chondroitin |
| Science Diet Small & Toy | Dogs under 10kg | Small kibble size; higher caloric density for fast metabolisms |
| Science Diet Senior 7+ | Dogs aged 7 and over | Easy-to-digest protein; supports healthy brain, heart, and kidney function |
| Science Diet Perfect Weight | Overweight or weight-prone dogs | Clinically proven to help dogs lose weight; high satiety |
| Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin | Dogs with digestive sensitivity or skin issues | Prebiotic fibre; vitamin E and omega-6 for skin and coat |
Hill's Science Diet for Cats — Full Range
| Range | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Science Diet Kitten | Kittens up to 12 months (large breeds up to 24 months) | DHA for cognitive development; supports immune system |
| Science Diet Adult | Healthy adult cats 1–6 years | Balanced nutrition; supports lean muscle and healthy organs |
| Science Diet Indoor | Indoor cats prone to hairballs or weight gain | Natural fibre blend for hairball control; calories matched to lower activity |
| Science Diet Senior 7+ | Cats aged 7 and over | Easy-to-digest protein; supports kidney, heart, and cognitive health |
| Science Diet Perfect Weight | Overweight cats or those prone to weight gain | Clinically proven weight loss; maintains lean muscle |
| Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin | Cats with digestive sensitivity or skin and coat issues | Highly digestible ingredients; omega-6 and vitamin E |
| Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control | Indoor cats needing urinary and hairball support | Controlled minerals for urinary health; natural fibre for hairballs |
Why NZ Vets Recommend Hill's Science Diet
- Every product is developed through genuine feeding trials — not just laboratory nutrient analysis
- Over 220 in-house veterinarians and nutritionists involved in formulation
- More than 80 years of evidence-based pet nutrition research
- Consistent, controlled ingredient quality and sourcing standards
- Widely available through NZ vet clinics — a strong indicator of professional confidence in the brand
Hill's Science Diet vs Hill's Prescription Diet — What's the Difference?
Hill's Science Diet is formulated for healthy pets at every life stage — no prescription needed, available to anyone. Hill's Prescription Diet is a separate range of therapeutic veterinary diets for pets with diagnosed health conditions (kidney disease, urinary issues, digestive disorders, obesity, and more). Prescription Diet products require a valid vet prescription. If your vet has recommended a Hill's Prescription Diet, see our Hill's Prescription Diet collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hill's Science Diet a good dog food?
Yes — Hill's Science Diet is consistently recommended by NZ vets and backed by genuine feeding trial data. It's a strong choice for owners who want clinically researched, nutritionally precise food without needing a prescription. The Sensitive Stomach & Skin range in particular is popular with NZ dogs that have food intolerances or skin issues.
Does Hill's Science Diet require a prescription in NZ?
No. Hill's Science Diet everyday ranges are available without a prescription. Only Hill's Prescription Diet therapeutic products require a valid vet prescription. You can purchase the full Science Diet range directly through PetSupply.
What is the best Hill's Science Diet for indoor cats?
Hill's Science Diet Indoor is specifically formulated for indoor cats — it manages hairball formation through a natural fibre blend and is calorie-controlled to account for the lower activity levels of indoor-only cats. The Urinary Hairball Control range adds urinary mineral management, which is particularly relevant for desexed male cats.
How does Hill's Science Diet compare to Royal Canin?
Both are premium, vet-recommended brands backed by strong clinical research. Hill's is often considered the stronger choice for weight management and sensitive digestion. Royal Canin has an edge in breed-specific formulas. Many NZ vets recommend both depending on the individual pet's needs. See our Royal Canin vs Hill's guide for a full comparison.
Where can I buy Hill's Science Diet in NZ?
PetSupply stocks the full Hill's Science Diet range for dogs and cats with fast NZ-wide delivery. Subscribe and save 10% on every auto-delivery order — ideal for keeping your pet's food regularly stocked.