TOPEKA, KAN. — On July 11, Hill’s Pet Nutrition shared that its Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin pet nutrition line would now include new formulas containing responsibly sourced and alternative proteins. According to Hill’s, the new formulas represent its dedication toward science-backed innovation, as well as sustainability.
“Our new Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin line extension delivers the same science-led, tailored nutrition and key benefits as the original Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin products but now features more sustainable seafood,” said Karen Shenoy, DVM, US chief veterinary officer at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “We are proud to offer pet parents a new and more sustainable way to feed their pets, leveraging our focus on using science to truly transform lives.”
The new formulas for dogs and cats are made with high-quality, traceable, wild-caught Alaskan Pollock sourced from a fishery certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Additionally, the dog food portion of the line now includes formulas featuring insect-based protein.
The wild-caught Alaskan Pollock provides pets with a lean protein source rich with Omega 3s. By specifically using MSC-certified fish, Hill’s is offering a more traceable ingredient that carries sustainable benefits, according to the company. The insect protein included in the dog recipe is sourced in North America and provides pups with an additional source of fiber and other functional nutrients.
By including these new proteins, the formulas offer pets a variety of benefits to support overall health and wellness. The highly digestible formulas contain vitamin E and Omega 6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health, as well as antioxidants to support immune health.
“We selected these proteins with purpose because they promote optimal digestive and skin health for pets, while also keeping sustainability top of mind,” Shenoy said. “This innovative approach to ingredients is part of our guiding philosophy, which includes delivering science-led nutrition, bringing people and pets together, and helping the planet for the next generation.”
Not only do the new formulas seek to offer nutritional benefits, but they also align with Hill’s increasing commitment toward the environment. To cut down on its environmental impact, the pet food company has committed to sustainable sourcing, manufacturing with a reduced environmental impact, and investing in the environment.
“Hill’s Pet Nutrition is uniquely positioned to unlock the trifecta of healthy, tasty and sustainable, thanks in part to the innovative approach we take at our Global Pet Nutrition Center,” said Stephen French, Ph.D., a principal scientist and lead product developer at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “We did extensive work to optimize the taste and enjoyment pets will have eating our new Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin. Our pet partners tried many different recipes to help us identify the optimal combination of ingredients that pair well with these exciting new protein sources to deliver great tasting foods.”
Read more about product development, ingredients and formulation.