Hills Science Diet is the brand most veterinarians recommend right off their own clinic shelves, and that clinical positioning has made it one of the most trusted names in dog nutrition for decades.
What surprises a lot of pet owners is discovering that Hills is not an independent pet food specialist at all, but a division of one of the largest consumer products companies in the world.
Here is exactly who makes Hills dog food, where it comes from, and what real dog owners and veterinary professionals say about it.
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Who Really Makes Hills Dog Food
Hills Pet Nutrition is an American pet food company and a subsidiary of Colgate Palmolive, which purchased the pet food maker back in 1976, making Hills part of a massive consumer products conglomerate rather than an independent specialist.
The Wikipedia entry for Hills Pet Nutrition documents this ownership history and the brand origins as a veterinary focused nutrition company.
Hills Manufacturing Locations
Colgate Palmolive operates three dedicated dry pet food manufacturing plants supporting Hills, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Clinton, Oklahoma, and Washington Court House, Ohio, producing both Science Diet and Prescription Diet formulas.
The company also opened a new 365000 square foot canned pet food facility in Tonganoxie, Kansas in 2023, specifically to increase production capacity for wet food varieties as demand for the brand continued growing.
Why Hills Focuses So Heavily On Veterinary Recommendations
Hills built its entire brand identity around veterinary partnership, developing specific Prescription Diet formulas for dogs with medical conditions in addition to its general purpose Science Diet line, which is why so many veterinary clinics stock and recommend the brand directly.
That clinical focus has helped Hills maintain a premium reputation distinct from typical grocery store or big box brands, even though it is now backed by the same corporate resources as a global consumer products company.
What Owners Say About Hills In Trustpilot And Reviews
Hills sentiment in 2026 skews mixed across review platforms, with several reviewers reporting formula changes affecting texture and quality on specific Prescription Diet varieties, while general Science Diet formulas continue earning solid marks for nutritional science backing.
Independent pet food reviewers commonly grade Hills around a B minus overall, citing real animal protein as a first ingredient in most formulas while also noting a meaningful amount of plant based fillers compared to some grain free premium competitors.
Hills Warranty And Customer Support
Hills backs its products with a satisfaction guarantee, and homeowners with quality concerns or questions can contact Colgate Palmolive consumer support through the official Hills Pet Nutrition website.
For veterinary specific formula questions, owners are generally encouraged to consult with their prescribing veterinarian directly, since Prescription Diet formulas require professional guidance for proper use.
How Hills Compares To Other Dog Food Brands
Buyers comparing Hills against other veterinary recommended brands can read our guide to who makes Royal Canin dog food, a direct competitor in the clinical nutrition space, or check our breakdown of IAMS pet food for another widely available veterinary adjacent brand.
Hills and Royal Canin remain the two most commonly recommended brands directly by veterinary clinics, and the choice between them often comes down to a dog specific medical need rather than a general preference.
Is Hills Really Good
Hills carries genuine scientific and veterinary credibility, backed by decades of clinical nutrition research and the manufacturing resources of a major global consumer products company.
Recent formula change complaints on certain Prescription Diet varieties are worth discussing with a veterinarian if a dog stops eating well after a switch, since prescription formulas in particular require close monitoring during any transition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hills Dog Food
Who owns Hills Science Diet
Hills Pet Nutrition is owned by Colgate Palmolive, which acquired the pet food company in 1976.
Where is Hills dog food manufactured
Hills dry pet food is manufactured at plants in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Clinton, Oklahoma, and Washington Court House, Ohio, with canned food produced at a newer facility in Tonganoxie, Kansas.
What is the difference between Science Diet and Prescription Diet
Science Diet is Hills general purpose nutrition line, while Prescription Diet includes specific formulas developed for dogs with diagnosed medical conditions and requires veterinary guidance.
Is Hills a good dog food brand
Yes, Hills carries strong veterinary credibility and is widely recommended by veterinary clinics, though independent reviewers note it contains more plant based fillers than some grain free competitors.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.