Brand Name: Hill’s Science Diet Related Brands: Hill’s Prescription Diet, Hill’s Healthy Advantage and Hill’s Bioactive Recipe. (A brand line called Hill’s Ideal Balance was discontinued in 2019.) Product Lines: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy, Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws, Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+, Hill’s Science Diet Youthful Vitality, Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility, Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Cuisine, Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight, Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Hill’s Science Diet Kitten, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Company: Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. (a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive Company) Headquarters: 400 SW 8th Ave #101, Topeka, KS 66603 Website: https://www.hillspet.com/science-diet Phone: 1-800-445-5777 Contact Form: https://www.hillspet.com/contact-us
Are you worried about what your furry friend is eating? You’re not alone! As pet parents, we’re always concerned about the quality and safety of the food we give our four-legged family members. If you’ve been feeding your dog Science Diet (also known as Hill’s Science Diet), you might be wondering if there have been any recent recalls that could affect your pup’s health.
I’ve done some digging to bring you the most up-to-date information about Science Diet dog food recalls, so you can make informed decisions about what goes in your dog’s bowl.
Current Status: Any Science Diet Recalls Right Now?
As of September 2025, there are no active recalls for Hill’s Science Diet dog food products.
The last significant recall involving Hill’s Science Diet occurred in early 2019, when the company recalled multiple varieties of their canned dog food due to potentially toxic levels of vitamin D. Since then, the brand has maintained a relatively clean record.
History of Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Recalls
The 2019 Major Recall
In January 2019, Hill’s Pet Nutrition initiated a recall of 25 varieties of their canned dog food products, including several Science Diet formulas By March 2019, this recall was expanded to include 19 additional products, and in May 2019, another product lot was added to the list.
The FDA investigation revealed these products contained excessive levels of vitamin D, which can cause serious health problems in dogs, including:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Excessive drooling
- Weight loss
- Kidney failure (in severe cases)
- Death (in extreme cases)
This recall affected a total of 33 varieties of Hill’s canned dog foods, with 86 total lots being recalled. The products were distributed through retail pet stores and veterinary clinics nationwide.
Science Diet Products Affected by the 2019 Recall
Some of the Science Diet products that were included in the 2019 recall were:
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée (13 oz)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée (13 oz)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food (13 oz)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food (13 oz)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light with Liver Dog Food (13 oz)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food (13 oz)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food (13 oz)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée (13 oz)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food (12.5 oz)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Youthful Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food (12.5 oz)
It’s important to note that the recall was only for canned dog food and did not affect dry food (kibble), cat food, or treats.
What Caused the Science Diet Recalls?
The FDA reported that the 2019 recall was initiated after receiving a pet owner complaint about a dog experiencing vitamin D toxicity after consuming Hill’s canned dog food. Testing confirmed that samples of the dog food contained excessive, potentially toxic amounts of vitamin D.
While vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, very high amounts can cause serious health problems like kidney failure or death. The excessive vitamin D was attributed to a supplier error, which Hill’s Pet Nutrition addressed by implementing additional testing protocols.
What to Do If Your Dog Food Is Recalled
If you ever discover that your dog’s food has been recalled, here’s what you should do:
- Stop feeding the recalled food immediately
- Check the lot numbers on your dog food against the recalled lots
- Return the food to the store where it was purchased for a refund
- Dispose of the food properly if you can’t return it (in a way that prevents other animals from accessing it)
- Consult your veterinarian if your dog has already eaten the recalled food
- Monitor your dog for symptoms related to the recall issue
- Find a suitable replacement food – ask your vet for recommendations
How to Stay Informed About Dog Food Recalls
To make sure you’re always up-to-date on potential recalls that might affect your pet, I recommend these steps:
- Bookmark reliable pet food recall websites like Canine Bible or the FDA’s animal safety page
- Sign up for recall alerts from the FDA or pet food monitoring organizations
- Follow Science Diet on social media for direct announcements
- Register your pet food purchases with the manufacturer when possible
- Keep packaging information until the food is completely consumed
Is Science Diet Dog Food Safe Now?
Based on the current information, Hill’s Science Diet appears to be safe for dogs to consume. The company took extensive measures after the 2019 recall to prevent similar issues from occurring again.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition is considered a reputable company with generally high manufacturing standards. They implemented additional quality control measures following the 2019 recall, including:
- Enhanced supplier qualification
- Increased testing of incoming ingredients
- More rigorous finished product testing
- Improved quality control procedures
Alternative Dog Foods with Clean Recall Histories
If you’re still concerned about feeding Science Diet to your dog, there are other high-quality brands that have maintained excellent safety records. Some options with limited or no recall history include:
- The Farmer’s Dog (fresh, human-grade meals)
- Open Farm (organic ingredients)
- Orijen (biologically appropriate diets)
- Acana (premium ingredients)
When choosing an alternative, look for brands that:
- Use human-grade ingredients
- Have transparent sourcing policies
- Conduct rigorous testing
- Have strong quality control measures
Warning Signs Your Dog Food Might Be Bad
Even without a recall, dog food can sometimes go bad. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Unusual smell – rancid or chemical odors
- Visible mold on kibble or in canned food
- Bugs or larvae in the food or packaging
- Discoloration of the food
- Unusual texture (clumping, excessive moisture, etc.)
- Your dog refuses to eat it (especially if they normally enjoy it)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms after eating (vomiting, diarrhea)
Preventing Issues with Your Dog’s Food
To minimize risk from potential food safety issues:
- Store food properly – in its original packaging, in a cool, dry place
- Check expiration dates before feeding
- Wash your hands after handling pet food
- Use clean scoops and bowls
- Don’t mix old and new food in storage containers
- Keep an eye on recalls through reliable sources
The decision to feed Science Diet to your dog remains a personal choice. While the brand had a significant recall in 2019, they’ve maintained a clean record since then and implemented additional safety measures.
As with any pet food, it’s always wise to:
- Stay informed about recalls
- Monitor your dog for any adverse reactions
- Consult with your veterinarian about the best diet for your specific dog
Remember, every dog is different, and what works great for one might not be ideal for another. Your vet knows your dog’s specific health needs and can provide personalized recommendations.
FAQs About Science Diet Dog Food Recalls
Q: Has Science Diet dog food been recalled in 2025?
A: No, as of September 2025, there are no active recalls for Science Diet dog food products.
Q: What was wrong with Hill’s Science Diet in the 2019 recall?
A: The recalled products contained potentially toxic levels of vitamin D, which can cause serious health issues in dogs.
Q: Did any dogs die from the Science Diet recall?
A: While the FDA and Hill’s Pet Nutrition did not officially report deaths, there were consumer complaints alleging that some dogs became seriously ill or died after consuming the recalled products.
Q: Was Science Diet dry dog food recalled?
A: No, the 2019 recall only affected canned dog food varieties, not dry kibble.
Q: How do I check if my dog food is recalled?
A: Check the lot number and product name against the FDA’s recall list or the manufacturer’s website. You can also contact the manufacturer directly.
Q: What dog food has never been recalled?
A: Very few brands can claim never to have had a recall. Some brands with minimal recall histories include The Farmer’s Dog, Open Farm, and smaller boutique pet food companies.
Remember, while recalls can be concerning, they’re also a sign that safety monitoring systems are working to protect our pets. A company’s response to a recall often tells you more about their commitment to quality than the recall itself.
Keep your pup happy and healthy by staying informed and making the best choices for their specific needs!
Has There Ever Been a Hill’s Science Diet Recall?
There have been Hill’s Science Diet recalls several times in recent years, according to our research. Most recently, in January 2019, Hill’s Pet Nutrition issued a massive, worldwide recall of 33 different varieties of its canned dog foods — 22 million cans recalled in all — because of toxic levels of Vitamin D, which Hill’s blamed on a “supplier error.” The Hill’s Science Diet recall, which encompassed both the Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet brand lines, has been a major concern for pet owners. Importantly, the recall did not impact dry foods, cat foods, or pet treats. This distressing situation led to reports that hundreds of dogs died after consuming the tainted dog food. Pet owners shared with Petful that their previously healthy dogs suffered rapid declines in health, resulting in kidney issues, failure, and for some, death. Attorney Nyran Rose Rasche highlighted the severity of the issue to CBS News, stating, “We believe that hundreds, if not thousands, of pets have died or become seriously ill as a result of eating Hill’s foods with toxic levels of Vitamin D.” The Hill’s Science Diet recall was further scrutinized when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an investigation. Following this, the FDA issued a warning letter (archived here) , criticizing Hill’s for not adhering to its safety protocols. The letter pointed out, “A systematic failure of your food safety plan occurred that resulted in the recall of canned dog food.” Hill’s was then mandated by the FDA to implement corrective measures and was informed of upcoming inspections to ensure compliance. Hill’s expressed its commitment to pet safety in its response, stating, “We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents with safe and high-quality products.… We continue to cooperate with the FDA, including all inspections and requests for information.” The aftermath of the Hill’s Science Diet recall has led to significant legal action, with a consolidated lawsuit involving approximately 300 plaintiffs currently underway in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City. The case, known as In Re: Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. Dog Food Products Liability Litigation, (case number 2:19-md-02887), addresses the grievances of affected pet owners. The impact of the 2019 Hill’s Science Diet recall has been profound, leaving many families horrified and heartbroken. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent quality controls and transparent communication within the pet food industry.
Hill’s Science Diet Company Complaints
Taurine TroublesOur research team spent hours going through recall databases and news archives to find earlier recalls of Hill’s Science Diet. We didn’t find any, but we did uncover another dark chapter in this pet food’s history. Way back in August 1987, a study published in the journal Science drew attention to the fact that thousands of cats had been dying every year from DCM, the fatal heart condition, because of an apparent taurine deficiency in popular cat foods at the time. In the study, Dr. Paul D. Pion, DVM, DACVIM, and others observed cats who were diagnosed with DCM and had been fed popular commercial cat foods such as:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline
- Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d
- Hill’s Science Diet Maintenance
- Purina Cat Chow
- 9Lives Beef and Liver
- Carnation Fancy Feast Beef and Liver
- Blue Mountain Kitty O’s
Taurine deficiencies observed in the cats seemed like too much of a coincidence. Clearly, cats needed more taurine than was being provided by the foods at the time. By the time the groundbreaking Science article was published, pet food makers like Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Ralston Purina had already begun changing their recipes to include higher levels of taurine. No recall was ever issued, to our knowledge. However, the recipe reformulations brought about a dramatic decrease in the incidence of DCM in cats. A 1990 follow-up study using data from 2 veterinary hospitals found DCM in only 6% of cat patients, versus 28% of cats brought into the hospitals before the recipe changes went into effect. Speaking at a 2019 “Science of Cats” summit, Dr. Pion shared that during the lead-up to publication in Science, he and his fellow researchers had faced “legal and other manipulations and threats from pet food companies trying to distance themselves.” An executive from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, he recalled, “took the aggressive stance that this couldn’t be related to their diets and suggested, with impolite words, that our group was foolish and irresponsible for pursuing these investigations.” And then, Dr. Pion added, “As other pet food companies were similarly implicated, we began receiving letters from their lawyers.” On the positive side, he said, “I am glad that after this and other incidents, including the melamine pet food incident of 2007, our colleagues at pet food companies have often opted to take a more collaborative and open-minded approach when veterinarians suggest there may be a problem related to diets.” Below, we list the full details of every single Hill’s Science Diet recall.
