New Hill's® Science Diet® Senior 11+ Age Defying™ Cat Food Receives Top Rating From GoodGuide.com

TOPEKA, Kan., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest addition to the Hill's® Science Diet® portfolio of pet foods – Senior 11+ Age Defying™ -  was recently awarded the highest ranking by GoodGuide.com, an independent website that provides consumers with expert ratings and information about the health, environmental and social performance of products and companies.

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GoodGuide began rating a wide variety of pet food products earlier this year on nutritional performance, caloric content, life-stage specificity and desirability of ingredients.  Hill's® Science Diet® Senior 11+ Age Defying™ was given the highest rating (7.4 score).  This is the same score given to other Science Diet® products that hold the top rank in all four GoodGuide pet food classifications: dry and wet pet food for dogs and dry and wet pet food for cats.  

Introduced in August 2011, Hill's® Science Diet® Senior 11+ Age Defying™ cat food is specifically formulated to help cats 11-years or older feel and act younger. Using an exclusive antioxidant bundle that helps defend the body and brain against aging, consumers can expect to see a cat that is more interactive and playful, more alert and agile, and has fewer litterbox accidents in just 30 days. The small kibble is easy to chew and digest, maintaining lean muscle mass typically lost by older cats; while the nutrients supports healthy cognitive function and a radiant coat with fish oil and omega fatty acids. These benefits lead to an overall increase in engagement and daily well-being for senior felines.  

"We recognize that receiving a top rating from GoodGuide.com is one of the highest achievements in the pet foods industry," said Liliana Bernal, DVM, Hill's Pet Nutrition. "Passing the stringent review process validates to consumers that Hill's® Science Diet® Senior 11+ Age Defying™ is made with breakthrough, quality nutrition that specifically targets the needs of cats as they enter their golden years."

In its explanation of its ratings criteria, GoodGuide recommends that pet owners look for brands that test their foods in accordance with feeding trials established by AAFCO, the Association of American Feed Control Officials. According to GoodGuide, these procedures guarantee that a pet food's nutrient claims are supported by feeding tests with animals, not just formulation. GoodGuide also cautions that the required "Guaranteed Analysis" box on pet food packaging should not be used to inform any decisions about the nutritional quality of the food, suggesting that only the full nutrient profile can provide a detailed and meaningful assessment of what a pet food contains.

Ultimately, GoodGuide recommends that pet owners should consult their veterinarians for nutrition recommendations for their pets' specific health conditions and unique needs.

About Hill's Pet Nutrition

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Hill's® Prescription Diet® brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's® Science Diet® brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. For more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., and Hill's Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition™ visit HillsPet.com.

SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.