Hill's Science Diet Fully Relaunched to Balance Gut Microbiome and Support Whole-Body Health in Dogs and Cats

Hill's Pet Nutrition Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Arnaud Breuillac; hereinafter “Hill's”), the company behind the No.1 veterinarian-recommended pet food brands in the U.S., “Hill's Prescription Diet” and “Hill's Science Diet,” has fully relaunched “Hill's Science Diet.” Starting January 2026, the brand will gradually launch the new pet food (complete nutrition diet) designed to help dogs and cats achieve gut health.

To support pet parents who wish their beloved dogs and cats could “stay healthier,” “live longer together,” or “receive even better care,” Hill's has introduced its proprietary gut-health blend, “Active Biome+ Multiple Benefits,” based on research conducted by over 200 veterinarians, certified nutritionists, and food scientists.

An Era of Health-Conscious Feeding Amid Pet Longevity and Humanization

In 2023, average lifespans reached 14.1 years for dogs and 14.5 years for cats, reflecting a growing trend of pet longevity. Pets are increasingly seen not just as animals to be kept, but as irreplaceable family members with whom people share precious moments. As a result, pet parents are placing greater emphasis on maintaining health through daily diet and lifestyle habits.

Daily pet food, consumed without fail, forms a crucial foundation for health, adapting to life stages and physical changes. As health needs evolve from puppy/kitten, adult, to senior stages, maintaining gentle, daily care through diet is becoming increasingly essential for a fulfilling life with pets.

Product Design Rooted in Years of Proprietary Research to Meet Dogs’ and Cats’ Needs

For decades, Hill's has advanced science-based nutritional research to create foods that support pet health. With over 200 veterinarians, certified nutritionists, and food scientists on staff, the company continues researching the nutrients essential for pets to live healthier, longer, and happier lives. At the Hill's Global Pet Nutrition Center in Kansas, USA, approximately 900 dogs and cats serve as “experts,” contributing their feedback to product development. Through science-based approaches, Hill's develops products that deliver the ideal aroma, taste, texture, size, and shape—ensuring mealtime is something pets truly want to eat.

Additionally, Hill's has focused on the connection between gut health (gut microbiome) and overall wellness, building over 75 years of digestive health research, more than 10 years of research on activating the gut microbiome, and over five years of clinical results with the therapeutic food “Hill's Prescription Diet Gut Biome.”

Thanks to this robust research infrastructure, Hill's can design products tailored to the age, physique, life stage, and health needs of individual dogs and cats. With this full relaunch, Hill's continues to prioritize nutritional balance and palatability in everyday food while supporting pets’ healthy, vibrant lives.

Key Updates in This Relaunch

To help maintain the health of beloved pets, the following improvements have been made:

1. “Active Biome+ Technology” Focused on Gut Health (Gut Microbiome)

Dogs and cats are born with their own unique gut microbiome—also known as gut flora—a diverse community of trillions of bacteria. A healthy gut flora refers to a balanced bacterial ecosystem. When this balance is disrupted, pets may experience digestive upset, weakened immunity, and other health issues. Hill's recommends “gut care” for pets to help maintain a balanced gut flora.

Based on years of research into pet gut flora, Hill's has introduced its proprietary gut-health blend, “Active Biome+ Multiple Benefits.” By using “prebiotics” to nourish existing beneficial bacteria, this blend helps balance the gut microbiome, supporting not only digestive health but also immune function and organ health—promoting whole-body wellness from within.

2. Expanded Product Range for Dogs’ and Cats’ Life Stages and Health Concerns

This relaunch covers all dog and cat “Hill's Science Diet” products.

For both dogs and cats, Hill's offers products tailored to life stages and specific health needs. Rather than waiting until health issues arise, Hill's encourages proactive care through daily nutrition to help pets enjoy vibrant health for longer. With science-based nutritional design, Hill's supports the healthy, joyful lives of beloved pets.

Product Overview

“Hill's Science Diet” is a complete nutrition diet designed to support daily health maintenance. For both dogs and cats, the brand offers products tailored to life stages—from puppy/kitten to senior—as well as specific health needs such as weight management, post-spay/neuter care, digestive health, urinary health, and hairball control.

The new packaging features an icon indicating the inclusion of gut microbiome-balancing technology, refreshing the design to make product benefits instantly recognizable.

Product Name: Hill's Science Diet

Target: All life stage products for dogs and cats

Category: Complete Nutrition Diet

Transition Period: Gradual rollout from January 2026, as existing stock depletes

Sales Locations: Pet specialty stores, home centers, and e-commerce sites nationwide

Price: No change from current products

Official Website: https://www.hills.co.jp/

About Hill's Pet Nutrition Japan Co., Ltd.

Hill's, a pioneer in developing the world’s first veterinarian-supervised therapeutic diet, has pursued clinical nutrition for pets for over 75 years. Guided by the mission to “enrich the irreplaceable bond between people and pets for life,” over 200 veterinarians, nutrition PhDs, and food scientists work together to develop innovative products based on the latest scientific insights.

In the Japanese market, Hill's Pet Nutrition Japan has been serving Japanese pet owners and their pets for nearly half a century since its launch in 1977, delivering science-backed, premium nutrition.

As the No.1 veterinarian-recommended pet food brand in the U.S., Hill's offers “Hill's Prescription Diet” for disease management, “Hill's Science Diet” for daily health maintenance, and “Hill's Science Diet Vet Essentials,” a complete nutrition diet available exclusively at veterinary clinics and pet specialty stores.