Hypo Crunchy Dog Treats, 12-oz bag
Graded by The Sniff System
Hill's Prescription Diet Hypo Crunchy Dog Treats are dry treats designed for dogs with sensitivities, featuring hydrolyzed chicken liver.
This formula has undergone AAFCO feeding trials, which is a good sign of nutritional adequacy. It also includes hydrolyzed chicken liver, providing a highly digestible protein source.
The formula is plant-protein-dominated, with corn starch as the first ingredient. It also lacks a declared omega-3 source, and the protein and fat levels are quite low on a dry matter basis.
Good fit for dogs with food sensitivities needing a hydrolyzed protein treat. Less ideal if you prefer higher protein or declared omega-3s.
Summary written by The Sniff System from the data above. Same rubric, same drivers, expressed in English.
In its 2022 update on diet-associated DCM, the FDA identified Golden Retrievers as the most reported breed, with 121 cases out of 1,382 total canine reports (8.8%) received between January 1, 2014, and November 1, 2022 (FDA, 2022) . Good fit for adult Golden Retrievers navigating diet-associated DCM concerns. Hydrolyzed chicken liver anchors position 2, with zero pulses in the top 15, plus hydrolyzed chicken liver at position 2 (a natural taurine precursor).
Looking at this for adult Golden Retrievers or Golden Retrievers with diet-associated DCM concerns ? We are building dedicated pages for these combinations.
Auto-matched from this product's measurements (ingredients, life stage, calorie density) to a breed archetype. Not a substitute for vet input on your specific dog.
Research informing this analysis
MethodologyThe Sniff System grades this product against 3 cited studies relevant to its profile. Each link opens the original source.
- FDA, 2022cardiac · epidemiology · breed predisposition· cited in 5 claims
- FDA, 2019diet composition· cited in 2 claims
- NRC, 2006nutrient bioavailability
Every claim on Sniff traces to a source. If you find a citation that's wrong, outdated, or misapplied, tell us.
At 33/100, this formula sits below where we look for everyday picks. The lift comes from AAFCO compliance, worth 8 points to the final number: AAFCO feeding trial substantiation for not stated. The ceiling on this score is 49, set because the guaranteed analysis falls below AAFCO's minimum nutrient profile. The cap isn't the binding constraint here. Protein quality would also need to improve to reach the next band.
AAFCO feeding trial substantiation for not stated.
Includes egg, named fish, or organ meat for diverse high-bioavailability protein.
Plant-protein-dominated formula. corn starch as the #1 ingredient.
No declared omega-3 source. Fish oil, salmon oil, and algae oil all absent.
- Lowest fat quality in Hill's Prescription Diet's lineup (4/16)
- Top quartile for crude fiber in grain-inclusive dry kibbles (7.8% DMB)
- Lowest overall Sniff Score in Hill's Prescription Diet's lineup (33/100)
Computed against the rest of our catalog. Percentiles refresh on each catalog update.
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Read why each ingredient is good or bad for dogs.
- 1corn starch
Position 1 grain: primary carbohydrate base. This is a grain-inclusive formula with corn starch as the dominant carb.
- 2hydrolyzed chicken liver
- 3fiberpowdered cellulose
Plant fiber, often from wood pulp. Cheap bulk filler. Not harmful, but a tell that the recipe is reaching for inexpensive bulk.
Position 3: functional fiber for digestion or satiety.
- 4soybean oil
Plant oil. High in omega-6, which is required but commonly oversupplied. Fine in moderation.
Position 4: secondary fat. Often where marine oils sit when present alongside a primary land-animal fat.
- 5mineraldicalcium phosphate
Calcium and phosphorus combined. Required source of both minerals, especially in formulas without much bone content.
- 6mineralcalcium carbonate
Source of calcium. Functional. Required in complete dog foods, especially those without bone-in meat meals.
- 7mineralpotassium chloride
Required mineral. Sometimes used as a salt substitute. Standard inclusion in complete diets.
- 8glyceryl monostearate
- 9supplementdl-methionine
Essential amino acid. Often added when plant proteins dominate, since methionine is naturally lower in pulses than meat.
- 10mineralsalt
Sodium chloride. Required at small doses for normal physiology. Not a quality concern in standard amounts.
- 11supplementcholine chloride
Essential nutrient for liver and brain function. Standard inclusion in complete dog foods.
- 12mineralferrous sulfate
Inorganic iron. Standard mineral source. Iron proteinate is the gentler, better-absorbed premium form.
- 13zinc oxide
Inorganic zinc. Cheapest mineral form on the market. Functional but less bioavailable than chelated alternatives.
- 14mineralcopper sulfate
Inorganic copper. Standard, effective at small doses. Premium formulas tend to use copper proteinate instead.
- 15manganous oxide
Inorganic manganese. Functional, cheaper than chelated forms, less efficiently absorbed.
- 16mineralcalcium iodate
Source of iodine for thyroid function. Functional, required in complete formulas.
- 17mineralsodium selenite Flagged
Inorganic selenium. Effective at AAFCO levels, no documented safety concern in dogs despite what some pet food blogs claim. Selenium yeast is a marginal upgrade, not a necessity. See why →
- 18supplementtaurine
Amino acid critical for heart health. Especially important in grain-free or pulse-heavy formulas where natural taurine precursors run thin.
- 19mixed tocopherols for freshness
- 20othernatural flavors
Same as natural flavor. Usually hydrolyzed liver or broth, adds palatability.
- 21beta-carotene
16 of 21 ingredients have a curated note. Coverage grows over time.