Hill’s expands therapeutic pet food portfolio with dual-support kidney and sensitivity diets

USA – Hill’s Pet Nutrition has launched two new therapeutic pet food products designed to support pets with chronic kidney disease, as well as those with skin, digestive, or food sensitivities, expanding the nutritional options available to veterinarians managing multiple health conditions in dogs and cats.

The new products, Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d + Derm Complete for dogs and Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d + z/d Hydrolyzed for cats, combine kidney support with sensitivity management in a single formulation. 

The diets are available through veterinary recommendation in both dry and wet formats.

“Veterinary health care teams often see patients whose health needs don’t fit neatly into one category,” said Dr Chelsie Estey, US Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill’s.

“Historically, veterinarians have had limited nutritional options to support both kidney health and sensitivities. With Prescription Diet k/d + sensitivities, Hill’s continues to expand the veterinary toolbox, filling a critical need for veterinarians and pet parents alike,” Estey said.

The launch reflects a broader trend in the pet nutrition sector toward more targeted therapeutic diets that can address multiple chronic conditions simultaneously. 

As pet owners increasingly seek advanced healthcare solutions for companion animals, manufacturers are investing in specialised nutritional products that complement veterinary treatment plans.

Both new formulations contain reduced levels of phosphorus and sodium, omega-3 fatty acids, and optimised levels of amino acids and protein to support kidney function, muscle maintenance, and overall health.

The products also feature ActivBiome+ Kidney Defense, a proprietary blend of prebiotic fibres developed to support the gut microbiome and help reduce harmful waste products associated with kidney disease.

Therapeutic nutrition targets multiple health concerns

The canine formulation, Prescription Diet k/d + Derm Complete, is designed to support dogs experiencing kidney disease alongside food-related skin sensitivities. 

According to Hill’s, the diet helps protect kidney function, supports muscle maintenance and promotes visible skin improvement in dogs with food sensitivities.

The product contains a single novel animal protein source intended to help reduce adverse food reactions and support digestive health.

For cats, Prescription Diet k/d + z/d Hydrolyzed combines kidney support with highly hydrolyzed proteins to help prevent immune responses associated with food sensitivities. 

The company says the formulation helps reduce digestive disturbances, as well as scratching and itching associated with adverse food reactions.

Hill’s stated that the products represent the only wet therapeutic nutrition option among leading North American therapeutic pet food brands that combine kidney support with sensitivity management.

“At Hill’s, we understand that finding a food that supports a pet’s sensitivities can be challenging,” said Carrick Massey, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Hill’s US.

“When that same pet receives a veterinarian’s diagnosis of kidney issues, pet parents may feel like they need to start over. 

That’s why we created the Prescription Diet k/d + sensitivities nutrition so veterinarians and pet parents can confidently make the switch knowing the science-led nutrition was created with them in mind,” Massey said.

The company said the products are built on the established Prescription Diet k/d portfolio, which is formulated to support pets diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. 

Hill’s cites research indicating that pets with kidney disease can benefit from targeted nutritional management, with affected dogs and cats potentially gaining additional years of life when supported with appropriate dietary interventions.

The launch further strengthens Hill’s position in the growing therapeutic pet nutrition segment, where demand for condition-specific diets continues to rise as companion animal healthcare becomes increasingly sophisticated.

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