Pet Supplies

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, more commonly known as “Hill’s”, was founded in 1907 by Burton Hill in Topeka, Kansas. Originally named Hill’s Rendering Works, the company started off removing and killing farm animals that were sick or lame, then used those remains to make lard, tallow, leather, and feed for animals. By the 1930’s, the company had changed its name to Hill Packing Company.

Today, Hill’s is best known for its high-quality dog and cat food. The company originally began selling these products only to veterinarians, who in turn sold it to clients, based on their pet’s needs. Although the label Prescription Diet is still available only through vet’s, many are sold in supermarkets and pet stores under the name of Science Diet. 

The Science Diet blend was developed in the 1960s by Mark L. Morris, Jr. PhD DVM. Morris’ father had been asked to develop a special food for a seeing-eye dog which had kidney problems. 

In early 2018, dog owners began complaining of injury or death to their pets that they believed came from canned dog food from Hill’s. The company refused to issue a recall until the end of January 2019. The number of deaths or injuries due to the high levels of Vitamin D in canned dog food is unknown, but there is currently a class action lawsuit over the matter.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive, who acquired the company in 1976. Company products are now sold in 86 countries. Estimated annual revenue for the company is $2.2 billion. Headquarters for the company are still located in Topeka, Kansas.