This is our review of the best alternatives to Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Dog Food in 2024.
Does your dog have a sensitive stomach, loose stools, or mild bloat? If so, they aren’t alone. Around 20% of dogs will have digestive issues during their lives — with many problems being chronic.
Your vet may have you feeding them Hill’s w/d Multi-Benefit dog food to support their nutritional needs.
This lower-fat formula contains fiber-rich grains to firm up stool and l-carnitine to support your pup’s digestion and lean muscle mass.
But since it’s a dry kibble with grains, it’s not always the best choice for fussy dogs or ones who need a grain-free option. And it can be costly. So we’re reviewing the best options to support your canine’s gut health.
Our Top Picks
- Best With Probiotics – Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Low Fat
- Best for Picky Eaters – Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Support
- Best Low-Fat– Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low-Fat
- Best Budget – Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric
- Best Non-Prescription Option – Addiction Grain-Free Viva La Venison
5 Hill’s w/d Multi-Benefit Dog Food Reviewed
Our top picks for Hill’s wd dog food alternative options meet AAFCO’s nutrient profiles for dogs. But always consult with your vet before changing your dog’s dry food.
1. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Low-Fat Dry Dog Food
If you love the Hill’s brand, but don’t enjoy the w/d diet, try feeding your pup i/d Digestive Care formula. Both formulas are similar in ingredients, but i/d is lower in fat.
Neither formula is grain-free, but they offer easy grains like rice for fiber. And they both provide the same protein source, chicken meal, so that switching won’t be a big hassle.
There are a few ways that the i/d and w/d diets differ. First, Hills w/d recipe contains lactic acid. This additive is essential for cell turnover and natural probiotics.
The i/d option offers pecan shells and flaxseeds for prebiotic fiber instead.
It’s important to note that grains can cause sensitive tummies. So if you make the switch to this formula and your canine is having digestive issues, they may need a grain-free diet.
But if grains aren’t an issue, Hill’s i/d is an excellent substitute. And you can get it right at you’re vet’s office too!
It’s packed with vitamins and minerals like taurine and l-carnitine. These boost heart health, aid in muscle recovery, and support proper gut health.
For taste, Hill’s Digestive Care adds pork liver flavor. So all breeds and sizes can all enjoy the savoriness of the recipe.
Pet parents call this food a lifesaver. Many note that their dog’s digestive issues disappeared after switching to this formula. They recommend this formula for dogs with pancreatitis.
2. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Support Wet Dog Food
Fussy pups pick at their dry kibble and try to avoid a bland diet. If this is how your furry friend is, start feeding them wet food.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary GI Support is a wheat-free canned option. But it contains gut nourishing nutrients like prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and omega fatty acids.
Like Hills w/d, Blue Buffalo GI Support focuses on high-quality ingredients. A few top similarities include flaxseeds and chicken for taurine and omega-3 fatty acids.
But these foods differ in many ways too. Blue Buffalo includes whitefish for DHA and ARA — two essential nutrients for cognitive function. It also contains blueberries and cranberries for more fiber and a healthy immune system.
When measured on a dry matter basis, Blue Buffalo’s formula also contains more protein — a whopping 36% — much higher than the 16.5% that Hill’s offers. So if you have a pup that needs more protein, this is a great switch.
Keep in mind that larger dogs need more calories, so canned meals may not work if fed alone. Be sure to talk to your vet’s office about the best option.
Blue Buffalo’s Natural Veterinary Diet GI Support isn’t considered a grain-free formula. But, it is free of such ingredients like wheat, corn, soy, and artificial preservatives and flavors.
This formula solved their digestive problems in under two weeks for many dogs. And they haven’t had any issues since, which their parents call a miracle.
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low-Fat Dry Dog Food
An excellent alternative to Hill’s Diet is Royal Canin, and for a good reason. Vets recommend both. If you’re looking for low-fat food, their Veterinary Gastrointestinal option is perfect.
Of course, always talk to your doctor about switching to any new recipe. If your pup needs healthy fats to work, hunt, or stay active, this may not be the best option. Since fats are a dog’s natural energy source, you’ll need to develop the perfect plan before switching.
While Royal Canin’s formula is lower in fat, it still contains fish oil and chicken fat. These provide omega fatty acids for skin health and reduce inflammation in your pup’s digestive tract.
These foods have quite a bit in common, including barley and whole-grain wheat additions. These gentle grains offer natural prebiotic fiber for friendly gut bacteria and immunity. But Royal Canin’s option does provide more fiber.
Both diets contain l-lysine and l-carnitine. These essential amino acids aid in muscle health, recovery, and healthy joints. And l-lysine is the nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy.
Does your dog also need to lose weight? If so, this formula is low in calories too. So it’s a good alternative for senior canines with slower metabolisms or pups who need weight loss support.
While this substitution will work for most dogs, some pet owners state that the kibble is too big for their smaller breed. But they do mention that their vet recommended adding broth to make it easier to eat.
4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Dry Dog Food
Most dogs with gastrointestinal issues need ingredients that are easy to digest. Hill’s w/d diet is popular — its components are in the perfect ratios to aid proper digestion and regulate stool.
But Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric is perfect. And, it can be more affordable while offering the same top-quality ingredients.
Your pooch will have the ultimate tummy and digestion support with moderate fat and grains like wheat bran.
Like Hill’s, it’s packed with other fiber-rich ingredients, including whole grain corn and corn gluten meal. Corn offers carbohydrates and linoleic acid. These help your dog maintain his healthy skin and metabolic system. And, they can help them feel full, faster.
There are some essential differences that we should talk about. First, Purina offers coconut oil. This oil provides omega fatty acids and is easier to absorb by pups with digestive issues. And it adds extra flavor, enticing your dog to eat it for a healthy digestive tract.
Supplemented zinc and vitamin C and E are perfect nutrients for furry friends with sensitive stomachs. They reduce inflammation, nourish your dog’s digestive tract and skin, and boost their immune system.
Even though Purina is a more affordable option, it still needs a vet’s approval. It’s free of artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.
Many dog owners say their vet recommended this formula to help their dog with mild and moderate bloat. They have noticed a positive difference since making the switch and have been able to avoid surgery.
5. Addiction Grain-Free Viva La Venison Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Multi-Benefit formula needs a vet’s approval before you can buy it. But not everyone can get prescribed food as quickly as others. You can try Addiction Grain-Free Viva La Venison without authorization.
It’s also the only grain-free option on this list but has plenty of fiber. So it’s perfect for dogs with grain sensitivities.
It does share similar features to Hill’s. Both contain natural antioxidants and taurine for immune support and a healthy heart. They offer chicken fat — which offers glucosamine for healthy joints and digestion.
But Addiction goes a different route for their protein. They include free-range New Zealand venison. This novel protein is also hypoallergenic for pups with sensitivities. It provides supplemented probiotics for a healthy digestive and immune system.
While Hill’s formula comes from the US, Addiction starts in New Zealand. But they follow similar quality and production standards.
Instead of grains like Hill’s offers, this formula adds dried potatoes, peas, apples, and spinach for fiber. These also provide vitamins A, C, and B6 — providing eye support, immune support, and energy.
Dogs seem to enjoy this kibble, and their owners note that it’s the perfect size for all breeds, both big and small.
How To Transition Your Dog To A New Formula
It’s crucial to transition your pup to a new food, especially if they have gut health issues. Switching too fast can cause tummy upset, loose stools, constipation, and even bloat.
Focus on transitioning your pooch over 5 to 7 days.
On the first day, add a small amount of new kibble to their regular meal. Increase the amount of new food each day until your pup eats the new formula only.
If switching from dry to wet, you’ll do the same process. But if you notice runny stool at any point, increase the amount of kibble.
Feeding too much wet food can cause watery bowel movements for some dogs, no matter how slow the transition is.
As always, consult your vet before changing your dog’s formula.
Our Verdict
Hill’s w/d Multi-Benefit formula is perfect for dogs who need better digestive support and a low-fat or high-fiber diet. But it’s not the only choice.
Our favorite dog foods have the same high-quality ingredients and proteins, and grains that are easy to digest.
Some of these diets need a vet’s authorization, but there is an option for pup parents who need dog store-friendly options.
Discuss with your vet about the best choice for your pup.
