Hill's introduces therapeutic diets for pets with kidney issues alongside skin or GI sensitivities

Hill's Pet Nutrition has introduced two new therapeutic diet options aimed at dogs and cats with concurrent chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dermatologic or gastrointestinal sensitivities. The new diets provide veterinarians and pet owners with an option to support an animal population that can be difficult to manage nutritionally.

The new diets also mark the first wet option for kidney and sensitivity support among leading and therapeutic brands in North America.¹

"Veterinary health care teams often see patients whose health needs don't fit neatly into one category,” Chelsie Estey, MSc, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), US chief veterinary officer at Hill's, said in a company statement.¹ “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."

The additions, Prescription Diet k/d + Derm Complete for dogs and Prescription Diet k/d + z/d Hydrolyzed for cats, are now available through veterinary recommendation in both dry and wet formulations. Both products are built around ActivBiome+ Kidney Defense, a prebiotic fiber blend the company describes as designed to activate the gut microbiome and reduce the accumulation of harmful waste products.

Both formulations feature reduced phosphorus and sodium levels, enhanced omega-3 fatty acids, and optimized essential amino acid profiles, according to Hill's. The canine formula, k/d + Derm Complete, contains a single novel animal protein intended to help avoid adverse food reactions. The company states that dogs with food sensitivities may experience visible skin improvement within 21 days.¹

The feline formula, k/d + z/d Hydrolyzed, contains hydrolyzed proteins that are broken down into fragments small enough to avoid triggering an immune response.1 According to Hill's, the diet helps manage digestive issues associated with food sensitivities as well as scratching and itching caused by adverse food reactions. It is also formulated to help maintain muscle mass and support kidney function.¹

"At Hill's, we understand that finding a food that supports a pet's sensitivities can be challenging," Carrick Massey, senior vice president of marketing at Hill's US, said in an announcement.¹ "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."

As with any therapeutic transition, individual patient assessment remains essential. Both products require veterinary recommendation for purchase.

Reference

1. Hill's Pet Nutrition launches premiere nutrition supporting kidney function plus GI and skin sensitivities. News release. Hill’s Pet Nutrition. June 9, 2026. Accessed June 9, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hills-pet-nutrition-launches-premiere-nutrition-supporting-kidney-function-plus-gi-and-skin-sensitivities-302794594.html