Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6
Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 scores 4.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (moderate — 74% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 wet cat food good?
Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 is a wet cat food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Gluten grains, Legumes, Poultry, Red meat, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 39% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 14% |
| Fiber | 17% |
| Ash | 39% |
Moisture (82%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 7% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 3% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 82% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (39% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Cats usually benefit from higher protein than dogs, so confirm the food is complete for cats and fits the cat's life stage.
- Fat is Medium (14% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many cats, but total calories and body condition still matter.
Ingredients Analysis
43 of 43 matched
-
1 Water
OthersDescription
It is added in the pet food as a blending / thinning agent.
-
2 Tuna
Animal ProteinDescription
A saltwater fish high in protein, omega 3 fats, and B vitamins. Most tuna contains a high level of mercury, which is linked to many health issues.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
3 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
4 Pork Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the most nutrient-dense organs, an excellent source of vitamin A and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
-
5 Dextrose
CarbsDescription
A simple sugar (glucose) used as an energy source or processing aid.
Why Concerned?
Added sugar with no nutritional benefit beyond calories.
-
6 Wheat Flour
CarbsDescription
The most common inexpensive filler in lower-grade pet foods. Other than carbs and fiber, it does not contain important nutrients for dogs / cats.
Why Concerned?
A common filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
-
7 Modified Rice Starch
CarbsDescription
Rice starch that has been chemically or physically modified for improved texture.
Why Concerned?
Highly processed starch with limited nutritional value.
-
8 Oat Fiber
CarbsDescription
An insoluble fiber made from grinding the oat hull, used to boost up fiber content in pet foods.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
-
9 Wheat Gluten
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Protein concentrate made by removing the starch of wheat flour, it contains around 70% plant protein.
Why Notice?
High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach. A high level of plant-based protein is not easily digestible.
-
10 Pork Plasma
Animal ProteinDescription
Spray-dried pork plasma, a highly digestible protein source often used in pet food.
Why Concerned?
A by-product-derived protein source.
-
11 Soybean Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from soybeans, an inferior option as it contains more saturated fats than the majority of vegetable oils.
Why Concerned?
A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
-
12 Glycine
Food AdditiveDescription
An amino acid important for collagen production and joint health.
-
13 Calcium Carbonate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
14 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
-
15 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
Fish oil is beneficial but the unnamed source makes quality assessment difficult.
-
16 Guar Gum
Food AdditiveDescription
Extracted from guar beans, used as a thickener in pet foods.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
Digestion Concern
Studies show that it may affect protein digestion and amino acid absorption.
-
17 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
-
18 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
-
19 Cysteine
SupplementDescription
Often the most lacking amino acid in natural protein sources and usually added as a supplement in pet foods, essential for normal growth.
-
20 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
-
21 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
-
22 Ascorbic Acid
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
-
23 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
-
24 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
-
25 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
26 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
-
27 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
-
28 Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
SupplementDescription
The synthetic form of vitamin K3, it has been banned as a supplement for humans (toxic in large doses), but still consider "OK" for use in pet foods.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Uncertain/Risky
Repeated or long-term consumption may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.
-
29 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
-
30 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
-
31 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
-
32 Calcium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
33 Zinc Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
34 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
35 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
36 Manganous Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
-
37 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
38 Dicalcium Phosphate
SupplementDescription
A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Digestion Concern
It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.
Uncertain/Risky
Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.
-
39 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
-
40 Iodized Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
-
41 Dl-methionine
SupplementDescription
Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Why Concerned?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
-
42 Caramel Color
Food AdditiveDescription
A natural food dye that is added to "decorate" the pet foods. It offers minimum nutrition value.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
-
43 Beta-carotene
SupplementDescription
An antioxidant and a precursor to Vitamin A helps to regulate both cellular and immune responses.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Pork Plasma appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Wheat Gluten may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Wheat Gluten, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Dicalcium Phosphate.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Dicalcium Phosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
Moderate- Animal 74%
- Plant concentrate 26%
Mixed protein sources in Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6: 74% animal, 0% whole plants, and 26% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant concentrate
Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 wet cat food Review
Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
Avoid if
- Your pet has a grain or gluten sensitivity
- You're avoiding legumes
- You're avoiding plant-protein concentrates like pea or soy isolate
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Wheat Gluten.
- Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Legumes, Poultry, Red meat, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 39% protein, 14% fat, 0% estimated carbohydrates.
- 74% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 good for cats?
Yes — Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with moderate animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your cat’s needs.
Does Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 grain-free?
No — Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 is not grain-free: the printed ingredient list includes Gluten grains. That mainly matters for pets with a diagnosed grain sensitivity or allergy; most cats tolerate grains well as an energy source. If your cat must avoid grains, choose a recipe without these ingredients.
What are the main protein sources in Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6?
The main animal proteins in Hill's Science Diet Tender Tuna Dinner Adult 1-6 are Tuna, Chicken, Pork Liver. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
