Led By Science
Since The Very
Beginning
The year was 1939 when a young blind man named Morris Frank was traveling the country with his dog, Buddy. Buddy was suffering from end-stage kidney disease, and Mr. Frank asked Dr. Mark Morris Sr. for help.
Dr. Morris believed he could find a nutritional solution to Buddy’s issues, so he developed a new pet food with his wife, Louise Morris, in their kitchen.
1948
Hill’s Pet Nutrition officially goes into business
Dr. Morris contracted with Burton Hill of the Hill Packing Company in Topeka, Kansas, to can the food with a new name, Canine k/d, and licensed Hill to produce his pet food formulas.
Prescription Diet k/d becomes the world’s 1st veterinarian-prepared food for the management of a canine disease.
1953
Dr. Morris’ work pioneering dietetic pet nutrition leads to a new breakthrough in urinary pet foods.
1968
Hill’s Science Plan is created
Focusing on a preventative approach to pet health, Mark Morris Jr. launches Hill’s first wellness food brand for pets.
1976
Colgate-Palmolive Co. purchases Hill's Pet Nutrition
1983
A Legacy Continues
Dr. Mark Morris Jr. carries on his father’s work in pet nutrition and co-authors the Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Textbook. The book continues to be used in veterinary colleges to this day as definitive text for companion animal care.
Dr. Morris Jr. is still considered the father of small animal wellness nutrition.
1992
A focus on urgent care
To help veterinarians when every moment counts, Hill’s creates the world’s first thixotropic food for assisted feeding of pets.
1996
Hill's publishes scientific discoveries on unique nutrition for large breed pups
2000
Hill’s begins fortifying pet food with antioxidant combinations to support immune function in pets
2002
Hill’s starts an ongoing mission to help shelter pets
The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love programme is first launched across North America, which to date has helped over 12 million pets find a forever home.
2003
Hill's creates Sensory Centre dedicated to the understanding of pet food taste
2004
Hill's develops its first pet nutrigenomics research lab
Becoming a leader in innovations that use nutrients to change how genes are expressed in pets over time.
2005
Pet nutrigenomics gives way to one of the leading pet foods for mobility
2008
Hill's donates cat genome research
Hill’s takes a big step forward in providing the best nutrition possible for cats.
2012
Hill's breaks new ground in management of overactive thyroids in cats
2013
Offering support when pets need it most
The Hill's Disaster Relief Network is established in North America as a way to provide nutritional support for pets after disasters hit their communities. Hill’s partners with shelters, veterinary clinics, governmental organizations and other non-profits caring for pets in the aftermath of disasters.
2013
New dietetic solutions for weight management
Hill’s creates new innovations to help pets struggling with weight issues.
2017
New options for older pets
Using work pioneered through the pet genome, Hill’s develops several new nutritional options for ageing pets.
Hill's Science Plan Youthful Vitality
(now Hill’s Science Plan Senior Vitality)
2018
Hill’s advances research into the pet microbiome
New breakthroughs are made regarding the network of microorganisms that affect a pet's digestion, immune health, organ function and more.
2021
HILL'S DONATES 100,000 MEALS TO SHELTER PETS IN NEED
Hill's hosts first ever #MissionForeverFriend event across Europe and Russia to help give shelter pets the second chance they deserve.
2021
Hill’s helps make itching ancient history
New advancements in allergy care allow Hill’s to create nutrition for both food and environmental sensitivities.