The science of healing

Our pets are family. They’re the ones who greet us at the door after a long day, curl up beside us when we’re feeling low, and bring us joy in ways words often can’t express. So, when they fall ill, it’s especially tough. Seeing them lose interest in food, their energy fade, and their spirit dim can be heartbreaking.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery, but encouraging a sick pet to eat can be a challenge. This is where science, innovation, research and care come together. At Hill’s Pet Nutrition, science isn’t simply a foundation, it’s a driving force. For over 75 years, Hill’s has been at the forefront of pet health innovation, creating evidence-based nutrition that transforms the lives of pets and the people who love them. Built on a legacy of research, collaboration with veterinarians, and an unwavering commitment to wellbeing, Hill’s continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in pet nutrition.

From studying the gut microbiome to formulating precise diets for pets with complex health needs, Hill's innovation is developed with science and compassion at its core. Now, the latest example of this commitment comes in the form of Prescription Diet On-Care, for pets facing serious illness or recovery from illness and surgery – a time when nutrition can be both life sustaining and emotionally significant. This food is formulated to be highly palatable and contains a high caloric density to help pets regain strength and maintain energy when they need it most.

Dave Baloga, Vice President of Science and Technology at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, explains that On-Care builds on decades of scientific progress. “While Prescription Diet a/d has long supported short-term recovery, On-Care is designed to provide sustained nutritional support. It’s for the longer road - the ongoing journey back to strength.”

For pets with diminished appetite, On-Care is available in both dry and wet varieties to suit individual preferences. The food contains high-quality, easily digestible proteins to preserve lean muscle mass, essential fatty acids to support cellular health, Hill’s Activbiome Technology to support a healthy gut microbiome balance and a blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to aid overall recovery.

Baloga saw this impact first-hand when his own dog, Arlo, a Weimaraner undergoing cancer treatment, stopped eating. Despite trying everything from baby food to cheeseburgers, nothing worked, until On-Care. Within months, Arlo had regained the weight she’d lost and was once again joining the family on their daily runs.

Beyond taste and nutrition, On-Care also contains ActivBiome+ prebiotic fibre blend, a Hill’s innovation rooted in microbiome research. By supporting a healthy gut environment, the formulation enhances digestion and helps pets absorb the nutrients they need to heal.

Baloga notes that in one clinical study1 with 65 sick dogs, 97% of the dogs successfully transitioned in 7 days to On-Care and continued eating for the duration of the 28-day study -  a reassuring sign for those looking for a complete and balanced feeding solution during challenging times. With its South African launch now underway, On-Care is set to support more pets and their parents. 

Whether addressing the challenges of illness or promoting long-term health, Hill’s continues to innovate with purpose. Every formula is driven by data, guided by compassion, and tailored to improve pets’ lives. With On-Care, Hill’s reaffirms its position as a leader in pet nutrition – one that’s not only keeping up with science but shaping the future of it.

For more information on Prescription Diet On-Care visit the Hill’s website.

Reference:
*1 Anthony, R. M., Amundson, M. D., Brejda, J., & Becvarova, I. (2023). Acceptance of a Novel, Highly Palatable, Calorically Dense, and Nutritionally Complete Diet in Dogs with Benign and Malignant Tumors. Veterinary Sciences, 10(2), 148. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10020148

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Julia Rice | Republic PR | julia@republicpr.co.za