Pet Digest

Pecan Shells in Dog Food?! What’s Going On, Hills? Pecan Shells in Dog Food?! What’s Going On, Hills? Yes, you read that right. Some Hill’s dog foods — including select formulas in their “Science Diet” and “Prescription Diet” lines — list pecan shell fiber as an ingredient. And for many dog parents, the reaction is: Wait, what? Why are there nutshells in my dog’s food? Let’s unpack why this ingredient shows up, what it actually does, and whether it’s something you should be concerned about. 🥥 1. What Are Pecan Shells Doing in Dog Food? Pecan shells are a by-product of the nut industry. When pecans are processed for human consumption, the leftover shells are sometimes ground down into a fine powder. Dog food companies then add that powder as a source of insoluble fiber — essentially roughage to help bulk up stool and promote bowel regularity. Hill’s isn’t the only one to use it; other pet food manufacturers have experimented with things like beet pulp, ric...