My Maine Coon had surgery 5 weeks ago, which resulted in him needing to be in a cone and having to be contained so he wouldn't jump or get debris in his surgical incisions. I kept him inside of a roomy multi-tier cage to ensure his safety. He was just fine until I had to put him in a longer cone, as the cone my vet gave us was too short and he was still able to reach his wounds through it if he tried. He became very depressed in the longer cone and started having liquid diarrhea. We went to the vet and tried metronidazole and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal dry food to little avail, even after removing the cone. He started vomiting last week and I had to give him Cerenia. The vet mentioned that Hills z/d dry food might work to stop his GI issues since the GI food didn't. Within a day of feeding z/d, my cat has completely stopped being sick and now has the same perfectly solid, firm stools he used to have before he got sick. I am hoping I can wean him off of this food later since I believe his GI issues to be stress induced, and not true food sensitivity.
by LM on 07/09/2023
When I first got this for my cat, he loved it (the dry, not the wet), but now that's he's been on it for about a year, he refuses to eat it. He takes a sniff, then walks away. He's lost quite a bit of weight, so I've had to supplement his diet with the Hill's Sensitive Stomach wet food (the regular kind, not the z/d. Neither of my cats will eat the wet z/d). I wish Hill's would make this in another flavor.
by DietsAreBoring on 06/08/2023
My senior cat has an extremely sensitive stomach AND he's incredibly picky. So what a relief that he likes this food, and it doesn't upset his stomach. I will say that the kibble is bigger than other brands, and with a lot of his teeth pulled out, he has a hard time chewing it.
by Catlady818 on 05/20/2023
My senior cat loves this food, and it doesn't make him sick. The only negative is that the kibble size is too thick, making it difficult for him to eat. Wish it were thinner.
by Neel818 on 04/21/2023
She did not like the canned version of this, but she does like the dry version. She is no longer throwing up and has normal stools. I read that dry food is hard on a cat's digestive system and they can get pancreatitis from it, so I pour some water over it to soften it up for her. For her pancreatitis I am also mixing in probiotic and curcumin with pepper.
by Mouse1999 on 04/04/2023
Our cat eats this, however, after a couple months, he is looking at it, "again? the same old same!" It would be very nice to have some variety in flavors for the feline to enjoy since all else has been eliminated from his diet :( But Thank you for having an affordable food for our paw family member!!!
by Poko Loko on 03/22/2023
My poor kitty had food allergies that make all other foods even the organic and pure meat varieties indigestible. Plus she's usually very finicky about flavors. However, this food works for her and I'm so grateful! Also PetCareRx gives the best prices and easy ordering with my vet. Thank you!
by Saku P. on 06/12/2022
My cat loves this food as well as the z/d wet food. Not only does he love it but he has no more itchy skin!! You definitely need some patience this wont happen right away and it will seem like it isn't helping at all and then one day they just stop itching. He never had a problem eating either of the foods. I buy the food through my local APL so I haven't had any issues with the dry food being out of stock but the wet food has been out of stock at my APL for a month or so now. Overall my cat loves his food and his skin and fur looks better than ever !!
by Ann on 04/23/2022
Our two Savannah cats James Bond and Natasha started having some serious vomiting and diarrhea issues about 2 years ago. Our WONDERFUL Vet diagnosed them with IBD and started them on daily prednisolone which worked like magic! They did have some breakthrough symptoms, albeit rare, so she recommended we start them on the Hills z/d formula. Since starting the z/d we have had NO symptoms whatsoever. I highly recommend using Hills z/d formula if you are experiencing issues such as ours.
by Savannah Mommy on 03/25/2022
Can't find this anywhere in Australia. Been trying to find it for months now as it's my cat's main food for years. He has been sick since we haven't been able to give it to him. There must be lots of owners of cats n this situation. Very upset as nobody including Hills can give me a straight answer when this will be available again.
by Chloe on 02/23/2022
My cat was throwing up several times a day. Switched to this food and he hasnโt thrown up since. He has been on it for 5 years. Itโs expensive but it beats cleaning up cat vomit multiple times per day. And he is healthier and his fur is silky. Definitely recommend if your cat is having digestive issues
by Dee on 01/10/2022
My cat loves this
by Akiko on 12/28/2021
Worked great
by Jess on 07/17/2021
My cat is 18 years old and has had diarrhea along with some vomiting. You could actually hear his belly rumbling when sitting next to him. We just went thru our first bag and he loves it!!!! I have other cats so I thought it was going to bd really tough, but he doesn't even want his old food!! He cries when he's hungry. He's doing FABULOUS!!!! Definitely would recommend! His stools are also back to normal, and no more vomiting!!!!
by Sharon on 01/02/2021
My cat was prescribed this due to ongoing vomiting and diarrhoea. Changed from the indoor kibble. But this product has made my cats stool almost liquid and upset before toileting.
by Kylie on 05/30/2020
My cat is 10 years old & was prescribed this by our vet. It did wonders for her as she often brought up her food but hasn't for a long time now. However, in the last month this formula must have changed as she's constantly washing herself & has become a bit feisty. Very disappointed and will now need to go back to my vet & change her diet.
by Gemma on 05/01/2020
Sadly new formula has seen a backwards step in our cat's health. Has been on z/d for years after chronic gut issues. Now worse than ever diarrhoea since the "new formula" Attempting to find another food that our kitty can survive on. Sorry Hills - you guys have messed this one up
by Janelle on 04/20/2020
My cat was eating ZD for about 5 years after suffering allergies to most meat, since the new formula we have seen skin allergies return and she's starting vomiting her food up. Why did you change the formula?
by Shaywardmay on 02/27/2020
Our cats have been on Z/d for years. The Burmese because she was pulling her fur out and the Australian Mist for vomiting. Now that the formula has changed, the Burmese is once again pulling her fur out and the Mist is back to vomiting. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. We will need to try something else now.
by Janelle on 01/01/2020
My 10 year old cat would vomit right after eating. 2 vets & finally a new vet recommended Hills zd. A little expensive but it's so worth it as my cat stopped vomiting immediately. She has gained 4 lbs wish they could make it in lower fat diet.
by Denny on 11/25/2019
Both of my cats were doing well on the old formulation, however, Hill's changed the formula and kibble size. Now both of my cats are having allergic reactions. Sadly this was one of the few foods I could feed them and did for years. Pops (my male cat has pancreatitis) and Missy was a stray who lost all her teeth prior to my adopting her was able to eat the tiny kibble but the larger units are too big for her to swallow. Both did so well on the old formula, I really wished they kept the old formulation for cats unable to eat and/or digest this food.
by Pops and Missy's Mom on 11/23/2019
My cat was on this food for almost 2 years when they changed the formula he got the runs and has been sick ever since. Ive been taking him to vets changing his food now im back to square one. This is terriable for them to change it when he was doing great on it.
by Patti on 11/22/2019
My 14 yo kitty has had so many issues most recently a severely inflamed pancreas. She was losing too much weight because she couldn't keep it down and stopped eating dry food all together. She LOVES this and so does my other kitty. The pebbles are super tiny which is important for her to digest and helps my other kitty who usually eats too fast and throws up. She hardly does that anymore. Unfortunately it's the most expensive of any prescription diet we've ever tried and it is difficult to want to pay it but I'll pay every penny over and over if it keeps my baby healthy and happy. She has energy again and is playing again and that makes my heart happy.
by Jam on 08/15/2019
This is the only food my cat can eat - it has been on back order for months - When will it be available again??
by Maria on 11/28/2018
My cat was recently switched to the z/d formula. She looked at me like I was stupid when I put this in front of her and walked away. She would not eat it. I tried over several days. Starving was the better option to her rather than eating this food. It was like rubber and stuck to the fork and I felt the food was nasty but presented it to her anyway. I Had to switch back to other food and call my vet for other options as my cat refused to eat any of the food. There is only one flavor and the cans need to be smaller and the food more appealing to cats.
by Cat Lover on 08/15/2018
We have two Abyssinian cats that each had severe gastrointestinal issues. Also, one was subject to frequent urinary infections. 10 years now on ZD and only small amounts of cooked chicken and they are doing well. Before our Vet prescribed ZD we had been referred to specialists and thousands of dollars in tests with no good results. Both cats love the dry ZD. Will stay with this!
by Joan on 03/05/2018
My cat, Callie, liked the dry food mixed with her usual dry food. Callie's itching was greatly reduced, her ear was getting better and she hadn't vomited since beginning Z/d. When she was converted to Science diet Z/d completely she stopped eating it. She would not eat the Z/d wet food. I had to switch to a competitor and she began vomiting again. I am also concerned about GMO's. It seems to me that a 4 lb. bag of dry cat food should be guaranteed NON-GMO and Organic!
by Cid on 02/01/2018
I have a cat with allergies and she would scratch herself raw. She eats the canned z/d and she also eats the dry d/d formula. She is a very picky eater and a grazer so one day she may gulp it all down and the next she picks at it all day but her coat looks great and she no longer scratches herself down to her skin. I agree with a lot of the others who have posted that the texture is a little weird, but I use a fork and flake it up and if you do that first, you can't tell it from the other kind of canned food. Give that a try and see if that doesn't help your cat accept it. Also I will warm it in the microwave for just a few seconds,,not to get it hot hot but just to get the chill off and the aroma intensifies. Hope this helps all!!
by vada61 on 01/20/2018
I just recently started feed this to my 12 y/o cat for stomach issues she recently developed. I have to agree with the review stating the canned food is not worth buying as it doesn't look like regular canned food and my cat won't touch it and she's not picky. She will eat the dry. I also agree that the price is insane! This is not the first prescription food I have bought as my other cat is on k/d and there are many more choices for the canned and cost is still high but reasonable.
by muchka on 11/29/2017
This is a good product but my cat refused to eat it due to the consistency of the wet food. She loves the dry food.
by Meghan on 11/05/2017
My first review was rejected because they said I mentioned a competitor ( I didn't). My vet sent me home with this food to see if it would help with my cat's vomiting. This product doesn't look or smell anything like cat food, and neither one of my cats would touch it. Plus, it is the most expensive cat food I have yet to come across, and I have had cats for years. Even if my cats would eat it, the price doesn't make this a sustainable long- term option.
by AnitaR on 09/29/2017
Z/d new formula is not working for my cat. I transission the food for over 3 weeks. I dont know what to do! Has anyone experienced this with thier fur baby?
by Goofball on 04/30/2017
Our cat loves the taste of the dry food, but the pieces are so small he struggles to eat individual pieces. Is there a reason for the small bits?
by Beckie on 12/19/2016
My cat has been throwing up every night for the past 9 nine months..I have tried every procedure and help from the vet but to no avail....The Vet introduced me to Z/D and although it's beyond my means since my only income is S.S.I felt I had to do something.As of today, she has not thrown up and I'm so happy.... , .
by edie on 10/25/2016
Our cat was experiencing allergic symptoms and our Vet suggested changing his cat food to the Hill's Science Diet z/d. It worked within a short period of time. Our cat's coat was looking beautiful, he stopped scratching, and gained weight. We have had him on this food as well as the wet z/d food for at least 2 years and it has made such a difference in his overall health!
by lsp5 on 07/26/2016
My vet recommended this food because they were having tummy problems with excessive hairballs. Between the meds and the food they are doing great!
by Mamas boys on 07/20/2016
Our cat, Lulu, has been eating this food exclusively for about 7 years. Prior to that, she had severe diarrhea and vomiting, and nothing was working after many visits to the vet, including various tests and treatments. We had previously been told to feed her Z/D, and we did...for awhile. But, eventually we switched her to something else, thinking the problem was resolved. When it started again, we forgot all about the Z/D, and when we finally brought her to an internist, he suggested putting her back on Z/D. We did, and, lo and behold, all of her symptoms disappeared. This included skin breakouts in addition to the gastrointestinal issues. That made a true believer out of me, and she has been eating it since then. The only time she had a relapse was when we decided a couple of years ago to gradually switch her to another food, on the advice of a pet "nutritionist." We slowly blended the new food into the Z/D, but once we got to 50% of each, Lulu began having diarrhea again. This product does what it's supposed to do, and keeps our cat healthy. It's a bit more expensive than other foods, but you really can't put a price on your pet's health.
by lllllll on 07/10/2016
My cat Deke used to throw up every other day. This food has relieved him from that. It suits his system much better and has enabled him to gain some weight.
by Char62 on 07/09/2016
Hill's Z/D was prescribed to both of my cats ( a brother & sister). They love it! It's nice to have a dry food that does good for them & that they will eat!
by vamawn on 07/06/2016
I have been feeding our cat Hills z/d dry cat food for one year now, it has totally improved his health. Our cat had several health issues, having been a stray for his first year of life. Our vet suggested Hills z/d after we had tried several other commercially available foods. Within 2 weeks of starting him on this Hills diet, his health had improved greatly,his coat even looked healthier than we had ever seen it. He is a very healthy and happy cat now and z/d is the only food I would consider, due to the fact it has cleared up all of his major health concerns!! Worth the price for certain.
by brenlee on 06/29/2016
all our cats who are at different age groups are able to eat and enjoy. The Z/D has cleared up our 2 oldest cat issues so we are very pleased.
by Grampie on 06/29/2016
My cat was suffering from feline acne on his chin. After trying different dry cat foods, it is ZD Prescription Diet that cleared it up. He can eat any kind of canned food, but there is something about many dry cat foods that irritated his chin. We are pleased with the result from serving him ZD DRY. I only gave 4 stars because it is rather expensive.
by Murphywillow on 06/29/2016
After trying many different methods to clear up skin issues with one of my two cats, my vet recommended that I try feeding her Hills z/d diet. It worked! She likes this food so well that after a while her brother decided he didn't want anything else to eat either. Now, they are two happy, healthy little furry kids--thanks to Hills z/d Feline!
by DEZL on 06/29/2016
My cat was prescribed this as well as z/d wet food. While she hates and z/d wet (and won't touch it), she enjoys this dry food. Before this prescription diet started, she was eating Science Diet Hairball dry food. She was using her front paw to move each bit out from the plate to the mat to eat. Now, I think because the bits of z/d dry are very very small, she is able to stick her nose to the plate and eat them (and often cleans the plate). She also likes the aroma and flavor. Does not seem to be getting tired of it.
by Kaorie on 05/28/2016
The Z/D diet was extremely effective in clearing up my young cat's persistent skin condition. After she was on the diet for a few weeks, she had just about stopped scratching and biting her fur, and her coat became shiny and full again. But the main thing we appreciated was that she actually loved the dry Z/D food, and (after mixing with a little warm water) also enjoyed the wet food. It does cost a bit more than the average cat food, but definitely worth it.
by lisette on 05/24/2016
yES THIS IS A GREAT PRODUCT BUY MY CATS HATE IT,,wHY CAN'T hILLS MAKE A FOOD THAT THE CATS LOVE..IT IS A WASTE OF MONEY (THEY DO GIVE YR MONEY BACK) BUT PLEASE HILLS MAKE SOMETHING TASTY Z/D MY CATS NEED BUT WILL NOT TOUCH IT.
by suZAN on 05/09/2016
Both of our cats have food sensitivity issues, including sensitivity to the type of bowls they eat out of. We have been feeding them Hills z/d formula for the past four months and have seen positive changes in their eating habits, which has reflected in their coats and play. While the food is expensive, we are thankful that Spaghetti and Caesar are able to eat and play like regular cats!
by kcsanborn9 on 04/29/2016
my cat needs this food, she had a hard time digesting anything else out there. This food is necessary for her survival!! Thanks for providing great cat food!! asa
by lunaartemis7r on 09/27/2015
Good product, nice size bags. Some of the competitors bag size are too large. Kibble is small, I would like to see a larger kibble or at least an option to purchase the same product with a larger kibble. Has was too many carbs in it. Would be nice if treats of some type came in the ZD formula.
by Katscratch on 09/11/2015
Z/D was recommended by our Vet for one of our cats that developed itchy skin. He wore a cone until we could switch his food. He loves the taste and his scratching stopped. His coat is glossy and so long as this is his only brand he gets access to, he does not develop sores from scratching or excessive licking. Our other two cats want to eat this dry instead of their usual once loved brand.
by diabow on 04/13/2015
Two of my cats have tried z/d. One was later switched to i/d. The other cat just started eating it, and it's too soon to say if it will help with his ear issues. Both seemed to like the dry okay, but neither would eat the canned version. The canned version has a strange, almost gelatin-like texture. Not sure if Hills can do anything about that for the future?
by chocolatecat on 10/29/2014
I have two cats that are on the Hills Prescription Diet ZD. They do very well on this food as their fur is very shiny and eyes are clear. I give both cats the dry as well as the canned food. The only negative thing about this food is the price. I feel that it is rather expensive for a 8 pound bag
by CATS2 on 10/15/2014
We had tried a variety of other foods, and this was the only food our cat could tolerate and enjoy.
by Ellen2014 on 10/11/2014
My senior male cat first believes that dry food is the only food that's worthwhile! And, he's had bouts of struvite crystals and suspected IBS. My vet called the Hills nutritionists and found that ZD could be a good approach to our issues. So far, so good! No crystals and his tummy seems better as well. I appreciate Hills' research into nutrition for all life stages and to address various health issues, and their willingness to work with vets and pet parents to ensure pet health. Thank you.
by Linda213 on 09/20/2014
I have a highly sensitive cat about 3 yrs old, after months of shots cortisone we finally have him balanced but this is the only thing he can eat all other foods make him sick, since my one cat is on it, I put my other cat on it too. they both eat the same and they go through about 8 lbs a month, I don't like the smell of it but if they like it that is all that matters. I just wish is wasn't so darn expensive to buy, I have gone to the site online and printed some coupons and that helps a bit, but its just too high for my fixed income, I love my babies and have spent a fortune to keep them healthy.
by Reviewer on 09/08/2014
My cat with tummy issues rarely touches the dry Z/d food. He enjoys the canned version and would probably eat more than a can a day if I could afford it. However, the dry food is rarely touched. I replace it frequently and notice that some is consumed on occasion, but certainly not daily. Is there something that can be done to jazz up the taste and still uphold the health aspect of the product? Thanks. Peg
by Tricki on 08/31/2014
My cat can only eat this dry food- she reverts to vomiting several times a day if she gets any other food. She seems to like it fine and I have been able to keep her happy and keep the weight she lost off (she needed to lose it). Only wish it was not so expensive!!!!
by catlover2357 on 08/16/2014
My cat only eats this cuz it's supposed to help her digestive system. She'd rather have what the other cats eat. This product has somewhat calmed her stomach, but it's still not perfect. Price of food is way too high.
by ebbie on 08/12/2014
It's a bit expensive but my cat enjoys it. She doesn't like a lot so this is great.
by msmusco on 07/26/2014
My cat wasn't doing so well; vomiting, coat didn't look well, and pretty bad overall in general; my veterinarian recommended the z/d diet and i tried it; I weaned him off his other diet and had him eating the z/d in a week; while the other cat wasn't too crazy about it-it is tolerated now; mainly because he doesn't have a choice; His coat is better, the vomiting is at a minimum now and he looks and acts like his old self again; I'm pretty impressed with this; didn't think it would work this well;
by Jinxy11 on 07/06/2014
One of my cats was having digestive issues. Has been fine since on this food. My other two don't need it, but seem to enjoy eating the food.
by KittyMom3 on 06/22/2014
Like this product I just wish you would make a bigger size bag and a smaller size of the canned food
by Jazmin31 on 06/14/2014
We tried a couple of other more readily available products first. She would improve for a short period of time and then regress. When she went on ZD she just kept improving. I even added the moist as a small daily treat. She enjoys both and LOOKS beautiful again :)
by KIMC on 06/08/2014
Cat is sensitive skin. This product has stopped all iching and scratching. Would recommed it for any cat with a sensitive skin condition.W
by Wyatt on 06/05/2014
got a food that the cats eat and does not cause them the skin issues any more.
by kittyowner on 05/29/2014
Good product that has helped my cat with her sensitive stomach. Have been using product for several years. Expensive but worth the money.
by Scout20 on 04/18/2014
The product has worked well in helping to control Mr. Bentleys Ibs symptoms but it's pricey on a tight budget.
by Mrbentleyshuman on 01/23/2014
I have tried many prescription and OTC counters foods and this is the only one that works for Tiger's GI symptoms!
by KDJordan on 12/19/2013
I adopted 2 cats who were very stressed out after being given up by their owners of 5 years. One was vomiting quite frequently and I brought to the vet who did blood work and a test for intestinal parasites. Tests showed nothing so vet put them on prescription diet. It is costly but works for my cats. Each time I tried to switch them to a non prescription diet, the vomiting would start again. I just wish it wasn't so costly.
by Bunny143 on 12/15/2013
The cats will tolerate this dry food but not eat it a lot
by SherriL69 on 12/09/2013
I adopted 2 cats who were very stressed with their previous moves. They started vomiting on their regular food so tried gradually changing food. Nothing seemed to work. Vet suggested prescription diet z/d which is working out quite well for them. I feed them both wet and dry. I recently retired and I am on fixed income. I just wish it wasn't so expensive.
by Jazzy15 on 11/28/2013
I really like to feed my cat the z/d Prescription Diet. He's had diarrhea ever since we got him. We ran lots of tests with the vet and could not find a definite diagnosis - everything we tried came back normal. The z/d food worked out better for our cat - it didn't entirely solve his problem, but it did reduce the problem. Unfortunately, my budget can't afford z/d all the time. I did find a coupon online on the Hill's site and I do appreciate being able to use that!
by Wendy89 on 11/17/2013
Our cat is having a hard time adjusting to this food.
by josh4bil on 11/06/2013
This product has allowed my cat to eat without the digestive problems she has had with all other food. I wish I had tried this product long before I did. The benefit of this special food greatly outweighs any cost! Thank you!
by 4Jennagirl on 09/17/2013
While it seems to have helped the cats system, its too cost prohibitive to use long-term.
by Slaphappy on 09/14/2013
Recently my cat Cleo became very sensitive to everything she ate, even the non-prescription sensitive system foods, as a result of a newly developed medical condition. She vomited multiple times a day and was losing weight fast. My vet and I reviewed several options and decided to go with Prescription Diet z/d. I am so glad we did. It has been a godsend. No more vomiting from day 2 (the other food had to clear her system)! She tolerates it well and ate it right away without the usual "change is bad" feline reaction. She is a much happier kitty, making me a happier pet parent. She doesn't need much a day because of the nutrient levels (make sure you feed only as much as the instructions tell you!), so a bag lasts a long time. This makes the food much more affordable than I had feared. On the Cleo scale, z/d gets 2 paws way up!
by CleosMom8 on 08/14/2013
My cat had excessive itching causing her to groom and bite her skin. After several attempts to find the cause, I did several food trials. After 3 months on this food, my cat is itch-free. And she is back to old herself.
by Carmen on 06/29/2013
Our cat puked up everything for 6 months, when we finally went to the vet and asked, we were given this prescription, she has since been a very happy, healthy cat, and we can't be thankful enough for this food!
by Deanna on 05/29/2013
My kitten has been struggling with stomach/indigestion issues since I got her from the humane society. I tried all types of canned/dry food and finally got recommended this product through my vet. It is very expensive, but my cat loves it and hasn't had a single problem with diarrhea since! It's worth it. And my new cat (adult) likes it too!
by Lindsay227 on 11/27/2012
