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When you walk into any veterinary clinic in America, chances are you’ll see bags of Hill’s Science Diet stacked in the corner, complete with that familiar blue and orange packaging that’s been reassuring pet parents for decades. As the self-proclaimed “#1 Veterinarian Recommended” brand, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 represents what happens when scientific research meets mass-market pet food production. With over 200 veterinarians and nutritionists behind their formulations and 75+ years of nutrition research, this isn’t your typical grocery store kibble – but it’s also not trying to be the premium, boutique option either.
In the crowded landscape of 2025 dog food options, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 occupies a unique position as the “veterinary establishment” choice. It’s the food your vet likely stocks, the brand that sponsors veterinary conferences, and the formula that’s been fed to generations of clinic dogs. But beneath the scientific credentials and veterinary endorsements lies a more complex nutritional reality that deserves honest examination.
This comprehensive review cuts through the marketing claims to examine what you’re actually getting when you choose Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6. From its 22% protein content and 57% carbohydrate load to its controversial use of corn and soybean meal, we’ll explore whether this veterinary favorite delivers optimal nutrition or simply represents “good enough” science wrapped in professional credibility. Whether you’re considering the switch based on your vet’s recommendation or questioning if you’re paying premium prices for mid-tier nutrition, this analysis provides the unvarnished truth about one of America’s most ubiquitous dog foods.
Our Overall Rating
Feature
Rating
Details
Protein Quality
Quality meat sources but moderate protein levels
Digestibility
Research-backed digestibility, added prebiotics
Price to Value
Premium pricing for mid-tier ingredient quality
Ingredient Quality
Mixed quality, extensive use of grains and fillers
Palatability
Generally well-accepted by most dogs
Safety Profile
Generally good with notable 2019 recall exception
Customer Reviews
Solid satisfaction, especially for dogs with health issues
Is Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Right for Your Dog?
Perfect For:
- Dogs with specific health conditions requiring veterinary oversight
- Pet parents who prioritize veterinary recommendations above all else
- Dogs transitioning from prescription diets to maintenance formulas
- Families seeking consistent, research-backed nutrition
- Dogs with sensitive digestive systems requiring proven formulations
Not Recommended For:
- Budget-conscious pet owners seeking better value alternatives
- Dogs requiring high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets
- Pet parents avoiding grain-heavy formulations
- Active or working dogs needing performance nutrition
- Owners prioritizing premium, whole-food ingredients
Our In-Depth Analysis
Dive into our comprehensive reviews of pet products, ensuring you make informed decisions for your furry friend’s health and happiness.
Nutritional Breakdown: What's Actually in Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6?
When you invest in Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6, what nutritional foundation are you actually providing your dog? Let’s examine the numbers behind the veterinary reputation and scientific marketing.
Starting with protein – the cornerstone of canine nutrition and the metric by which most dog foods are judged. Hill’s Science Diet Adult delivers an average of 22% protein on a dry matter basis across the product line, which technically meets AAFCO adult dog maintenance requirements but sits firmly in the “adequate but not exceptional” category. Individual formulations may vary, with some specific recipes showing slightly higher or lower protein levels. For context, this places Hill’s in the lower tier compared to premium brands that typically offer 28-35% protein.
The fat content registers at just 13% on average across the product line, making this a relatively low-fat formula. While this might benefit sedentary dogs or those prone to weight gain, it falls short for active dogs requiring higher energy density. The modest fat content also limits the food’s palatability compared to richer formulations.
Perhaps most telling is the carbohydrate content, which reaches approximately 57% for the overall product line. This high carbohydrate percentage immediately signals a grain-heavy formulation where plant ingredients provide the majority of calories rather than animal proteins. For comparison, wild canids consume diets containing roughly 10-15% carbohydrates, making this formulation significantly higher in plant matter than species-appropriate nutrition would suggest.
The dashboard displays varying dry matter protein readings across different Hill’s Science Diet Adult formulations, with an average of 22% protein, 13% fat and estimated carbohydrates of about 57% for the overall product line. Individual recipes may show different profiles – for example, some specific formulations show protein readings of 22% with fat levels as low as 6% and carbohydrates up to 64%. These numbers reveal the fundamental approach Hill’s takes to nutrition: meeting minimum requirements through cost-effective plant ingredients rather than optimizing protein levels through premium animal sources.
The protein sources themselves tell an interesting story. Chicken leads the ingredient list in most formulations, which provides quality animal protein and appeals to most dogs’ palates. However, when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the soybean meal, flaxseed and peas in this recipe, and the corn gluten meal contained in other recipes, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing just a moderate amount of meat.
The extensive use of plant proteins means that while the total protein percentage meets requirements, the biological value – how well dogs can actually utilize these proteins – may be compromised compared to meat-based formulations. Soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and other plant proteins appear prominently in ingredient lists, indicating significant reliance on these less expensive protein sources.
For carbohydrates, Hill’s utilizes a combination of cracked pearled barley, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, and whole grain sorghum. While these aren’t inherently harmful, their prominence indicates a formula designed around agricultural commodities rather than canine-appropriate nutrition. The high carbohydrate load can contribute to blood sugar fluctuations and may not provide the sustained energy that fat and protein deliver more efficiently.
The fat-to-protein ratio of about 57% suggests minimal fat content relative to protein, which can impact nutrient absorption and overall palatability. Essential fatty acid content comes primarily from chicken fat and flaxseed, providing basic requirements without the diversity of omega sources found in premium formulations.
When analyzed objectively, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 emerges as a formulation designed to meet nutritional requirements through cost-effective ingredients rather than optimize nutrition through premium components. The 57% carbohydrate content, moderate protein levels, and extensive use of plant proteins reflect an approach that prioritizes manufacturing efficiency and profit margins over species-appropriate nutrition, despite the scientific credentials and research backing.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 22% (minimum)
- Crude Fat: 13% (minimum)
- Crude Fiber: 3% (maximum)
- Moisture: 10% (maximum)
Dry Matter Basis Analysis
When moisture is removed for accurate comparison:
- Protein: 22% (dry matter basis)
- Fat: 13% (dry matter basis)
- Fiber: 3% (dry matter basis)
- Estimated Carbohydrates: 57% (by calculation)
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach: 2025 Comprehensive Analysis & Breakdown
Protein Sources
- Chicken (primary)
- Chicken meal
- Corn gluten meal
- Soybean meal
- Quality animal protein first
- Research-backed formulation
- Consistent availability
- Veterinary endorsed
- Heavy plant protein reliance
- Moderate protein levels
- Cost-focused approach
- Limited meat diversity
Average protein content at 22%; below premium standards
Adequate for sedentary dogs; consider upgrading for active pets
Fat Content
- Chicken fat
- Soybean oil
- Flaxseed
- Natural preservation
- Essential fatty acids
- Stable formulation
- Research backing
- Cost effective
- Low fat levels (13%)
- Limited omega diversity
- Soybean oil concerns
- Basic fat profile
Below average fat content for energy needs
May need supplementation for active dogs
Carbohydrates
- Cracked pearled barley
- Whole grain wheat
- Whole grain corn
- Brown rice
- Energy provision
- Digestibility research
- Consistent sourcing
- Fiber content
- 57% carbohydrate content
- Grain-heavy formula
- Species-inappropriate levels
- Blood sugar impacts
Very high carb content; above most competitors
Monitor for weight gain and energy fluctuations
Vitamins and Minerals
- Comprehensive supplementation
- Research-backed levels
- Synthetic forms
- Standard bioavailability
- Meets all requirements
- Scientific backing
- Consistent levels
- Proven formulation
- Basic mineral forms
- Synthetic sources
- Standard absorption
- Cost-focused approach
Meets requirements but not optimized for absorption
Adequate for basic health maintenance
Fiber Sources
- Beet pulp
- Grain-based fiber
- Basic prebiotics
- Limited variety
- Basic digestion
- Stool formation
- Economic sources
- Stable supply
- Limited prebiotics
- Basic fiber profile
- Minimal variety
- Standard quality
Standard fiber content and sources
Ensure adequate water intake
Preservation
- Mixed tocopherols
- Natural preservation
- Standard methods
- Research backing
- Adequate shelf life
- Stable formula
- Natural approach
- Proven methods
- Basic preservation
- Limited options
- Standard approach
- Cost focus
Industry standard preservation methods
Store in cool, dry place; use within expiration
Manufacturing
- US facilities
- Quality protocols
- Corporate backing
- Veterinary oversight
- Domestic production
- Resource investment
- Consistent quality
- Professional oversight
- Mass production focus
- Cost optimization
- Profit priorities
- Recall history
Standard manufacturing with corporate resources
Generally reliable but monitor recall notices
Ingredient Deep Dive: The Science Behind the Marketing
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 represents an interesting case study in how marketing narrative can shape perception of ingredient quality. Let’s examine what’s actually in the bag beyond the veterinary endorsements and research claims.
The Protein Foundation
Chicken serves as the first ingredient in most Hill’s formulations, providing a quality animal protein source that most dogs find palatable. This is genuinely positive – whole chicken contains complete amino acid profiles and delivers protein in forms that dogs can readily utilize. The inclusion of chicken as the lead ingredient demonstrates Hill’s commitment to starting with recognizable animal protein.
Chicken meal appears as another primary protein source, which concentrates protein by removing moisture. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. This concentrated form provides substantial protein density while maintaining ingredient quality, representing one of the more premium aspects of Hill’s formulations.
However, the protein picture becomes more complex when examining the supporting cast. Corn gluten meal and soybean meal appear prominently in ingredient lists, indicating significant reliance on plant-based proteins to achieve total protein percentages. While these ingredients aren’t harmful, they provide lower biological value than animal proteins and suggest cost-optimization rather than nutritional optimization.
The Carbohydrate Complexity
The carbohydrate profile reveals Hill’s approach to creating affordable, shelf-stable nutrition. Cracked pearled barley, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, and whole grain sorghum form the foundation of most formulations. These ingredients serve multiple purposes: providing calories, creating kibble structure, and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Cracked pearl barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog. This assessment applies to most grain ingredients in the formula – they’re not harmful but provide primarily calories rather than species-appropriate nutrition.
Brown rice appears as another carbohydrate source, which once cooked can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog. The pattern emerges of ingredients that fulfill basic requirements without delivering optimal nutrition.
The Controversial Inclusions
Several ingredients raise questions about Hill’s commitment to premium nutrition despite their scientific backing. Soybean oil appears in formulations, which is red flagged here only due to its rumored (yet unlikely) link to canine food allergies. However, since soybean oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and contains no omega-3’s, it’s considered less nutritious than flaxseed oil or a named animal fat.
Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast, indicating Hill’s use of less bioavailable mineral forms that reduce manufacturing costs.
Pea fiber appears as a mixture of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber derived from pea hulls. Aside from the usual benefits of fiber, this agricultural by-product provides no other nutritional value to a dog. This exemplifies Hill’s approach of using food industry by-products to meet nutritional requirements at minimal cost.
The Scientific Enhancements
To Hill’s credit, their formulations include research-backed additions that distinguish them from basic commercial foods. The formula contains ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit, a special blend of prebiotic fibers and antioxidants to support digestion, immune system and organ health. This represents genuine nutritional innovation backed by Hill’s extensive research.
Taurine appears in formulations, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient. This inclusion demonstrates Hill’s research-driven approach to addressing potential nutritional gaps.
Flaxseed provides one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber. However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
The Bottom Line Assessment
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 ingredients reveal a formula designed to meet nutritional requirements through cost-effective means while incorporating genuine research-backed enhancements. The extensive use of grains, plant proteins, and food industry by-products reflects manufacturing priorities rather than optimal nutrition, despite the scientific credentials.
The formulation succeeds in providing complete nutrition that prevents deficiency diseases and supports basic health. However, it falls short of delivering species-appropriate nutrition that optimizes vitality and longevity. For many dogs, especially those with health conditions, this represents adequate nutrition. For healthy dogs whose owners can afford better options, the ingredient profile suggests room for improvement in both quality and biological appropriateness.
Real-World Results: What Pet Parents and Veterinarians Are Actually Saying
The feedback on Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 reveals an interesting divide between professional recommendations and real-world experiences. Unlike foods that generate passionate devotion or universal criticism, Hill’s occupies a unique middle ground where satisfaction often correlates with specific circumstances rather than universal excellence.
The Veterinary Professional Perspective
Veterinarians know Hill’s Science Diet® dog food and cat food are healthy options to feed their own pets. In fact, Science Diet dog food is the number 1 veterinarian reccomended brand. This professional endorsement carries significant weight with many pet owners who trust their veterinarian’s expertise above marketing claims or online reviews.
However, the reality of veterinary recommendations proves more nuanced than the marketing suggests. While Hill’s Science Diet markets itself as the #1 vet-recommended pet food, many vets don’t recommend Hill’s Science Diet to their clients. For example, Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants, only recommends certain Hill’s Prescription Diet recipes to clients, such as its Derm Complete range.
This disparity between marketing claims and individual veterinary practices reflects the complex relationship between pet food companies and veterinary professionals. Many veterinarians appreciate Hill’s research backing and consistent quality control, while others question whether the formulations represent optimal nutrition or simply adequate nutrition with strong marketing support.
The Satisfied Customer Base
Many Hill’s customers report solid satisfaction, particularly when dealing with specific health concerns or transitional feeding situations. “We rescued our 5 year old Welsh Pembroke Corgi about a month ago. We soon found out what a fussy eater she is. After trying several other brands our vet gave us a small bag of Hills Science. She absolutely loves this food!!! Finally successful!!” reflects common experiences with dogs who struggle with other formulations.
The brand’s palatability receives consistent praise from pet parents dealing with picky eaters or dogs transitioning from therapeutic diets. “My little Rose is a Maltipoo puppy. She absolutely loves her food. She’s always been a picky eater until I bought Science Hill” represents the kind of success story that builds customer loyalty.
Long-term users often emphasize consistency and reliability over excitement about ingredients. “Only puppy food I will purchase. My little girl is active, energetic, has a beautiful coat and the happiest puppy around. She loves Hill’s and I will continue to buy” captures the steady satisfaction that characterizes much Hill’s feedback.
The Practical Considerations
Pet parents frequently appreciate Hill’s widespread availability and consistent quality control. Unlike boutique brands that may face supply issues or quality variations, Hill’s delivers predictable results bag after bag. This reliability proves especially valuable for families dealing with dogs who don’t tolerate dietary changes well.
“Bought this for my rescue dog after he had repeated adverse reactions to anything containing chicken protein. He was previously on Turkey/oatmeal kibble from another brand but his poop was very soft and he didn’t love the flavor. This has been great! Poop is nice and firm and he eats without issue” illustrates how Hill’s formulations often work well for dogs with mild sensitivities or digestive issues.
The digestibility factor receives frequent mention in positive reviews, with pet parents noting improved stool quality and fewer digestive upsets compared to other brands. This likely reflects Hill’s extensive digestibility testing and research-backed formulations.
The Critical Voices
However, not all feedback aligns with the veterinary marketing narrative. Budget-conscious pet parents often question the value proposition, noting that similar nutritional profiles can be achieved at lower costs with other brands. The premium pricing for mid-tier ingredients generates frustration among more ingredient-conscious consumers.
Some pet parents report that highly active dogs or working breeds don’t thrive on Hill’s moderate protein and fat levels, requiring supplementation or diet changes to maintain optimal condition. The 22% protein content, while adequate for sedentary pets, may prove insufficient for dogs with higher metabolic demands.
Quality-conscious pet owners express concern about the extensive use of grains and plant proteins, preferring formulations with higher meat content and fewer controversial ingredients. These consumers often view Hill’s as a transitional food rather than a long-term solution.
The Professional Nutritionist View
Independent pet nutritionists offer more measured assessments that acknowledge both Hill’s strengths and limitations. They typically praise the company’s research methodology and quality control while questioning whether the formulations represent optimal nutrition or simply adequate nutrition with scientific validation.
Many nutritionists view Hill’s as appropriate for dogs with specific health conditions or those requiring consistent, predictable nutrition. However, they often suggest that healthy dogs might benefit from higher-quality formulations with better ingredient profiles, despite the lack of scientific studies comparing these approaches.
The Consensus Reality
The feedback pattern reveals Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 as a competent, reliable food that delivers consistent results without exciting anyone. Dogs typically do fine on it, veterinarians feel comfortable recommending it, and pet parents appreciate the peace of mind that comes with professional endorsement.
However, the brand rarely generates the passionate enthusiasm seen with truly premium foods or the dramatic health improvements often reported with species-appropriate diets. Instead, Hill’s occupies a comfortable middle ground where adequate nutrition meets professional credibility, creating a safe choice that may not be the optimal choice for many healthy dogs.
The most telling aspect of Hill’s reviews is what they don’t say – few customers report dramatic health improvements, exceptional vitality, or remarkable coat changes. Instead, the feedback emphasizes stability, acceptability, and professional approval, suggesting a food designed for maintenance rather than optimization of canine health.
The Verdict: Is Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Worth the Premium Price in 2025?
After comprehensive analysis, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 earns a measured 3.4 out of 5 stars – placing it firmly in the “adequate but overpriced” category for healthy adult dogs. This rating reflects the complex reality of a brand that delivers consistent nutrition backed by genuine research while charging premium prices for what essentially amounts to mid-tier ingredient quality.
Hill’s Science Diet represents the epitome of the “veterinary industrial complex” approach to pet nutrition – leveraging professional credibility and scientific research to justify premium pricing for formulations that, while adequate, don’t deliver exceptional nutritional value. The brand succeeds brilliantly at its actual mission: providing consistent, predictable nutrition that prevents deficiency diseases while maintaining the trust of veterinary professionals who recommend it.
The Professional Credibility Factor:
Hill’s greatest strength lies not in its ingredient quality but in its institutional credibility. Science Diet dog food is the number 1 veterinarian reccomended brand, and this endorsement carries genuine weight for pet parents who prioritize professional guidance over independent nutrition research. The brand’s 75+ years of research, 200+ veterinarians and nutritionists, and extensive feeding trials provide legitimate scientific backing that most pet food companies cannot match.
For veterinarians, Hill’s offers the comfort of recommending a brand with established safety protocols, consistent quality control, and research documentation. This professional endorsement creates a feedback loop where veterinary recommendations drive consumer adoption, which in turn reinforces the brand’s market position regardless of whether it represents optimal nutrition.
The Nutritional Reality Check:
However, beneath the scientific credentials lies a more sobering nutritional truth. The 22% protein content, 13% fat content, and 57% carbohydrate content reveal a formulation designed around cost-effective plant ingredients rather than species-appropriate animal nutrition. The extensive use of corn gluten meal, soybean meal, whole grain corn, and other plant proteins indicates a manufacturing approach that prioritizes profit margins over optimal nutrition.
When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the soybean meal, flaxseed and peas in this recipe, and the corn gluten meal contained in other recipes, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing just a moderate amount of meat. For healthy dogs without special medical needs, this represents adequate nutrition that prevents obvious deficiency diseases but may not optimize vitality, longevity, or overall health.
Who should choose Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6:
- Dogs transitioning from prescription diets under veterinary supervision
- Pet parents who prioritize veterinary recommendations above independent research
- Dogs with sensitive digestive systems requiring proven formulations
- Families seeking consistent, widely available nutrition with professional backing
- Dogs with specific health conditions where Hill’s research provides relevant benefits
Who should look elsewhere:
- Budget-conscious pet owners seeking better value for money
- Owners of healthy dogs able to afford truly premium nutrition
- Pet parents avoiding grain-heavy, high-carbohydrate formulations
- Active or working dogs requiring higher protein and fat levels
- Families prioritizing species-appropriate, meat-based nutrition
The 2025 Value Assessment:
In today’s competitive pet food landscape, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 struggles to justify its premium pricing when evaluated purely on nutritional merit. Numerous brands offer superior ingredient profiles at comparable or lower prices, making Hill’s a poor value proposition for healthy dogs.
The brand’s strength lies in specific circumstances: dogs with health issues requiring veterinary oversight, pet parents who trust veterinary recommendations implicitly, or situations where consistency and availability outweigh nutritional optimization. For these specific use cases, Hill’s delivers genuine value despite the premium pricing.
The Bottom Line Decision Framework:
Choose Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 if professional credibility and veterinary endorsement matter more than ingredient quality or value. The brand delivers what it promises: consistent, research-backed nutrition that supports basic health while maintaining professional approval.
However, for most healthy adult dogs, better options exist at similar or lower price points. The 57% carbohydrate content, moderate protein levels, and extensive use of plant proteins represent nutritional compromises that healthy dogs don’t need to accept, especially at premium prices.
The Honest Assessment:
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 succeeds as a veterinary recommendation tool but falls short as optimal nutrition for healthy dogs. It’s the nutritional equivalent of a reliable sedan – it will get you where you need to go safely and consistently, but it won’t win any performance awards or inspire passion from driving enthusiasts.
Remember: The best food for your dog ultimately depends on their individual needs, your budget, and your priorities. If veterinary endorsement and scientific research matter most to you, Hill’s delivers. If optimal nutrition and value matter more, better options exist in today’s market.
References
- Dog Food Advisor – Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog Food Review (April 2025)
- Dogster – Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Review 2025 (May 2025)
- Petful – Hill’s Science Diet Recall History and Brand Info (March 2024)
- American Veterinary Medical Association – FDA Warning Letter to Hill’s (2020)
- Wag! – Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Review 2025 (February 2024)
- FDA Alert – Hill’s Vitamin D Recall Information (2019)
Last updated: June 2025
Disclaimer: This review provides educational information about therapeutic nutrition. Always consult with your veterinarian before making dietary changes for dogs with medical conditions, and follow professional guidance for optimal therapeutic outcomes.
FAQs
We review a variety of pet foods including dry, wet, and raw options for dogs and cats.
Our product selection process is comprehensive and deliberate, designed to identify the most relevant and quality pet care items available on the market. We begin by surveying the entire landscape of available products within each category, from popular mainstream brands to specialized boutique offerings. Our research team analyzes consumer trends, market data, and owner feedback to identify which items are gaining traction or addressing specific needs. We prioritize products with innovative features, those that solve common pet care challenges, and items that represent different price points to accommodate various budgets. Additionally, we consider reader requests and emerging brands that show promise. This methodical approach ensures we review a diverse range of products that truly represent what’s available to pet owners, allowing us to provide recommendations that serve pets and owners with different requirements and preferences.
Yes, our reviews are based on thorough research and personal experience to provide honest insights. We pride ourselves on maintaining complete editorial independence, ensuring that our evaluations reflect genuine product assessments rather than commercial partnerships. Our expert team follows a rigorous evaluation methodology for each dog care product, assessing multiple factors including quality, functionality, durability, and value. We purchase all products independently, refuse manufacturer-provided samples that could influence our opinions, and continuously update our reviews based on long-term use and owner feedback. Our commitment to transparency means we clearly disclose our review process and evaluation criteria, allowing you to trust our recommendations with confidence.