Hill's Pet Nutrition, a name synonymous with specialized pet food, has a rich history that spans over a century, beginning in 1907. What started as a local rendering operation in Kansas evolved into a globally recognized brand, eventually becoming a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive. This journey involved significant shifts in focus, from processing agricultural waste and producing farm animal feed to pioneering therapeutic diets for pets, marking a remarkable
transformation in the pet nutrition industry.
Early Beginnings as Hill Rendering Works
The company's origins trace back to the spring of 1907 when Burton Hill founded Hill Rendering Works. Located in Shawnee County, Kansas, the initial business was centered around rendering services. This involved processing agricultural waste and had a contract with the city of Topeka, Kansas, for the disposal of deceased and lame animals. During this early period, Hill Rendering Works produced various commodities such as tallow, hides, tankage, and meat scraps. The company also manufactured feed for farm animals, including hogs and chickens, indicating its foundational role in agricultural byproduct utilization.
Expansion and Diversification: The Hill Packing Company Era
By the 1930s, the company underwent a significant name change, becoming the Hill Packing Company. This expansion included the establishment of a milling division, known as Hill Milling Company. During this phase, the company's product line diversified considerably. Beyond farm animal feed, Hill Packing Company began producing dog food. Notably, it also engaged in the production of horse meat for human consumption, processing approximately 500 horses per week. This meat was distributed to various markets, including the east coast of the United States, where it was sold as "Chopped and Cured," and internationally to countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands, shipped as barreled horse loins.
A Pivotal Shift Towards Therapeutic Pet Nutrition
A crucial turning point for the company occurred in 1948 when Mark L. Morris approached Hill Packing Company. Morris sought a producer for Canine k/d, a specialized diet formulated for dogs suffering from kidney insufficiency. This collaboration marked Hill Packing Company's entry into the realm of therapeutic pet foods, becoming the licensed producer of Canine k/d. This partnership laid the groundwork for what would become a core aspect of Hill's business model: scientifically formulated diets for pets with specific health needs.
Growth, Acquisition, and Brand Development
The commitment to specialized pet nutrition deepened, and by 1968, the company's food line was made available to a wider audience through veterinarians and pet professionals under the brand name Hill's Science Diet. This marked a strategic move to position their products as premium, vet-recommended options. The product range continued to grow, eventually encompassing over 60 different pet foods under two main brands: Prescription Diet, which includes prescription foods for cats and dogs with specific diseases available only through veterinary channels or pet pharmacies, and Science Diet, sold through veterinarians and pet specialty stores. The company itself underwent further changes in ownership; in 1968, Hill Packing Company was sold to Riviana Foods. Later, in 1976, Riviana Foods merged with Colgate-Palmolive Company, solidifying Hill's Pet Nutrition's place as a subsidiary within a larger corporate structure and enabling its continued growth and global reach.
Modern Impact and Future Outlook
Today, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., operating as Hill's, is recognized as a leading American pet food company specializing in dog and cat foods. Its headquarters are located in Overland Park, Kansas, and its products are distributed worldwide. The company continues to emphasize its scientific approach to pet nutrition, building on the legacy established by its early innovations in therapeutic diets. In 2025, the company announced a significant milestone, surpassing 16 million pet adoptions in North America through its Food, Shelter & Love program, highlighting its ongoing commitment beyond just product manufacturing to broader pet welfare initiatives.
