The short answer: Hill’s Science Diet Cat (C/60) edges Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Cat (C/57) by 3 points. Like the dog versions, the prescription weight-loss formula scores lower than the standard food. Metabolic leads with chicken by-product meal instead of whole chicken, adds powdered cellulose and wheat gluten, and skips fish oil entirely. The ingredient trade-offs serve a weight-loss purpose, but the starting point is the lowest-quality first ingredient of any Hill’s formula we’ve reviewed.

The scores

Hill’s Science Diet Cat: C (60/100)

Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Cat: C (57/100)

Both C-grade. The 3-point gap is small but the difference in first ingredients is stark: whole chicken vs chicken by-product meal.

How the ingredients compare

Science Diet Cat: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat, Corn Protein Meal

Metabolic Cat: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Dried Tomato Pomace

Science Diet starts with whole chicken — actual chicken meat. Metabolic starts with chicken by-product meal — rendered scraps including organs, necks, feet, and intestines. Both include corn gluten meal. Metabolic adds powdered cellulose for fiber and wheat gluten for plant protein, while Science Diet uses corn protein meal and chicken fat.

Where Hill’s Science Diet pulls ahead

Whole chicken as the first ingredient is a clear protein quality win. Science Diet avoids powdered cellulose and wheat gluten. It includes corn protein meal (not great, but better than by-product meal as a lead). Chicken fat at position four provides quality energy. Science Diet costs less, is widely available, and provides balanced nutrition for healthy cats without the calorie restrictions that Metabolic imposes. Shop on Amazon →

Where Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic holds its own

Metabolic is engineered for feline weight loss, not ingredient aesthetics. L-Carnitine supports fat metabolism. Powdered cellulose and dried beet pulp create satiety so cats feel full on fewer calories. Coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides for energy. Flaxseed adds plant-based omega-3s. Carrots provide whole-food antioxidants. The formula is designed to activate the cat’s natural metabolism to burn fat — a purpose that Science Diet’s standard maintenance formula doesn’t serve. Shop on Amazon →

The bottom line

Hill’s Science Diet Cat (C/60) beats Metabolic Cat (C/57) on ingredients by 3 points. But feline obesity is a serious health problem — over 60% of US cats are overweight, and the associated risks (diabetes, arthritis, liver disease) are significant. If your vet prescribed Metabolic for weight loss, the by-product meal is an ingredient concession worth making for your cat’s health. Once target weight is reached, transition to Wellness Cat (B/80) or Blue Buffalo Cat (B/76) for a quality upgrade.