The food your pet eats plays an important part in his or her overall health & wellbeing. Also, a nutritionally balanced diet is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle.
Nutrients vs. Ingredients
As in human nutrition, a body needs nutrients - from ingredients - like protein, fat and fibre to function. Ingredients are simply vehicles that deliver this mixture of nutrients to the body. When choosing the ingredients for pet food, it's the total nutrient balance of ingredients that's important.
Nutrient is a metabolically useful component of food, which may be essential or non-essential.
Some nutrients provide energy. Protein, fats and carbohydrates provide the body with fuel, just like petrol in a car. Different nutrients are needed in varying amounts per day. For example, both humans and animals require kilograms of water but only micrograms of certain vitamins.
Nutrients are divided into six basic categories each of which plays an important role in your pet's health:
Water |
The most critical nutrient for survival. |
Carbohydrates |
Provide energy for the body's tissues. |
Proteins |
Main element of body tissues like muscles, blood, skin, organs, hair and nails. |
Fats |
Fats absorb, store and transport vitamins, moisturise skin and coat, make healthy pet food taste great and supply energy. |
Minerals |
Necessary to develop healthy skin and hair, proper skeletal support and development. Minerals are usually abundant in pet food ingredients. |
Vitamins |
Assist in maintaining an animal's metabolism. |