Ingredients and Nutrients

Hill’s science-led nutrition starts with high-quality, great-tasting ingredients proven to deliver the nutrients your pet needs to live their best life. Find out more below.

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Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient for your pet. There are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined to make a protein. Protein is the main building block of body tissues and can also serve as an energy source.

Beef is nutritious meat from cattle and a great source of protein, fat, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Beef By-product are parts of the beef, including organs like liver and bone that has been ground and cooked reducing the fat. It does not include hair, horns, teeth or hoofs. By-Products are a sustainable, and nutritious source of protein.

Brewers dried yeast comes from yeast used in the brewing industry and is dried and non-living. It provides an appealing aroma and taste along with B vitamins.

Chicken is the nutritious parts of the chicken that includes white meat, dark meat and may contain bones. It is a good source of protein, fat and minerals.

Chicken By-Product Meal is comprised of white and dark chicken meat, clean internal organs, and some bone that have been ground and cooked reducing the fat. By-Products are a sustainable and nutritious source of protein.

Chicken cartilage comes from the bones and tissues of chicken and is a good source for chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, for joint health.

Chicken liver digest is chicken liver that has been cooked and broken down to create a concentrated rich, tasty sauce that provides flavor and aroma to pet foods and is a source of protein and fatty acids.

Chicken Meal is the ground, cooked, and dried nutritious parts of the chicken that includes white and dark meat, and may contain bones. It does not include feathers, heads, feet or entrails. It is an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids.

Corn Gluten Meal is the protein portion of corn. It is an excellent source of high quality vegetable protein, a valuable source of essential amino acids and provides energy to your pet. Even though it is called gluten, corn protein is not a grain of concern for pets with gluten intolerance.

Crustacea hydrolysate describes a type of protein that is obtained from shellfish, crab and shrimp, that are cooked and broken down. It is a source of glucosamine, and can be used for maintaining and/or promoting joint health.

Dried hydrolyzed casein is a protein source. Casein is one of the two major components of milk protein.

Dried Whey is a component of milk. It is high in protein, sodium and chloride.

Duck meat provides source of protein, fat and minerals. Duck is a unique protein source.

Duck liver is the liver from ducks. It is a great source of protein and can be considered a unique protein source.

Duck Meal is the ground, cooked, and dried parts from duck meat. It is a great source of protein and is considered a unique protein source.

Duck Meal is the ground, cooked, and dried parts from duck meat. It is a great source of protein and is considered a unique protein source.

Egg whites are the white part of an egg. They are low in phosphorus and provide high quality protein for your pet.

Egg yolks the yellow part of an egg. They are high in protein, and a good source of folate (B9).

Fish Meal is whole fish or part of the fish without the extraction of fish oil. It is high in protein.

Lamb meal is lamb that is ground, cooked and dried. It is a great source of protein and is considered a unique protein source.

Lamb liver is the liver from sheep. It is a great source of protein and can be considered a unique protein source.

Lamb Meal

Ocean fish is one or more different species of ocean fish including fish such as Halibut, Sea Bass, Salmon, Snapper, Tuna. It is a great source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for vision and brain function as well as for blood pressure, reducing inflammation and body temperature.

Pea protein is the major protein fraction of peas. It contains high protein and is also rich in potassium.

Pork By-Products are parts of the pork other than meat, including organs like liver. It does not include hair, teeth or hoofs. By-Products are a sustainable and nutritious source of protein.

Pork cartilage hydrolysate is from pigs and is a natural source of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for joint health.

Pork liver is the liver from pigs. It is a great source of protein and can be considered a unique protein source.

Pork Meal is the ground, cooked, and dried parts from pigs. It is a great source of protein and fatty acids. It is considered a unique protein source.

Concentrated protein source from pork that is heated and dried to preserve function and nutrition. It is a great protein source.

Potato protein is the major protein fraction of potatoes. It contains high protein, and is a good source of energy.

Rice protein concentrate is the major protein fraction of rice. It contains high protein, and is considered as an alternative to soy protein isolate.

Salmon is a type of ocean fish. It is high in protein and is a great source of fatty acids, especially Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which are essential for vision and brain function, as well as for blood pressure, reducing inflammation and body temperature.

Salmon Meal is the ground, cooked, and dried wholesome parts from salmon, with or without fish oil. t is high in protein and is a great source of fatty acids, especially Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which are essential for vision and brain function, as well as for blood pressure, reducing inflammation and body temperature.

Soy protein isolate is the major protein fraction of soybeans prepared from dehulled soybeans by removing majority of the non-protein components. It is high in protein.

Soybean meal is the ground flakes that remain after removing most of the oil and the hulls from whole soybeans. It is an excellent source of protein and also a valuable source of amino acids like tryptophan and Lysine. It is highly digestible and also provides potassium.

Tuna is a type of ocean fish. It is high in protein and is a great source of fatty acids.

Tuna Meal is the ground, cooked, and dried parts from tuna, with or without the extraction of fish oil. It is a great source of protein and fatty acids.

Turkey is the parts of the turkey that includes white and dark meat and may contain bones. It provides a good source of protein.

Turkey liver is the liver from turkey. It is a great source of protein.

Venison is nutritious meat from deer, which is a great source of protein, fat, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Venison is considered as a unique protein source.

Venison meal is deer meat that is ground, cooked and dried.

Wheat Gluten is the protein portion of wheat. It is a good source of protein.

Carbohydrates

The primary purpose for adding carbohydrates and starches to pet foods is to supply energy. There are two types, simple carbohydrates, such as starches and sugars, and other complex carbohydrates are commonly known as dietary fiber.

Barley is a grain high in protein and is highly digestible. It is a great source of energy. Barley also contains fiber that is important for gastrointestinal health.

Brewers rice is broken pieces of rice. It is called 'brewers rice' because these small pieces are often used in the brewing industry. It has the same nutrition as rice, providing protein and minerals.

Broccoli is high in potassium, and is a good source of Vitamin A, C, and K.

Brown rice is a whole grain and a great source of energy. It also contains protein, fiber, fat and minerals.

Carrots are vegetables. They are rich in fiber, flavor, color, and Vitamin A.

Cellulose is an insoluble fiber, which helps improve stool quality. It is often used in low calorie foods as it makes your pet feel full. Fiber comfortably removes hairballs in cats.

Chondroitin Sulfate is a nutrient that is a structural component of joint cartilage.

Corn flour is finely ground corn grain. Corn flour is a great source of energy for your pet.

Corn starch is a source of carbohydrates, and is a great source of energy for your pet.

Pearled barley is grain that has been dehulled and has the bran removed. Barley is a source of protein, carbohydrate, fiber and minerals & promotes healthy digestion.

Dextrose is a source of sugar. it is a carbohydrate that provides energy to the body. It can be used to enhance food texture.

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate. Its primary function is to increase bulk and water in the intestinal contents to help promote and regulate normal bowel function.

Dried apple pomace is the dry pulp of apple from which a juice has been extracted and is a antioxidant.

Dried beet pulp is a good Insoluble and soluble fiber source. It helps support digestive health and improve stool quality.

Dried tomato pomace is the solid residue remaining after extraction of juice from tomato. It is a source of soluble fiber.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic fiber which can help support digestive health.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride is a substance that protects and supports joint fluid, cartilage, and the surrounding tissues.

Green beans are vegetables. They provide carbohydrates and sodium.

Green peas are whole dried peas. They are a great source of protein, fiber and carbohydrate.

Guar gum is a type of soluble fiber. It is usually used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener for gravy.

Insoluble fiber is the type of fiber that helps pets feel full, so they may not consume as many calories.

Locust bean gum is a soluble gum that is used as a thickener for texture consistency.

Oat fiber is obtained from oat hulls. It is used as a source of insoluble fiber in pet food. It helps support digestive health and stool quality.

Orange pulp contains fiber, potassium, and some magnesium and calcium. It is used as a fiber source and may enhance taste.

Pea fiber comes from the outer coating of peas and is a source of mixed soluble and insoluble fiber types. It helps support digestive health and stool quality.

Peas are whole dried peas. They are a great source of protein, fiber and carbohydrates. The help support digestive health and stool quality.

Potato starch is a carbohydrate and is used primarily for energy.

Potatoes are a very well balanced ingredient. They provide protein, carbohydrates and minerals providing energy for your pet.

Pressed cranberries, a fruit, is a source of fiber and antioxidants.

Psyllium seed husk is a source of insoluble fiber. It helps support digestive health and stool quality.

Red bell pepper, a vegetable, is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source. It is source of protein and minerals and provide energy to your pet.

Rice flour is made by grinding highly-digestible polished white rice into a powder. It provides carbohydrate, some protein and energy.

Rice starch is the starch portion of the rice grain which provides energy for your pet.

Soluble fiber is the type of fiber that can be dispersed in water. Soluble fiber has greater water-holding capacity. Soluble fibers aid in GI health.

Soybean Mill Run is the combination of soybean meat and soybean hulls. It provides both insoluble and soluble fiber as well as some protein.

Spinach contains protein, carbohydrate and is high in vitamin C. It is also a source carotenoids and flavonoids.

Wheat provides starch in food. It is highly digestible. It is also a great source of fiber, protein and potassium.

Whole grain corn provides source of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is rich in antioxidants

Whole grain oats provides source of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is rich in antioxidants, and helps with intestinal health.

Whole grain sorghum provides source of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is rich in antioxidants, and helps with intestinal health.

Whole grain wheat provides source of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is rich in antioxidants, and helps with intestinal health.

Yellow peas are whole dried peas. They are a great source of protein, fiber and carbohydrate. They also contain calcium.

Zucchini provides energy and contains high potassium and Vitamin A.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that are needed in minute amounts for proper body function and health. They cannot be synthesized by the pet's body in sufficient quantities and must be supplied by their food.

Beta-carotene is an effective antioxidant and works together with Vitamin E.

Biotin is a water soluble vitamin. It is a component of 4 enzymes that help with functions in metabolism of lipids, glucose, some amino acids, and energy.

Carotenoids are a family of compounds that include yellow-red pigments. Many carotenoids are provitamins or antioxidants.

Choline is a classified as a B-complex vitamin that is important for blood clotting and inflammation.

Choline Chloride is a source of Choline which is a classified as a B-complex vitamin that is important for clotting and inflammation.

Cobalamin is a water soluble vitamin (B12). It helps avoid anemia and can help with growth.

A vitamin that can dissolve in fats and oils. Fat soluble vitamins are absorbed along with fats and can be stored in the body's fatty tissue. The fat soluble vitamins are Vitamin A, D, E and K.

Flavonoids are antioxidants. They are the red, blue and yellow compounds that give plants their bright colors.

Folic Acid is a water soluble vitamin. It helps with DNA synthesis and in involved in the production of an amino acid (methionine).

L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate is a source of Vitamin C, it is an antioxidant.

L- Carnitine helps release energy and helps promote ideal body weight. It is found primarily in skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Lipoic acid is a natural antioxidant.

Lycopene is a type of carotenoid that functions as an antioxidant.

Menadione sodium bisulfite is a source of Vitamin K, it is important vitamin for blood clotting.

Niacin is a water soluble vitamin. It is an important component in energy-releasing reactions and proper cell function.

Pantothenic acid is a water soluble vitamin. It is one of the most important coenzymes for metabolism and fatty acid, steroid hormones and cholesterol synthesis.

Pyridoxine is a water soluble vitamin (B6). It is involved in most reactions of amino acid metabolism. It also helps with the health of the skin, red blood cells and nerves.

Riboflavin (B2) is a water soluble vitamin. It is an intermediary of energy metabolism.

Thiamin (B1) is a water soluble vitamin. It helps with the nervous system.

Thiamine mononitrate is a source of thiamin (Vit B1). Thiamin is important in energy metabolism.

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin. It helps with vision, immune function and bone resorption.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. It enhances iron absorption and antioxidant functionality.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. It enhances intestinal absorption and mobilization, as well as retention and bone deposits of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D can also help with bone mineralization, bone resorption, insulin synthesis, and immune function.

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and serves as antioxidant. Forms of vitamin E can also be used as a natural preservative in pet food.

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin. It helps with bone development and plays a role in blood clotting.

A vitamin that can dissolve in water. Water soluble vitamins are carried to the body's tissues but are not stored in the body. The water soluble vitamins are vitamin thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin, pyridoxine (B6), pantothenic acid, folic acid, cobalamin (B12) biotin and Vitamin C.

Fatty Acids & Oils

Fatty acids are used by the body for energy and are required for digestive absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), structural parts of skin and hair, and have important roles in immune system functions.

Soybean oil is obtained by extracting the oil from soybeans. Soybean oil is a source of Omega-6 fatty acids that provides energy. Soybean oil helps to enhance skin condition and are required for reproduction and growth.

Sunflower oil is obtained by extracting the oil from sunflower seeds. Sunflower oil is a source of Omega-6 fatty acids that provide energy. Sunflower oil helps to enhance skin condition and are required for reproduction and growth.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. They are essential for vision and brain function, as well as for blood pressure and reducing inflammation. Examples of Omega-3 fatty acids are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is important for brain development during growth and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which helps to interrupt the degradation of joint cartilage in dogs.

Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. They maintain and support skin condition and are required for reproduction and growth.

Taste, Texture, Variety

Beef broth is obtained by cooking beef or beef bones. It provides flavor.

Caramel color is a natural coloring agent. It is used to create a uniform kibble color.

Carrageenan is a source of dietary carbohydrates. It comes from red seaweed. It provides soluble fiber and is often used in canned foods to thicken the gravy.

Chicken broth is obtained by cooking chicken or chicken bones. It provides flavor.

Chicken flavor is used as a natural taste enhancer.

Chicken liver flavor is a taste enhancer made from hydrolyzed chicken livers. It is also a source of protein.

Citric acid helps pet food retain flavor and nutritional value.

Ginger is used as seasoning, and it provides essential oil used to support digestive health.

Glycerin is used to create a soft texture for semi-moist pet foods and treats.

Glycerin is used to create a soft texture for semi-moist pet foods and treats.

Glyceryl Monostearate is a type of fat that helps create an appealing texture in dry pet foods.

Hydrolyzed chicken liver is chicken liver that has been cooked and broken down with water to create a concentrated rich, tasty sauce that provides flavor and aroma to pet foods, and is a source of protein and fatty acids.

Iron oxide helps with consistency of appearance of pet foods.

Lactic acid is added to dry pet foods to promote food safety and enhance flavor.

Mixed tocopherols are forms of vitamin E and are antioxidants. They help protect nutrients in pet foods.

Natural flavors are a natural ingredients used to make the food taste great, like seasonings we use for flavor enhancement on human foods.

Pork flavor is used as a natural taste enhancer.

Pork liver flavor is a taste enhancer made from pork livers. It is also a source of protein.

Sodium Tripolyphosphate helps create a smooth appearance and texture in pet food. It is also provides the essential minerals sodium and phosphorus.

Soy lecithin comes from the fat portion from soybean. It is usually used as an emulsifier and helps prevent fat separation. It is also a source of choline.

Titanium dioxide helps with consistency of appearance of pet foods.

Minerals

Minerals perform many different functions. Some minerals are required for the structural component of bones and teeth, while others are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat.

Calcium is a macromineral. It is a component of bone and teeth, and helps with blood clotting, muscle function, nerve transmission and membrane permeability.

Calcium carbonate is an excellent source of the essential mineral calcium. Calcium is a major component found in bone and teeth.

Calcium Chloride is an excellent source of the essential mineral calcium. Calcium is a major component found in bone and teeth.

Calcium Iodate is an excellent source of the essential minerals iodine and calcium. Iodine is important for thyroid health.

Calcium sulfate is an excellent source of the essential mineral calcium. Puppies and kittens require higher levels of calcium during growth for healthy bone development.

Copper is an important mineral that is required for many body systems such as bone formation and heart function.

Dicalcium phosphate is a source of two essential minerals calcium and phosphorus. It helps with bone and teeth development.

Disodium phosphate is an excellent source of two essential minerals, sodium and phosphorus. Sodium balances fluids in the body and influences blood pressure and phosphorus is a constituent of bone and teeth.

Ferrous sulfate is a good iron source. Iron helps to transport oxygen throughout the body.

Iodine is a micromineral. It is a component of the thyroid hormones, which have an active role in reproduction, growth & development, circulation & muscle function, and also has an effect on your pets coat.

Iodized salt is a source of essential minerals. It is a rich source of iodine, and also provides sodium and chloride. It helps assure proper water balance within the body.

Iron is a micromineral. It is an enzyme component, and helps with the activation of oxygen and oxygen transport.

Magnesium is a macromineral. It is the third largest mineral component of bone, after calcium and phosphorus. Magnesium is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids and acts as a catalyst for a wide array of enzymes.

Magnesium oxide is an excellent source of the essential mineral magnesium, which helps keep blood pressure normal and bone development.

Manganese is a micromineral. It is a component and activator of enzymes and helps with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, bone and cartilage development, reproduction and cell membrane integrity.

Manganese oxide is an excellent source of the essential mineral manganese, which is a component of bone development.

Monosodium phosphate is a source of the essential minerals sodium and phosphorus. Sodium balances fluides in the body and influences blood pressure and phosphorus is a constituent of bone and teeth.

Phosphorus is a macromineral. It is a component of bone and teeth, and helps with muscle formation, fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, energy production, and reproduction.

Potassium is a macromineral. It helps with muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, maintain electrolyte balance, osmotic balance, and energy transfer.

Potassium alginate is an excellent source of the essential mineral potassium, and alginate is derived from seaweed and is used to provide texture and forms that are appealing to pets.

Potassium Chloride is an excellent source of the essential mineral potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps with the acid-base balance and maintains heart & kidney function.

Potassium Citrate is an excellent source of the essential mineral potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps with the acid-base balance and maintains heart & kidney function.

Potassium Sulfate is an excellent source of the essential mineral potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps with the acid-base balance and maintains heart & kidney function.

Salt provides the essential minerals, sodium and chloride. It is also used as a taste enhancer. Sodium helps balance fluids in the body and influences blood pressure.

Selenium is a micromineral. It is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage.

Sodium and chloride are macrominerals. They help with osmotic pressure, acid-base balance, transmission of nerve impulses, nutrient uptake, waste excretion, and water metabolism

Zinc is a micromineral. It is a component of activator of 200 enzymes, and helps with skin and wound healing, immune response, fetal development and growth rate

Zinc Oxide is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which helps with skin and wound healing.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the components of protein. There are hundreds to thousands of amino acids, but only 20 commonly make up a protein. There are 10 essential amino acids for dogs and 11 for cats. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient amounts, so they must be supplied in your pet's food.

Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid and a component of protein. It provides health benefits for skin and coat.

Methionine is an essential amino acid and a component of protein. It helps support urinary health.

DL- Methionine is an amino acid, it is a supplemental source of methionine. It helps support urinary health.

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid and a component of protein. It supports muscle development.

L - Arginine is an essential amino acid and a component of protein. It helps improve blood flow.

L - Leucine is an essential amino acid and a component of protein. It helps muscle building.

L - Lysine is an essential amino acid and a component of protein that delivers health benefits for pets skin and coat.

L - Threonine is an essential amino acid and a component of protein that helps support bone and liver health.

L - Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and a component of protein that helps brain-signaling activities, such as mood and sleep.

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats which helps maintain healthy vision. It also assists both dogs and cats to maintain heart health.

Dog eating
Dog eating

Understand the science of flavor


Our team of experts works to ensure all our foods deliver nutrition that appeals to the acute senses of dogs and cats. We employ a full team of scientists who are constantly testing new combinations of scent and taste to create the most appealing pet food flavors.