Ingredients and Nutrients

At Hill’s, science-led nutrition begins with high-quality, great-tasting ingredients that are proven to deliver the precise nutrients pets need to live their best life. Each formula we develop uses specific ingredients to create healthy nutrition pets will love. Learn more about the general benefits of individual ingredients below.

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

: Beef by-products are parts of the beef that include organ meats such as liver and lung. Items such as hair, horns, teeth, and hooves are strictly excluded from this. Beef by-products are a sustainable and nutritious source of protein, vitamins, and trace minerals.

: Beef liver is the liver from cattle and is a nutritious source of protein, vitamins, and trace minerals.

: Beef lung is the lung from cattle and is a nutritious source of protein and fats.

: Beef plasma is a protein source rich in amino acids and bioactive components that have been shown to help promote healthy gut bacteria, stool quality and immune system health.

: 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 with ground bone and skin are nutritious parts of the chicken that are a good source of protein, fat and minerals.This excludes organs.

: 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.

: It is the whole egg without the shell. It is a high quality 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 is nutritious meat from sheep and a good source of protein, fat, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

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

: Lamb lung is the lung from sheep and is a nutritious source of protein and fats.

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

: 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. 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.

: Sheep plasma is a protein source rich in amino acids and bioactive components that have been shown to help promote healthy gut bacteria, stool quality and immune system health.

: 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.

: 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 and vitamin A, and provide flavor and color.

: 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. This fiber can be used to help comfortably remove hairballs in cats when formulated to do so.

: 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.

: Chicory root is a dried, prebiotic fiber that contains an abundance of inulin, which helps promote good gut bacteria, healthy digestion, sugar regulation, and overall immune system health.

: 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.

: Pumpkin is a source of prebiotic fiber that contains vitamins A, C, E, and alpha-carotene (an antioxidant).

: 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.

: Tapioca starch is derived from a plant called the cassava root and is a highly digestible carbohydrate source for energy. It also helps ensure the texture of the food is optimal for pets.

: 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.

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

: Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a water soluble vitamin. It is a component of 5 enzymes that help with functions in metabolism of lipids, glucose, some amino acids, and energy.

: Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is a water soluble vitamin. It is one of the most important coenzymes of metabolism and for synthesis of fatty acids, steroid hormones, and cholesterol.

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

: 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 (Vitamin B9) is a water soluble vitamin. It is important for DNA synthesis and in involved in the production the 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 (Vitamin B3) is a water soluble vitamin. It is an important component in energy metabolism 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 (Vitamin B6) is a water soluble vitamin. 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 (Vitamin 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 (Vitamin B1) is a source of the water soluble vitamin thiamine. Thiamine is important in energy metabolism.

: Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin. It supports vision, immune system function, and bone health.

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

: Vitamin D3 is a fat soluble vitamin that is crucial for calcium absorption and also plays a role in heart, brain and immune system health.

: Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and serves as antioxidant. It is also important for cellular membrane integrity, immune function, and brain, eye, and skin health. Forms of vitamin E can be used to help prolong the shelf life 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.

: Flaxseed oil, also called linseed oil, is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily alpha-linolenic acid, which is important for maintaining heart health, and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

: 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 from extracting oil from sunflower seeds. It is a source of Omega-6 fatty acids that provides energy, and helps support skin health, reproduction, and growth.

: Marine microalgae oil is a good source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids, which supports vision, brain function, blood pressure regulation, 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 promote joint health.

: 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.

: Basil is an herb and a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

: 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.

: Celery powder enhances the taste of pet food.

: 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.

: 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.

: Rosemary is an herb and a source of iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6.

: 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.

: Water is an essential nutrient that helps keep your pet hydrated.

: 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 (Iodine) is an ingredient that contributes iodine as a micromineral.

: 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 a micromineral that is required for many body systems such as bone formation and heart function.

: Copper Amino Acid Complex is an ingredient that contributes copper as a micromineral.

: Copper Sulfate is an ingredient that contributes copper as a micromineral.

: Dicalcium phosphate is a source of two essential minerals: calcium and phosphorus, which are structural components of bones and teeth, help muscle contraction, and nerve signal conduction.

: 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 an ingredient that contributes iron as a micromineral.

: 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 Chloride is an ingredient that contributes magnesium as a macromineral.

: Magnesium Oxide is an ingredient that contributes magnesium as a macromineral.

: Magnesium Sulfate is an ingredient that contributes magnesium as a macromineral.

: 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 Hydroxychloride is an ingredient that contributes manganese as a micromineral.

: Manganese Oxide is an ingredient that contributes manganese as a micromineral.

: Manganese Sulfate is an ingredient that contributes manganese as a micromineral.

: 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 Iodate (Iodine) is an ingredient that contributes iodine as a micromineral.

: 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.

: Sodium Selenite is an ingredient that contributes selenium as a micromineral.

: 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 an ingredient that contributes zinc as a micromineral.

: Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is an ingredient that contributes zinc as a micromineral.

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

: 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.

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

: Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats and can be conditionally needed for dogs. It is important for eye and heart health in dogs and cats.

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.

Learn More About Taste

Ingredients and Nutrients

Protein

Carbohydrates

Vitamins

Fatty Acids & Oils

Taste, Texture, Variety

Minerals

Amino Acids

Understand the science of flavor