Energy-producing nutrients
The nutrients that supply us with energy are carbohydrates, proteins and fat.
| Carbohydrate | Source |
|---|---|
| Sugars | Fruits Honey |
| Lactose | Milk Dairy products (milk sugar) |
| Starches | Corn Wheat Rice Barley Oats Potatoes |
| Slowly fermentable fibre like cellulose | Wheat bran |
| Moderately fermentable fibre | Rice bran Pea fibre Wheat bran |
| Rapidly fermentable fibre | Apples Citrus pulp Guar gum |
Tasty Tips
Simple carbohydrates and starches in foods are used by the body as a source of glucose. As such, they have several major functions, they:
- provide energy
- produce heat when they are metabolized for energy
- can be used as building blocks for other nutrients (e.g., certain amino acids, lactose (the sugar in milk) and vitamin C)
- provide storage of energy in the form of glycogen or fat
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight with Joint Support Large Breed Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetables & Salmon Stew Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Vegetables Stew Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Brown Rice, and Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Related articles
How and When to Start Training a Puppy or Kitten
Discover helpful tips for training your puppy or kitten, including the best time to start training them and the importance of staying consistent.
Getting Rid of Pet Hair Around the House
Pet hair removal is often a struggle, but not impossible. Learn tips for cleaning many household surfaces, as well as getting rid of airborne pet hair.
What Causes Cat and Dog Insomnia?
Dog insomnia is a real thing. And it's possible your cat not sleeping well at night is also a bout of insomnia. Learn more about this pet health concern.
Pet Sitter Checklist: 7 Essential Items
If you have a new sitter for your furry friend, use our pet sitter checklist to ensure they know your pet's essential info & exactly how to care for them.
Carbohydrates
Understand Your Pet's Body Condition Score
Monitoring your pet’s body condition score (BCS) can help you help your pet maintain proper growth and weight for a long, healthy life.
15 Pet-Friendly Cities Ideal for a US Road Trip
Check out our list of pet-friendly U.S. cities that are excellent travel options, offering off-leash dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants & hotels.
Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Pet This Year
Learn some of the heart-warming reasons that you should be thankful for your pet this Thanksgiving holiday.
Minerals
Learn about the 18 different types of minerals that are essential to dogs and cats, as well as the differences between macrominerals and microminerals.
Adopting a Blind Dog or Cat: What You Need to Know
If you're considering adopting a blind pet, learn tips & considerations for living with a blind cat or dog and how to prepare your home for a blind pet.
The Best Holiday Gifts for Pets
Looking for gift ideas to get your dog or cat this holiday season? Check out our pet holiday gift giving guide.
Benefits of Antioxidants for Dogs and Cats
A gray cat and German shepherd dog lie beside each other on a white carpet
What Nutrients Can Help a Pet’s Immune System?
Learn why nutrients like antioxidants & amino acids can help improve your pet's immune system, as well as top antioxidants to look for in pet food.
What do animal shelters do?
An animal shelter near you takes in homeless animals. Learn how it shows animals in shelters aren't there for behavioral or medical problems, and many make healthy pets in loving homes.
The Incredible Science Behind Your Pet's Microbiome
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Dog and Cat Urine Crystals: What You Need to Know
Crystals in your pet's urine can be common, but can also indicate a deeper health concern. Learn about the different types of crystals & what they mean.
Virtual Vet Visits: What You Need to Know
Learn the ins and outs of a televet appointment before you talk to a vet online.
Predictive Biology: The Science Behind Our Pet Food
Learn how the science of predictive biology plays a role in formulating your pet's food to interact and work with your pet's biological process.
Water
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
Adopting Special Needs Pets
Learn what it's like to adopt a special needs pet and how behavioral challenges or disabilities can be overcome to give them a proper forever home.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.