Vitamins are provided in various ingredients and they can also be included in pure form. As naturally fragile substances, sensitive to light, heat, and oxidation, vitamins need to be protected during the cooking process.
- Meat, kidneys, and liver
- Fish oil
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Cereals
- Vegetables
- Citrus fruit
- Berries
Each vitamin is involved in several different functions. As with minerals, we have highlighted some of the major roles in the body.
- Calcium and phosphorus metabolism regulation
- Protection against cell oxidation
- Formation of blood cells and coagulation
- Synthesis of hormones as part of the reproductive process
- Regulate the growth of epidermis cells (outermost layer of skin) and the production of sebum.
- Neutralization of free radicals (antioxidative effect): For example, vitamin C permits the regeneration of vitamin E, a powerful natural antioxidant itself
Minerals are provided by different ingredients, but they may also be included in the form of purified salts: iron sulfate, zinc oxide, manganese oxide, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, and others.
Ingredients which are rich sources of minerals include:
- Meat such as pork, duck, or chicken
- Avocados
- Fish
- Wheat, cereal, grains
- Peas, lentils, soy
Each mineral is involved in several different functions. For simplicity, we've outlined some of the main roles the most important minerals play in the body:
- Ossification
- Energy transfer
- Cellular ionic balance
- Sensory impulses
- Synthesis of hemoglobin of red blood cells
- Supporting the health of skin
- Formation of cartilage and skin, and the synthesis of skin pigments
- Functioning of the thyroid gland
- Antioxidant functions
Dietary lipid sources are all foods rich in animal fats and vegetable fats. Some of these sources include:
- Soy oil
- Corn oil
- Safflower oil
- Butter
- Animal Fat
- Eggs
- Poultry fat
- Fish oil
As with proteins and carbohydrates, in the correct proportions, lipids are an important source of energy for cats and dogs. Some fatty acids—termed "essential"—also have structural roles for the cell or act as precursors to specific hormones. Other benefits of lipids include:
- Improving palatability
- Helping animals absorb important vitamins
- Developing metabolic pathways and neurological systems
- Supporting immune functions and the inflammatory process which occurs in tissue injuries or infections
Carbohydrates are predominantly plant-based, with the exception of blood glucose, glycogen in the muscles and the liver, and milk lactose. Some examples of carbohydrate sources include:
- Rice
- Corn
- Wheat
- Barley
- Potato
- Milk (Although most cats and dogs do not digest lactose well)
- Plants with fruit, berries, roots, or tubers
Using carbohydrates as an energy source means that the other calorie-containing macronutrients can be used in other ways. For example, protein and fat can be spared for other bodily functions such as growth or even wound healing, where needed. Other benefits of carbohydrates include:
- Supporting the health and bacterial population of the digestive tract
- Providing immediate energy to pets
- Producing a satiety feeling in animals, which is particularly beneficial to pets at risk of becoming overweight
Proteins from one ingredient may differ from another, based on; the length of the polypeptide chain, the individual amino acids that are in the chain, and how the chain folds. Sources of protein include:
- Meat
- Grains
- Legumes
- Vegetables
Proteins are often large, complex molecules, consisting of a string of amino acids. They play critical roles in almost every aspect of the body, including:
- Building and maintaining muscle mass
- Producing enzymes which assist the many biochemical processes in the body
- Supporting strong immunity, including the production of blood cells
- Promoting healthy growth and development
Very specific nutrients can be limited or added in certain formulations in order to help cats and dogs affected by particular health issues.
By meeting all of these goals, we are able to supply precise nutritional diets for the unique requirements of cats and dogs.
Support long-term health by considering common concerns including, for example, the effects of aging, digestive problems, and skin conditions through precise levels of
- Antioxidants
- Fiber
- Prebiotics
- Essential fatty acids
Meet the nutritional requirements of healthy physical development and maintenance through precise levels of
- Amino acids
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Fatty acids
Provide the energy the pet needs in the right amount and format through precise levels of
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Fat
Understanding the role of nutrients
By recognizing the key benefits of each of these nutrients, you can make informed decisions about your pet's diet. At Royal Canin, we know that understanding what nutrients are important for your pet, and why, can be difficult. As such, we've broken down the five most important nutrients, where they can be sourced and the role they play in cat and dog nutrition, so that you can be confident in choosing the right food for your pet.
