There are six basic nutrient groups. Three of them provide energy and three are non-energy nutrients.
Energy Nutrients
- Carbohydrates (provide energy and fibre)
- Fats (provide slow release energy, improves taste, stores vitamins A, D, E & K)
- Proteins (provides energy and used for growth and healing)
Non-Energy Nutrients
- Vitamins (required for the body’s chemical reactions for metabolism)
- Minerals (required for the body’s functions)
- Water (essential for all the body’s cells, makes up 60-70% of the body’s weight)
There are three forms of carbohydrates:
Sugars – Provide energy quickly, they are relatively simple molecules and are absorbed and used efficiently by the body – glucose is the most important simple sugar.
Starches – Provide energy more slowly as they are longer chains which must first be broken down into simple sugars before they can be used.
Fibre – Fibre is an indigestible form of carbohydrate in cats and dogs. Rabbits, Horses and Ruminants (like cattle and sheep) can break down fibre to use as energy. Cats and dogs cannot break down fibre and so it can be used to bulk out the diet and control an animal’s weight by making the animal feel full without providing lots of energy.
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