Sure, your pooch may have a big heart for sweetness, but his skin is the optimal size. Skin makes up a quarter of your total body weight – a fact that may make you even more concerned about what you’re putting in your dog’s food bowl.
“Nutrition plays an important role in the health of the skin and other organs,” said Dr. Joseph Bartges, professor of veterinary medicine and nutrition at the University of Georgia in Athens. “Often a sign of inadequate or inadequate nutrition is altered coat and skin quality. You may notice that now it’s dry or flaky or greasy or see bald spots because the hair hasn’t grown back.”
What goes in the bowl
“The food you choose is related to the quality of your dog’s skin and coat,” says Dr. Jean Hofve, a holistic veterinarian and author from Jamestown, Colorado. “Dogs need quality protein that comes from real meat, not meat by-products, as well as antioxidants that are good for the skin because they are anti-inflammatory.”
There are many commercial dog diets out there, and choosing the quality ones to feed your dog can be daunting. Remember that to meet the recommendations set forth by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, a quality commercial dog food meets the following five criteria:
- Complete: It contains all the necessary nutrients.
- Balance: All nutrients are in proper proportions.
- Delicious: It has a pleasant taste that your dog will eat in just the right amount to keep his body in a healthy condition.
- Digest: All ingredients can be absorbed into your dog’s body for use.
- Safe: The ingredients are free from deficiencies, excesses or imbalances of nutrients; no toxins; and free from microbial contamination or spoilage.
“Overall, a dog with naturally healthy skin can continue to do well with a healthy diet,” says Dr. Jo Myers, veterinarian in Salida, Colorado, who advises on diet and nutrition. any nutritionally complete diet without the addition of any foods. for pets like a veterinary professional with JustAnswer.com. “However, a dog with a skin condition may need supplements to optimize its skin health.”
Be sure to consult your veterinarian to help choose the appropriate supplements your dog may need based on its age, health condition, and breed.
Our experts offer the following tips to help your dog have a healthy coat:
✤ Learn diets in the doggie alphabet. Promotes your dog’s skin and overall health by ensuring that your dog’s food or supplement contains adequate amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids chemically known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Nutritious sources of these omega-3 fatty acids include eggs, salmon, oily fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
✤ Add omega-6 fatty acids in your dog’s food. Dogs need omega-6 fatty acids to keep their skin hydrated and act as a protective barrier, but they cannot produce them on their own. Dogs that lack enough omega-6 fatty acids in their diet can be at risk for many skin problems as well as a weakened immune system. Healthy sources of omega-6 fatty acids can be found in chicken as well as sunflower, soybean, and canola oils.
✤ Do not advertise aggressively on the internet. Some oils may score popularity points, but they may not be the best choice for your dog.
Regarding using coconut oil as a supplement for your dog, Dr. Myers says, “Despite its popularity, there is no scientific evidence to support any claims of health benefits for dogs. with dogs”. She warns that overfeeding your dog with coconut oil can cause diarrhea and weight gain.
✤ Occasionally mix dry dog food with skin-nourishing yogurts. These include blueberries (high in antioxidants); carrots for a delicious vitamin A boost; sardines in water to provide a source of drooling omega-3 fatty acids; and chickpeas, which are high in fiber, calcium and vitamins A, B, C and K.
Good nutrition
By proactively monitoring any changes in your dog’s weight, skin quality, or appetite, you can play an important role in their overall health and possibly address conditions. such as diabetes, hypothyroidism or kidney disease in their early stages.
And, by choosing quality ingredients, you can help your dog avoid reacting to food allergies and their accompanying signs, such as constant scratching, breakouts, baldness. or dull coat as well as chronic vomiting or diarrhea.
“Nutrition is hard!” Dr. Myers said. “This is a complex subject, so you definitely need the expert guidance of your veterinarian to avoid wasting money on supplements your dog may not need or may actually need. do more harm than good”.
Skin & Coat Diet
Worried about your dog’s skin and coat? They do diets that specifically target them these days. Here are some available.
- Purina ONE+ Plus, Leather & Coat Formula; $46.26 / 16.5 lb bag. petcarerx.com
- Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Coat; $38.99 / 11 lb bag. ruminant.com
- Dogswell Skin & Coat Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe; $39.99 / 12 lb bag. ruminant.com
