Dog Nutrition for a Healthier Coat

If the skin of the dog is looking dull and the touch has lost its luster, and it developed dandruff or chips of dry skin. Food sensitivities or poor nutrition can be the cause as the coat is made up of protein and deficiency can lead to poor quality, hair fall, etc. But by adding proper nutrition to the diet issue can be resolved.  Nutrients like protein, vitamins, fat, and minerals play a crucial role in the health of the coat. The skin function is to avoid the bacteria and viruses from entering the body and things like heat and water from leaving.

Fatty Acids

Healthful fats are crucial to keep the dog’s coat in ideal condition. However, there are only a few dogs that are known to suffer from such problems. Animal-based and plant-based ingredients contain protein. Plant protein contains only a few essential amino acids while the animal protein lists all necessary amino acids required by the dog. Thus, animal-based proteins help the dogs to attain optimal health.

Fat ingredients from plant based and animal based are combined into the skin cells in the form of fatty acids. The ideal fatty acid for coat health and dog’s skin is linoleic acid. Insufficient amount of linoleic acid will cause dry coat, dullness, greasy skin, hair loss, increased skin irritation and many more. This acid (linoleic) is found in vegetable oils like soybean and corn, chicken fat. Fish oils which are rich in vitamins also help to develop the perfect health of the skin.

Omega 3 & 6

These are crucial for skin, and it supports general health, glossy coat, and elasticity of the skin. Vegetable oils, canola, corn poultry fat are rich sources of omega six while omega three acids are usher in fish oil, fish meal and canola oil.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

To maintain a healthy and glossy coat, the dog requires vitamins and minerals and the ideal way to provide them sufficient nutrients is by feeding them a balanced diet that is full of vitamins, rather than delivering them supplements. Essential vitamins are listed below.

Coat Condition

Diet including proper vitamins and minerals are essential for skin, but there are other factors like season and stage of life also affects the coat. With weather changes like summer to winter, they start growing a thick coat which warms them up, while during summer they shed their heavy coat. On the other hand, puppies also have fuzzy and soft hair, but with increasing age, they tend to grow a coarser coat.  Pregnant dogs might even have a change in the health of coat or might experience hair loss. They can also suffer hair loss like humans and get white hair with maturity.

Ideal Food for dog’s skin

Eggs

Eggs are a nutritious powerhouse and have bioavailable protein. It has zinc, lutein, biotin, vitamin B, and vitamin H, B7, Vitamin A, omega 3&6 and many more. It is a one ingredient recipe to make skin glossy and treat all skin problems.

Chia seeds

They are packed with antioxidants, and it is a rich source of copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

Almonds

It contains vitamin E, bioflavonoid, magnesium, zinc, tocopherol, copper, vitamin B, manganese and many more. It has a high-fat content. Keeping it away from sunlight is advisable.

Coconut

This fruit is unsweetened and organic, it has medium to low saturated fats. Its specific properties have an anti-inflammatory agent which decreases bacterial growth, inflammation, and irritation in the body.

Carob

It is rich in natural sugars and has all the vitamins and minerals which have antibacterial properties like silica, magnesium, Vitamin A, B1, B2, niacin, protein, iron, phosphorus, and calcium.

Oats

It has high mineral content and low starch level. It keeps the skin healthy by supporting the gastrointestinal system and helps to remove all the toxins from the body.

Liver

It is perfect to enhance skin health, but only the animals who are grass fed. Its nutrients include phosphorus, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, vitamin A, B6, B12, C, E, D, niacin, riboflavin and many more.

Salmon

Cooked or canned is one of the best sources of Omega-3 and selenium, it provides essential oils and vitamins which supports the coat and skin.

Cranberries

This food  heals a variety of diseases like fever, scurvy, eczema, wounds, rheumatoid disorders and many more. It also contains various bioactive components which include ellagic acid, antioxidant, proanthocyanidins, vitamin E, flavonoid and many more. Its anti-inflammatory action can also help to lessen the allergic reactions in dogs.

Sweet Potatoes

They are the ideal food for skin; they contain vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. It helps to accelerate healing properties and support collagen production.