Sure, your loving dog may have a huge heart in terms of gentleness, but his skin reigns supreme in terms of size. Skin accounts for up to a quarter of their total body weight – a fact that may lead to a greater need to be careful what you put in your canine friend’s food bowl.
“Nutrition plays an important role in the health of the skin and other organs,” says Dr. Joseph Bartges, professor of veterinary medicine and nutrition at the University of Georgia in Athens. “Often a sign of inadequate or improper nutrition is a change in the quality of the coat and skin. You may notice that it is now dry or scaly or greasy or you see bald spots because the hair does not not grow back.
What happens in the bowl
“The food you choose has everything to do with 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 from real meats, not meat by-products, and antioxidants that are also good for the skin because they’re anti-inflammatory.”
There are many commercial dog diets available, and choosing quality diets to feed your dog can be daunting. Keep in mind that to meet the recommendations set by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, quality commercial dog foods meet these five standards:
- Complete: It contains all the necessary nutrients.
- Balance: All the nutrients are in the right proportions.
- Acceptable: It features a welcome taste that your dog will eat in sufficient quantity to keep his body healthy.
- Digestible: All ingredients can be absorbed by your dog’s body for use.
- On: The ingredients are free from nutritional deficiencies, excesses or imbalances; are free of toxins; and are free from microbial contamination or spoilage.
“In general, a dog with naturally healthy skin can be expected to continue to do well on any complete diet without any type of supplementation,” says Salida veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers. Colorado, who consults on diet and nutrition. for pets as a veterinary expert with JustAnswer.com. “A dog with a skin condition, however, may need supplements to optimize skin health.”
Definitely consult your veterinarian to help you select the appropriate supplements that your dog might need based on his age, health condition, and breed.
Our experts offer these tips to help your dog have a healthy coat:
✤ Learn the alphabet dog food diet. Support your dog’s skin and general health by making sure his food or supplements contain adequate amounts of a pair of omega-3 fatty acids chemically known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Nutritious sources of these omega-3 fatty acids include eggs, salmon, fish oils, flax seeds and chia seeds.
✤ Add omega-6 fatty acids to your dog’s food. Dogs need omega-6 fatty acids to keep the skin hydrated and to act as a protective barrier, but they are not able to produce them on their own. Dogs that lack omega-6 fatty acids in their diet may be at risk for various 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, soy and canola oils.
✤ Don’t feed the hype 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, “Although it is popular, there is no scientific evidence to support the health benefit claims. dogs”. She warns that feeding your dog excessive amounts of coconut oil can trigger diarrhea and put on extra pounds.
✤ Top your dog’s dry food occasionally with skin-strengthening treats. They include blueberries (loaded with antioxidants); carrots for a tasty vitamin A boost; sardines in water for a lip-salivating source of omega-3 fatty acids; and green beans, 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 a vital role in his overall health and potentially treat conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism or diseases. early kidneys.
And, by selecting quality ingredients, you can help your dog avoid food allergy reactions and their accompanying signs, such as persistent scratching, bumps on the skin, bald spots or a dull coat, and chronic vomiting or diarrhea.
“Nutrition is hard!” said Dr. Myers. “It’s a complicated subject, so you definitely need professional advice from your veterinarian to avoid wasting money on supplements your dog may not need or may actually do more harm. only good.”
Diets for skin and coat
Concerned about your dog’s skin and coat? They are doing diets that specifically target them today. Here are a few that are available.
- Purina ONE +Plus, skin and coat formula; $46.26/16.5 lb bag. petcarerx.com
- Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Coat; $38.99/11lb bag. chewy.com
- Dogswell Skin & Coat Trout and Sweet Potato Recipe; $39.99/12lb bag. chewy.com