What are the Benefits of Skin & Coat Dog Food?

Is skin and coat dog food worth it? If your dog’s fur has been looking dull or they have been dealing with dry skin, you may be wondering whether or not your dog would benefit from a change in their diet. There are skin and coat dog foods that can have a positive impact on the health of your dog’s coat. 

Pet parents should always remember to consult with their dog’s vet before making changes to their diet. With so much information online about dog food, your veterinarian is the most trustworthy source of information regarding the health of your pet. They can point you in the right direction when it comes to your pet’s diet. 

Common Causes for Poor Coat Health in Dogs 

There are many causes for poor skin and coat health in dogs. Some of the most common causes include: 

Food Sensitivities and Allergies
Some pups have sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food like certain proteins. Sensitivities and allergies can both result in dry skin, patchy fur, or skin conditions that leave their coat in poor health. 

Environmental Allergies
If your dog has an allergy to something in their environment, like dust or pollen, then they might be experiencing itchy skin or patchy fur.

Lack of Nutrition
Sometimes, when a dog is not getting enough nutrition from specific ingredients or components of their diet, their skin and coat can be the first sign of decline and signal that a change in their diet might be necessary. 

What Are Some Common Ingredients in Skin and Coat Dog Food? 

Vitamin A - Vitamin A is critical to the health of rapidly dividing skin cells and hair follicles. 

Biotin - B-complex vitamins like biotin help promote healthy tissue growth. Biotin deficiency is more likely in young, rapidly growing puppies and symptoms of deficiencies include brittle hair, crusty skin and a loss of normal hair color.

Copper - Copper helps maintain hair color, helps prevent hair loss and helps keep coats soft and shiny.

Omega-6 & Omega-3 Fatty Acids - These essential fatty acids support skin elasticity, a glossier coat and general health. Rich sources of Omega-6 fatty acids include poultry fat, corn, canola or other vegetable oils. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in canola oil, fish oil and fish meal.

Vitamin E - A potent natural antioxidant, vitamin E helps guards skin cells against free radicals.

Zinc - High-quality diets include zinc, which helps prevent itchy, inflamed skin and even bacterial and fungal skin infections.

The Importance of a Healthy Skin and Coat

Your dog’s coat is important for many reasons. There is a reason they were born with such beautiful fur. This important part of their bodies functions as a protective barrier between your dog and their environment. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside use their fur to protect themselves from weather, other animals, and more. Not only this, but a dog’s fur is an important part of their health as it helps to regulate their body temperature on hot/cold days, protect their skin from the sun, and keep them from losing too much water from their body. Your dog’s fur is an important part of their wellbeing and needs to be cared for.

What are the Benefits of Skin and Coat Dog Food? 

Can Help with Dry Skin
For dogs who suffer from naturally dry skin or have it for a specific reason, skin and coat dog food may help reduce dry skin and dandruff. This helps to reduce itchiness tied to dry skin and helps their skin stay healthy. 

Promotes Shiny and Soft Coat
The list of ingredients found above, along with other common skin and coat dog food ingredients, all work together to help pump important nutrients into your dog’s fur. This helps promote a shiny and soft coat that has them looking their best. 

Can Increase Thickness of Coat
The thickness of a dog's coat is important for warmth, protection, temperature regulation, and more. Switching your pup to skin and coat dog food can increase the thickness of their coat, strengthening that protective layer around their body.

There are also dog vitamins and supplements designed to help your pup’s skin and coat alongside their diet. Remember to talk to your vet about what combination of diet and nutrition will best support your pup’s health. 

Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.

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