TEST Learning center Article

Nutrition for healthy skin & coat

Your dog’s been looking a little dull lately. That fur you love to touch has lost its sheen, and if you look closely you see little flakes of dry skin, like dandruff. Poor nutrition or food sensitivities may be the root cause. The fix? Adding the right nutrients to his diet. You’ll find them in the pet-food aisle, where you’re about to become an ingredient sleuth! But before you go reading the fine print on every dog food bag, you’ll want to know which essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids you’re looking for. Here, our A-Z Guide.

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, prevent loss of hair and keep coats soft and shiny.

Omega 6 & 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 guards skin cells against the onslaught of free radicals.

Zinc

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