If your dog’s coat is looking a little lacklustre and you’re looking to improve your dog’s coat and keep their coat shiny, here is how the right nutrition can help.
A dull coat can be caused by a lack of the right nutrition, specifically protein. Another tell-tale sign that your dog is lacking the right nutrition to maintain a healthy coat is excessive shedding. Shedding in dogs is extremely normal, however excessive shedding be a result of poor nutrition or stress/allergies.
There are many different ways to improve your dog’s coat and keep it shiny. Nutrition is one of the biggest factors in keeping your dog’s coat thick and healthy. Providing your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining the health of their fur and skin – keeping them looking and feeling their best.
Here are what foods are good for dogs’ skin and coats, as well as what supplements you can add to your dog’s diet to give them a boost of the right vitamins and minerals to keep your dog looking and feeling pawsitively beautiful!
A protein-rich diet
Nutrition is one of the biggest contributors to your dog’s skin and coat health. Studies have shown 30% of the protein eaten goes directly to supporting the coat and skin.
When protein is eaten the body breaks it down into amino acids and these work as building blocks in the dog’s body. These are then utilised in many combinations to benefit your dog in various ways. For example your dog’s skin and coat, muscle development and tissue repair.
If your dog is lacking protein or some of these vital amino acids this can lead to various problems. If there is not enough quality protein in the diet, the little protein your dog is getting goes to support essential bodily functions. This leaves little left over to help maintain the health of your dog’s skin and coat. This can lead to:
- Thinning coat
- Slow fur growth
- Patchy fur
- Coarse, rough fur
- Reduced protective barrier from contact allergens, resulting in dry and itchy skin
- Greasy skin
Omega-rich diet
Fatty acids like Omega 3 & 6 also contribute to your dog’s skin and coat health. A lack of fatty acids or an incorrect ratio of omega 3:6 can be detrimental. A diet rich in fresh fats and optimally balanced omegas sourced from highly digestible sources of protein is the best way to promote healthy skin and shiny coats.
Omega 3 & 6 support a healthy inflammatory response; reducing inflammation can help reduce dry, itchy or flaky skin. Omega-3 and omega-6 also play a role in maintaining the skin barrier by helping to retain moisture in the skin. This protects the skin from environmental factors. Lastly, omega-6 helps to maintain the health of hair follicles to support hair growth and promote a shiny, luscious coat.
Other important nutrients
As well as protein and omega, a diet with natural, easily digestible sources of zinc and vitamin E are essential for a lovely shiny coat.
Zinc plays an important role in various bodily functions, including the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the hair and coat. Ensuring your dog is getting an adequate amount of zinc in their diet is going to promote healthy hair growth and improve their coat’s overall condition. A zinc deficiency can lead to a dull, dry and brittle coat in dogs. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the body, helping to protect the skin and hair follicles.
These are some of the many reasons we include 90% British meat or fish, including whole fresh mackerel, along with organic free-range eggs in our range of complete meals, Forage.
Natural supplements
Even if you’re feeding a predominantly fresh meat diet with optimal amounts of protein, omega-3, omega-6 and other important nutrients, some people still feel their dog’s coat could do with a little more love. Certain herbs and supplements can be effective in giving your dog’s skin and coat that extra boost.
Our Skin tonic is a skin and coat supplement for dogs designed to give your dog’s coat the additional love it may need to keep them looking and feeling their best. It contains:
- Kelp as a source of minerals, antioxidants and amino acids
- Vitamin-rich fenugreek, dandelion and flax for its omega-3 properties.
- Pre and probiotics to support the microbiome of the skin and help reduce inflammation.
Pampering your pooch is also going to help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Staying on top of grooming will encourage skin oil production and promote hair follicle growth for a shiny, healthy coat. Be careful not over bathe your pooch, but regular baths will also help keep your dog looking and feeling fresh. If they struggle with itchiness or dry skin, oatmeal baths and coconut oil massages can offer some relief for them.
