Nutrition for a Healthy Skin and Coat

 

Why is Nutrition Important for Skin and Coat Health?

Essential Amino Acids and Fatty Acids

Vitamins and Minerals

Changes in Coat Condition

Nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals play important roles in the skin and coat health of dogs. The purpose of skin and hair is to prevent things from leaving (such as water or heat) or entering (such as viruses and bacteria) the body.

Coat hair is composed almost entirely of protein. If a dog’s diet doesn’t contain adequate protein quantity and quality, hair may fall out or become dry, weak and brittle.

Skin is made up of flat cells tightly packed together. These cells have tough membranes that are composed of proteins and fats. Without proper amounts of these nutrients, cell membranes weaken, allowing water to escape and bacteria and viruses to enter more easily.

Proteins are found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. Animal-based proteins contain all the essential amino acids dogs need, whereas plant-based proteins may contain only some of the essential amino acids. Feeding animal-based proteins can help dogs achieve optimal health.

Fats can also be found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients and are incorporated into skin cells as fatty acids. There is one essential fatty acid for a dog’s skin and coat health. Linoleic acid maintains skin and coat condition in dogs. Without enough linoleic acid, dogs may experience dull, dry coat, hair loss, greasy skin and increased susceptibility to skin inflammation.

This fatty acid is found in animal tissues like chicken fat, in vegetable oils such as maize and soya bean and fish oils. Iams research has found that the fatty acids in vitamin-rich fish oils help promote excellent skin and coat health.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the development of healthy skin and hair coat. The best way to provide these nutrients is through a complete and balanced diet containing appropriate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals rather than through supplements.

Diet is often believed to be a factor when changes in skin and coat condition are noticed. The most common causes of these changes, however, are season and life stage. As cold weather approaches, most dogs grow a thick coat to help keep heat in and cold air out. As the weather begins to warm up, they shed the thick, heavy coat.

Most puppies are born with soft fuzzy hair but as they age, a coarser coat grows. Pregnant or nursing dogs also may experience a change in coat condition or hair loss. And, as with humans, the hair on dogs may thin out and become coarser and white as they reach their mature years.