Is Your Dog Getting the Proper Nutrition for a Healthy Coat?
Scaly skin, brittle hair and bald patches don't just mean your dog is unlikely to win first prize in the local canine beauty contest. An unhealthy coat is often the first sign of more serious health problems, so it's important to keep your pet's fur shining.
"The coat is indicative of what the health of the animal is," says Dr. Babette Gladstein, a veterinarian at Bglad Veterinary Services in New York City.
Skin and coat problems often appear first in the areas where dogs groom themselves, such as the muzzle, face, groin and forelegs. If not spotted there, they can spread.
Gladstein and other animal health specialists note that essential fatty acids-particularly omega-6s and omega-3s-are key nutrients for a healthy coat. Omega-6s are found in many oils, such as sunflower and safflower oil, while omega-3s are found in walnuts, kidney beans, salmon and other foods. Like humans, dogs must get these important nutrients from their diet, because their bodies can't make them.
However, pet owners shouldn't try to improve their dog's dull coat or flaky skin by simply mixing vegetable or fish oil into the pet's food without getting a veterinarian's advice first, says Dr. Jim Atkinson, an associate professor in the animal and poultry science department at the University of Guelph. He notes that the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s is critically important, and that most quality dog foods contain a good balance of both essential fatty acids.
Good dog foods should also contain zinc, a trace metal that fosters cell replacement. "The skin is constantly being replaced," Atkinson points out. Not all types of zinc are easy for animals to digest, however. He says owners should look for the words "chelate" or "chelated" on dog food labels, as chelated minerals are formulated so they're more easily absorbed.
Another important dog food ingredient is protein, says Dr. Kathleen Cavanagh, a veterinarian at the Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic in St. Catharines, Ontario. High-quality protein is a good source of sulphur, which is important for the growth of skin, hair and nails. "Certainly, animal sources are better sources than some plant proteins," she says. She advises owners to make sure that beef, chicken, fish or other animal proteins appear at the top of a dog food's list of ingredients, ahead of plant proteins such as corn or barley.
She believes premium foods can be a good investment, as they have often undergone more extensive feeding trials than their less expensive counterparts. That gives customers some assurance that the foods have an appropriate balance of the right nutrients.
But, she cautions, not every food will be right for every dog, and a pet owner may need to change foods several times or use supplements to find the best mix for their pet, with the input of their veterinarian. "It's not always a simple solution," she cautions. "You have to balance the whole diet."
Good nutrition involves more than just what you feed your dog. You also need to think about how much you're feeding your pet. Gladstein says overweight dogs may not metabolize certain nutrients properly and may be more prone to skin conditions like dandruff.
The breed of your dog is another factor to consider. Some breeds are genetically more prone to certain skin and coat problems. For instance, cocker spaniels often require different proportions of vitamin A than other dogs to maintain a healthy coat.
Even the way you store your kibble can make a difference. Atkinson warns pet owners to avoid the false economy of buying huge bags of food and leaving them open to the air, which can oxidize the nutrients. "They will lose their nutritional quality over time," he says. Smaller bags will help keep the food fresh.
