As pet owners we often concern ourselves with our dogs' health and want to do everything we can to keep them in the best possible condition.
The optimal diet for keeping your dog's coat healthy is a balanced diet that keeps them fit and does not contain too much salt or fat. Including fish in your dog’s diet is a great way to keep their fur looking healthy and you can add some oily fish such as salmon, tuna or sardines into their food bowl once or twice a week to see a distinct difference in the condition of their coat.
Your dog’s coat is made up mostly of protein so if they don’t have enough protein in their diet then they may start to lose their fur or it may become dry and brittle.
Feeding your dog a diet of animal based proteins is a sure way to ensure they get everything they need. If you want to add some extra proteins into their diet then you can give them healthy treats such as Venison Marrow bones or Beef Liver slices which both contain healthy doses of animal protein.
What vitamins & supplements can I give my dog for a healthy coat?
As well as a healthy diet, there are a number of different supplements you can give to your dog such as a top quality fish oil, salmon oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, turmeric, or even Green Lipped Mussel.
If you would like to supplement your dog’s diet with additional vitamins and minerals then you can’t go wrong with a selection from the following;
- Vitamin E which hel;ps to protect skin cells from oxidant damage
- Vitamin C to help heal wounds
- Biotin which helps to absorb and use protein
- Riboflavin and Zinc to help your dog metabolize fat and protein
How else can I make my dog's hair soft and shiny?
As well as making sure they eat a healthy diet, regular grooming by a professional dog groomer will ensure their coat stays in tip top condition. If you choose to bathe your dog at home then a good quality conditioner or even rubbing some olive oil into their fur will help to make their coat as silky and shiny as possible.
What foods are good for dog’s skin?
If your dog has a problem with flaky or itchy skin, then it’s often best to consult your vet about changes you can make to their diet to help improve the condition of their skin.
Consulting a dog food nutritionist, can also be preferred over a vet recommended prescription diet. Whilst vets may not have trained in nutrition, a dog food nutritionist can provide more beneficial targeted options to your dog's diet.
There are special prescription dog foods which are usually dry foods that have been formulated to include everything your dog needs as well as additional supplements to help their skin.
As with everything, prevention is always better than cure so it’s better to make a few small changes to your dog’s diet early on before a problem develops. If you have any concerns about the condition of your dog’s coat then don’t hesitate to speak with your local dog groomer for advice and they will either be able to help you or suggest that you speak to your vet.