Nutrition Behind Your Dog’s Healthy Skin and Coat
The condition of your dog’s skin and coat indicates their nutrition and well-being. Many dogs, especially small breeds dogs, can develop a dull coat or have issues with dry, irritated, flaky skin.
The Vitamins and Minerals Your Dog Needs for Healthy Skin and Coat
Your dog’s skin and coat conditions might result from genetics, immune function, pollutants from urban living, or dry air from HVAC systems in your home. However, in some cases, dull coats and unhealthy skin can mean a nutrition deficiency in your dog. Dogs and puppies need to get the right vitamins and nutrients in their natural dog food for a healthy, shiny coat and healthy skin.
B Vitamins
Your dog and puppy needs several B vitamins in order to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy:
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Biotin helps your dog break down glucose, fatty acids and some amino acids. It is one of the most important vitamins for your dog’s appearance.
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Riboflavin (B-2), often found in yeast, liver and eggs, also contributes to skin and coat health.
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Niacin (B-3) exists in large amounts in meat, fish and cereal grains. It protects the skin and helps limit skin dehydration.
Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids help prevent matted coats, dry skin and unkempt appearances. Vegetable oils (e.g., sunflower and soybean) and animal fats (e.g., chicken fat and fish oil) are good sources of fatty acids. Linoleic acid, one of the most important fatty acids, improves skin and coat conditions and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Zinc
Zinc is another fundamental element involved in your dog’s skin and coat health. Meat and whole grain cereals are rich, natural sources of zinc. It also exists in mineral salts, such as zinc sulfate and zinc oxide.
The following ingredients in your dog’s food help support your dog’s skin and coat health:
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Sunflower oil
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Flaxseed
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Chicken fat
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Fish oil
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Soybean oil
A Superior Combination of B Vitamins, Linoleic Acid, and Zinc
Along with other key ingredients, NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® natural dog foods and MAX® all-natural dog foods contain optimum levels of zinc and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). Based on research at The Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, this combination helps enhance coat shine, decrease coat dander and improve the moisture barrier of skin in dogs. Try NUTRO® natural dog food with rewards from your My Nutro Rewards account, and see the difference it can make in your pet.