Does your dog have dry, flaky skin and a dull coat? Are they constantly itching their skin or licking their paws? It might be time to take a closer look at their diet.
As a pet parent, you want your dog to look and feel their best. And that means feeding them a nutritious and balanced diet that supports healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Read on to learn more about what may be causing your dog discomfort along with our recommendation for the best dog food for coat and skin health. Spoiler Alert: It’s our Simply Naked fish-first dinners.
Why is My Dog’s Skin Dry and Coat Dull?
While every dog is different, one of the most common causes of itchy, dry skin is food allergies. The experts at VCA Animal Hospitals emphasize that the skin is your pup’s largest organ, requiring a balanced diet to remain in peak condition. An improper diet can cause your dog to have dull, dry skin and shed their coat excessively.
Feeding your dog a diet packed with the right balance of high-quality proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals is crucial to promoting a healthy skin and coat. This means fur that is shiny and smooth with minimal shedding and skin that is supple and clear, not flaky, greasy, or bumpy.
Dogs with Skin Allergies
Of course, there are some other reasons your dog may have dry skin as well. The American Kennel Club explains the three main causes of skin allergies in dogs:
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergens
Luckily, they are all treatable with either medication or lifestyle changes.
If your dog has a true allergic reaction to their food, it triggers an acute immune response. This can lead to hives and more severe symptoms like vomiting and trouble breathing, which need to be addressed quickly.
However, it’s more common for dogs to experience food sensitivities that can cause itchy skin, especially around the ears and paws, along with fur loss. These symptoms are often accompanied by an upset stomach.
Best Dog Food for Healthy Skin and Coat
If you’re on the hunt for the best dog food for skin and coat allergies, here are some of the qualities and ingredients to look for.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
This essential fat (the “good” kind of fat) promotes a silky coat and reduces itchy and flaky skin. Omega fatty acids are found in polyunsaturated fats, explains the AKC. They create important hormones that regulate blood flow and inflammation, which provide a wide range of s benefits.
However, just like humans, dogs cannot produce Omega-3 fatty acids on their own. They must consume them from their diet through ingredients like fish, plant and nut oils, and flaxseed.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Similarly, Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that also must be obtained through food. Omega-6s help stimulate skin and hair growth while also promoting a healthy immune system. Specifically, Omega-6s help support softer, shinier coats by nourishing the skin from within.
Limited Ingredients
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of switching to a limited-ingredient diet for your dog. The best dry dog food for skin and coat health prioritizes balanced nutrition and high-quality ingredients like fish, sweet potatoes, flaxseed, and chicory root, while avoiding the use of fillers and artificial flavors.
Browse our fish-first dinners for dogs today to help support your pup’s skin and coat health.
