The condition of a cat's skin and coat is an indicator of their overall health and well-being. Cats are carnivores and many of the nutrients that promote a shiny, soft coat and healthy skin come from animal-based foods.

What nutrients should cat food contain to promote healthy skin and coat?

The skin acts as a barrier against potentially harmful environmental factors. It also prevents water loss to maintain hydration. It forms an outer protective layer for the body through the action of lipids (fats) that seal the layers of skin cells together. These lipids come from essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are absorbed through food, and contribute greatly to the health of the coat and skin. These fatty acids also make up the lipids in sebum, the oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands to lubricate the hair and skin, which contributes to the shine and luster of the coat. To ensure your cat has a healthy coat, it is important that its food contains the right nutrients in the right amounts. In addition to fatty acids, vitamins and minerals are important. For example, zinc is a mineral widely distributed throughout the body and an important component of many enzymes involved in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is also essential for the biosynthesis of fatty acids and plays a role in the body's immune system, which contributes to a healthy coat and skin. B vitamins, such as (vitamin B₇), niacin (vitamin B₃), riboflavin (vitamin B₂), pyridoxine (vitamin B₆), and pantothenic acid (vitamin B₅) are also important nutrients for the skin and coat. Many of the B vitamins help with the metabolism and synthesis of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids that are important in the structure of skin and hair cells.

The Science Behind Healthy Skin and Coat in Cats

It is well known that deficiencies in fatty acids, zinc, or B vitamins lead to skin problems, including a dry, dull coat and flaky skin. Research conducted at the University of California-Davis ¹ established the essential fatty acid requirements of cats and confirmed a link between skin and coat health and dietary fatty acids.

What ingredients should be in cat food that promotes healthy skin and coat?

• Omega-3 fatty acids come from natural sources, such as flaxseed, fish oil, fish and fish meal;
• Omega-6 fatty acids come from vegetable oil, chicken, chicken meal and fat, and whole grains;
• B vitamins are found in natural sources, such as whole brown rice. Cat food should be fortified with niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin (vitamin B₂), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B₆ and biotin to achieve the levels required for a healthy coat and skin;
• Zinc exists in the mineral form, as zinc oxide and zinc proteinate, and is bound to protein for easy absorption by the body.