The condition of a dog's skin and coat is an indicator of overall health and well-being. A shiny, soft, silky coat with supple skin indicates good nutrition and health, while a dull coat with dry, flaky skin indicates poor nutrition.

The Importance of Healthy Skin and Coat in Dogs

The skin forms an outer protective layer for the body. It acts as a barrier against potentially harmful environmental factors and prevents water loss to maintain hydration. The barrier is created by the action of lipids (fats), which seal the different layers of skin together. These lipids come from the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, which are absorbed through the diet, 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, and help give the coat a shiny or glossy appearance.

What nutrients should be in my dog’s diet for healthy skin and coat?

Minerals and vitamins play an important role in the health of a dog’s skin and coat. Zinc is a mineral that is widely distributed throughout the body and is an integral part of many enzymes involved in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Zinc is also essential for the biosynthesis of fatty acids and plays a role in the body’s immune system, promoting a healthy coat. 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 skin and coat health. Several of the B vitamins help in the metabolism and synthesis of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, which are important in the structure of skin and hair cells.

The Science Behind Healthy Skin and Coat in Dogs

Research conducted in Texas¹ and the United Kingdom² has shown that high levels of fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins have a greater impact on skin and coat health in dogs than required levels of nutrients. These studies measured levels of hair shine, thickness, softness, and texture. They also assessed transepidermal water loss, as a reduction in water loss through the skin barrier means that the skin remains hydrated and supple, creating a barrier that protects against environmental factors. Linoleic acid and zinc have been shown to improve coat shine and reduce water loss through the skin barrier and dandruff. Similar studies have been conducted using targeted levels of B vitamins and have successfully demonstrated that in addition to reducing water loss through the skin and dandruff, B vitamins increase coat softness.

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

• Omega-3 fatty acids come from natural sources, such as flaxseed, fish oil, and fish meal;
• Omega-6 fatty acids come from vegetable oil, chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, and whole grains, which are rich sources of essential fatty acids;
• Zinc, in its mineral forms zinc oxide and zinc proteinate, is bound to a protein so it can be more easily absorbed by the body;
• B vitamins come from natural sources, such as whole brown rice. They should also be added to dog food, such as niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin (vitamin B₂), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B₆), and biotin, to achieve the levels needed for healthy skin and coat.