A Shiny Coat: Nutrition is Key
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Nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals are important players in the
skin and coat health of dogs and cats. To understand their role, it’s necessary
to start with understanding skin and hair.
The purpose of skin and hair is to block things from leaving (such as water or heat)
or entering (such as viruses and bacteria) the body.
The coat is composed almost entirely of protein. If your pet’s diet doesn't contain
adequate protein quantity and quality, hair may fall out or become dry, weak and
brittle.
Skin is made up of squamous cells, which are flat cells tightly packed together.
These cells have tough membranes composed of proteins and fats. Without proper amounts
of these nutrients, cell membranes weaken, allowing water to escape and bacteria
and viruses to enter more easily.
Essential Amino Acids and Fatty Acids
Proteins are found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. Animal-based
proteins contain all the essential amino acids dogs and cats need, whereas plant-based
proteins may contain only some essential amino acids. Dogs and cats need animal-based
proteins to achieve optimal health.
Fats also can be found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. They’re
incorporated into skin cells as fatty acids. There are two essential fatty acids
for skin and coat health:
- Linoleic acid maintains skin and coat condition in dogs and cats — without enough
of it, dogs and cats may experience dull, dry coat, hair loss, greasy skin and increased
susceptibility to skin inflammation
- Cats also require arachidonic acid for normal skin and coat health
Both of these are omega-6 fatty acids and are found in animal tissues like chicken
fat and in vegetable oils (corn and soybean). However, most commercial dog and cat
diets contain more than adequate amounts of omega-6 fatty acids.
Because these fatty acids can be converted to compounds that promote skin inflammation,
it’s important to balance the amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet with omega-3
fatty acids, which don’t promote inflammation.Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oils
from fish and some plants (canola and flax).
Iams Research has found that combining fat sources in the diet to a ratio of 5–10
omega-6 fatty acids to 1 omega-3 fatty acid results in excellent skin and coat health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the development of healthy skin and coat.
The best way to provide these nutrients is through a complete and balanced diet
containing appropriate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals rather than through
supplements.
