The Importance of High-Quality Dog Food for Skin and Coat Health.

February 9, 2023 5:08 pm

As the saying goes, ‘You are what you eat.’ It just means that it is important to eat good food to be fit and healthy. For example, what we eat contributes to how we feel “I am feeling more energetic now I eat my 5 fruit and veg a day”, and it’s the same for our four-legged friends. Here’s why it’s important to give your favourite loved one a meal that counts.

A noticeable appearance.

A dog’s diet plays a big role in maintaining the health and appearance of its skin and coat, and a poor diet can lead to various issues. Tuft recommends Pooch & Mutt‘s popular Adult Complete Superfood, a grain-free, junk-free, complete dry Chicken & Superfood Blend for Adult dogs.

It is formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of adult dogs and is packed with a host of fresh and natural nutritious ingredients, including lean chicken, kale, spinach, and cranberries, which makes it an amazing superfood for dogs. These ingredients are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help to improve immunity and provide optimal health for your little best friend. 

It’s all about protein.

Tuft recommends a Crude Protein level of at least 20% in your dog’s diet.

Protein is one of the most important components of good dog food for skin and coat health is protein.

Dogs require high-quality protein to build and maintain healthy skin and coats. Whether they are out in the field or a stay-at-home companion, dogs must be fed food that contains a high meat content from lean meat (such as chicken, beef, or lamb), which is packed with essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein), that are necessary for proper skin and coat health. 

Amino acids have a huge role in forming collagen, which is the main structural protein in the skin and coat. Collagen provides strength, elasticity, and firmness to a dog’s skin and coat. A diet deficient in protein can lead to a dry, dull, and brittle coat, and to a thin, weak, and easily damaged skin.

Here is a worst-case scenario of what a bad diet and grooming neglect can do for a dog.

Tuft Ambassador Lucy Baker from Shaggy & Chic tells us, “I’m sure the dog wasn’t on a good die, and was rarely groomed. It got fleas, which then caused a bad reaction to the bites. The dog then bit at their hair because of the irritation, which in turn caused bad matting and resulted in the skin couldn’t breathe. A bad diet could have also contributed to dry skin and other issues like eczema. There is no way he was on a good diet.” 

The dog was taken away from the owner before entering the salon.

Essential fatty acids, natural protection.

Fatty acids… They can’t be essential… right? Well, they are an extremely ‘essential’ part of good dog food (for skin and coat health). Fatty acids are found in fish oils and other sources, and are necessary for maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier function. This barrier function helps to protect the skin from environmental factors, damage, and infection, which is needed to maintain a healthy coat. 

Essential fatty acids are necessary for producing sebum, a natural oil that keeps the skin and coat moisturised. A diet that is deficient in essential fatty acids can lead to dry, flaky, and itchy skin, as well as a dull and brittle coat.

Pooch & Mutt’s Adult Complete Superfood is a great option for pet owners looking to provide their dogs with a high-quality diet that is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs. he food contains a wide range of fresh and natural ingredients, including lean chicken, kale, spinach, and cranberries; this food is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to improve immunity and provide optimal health. And it’s packed with natural protection! With added omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chamomile, which is why it’s Tuft recommended. 

It is also important to note that while a good diet is essential for maintaining the health of a dog’s skin and coat, other factors such as genetics, environment, and overall health also play a role.

Ugh allergies.

Are you intolerant to gluten, or is there a food that just doesn’t agree with you? That’s normal, pretty much everyone has a food that they would just rather not deal with. And it can be the same for dogs.

Hypoallergenic food can be a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Many commercial dog foods contain common allergens such as wheat, corn, and soy, which can cause skin and coat issues in sensitive dogs. Our friends over at Pooch & Mutt make sure their food is free from common allergens, and artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours, which can be harmful to a dog’s skin and coat.

To sum it all up, there are lots of factors to consider when it comes to maintaining a dogs healthy skin and coat, and a good diet is essential. High-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and  antioxidants are all important components of a healthy diet for dogs. By providing a high-quality food and ensuring proper care, you can help your dog maintain a healthy and shiny coat, and a smooth and soft skin.

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