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acids or coincidentally, due to a change in season or most commonly the reddening of black fur. Adequate
a cold spell. levels of the amino acid, tyrosine, are important to
maintain a shiny, black coat. (Grandjean 2006).
MAINTAINING HEALTHY SKIN
Deficiencies in trace minerals, such as zinc, can
Nutrition can play a vital role in supporting skin and
also impact coat health and diets high in fibre may
coat health. The regeneration of new skin cells and
also have an impact, since fibre can bind zinc.
growing hair alone consumes around 35% of the daily
Scientifically formulated diets take this nutrient
intake of protein (Mundt and Stafforst, 1987) and the
interaction into account and allow for them.
composition of the coat is around 90% protein, so
an adequate quantity of high-quality protein must be
Other nutrients which can have a positive impact on
included in a dog’s diet.
the skin are polyunsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3
and 6 fatty acids, biotin and borage oil. (Watson et
Ensuring a complete and balanced diet is the key to
al, 2006).
supporting skin health. Homemade diets have been
linked with imbalances in nutrition and deficiencies in
the essential skin nutrients - proteins, amino acids, B IN SUMMARY
vitamins and zinc. (Chandler 2018). The skin is the largest organ in the body and reflects
the inner health of our dogs. The skin is constantly
As previously mentioned, the skin and hair renewing and requires high-quality nutrients from
requirement for protein is very high and certain a complete and balanced diet in order to remain
amino acids are needed to maintain a healthy coat. healthy and beautiful to the eye and the touch.

Deficiencies in protein and these amino acids are
likely to affect the quality of hair and cause thin, dull
and brittle hair. Pigment changes can also be seen,

REFERENCES

Aspinall A (2003) Anatomy and Physiology of the Dog and Cat Moriello, K A (2018) Structure of the Skin in Dogs, MSD Manual
3. The Common Integument, Veterinary Nursing Journal, 18:4, Veterinary Manual, Available at: https://www.msdvetmanual.
121-125, DOI: 10.1080/17415349.2003.11013226 com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/structure-of-the-skin-
in-dogs [Accessed 6 Aug 2020].
Beynen, A (2014) Hypoallergenic petfoods, Creature
Companion, December, 54-55 Mundt HC and Stafforst C, (1987), Production and Composition
of dog hair. In Edney ATB, ed. Nutrition, Malnutrition and
Dopierała. M and Andraszek K (2019) The Most Common
Dietetics in the Dog and Cat. British Veterinary Association,
Allergic Diseases in Dogs, olia Pomeranae Universitatis 1987: 62-65.
Technologiae Stetinensis Agricultura, Alimentaria, Piscaria et
Zootechnica. 348(49)1 47-56 Mueller S, Olivry T & Prelaud P (2016) Critically appraised
topics on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2):
Chandler, M. (2018) Dietary therapy for dermatological common food allergen sources in dogs and cats BMC Veterinary
disorders in companion animals Vet Times (2018) July; 48(28), Research (2016) 12:9 DOI 10.1186/st2917 016-063-8
available at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/dietary-therapy-
for-dermatological-disorders-in-companion-animals/ [Accessed O’ Connor J (2017) A complete nutritional approach to
4 Aug 2020]. dermatosis. In Vet Times 17:05, Available at https://www.
vettimes.co.uk/article/a-complete-nutritional-approach-to-
Garland M (2013) Introduction to canine skin and dermatology, dermatosis/ [Accessed 4 Aug 2020]
Veterinary Nursing Journal, 28:4, 131-133, DOI: 10.1111/
vnj.12025 Watson AL 1 , Fray TR, Bailey J, Baker CB, Beyer SA, Markwell
PJ (2006) Dietary constituents are able to play a beneficial
Granjean, D. (2006). Everything you need to know Nutrients in role in canine epidermal barrier function Exp Dermatol . 2006
the health of Dogs & Cats. Aimargues. Royal Canin Groupe.
Jan;15(1):74-81.doi: 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2005.00385.x.
Khoshnegah J,1,* Movassaghi AR,2 and Rad M2 (2013) Survey
of dermatological conditions in a population of domestic dogs in
Mashhad, northeast of Iran (2007-2011) Vet Res Forum. 2013
Spring; 4(2): 99–103.PMCID: PMC4313009PMID: 25653779

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