Top Dog Food Ingredients for a Shiny Coat

One of the best ways you can tell your dog is happy is through the shininess of their coat. It is a sign that their skin is healthy and that they have enough vitamins. This means that they are likely to live longer, more fulfilling lives. 

So what sort of natural dog food should you be looking out for? For maximum coat and skin health, there are certain foods that are better than others. 

Remember to read the ingredients on any dog food you are buying to make sure that it’s not stuffed with fillers and low-quality ingredients. If they don’t show the ingredients on the box, chances are they have something to hide, and you should steer clear. 

Essential Fatty Acids 

Fats are very important dog kibble ingredients for maintaining coat health. High-quality dog food brands will contain the right balance of nutrients and fatty acids to optimise your dog’s skin and coat. This can be either through supplemental ingredients or through fresh ingredients. 

Low-quality dog foods, or poorly balanced homemade diets, do not contain the correct proportion of ingredients. There is also a danger in opting for a low-fat diet for your dog, which may lead to it developing a dandruffy coat. 

Puppies also need a proper start to their lives, with a higher fat diet, which can be found in puppy specific dog foods. If they don’t consume the right amount, they are at risk of developing coarse, dry hair and, in some cases, skin lesions that are prone to infection.  

This is why it is important to invest in high quality dog food, specialised to your dog. 

Omega 3 

Omega-3 is fantastic for the skin. It is found mostly in fish oil, such as salmon. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an all-round great ingredient. High quality food will contain fresh sources of omega-3, to provide your dog with maximum health benefits.

Omega 6 

Found in sunflower oil and other vegetable oils, omega-6 is a fatty acid that can really benefit your dog’s coat. It is also included in the majority of high-quality dog food brands, such as Edmondson’s and Barking Heads. 

It is important that you keep the food properly. Essential fatty acids can oxidise and lose their efficacy when exposed to air for prolonged periods of time. Ensure you keep the dog food in an airtight container.

Other Supplements 

Every dog is different! If you are feeding one of the highest quality dog kibble out there and it is still itching, then you might want to consider a dog supplement. It is important you don’t go overboard with these and stick with the recommended intake guidelines. 

Brands such as Lintbells provide specially formulated supplements to promote coat shininess, skin health and nail strength. If you find your dog seems to have a dull coat, is moulting too much or has dry skin, then that’s another avenue to consider. 

Health First! 

Trusty Pet Supplies are here to offer you the best products for your pet’s health. If you ever need advice on what dog food may be best for your pet, then we are always happy to answer questions: Either in person at our Derby store, or online.