As dog owners, we all want our furry companions to be healthy, happy and looking their best. This includes keeping their skin and coat in good condition. Feeding our dogs the right food helps maintain their lustrous coat and skin. Whether you are an experienced dog owner or a first-timer, we will give you the knowledge you need to ensure your pup is as healthy and vibrant on the outside as they are on the inside.
Key Nutrients for Healthy Skin in Dogs
A dog’s diet plays a role in determining the health of their skin and coat, with certain nutrients being vital for maintaining their overall skin health. Nutrients that benefit your pup’s skin health include:
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Essential fatty acids like Omega-3. Omega fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, are necessary for creating hormones that regulate blood flow and inflammation. Since dogs cannot naturally produce omega-3, it must be included in their diet. Omega-3 is commonly found in cold-water fish, shellfish, nut oils and flaxseed.
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Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E and Zinc. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that defends against oxidative damage, while Zinc is essential for skin repair and overall skin health.
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Proteins and amino acids. Proteins are a component in the hair structure of dogs, accounting for approximately 95%. About 25 to 30% of a dog’s daily protein consumption is dedicated exclusively to renewing and maintaining skin and coat.
Top Recommended Dog Foods for Healthy Skin
While a wide variety of healthy dog food options are available on the market today, certain products stand out for their benefits to your dog’s skin health. Open Farm is a great choice that uses only the best ingredients in dog food.
Known for our commitment to high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices, Open Farm has several product lines with different flavor options and nutritional benefits, so there’s something for every pup’s palette. If you’re looking for dog food to help keep your dog’s skin healthy, consider the following high-quality options from Open Farm:
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Wild Ocean Grain-Free RawMix. From Open Farm’s RawMix line, this features protein-rich kibble with bone broth, freeze dried raw chunks of cod and a blend of wild-caught whitefish varieties like cod, haddock, snapper and sea bass. These fish are high in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.
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Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This premium dry food for dogs is formulated to support overall health, with a special focus on skin and coat quality. The key ingredient, wild-caught salmon, is high in quality protein and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for healthy skin and coat. Non-GMO chickpeas add fiber and are a great protein, iron, copper, zinc and magnesium source.
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Dehydrated Cod Skins Treats. These 100% wild-caught cod, crunchy treats are lightly cooked and then dehydrated at low temperatures to retain maximum nutrients and flavor. They work well as dog food toppers and are an excellent source of omega fatty acids, a beneficial addition to your dog’s diet that promotes skin health.
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Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth. This delicious broth is rich in collagen and protein, derived from 100% humanely raised grass-fed beef. Its slow-simmered blend, combined with non-GMO pumpkin, carrot and turmeric, provides essential nutrients like beta-carotene and antioxidants, promoting a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Healthy Dog Skin
If you are still learning how to take care of a dog, it’s important to integrate certain practices into your daily routine to help maintain your dog’s healthy skin. Here are some key strategies:
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Regular grooming and skin care. Routine grooming is essential for healthy skin. This includes giving your pup regular baths with gentle dog shampoos, brushing to remove dead hair and skin and checking for any signs of skin issues like dryness, oiliness or inflammation.
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Daily hydration and exercise. Ensuring your dog stays hydrated is crucial for skin elasticity. Additionally, regular exercise helps improve blood circulation, contributing to healthier skin and coat.
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Regular vet visits. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are vital for monitoring skin and overall health. Be sure to consult a vet if you notice changes in your dog’s skin or coat, such as excessive itching, redness or hair loss.
Protect Your Pups Skin With Open Farm
Your pup’s skin health is an essential part of their overall well-being. By implementing the right diet, like the nutritious options from Open Farm and following basic skin care practices, you can ensure your dog’s coat remains shiny and their skin stays healthy.
Explore Open Farm’s range of high-quality, nutrient-rich dog foods, with an option for every four-legged friend, regardless of their taste preferences. Protect your pup’s skin with the best of the best. Try Open Farm today and see the difference in your dog’s health and happiness.
This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet’s own unique circumstances! To ensure these products are a good fit for your pup, we also recommend consulting your pup’s vet about any new supplement or diet changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your pup’s medical history best!
