Diet and Skin Health in Pets

As pet owners, most of us know that a proper diet plays a huge role in helping maintain the health of our four-legged friends. Food full of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and veggies helps with the functioning of all major organs, including the largest one - the skin. In most dogs and cats, the skin makes up anywhere from 12-24 percent of body weight.

Everyone wants their pet to have healthy skin and a coat that's nice to look at and touch, but your pet's skin serves much more important purposes than that. The skin helps protect the internal organs, supports the immune system, helps maintain hydration, and assists with adjusting to hot and cold.

Pet Diet Tips

At Our Pet Vets in San Diego, we see many cases of pet dermatology issues and our first questions are diet-related. Many issues like dry, flaky skin, dandruff, pimples, and scabs can be traced to an imbalanced diet. It's important to discuss with your vet exactly what your pet is eating. In order to maintain healthy skin, your pet's diet should include the following:

•             Omega-3 Fatty Acids - this combination of fish, algal, and flaxseed oils helps protect the skin, combats inflammation, and helps keep it shiny.

•             Linoleic Acid - this omega-6 fatty acid helps with dandruff and dryness, accelerates healing, and reduces excessive shedding. It can be found in corn, soy, and nuts.

•             Zinc - this mineral helps reduce water loss, which can cause dehydration, dry skin, infection, and hair loss.

•             Biotin and B Vitamins - these vitamins help in the production of fatty acids and help retain moisture in the skin.

All of these components will also help your pets' response to combat environmental and internal stressors and allergies that can cause itching, scratching, and biting of the skin, which can lead to scabbing, discomfort, and infection. Your veterinarian may suggest a prescription diet specially formulated to help with severe skin issues. They may also prescribe the use of a supplement containing fish oil, probiotics, and other nutrients.

Contact Our Pet Vets in San Diego, CA

Are you looking for a veterinarian near you? If you're in the San Diego area and are looking for an animal hospital you can trust, give Our Pet Vets a call. Our experienced and friendly team of professionals is here to help with all your pets' needs.