
Daily care of your dog’s coat is what every dog carer should think about. However, to take proper care of the coat, you should do something more than just properly select cosmetics, and regularly comb and bath you dog. To make your dog looks beautiful and healthy, take care of its skin and coat using an appropriate diet. Balanced diet for your dog may not be enough. Supplementing the diet with ingredients that improve skin elasticity and make the coat shiny is especially recommended for show dogs, dogs with dry and brittle hair and doggies with skin problems. However, the dietary supplements should be provided by any dog carer who cares about the health of their dog. Why?
Skin is the largest organ of the dog’s body. It separates its body from harmful external factors, such as bacteria, sunlight and high temperatures. To fulfil its role, it must be healthy, flexible and well-hydrated. All wounds and cracks in dry skin encourage various pathogens to enter the body causing infections and threatening the safety of your dog. Another barrier which separates a dog from the environment is its hair coat. A well-groomed and combed coat protects the skin from damage and ensures proper body thermoregulation, isolating it from high and low ambient temperatures. This is why it is worth taking care of the skin and coat of a dog, not only for aesthetic reasons but also as part of everyday health prevention.
The skin and hair coat of your dog should be cared for in a holistic way, i.e. it should not be limited to external care. The condition of the epidermis and hair is influenced by your dog’s diet. Particular attention should be paid Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, biotin and minerals.
Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for maintaining proper skin hydration and elasticity. They also speed up wound healing, reduce inflammation in the body and make the coat shiny. Valuable Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids also have a positive effect on the development of the nervous system, inhibit the aging processes of the body, support healthy joints and have an anti-cancer effect. Unfortunately, domestic dogs are not able to produce these nutrients by themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure they are included in food as supplements or treats. Fatty acids derived from linseed oil are a great supplement to a diet of any dog, regardless of age and health.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is another nutrient that should be included in the diet of any dog. Biotin takes part in the synthesis of fatty acids necessary to maintain proper skin elasticity. It also contains sulphur, which is essential for the synthesis of keratin contained in hair and claws. It has a positive effect on eyesight, thyroid function and intestinal health. Biotin deficiency may cause excessive hair loss, oily hair, brittle claws and rash. Barm is one of the best sources of biotin in the dog’s diet. It also contains other valuable nutrients, including beta-glucans which improve the functioning of the immune system.
Magnesium, iron and zinc
The right mineral content in the diet is extremely important for maintaining healthy skin and hair coat. The most valuable minerals are: zinc, which protects the skin from inflammation and accelerates wound healing, magnesium, which provides the skin with proper elasticity, and iron, which protects it from free radicals. Magnesium and zinc are also necessary for proper absorption of biotin.
How to supplement your dog’s diet with biotin and Omega-3 and -6 acids?
Champ-Richer treats is one of the safe and convenient ways to supplement your dog’s diet with valuable nutrients. Light, extruded pillows with tasty filling contain an optimal dose of biotin from barm, and valuable Omega-3 and -6 acids from linseed oil. They are rich in rice flour, which is gluten-free and is well tolerated, even by dogs with extremely sensitive stomachs. The rice flour also supplements your dog’s diet with magnesium, zinc, iron and B vitamins. The Champ-Richer treats have been enriched with dried meat. They are available in five flavours. They are perfect as rewards during training or bathing.