One of the theories behind the formation of the human-animal bond is the tactile sensation of the fur. Owners are sensitive to their dog’s coat and skin condition because of their senses of sight and touch. Learning the role that nutrition plays in the health of your dog’s skin and fur will further strengthen the bond.

The following six nutrients have been shown to directly impact the condition of your dog’s skin and ears; protein, essential fatty acids (EFA), including Omega-3, zinc, copper, vitamin A, and vitamin E.  When there are deficiencies of these nutrients, either singly or in combination, your dog can experience chronic skin disorders and ear infections. 

The skin is the largest active organ in the body. Your dog’s food must have optimal protein quantity, good quality with the appropriate levels of essential amino acids, and digestibility to develop new hair and skin cells.

Keratinization abnormalities, hair depigmentation, and changes in skin fats can all occur if your dog's food has inadequate protein and energy.  These conditions will reduce the skin’s ability to act as a protective barrier, causing the dog to become more susceptible to secondary bacterial or yeast infection, impaired wound healing, and decubital ulcers (bedsores). Protein-deficient dogs often have patchy hair loss and a dry, dull, and brittle coat.

The source of the protein is significant as the meat from grass-fed versus grain-fed animals has completely different nutrient profiles. Grass-fed beef has significantly less monounsaturated fat than grain-fed beef and up to five times as much Omega-3. Grass-fed beef contains about twice as much conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) as grain-fed beef. 

CLA is a polyunsaturated, Omega-6 fatty acid produced naturally by ruminants and found in these animals' meat and dairy products. Feedlot or grain-fed animals have minimal levels of CLA. 

Other beneficial nutrients in grass-fed beef include higher levels of antioxidants, vitamin E, and Vitamin A. Grass-fed liver contains the most soluble form of vitamin A, Retinol. This vitamin is necessary for vision, skin and coat health, inflammation reduction, tissue repair, overall immunity, and cancer prevention.

The rumen, or the first of several stomachs in a cow, extracts nutrition from the grass so it can be used. It also boosts the bioavailability of the nutrients it pulls from the soil.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) play a significant role in the skin’s elasticity and ability to adapt to environmental conditions. EFAs are critical to developing the lipid portion of the epidermis, an essential barrier function to prevent the loss of water and other nutrients from the skin. The consumption of flax or fish oils with omega-3 reduces the inflammatory response of skin lesions.

Dogs deficient in EFAs develop skin changes, including scaly and flaky skin (seborrhea sicca), fur matting, loss of skin elasticity, hair loss, a dry and dull coat, and a widespread redness and scaling of the skin (erythroderma).  The outer skin layer can thicken, creating a dense horny layer, such as a corn or callosity. Damage to and loss of the upper layer of skin and minimal or no hair regrowth following plucking can also occur. 

Your dog’s paw may feel wet from Interdigital exudation. The fluid that has leaked out of blood vessels due to foot inflammation is deposited along the paw’s skin, causing the fur to be moist.  

Ear infections are another consequence of EFA deficiency. The skin within the ear undergoes the same problems as the rest of the body, creating ideal bacterial and fungal growth conditions.

Epidermal and dermal metabolic effects from EFA deficiency can also lead to poor wound healing and increased susceptibility to infection. 

Sources of EFAs to add to your dog's bowls include small oily fish such as sardines, herring, anchovies, and capelin. Krill and algal oil are also good sources of Omega-3. Green-lipped muscles are excellent sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral for the body's enzymatic, structural, and regulatory functions. Because the body cannot store excess zinc,  you must provide a proper dietary supply in your dog’s food. 

There are two categories of zinc deficiencies in dogs. Syndrome I is a genetic defect that impairs zinc absorption. Dogs with this defect have an increased zinc requirement. There is a greater predisposition in the Northern breeds of dogs, the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. However, it has also been seen in various breeds, including the Boston Terrier.

Diets with inadequate levels of zinc cause syndrome II zinc deficiency. 

Both deficiencies cause crusty skin lesions, hair loss, itchy red skin (pruritus) in numerous body regions, and ear infections.

Whole food supplements for zinc include oysters, raw meaty bones, and muscle meat from grass-fed ruminants such as elk, cows, and sheep.

Copper is an essential trace element for all plant and animal cells, with its primary function in storing and transporting proteins and enzymes.

A classic clinical sign of copper deficiency is achromotrichia, the loss of normal hair coloration, especially on the head and face.  Hair loss or decreased fur density and a dull or rough coat are also commonly seen with copper deficiency.

Dogs can develop copper deficiency due to inadequate copper in food or poor availability of copper in food. Excessive competing minerals such as zinc can adversely affect copper homeostasis by inhibiting copper absorption.

Whole food sources of copper include small oily fish, raw meaty bones, grass-fed beef liver, oysters, bone marrow, and avocados.

The general functions of vitamin A are growth promotion, differentiation and maintaining epithelial tissue and maintaining normal reproductive and visual processes. 

Clinical signs of a vitamin A deficiency include scaly and flaky skin (seborrhea sicca) forming along the ear margins and chin acne. Keratinization disorders thicken the skin’s outer layer, especially at the top of the nose and the paws.

Whole food sources of vitamin A include grass-fed beef liver, dark leafy greens, free-range hen eggs, carrots, and yams. 

Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin E plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin.

Your dog’s skin is bombarded with an oxidative environment due to air pollutants, UV radiation, external parasites such as fleas and ticks, and other potential pathogenic microbes. 

Although specific skin disorders are not attributed to vitamin E, several conditions are treated successfully with topical or oral vitamin E. 

Lupus erythematosus is an immune-mediated disease in which a dog’s immune system begins to attack his tissues. Oral vitamin E provides some relief to skin lesions.

Dermatomyositis is an inherited disease of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels that causes dramatic inflammation of these tissues in the body. Topical and oral vitamin E provides relief to inflamed tissues.

Ear margin vasculitis, inflammation of the outer ear margin's blood vessels, has a limited response to topical vitamin E.

Whole food supplements for vitamin E include free-range hen eggs, salmon, grass-fed meat and liver, spleen mango, and blackberries.

Why is my dog’s nose so crusty and dry? 

A dry crust on the top of the nose can indicate zinc, EFA, and vitamin A deficiency. The formal scientific name for the condition is hyperkeratosis.  Thickening of the outer skin layer causes the formation of a dense horny layer, such as a corn or callosity. Treatment options include zinc, Omega-3, and vitamin A supplementation. Vitamin E can be used orally or topically placed on the affected area.

Why is there hair loss on my dog’s face?

Alopecia or hair loss, is a clinical sign of many skin conditions, including deficiencies in protein, EFAs, zinc, and copper. Localized hair loss, such as around the eyes, can indicate an allergic response causing your dog to rub his face to relieve itchiness around the eyes. A thorough examination could be needed to determine the cause of the hair loss.  Treatment options for alopecia include increasing dietary protein or replacing current protein with a better quality protein and zinc, copper, and EFA supplementation.

Dry, scaly, and flaky skin are all clinical signs of deficiencies in EFA’s, zinc, copper, and vitamin A. Poor quality or insufficient protein in the diet can also cause poor skin conditions. Evaluate your dog’s diet to ensure these nutrients are supplied at the required levels. A differential diagnosis would include allergies and a physical examination for external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites. Supplementation with EFAs, zinc, copper, and vitamin A may be needed. Vitamin E can also be used orally or topically. 

Why does my dog have chronic ear infections?

The dog ear’s anatomy and natural wax or extra moisture from swimming or frequent bathing make the external ear an ideal breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.  The ear canal lining can have itchy, dry, and flaky skin issues. The same steps should be taken, including a thorough examination by a veterinarian to determine if there is an actual infection or if the ear canal is inflamed and itchy. 

Excellent quality protein and essential fatty acids are required to maintain the body’s largest organ, the skin, in optimal condition.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be the root cause of many of your dog’s skin problems.

It is always helpful to have your dog examined by a veterinarian when skin issues arise to narrow down the potential causes.  You need to work with your veterinary team to monitor your dog’s health markers, weight, body condition, skin and coat condition, and blood work for the effectiveness of the supplements.

Skin and Hair Disorders in Mark Morris Institute 

Zinc in Dog Nutrition, Health and Disease: A Review. Animals 

The ubiquitous role of zinc in health and disease 

Localized parakeratotic hyperkeratosis in sixteen Boston terrier dogs 

Nutritional Deficiencies Related to Skin Disorders: the effects on skin, fur, nose and ears

Feed Real Institute

Services

Summit

We help with