Just like in people, our dogs’ skin is their largest organ. When combined with their coat, it makes up 12% of the average dog’s body weight. What you may not know is that your dog’s daily nutrition can have a significant impact on the health and condition of its skin and coat. Here, our Edgewater vets explain the relationship between your dog’s diet and their skin and coat.
How does nutrition affect my dog’s skin and coat?
Any deficits in your dog’s nutrition – whether that be them not eating enough or not getting enough of a particular nutritional ingredient – will impact the health of their skin.
The degradation or destruction of a “biofilm” that naturally sits on the surface of your dog’s skin is one of the most common ways that your dog’s diet can have a negative impact on his or her skin.
A healthy dog’s skin naturally secretes a substance known as ‘sebum’ (as does human skin!). This substance forms a protective layer on top of your dog’s skin, shielding it from external irritants, promoting moisture retention, and serving as a physical barrier against harmful bacteria that would otherwise accumulate on the skin.
When your dog’s skin lacks the nutritional ingredients it requires to maintain its biofilm, it can become irritated, infected, uncomfortable, and, if left untreated, potentially dangerous to its overall health.
Certain dog breeds, including bulldogs and pugs, are more prone to skin infections due to folds that can harbor bacteria. Maintaining a healthy diet that allows them to naturally defend themselves against these microscopic invaders is even more important than in other breeds.
How does poor nutrition affect my dog’s skin?
Any deficits in your dog’s nutrition – whether that be them not eating enough or not getting enough of a particular nutritional ingredient – will impact the health of their skin.
The degradation or destruction of a “biofilm” that naturally sits on the surface of your dog’s skin is one of the most common ways that your dog’s diet can have a negative impact on his or her skin.
A healthy dog’s skin naturally secretes a substance known as ‘sebum’ (as does human skin!). This substance forms a protective layer on top of your dog’s skin, shielding it from external irritants, promoting moisture retention, and serving as a physical barrier against harmful bacteria that would otherwise accumulate on the skin.
When your dog’s skin lacks the nutritional ingredients it requires to maintain its biofilm, it can become irritated, infected, uncomfortable, and, if left untreated, potentially dangerous to its overall health.