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Nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals are important players in the skin and coat health of dogs. To understand the role of these nutrients, it is necessary to start by understanding skin and hair.
The purpose of skin and hair is to block things from leaving (such as water or heat) or entering (such as viruses and bacteria) the body.
The hair coat is composed almost entirely of protein. If the animal's diet doesn't contain adequate protein quantity and quality, hair may fall out, or become dry, weak and brittle.
Skin is made up of squamous cells, flat cells tightly packed together. These cells have tough membranes that are composed of proteins and fats. Without proper amounts of these nutrients, cell membranes weaken, allowing water to escape and bacteria and viruses to enter more easily.
Proteins are found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. Animal-based proteins contain all the essential amino acids dogs need, whereas plant-based proteins may contain only some essential amino acids. Animal-based proteins help dogs achieve optimal health.
Fats can also be found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. They are incorporated into skin cells as fatty acids. There are two essential fatty acids for skin and coat health. Linoleic acid maintains skin and coat condition in dogs. Without enough linoleic acid dogs may experience dull, dry coat, hair loss, greasy skin and increased susceptibility to skin inflammation.
Both of these essential fatty acids are omega-6 fatty acids and are found in animal tissues like chicken fat. Linoleic acid is also found in some vegetable oils, such as corn and soybean oils.
Most commercial dog diets contain more than adequate amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. Because these fatty acids can be converted to compounds that increase susceptibility to skin inflammation, it is important to balance the amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet with omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce susceptibility to inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oils from fish and some plants (canola and flax).
IAMS research has found that combining fat sources in the diet at a ratio of 5-10 omega-6 fatty acids to 1 omega-3 fatty acid results in excellent skin and coat health.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the development of healthy skin and hair coat. The best way to provide these nutrients is through a complete and balanced diet containing appropriate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals rather than through supplements.
| Vitamin or Mineral | Importance to Skin and Coat Health |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Necessary for growth and repair of skin |
| Vitamin E | Protects skin cells from oxidant damage |
| Biotin | Aids in the utilization of protein |
| Riboflavin (B2) | Necessary for fat and protein metabolism |
| Zinc | Necessary for fat and protein metabolism |
| Copper | Involved in tissue pigment and protein synthesis |
Diet is often believed to be a factor when changes in skin and coat condition are noticed. The most common causes of these changes, however, are season and life stage.
As cold weather approaches, most dogs grow a thick coat to help keep heat in and cold air out. As the weather begins to warm up, they shed the thick, heavy coat.
Most puppies are born with soft fuzzy hair, but as they age, a coarser coat grows. Pregnant or lactating dogs also may experience a change in coat condition or hair loss. And, as with humans, the hair on dogs may thin out and become coarser and white as they reach their senior years.
Beet pulp is an important source of fiber that is good for helping your dog maintain intestinal health and can enhance his ability to absorb ingredients. Beet pulp is the material that remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets.
There are two types of fiber: Nonfermentable and fermentable. Nonfermentable fiber remains undigested as it passes through a dog's intestines, providing bulk to move wastes out. Cellulose is an example of a nonfermentable fiber.
In contrast, fermentable fiber is broken down in the intestines into short-chain fatty acids that provide energy for cells that line the intestine.
Moderately fermentable fiber does both: It provides bulk to move waste and supplies energy to cells lining the intestine. Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber. IAMS™ products contain a patented, moderately fermentable fiber, beet pulp, to keep your dog's digestive system healthy.
Beet pulp contains no toxins and is not harmful. It is a very safe fiber source. Beet pulp does not affect coat color. There is nothing in beet pulp that can affect coat pigment—the inside is light in color, and the dark outside peel is not used in our foods.
By definition, beet pulp is the material left over after the sugar is removed from sugar beets. Therefore, beet pulp contains no sugar.
There is no evidence that beet pulp causes bloat. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV) is related to a stomach defect that delays the stomach’s emptying. It is believed that bloat is not related to diet or ingredients, such as beet pulp. However, the cause of bloat remains unknown.
IAMS has conducted extensive research on many types of fiber. The results of this research point to the fact that beet pulp maintains intestinal health and works with other nutrients to provide optimal nutrition in all of our products, including IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult MiniChunks. No other food manufacturer can match our formulas. Only IAMS holds a patent for moderately fermentable beet pulp.
