A beautiful and soft puppy coat goes hand-in-hand with that sweet puppy smell!
But did you know that your puppy’s daily nutrition is behind that beautiful coat?
Want a beautiful puppy coat? Keep reading to learn the 4 nutrition tips!
Your Puppy’s Coat 101
Did you know that your puppy’s coat is almost entirely made up of protein?
That’s why it is so critical for their daily diet to contain enough quality protein for your puppy’s best coat that is both healthy and comfortable!
If their diet is low on quality protein, their hair may become:
- Dry.
- Weak.
- Brittle and fall out.
In addition, nutrition is also critical in maintaining your dog’s best skin health! Without the proper protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, the cell membranes in their skin (made up of proteins and fats) may weaken. Once this happens, water and moisture can escape leading to dehydration. Weakened cell membranes can also allow viruses and bacteria to enter the skin more easily with negative consequences.
Remember, your pup’s coat is a good indicator of their overall health.
Always choose fresh, natural sources when it comes to your puppy – or adult dog’s – requirements for a complete and balanced diet.
How can you ensure your puppy grows and maintains his best coat (and skin) possible?
Puppy’s Coat: Quality Protein
While proteins are found in both animals and plants, animal-based proteins contain the essential amino acids your puppy (and adult dog) needs! Learn more about what constitutes a “quality protein” on PetMD.
Puppy’s Coat: Fatty Acids
Some fats are a natural part of a healthy diet for dogs. There are 3 categories of essential dietary fats which include:
- Oils (liquid fat).
- Fats (solid fat).
- Fatty acids (essential fats (EFAs) with a specific chemical structure your dog’s body cannot make on its own).
Linoleic acid (an Omega-6 fatty acid) fulfills a critical need for your dog’s optimum coat and skin health. Without this fatty acid, your puppy’s coat may become:
- Dull and dry.
- Brittle and
- Hair loss.
In addition, your puppy’s skin may be:
- Greasy.
- Bumpy.
- Exhibiting skin inflammation, itchiness and dandruff.
Omega-6 fatty acids are found in:
- Safflower.
- Sunflower.
- Corn.
- Poultry and pork fat.
Note: Very limited amounts of Omega-6 are found in beef fat or butterfat.
Another critical essential fatty acid includes Omega-3 commonly found in:
- Fish oils (especially cold-water fish including salmon, mackerel, halibut and herring as well as animals who feed on this fish).
- Flax.
- Walnuts.
- Soybeans and
- Freshly ground wheat germ.
Learn more about Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids on PetMD.com.
Puppy’s Coat: Vitamins & Minerals
A complete and balanced K9 diet also needs to include the following vitamins and minerals (preferably from a natural source rather than man-made supplements).
- Vitamins A, E and C.
- Biotin.
- Riboflavin (B2).
- Zinc.
- Copper.
Learn more about the Coat and Skin Appearance in the Healthy Dog on the VCA website!
A Final Recommendation
Always consult with your puppy’s veterinarian about their nutritional requirements based on their age, overall health and breed. It’s critical to provide the proper ratio of nutrients for your puppy’s best overall health and well-being.
Never try to guess what your puppy needs! Remember, he is depending on you to provide what he needs for his best life!
ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK
GOLDENS AND DOODLES
F1 Toy Aussiedoodle Puppies
Available for Deposit in
Northern Arkansas!
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle and Aussiedoodle puppies.
All our puppies come with a health guarantee for their first 12 months of age.
Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
