A dog skin supplement can help ensure that your dog's skin and coat stay shiny and healthy. All dogs can benefit from a dog skin supplement containing fatty acids. Essential fatty acids should be gained through proper diet, but many dog foods don't contain the right proportion of fatty acids to help keep your dog's skin and healthy healthy and shiny. That's why you should consider administering a fatty acid dog skin supplement to ensure the health of your dog's skin.
Fatty Acids In Dog Food
Many animals, including dogs, can produce a certain number of fatty acids, or polyunsaturated fats, for themselves. However, they can't produce the so-called essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6. Some dog foods have added Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, but often they haven't added enough of these acids to be of maximum benefit to your dog's skin and coat health. That's why an additional dog skin supplement can be of benefit to your dog, even if your dog's food already contains added fatty acids.
Choosing A Dog Skin Supplement
Look for a supplement that contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. There are different kinds of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Here are some of the ingredients you should look for, listed on the side of the bottle.
Omega-3 fatty acids include:
- Alpha linolenic acid
- Eicosapentaenoic acid
- Docosahexaenoic acid
Omega-6 fatty acids include:
- Linoleic acid
- Arachidonic acid
- Gamma linolenic acid
- Dihomogamma linolenic acid
Most veterinarian recommended brands of dog skin supplement will contain more than one of the essential fatty acids listed above. Also, look for supplements that contain vitamins A and E; both of these vitamins are very good for the health of your dog's skin and coat.
Recommended Dog Skin Care Supplements
There are plenty of dog skin care supplements on the market, and many of them come highly recommended by veterinarians. If your dog has dry, itchy skin, these symptoms should begin to clear up within three days of administered the first supplements. Here are some of the best skin supplements for dogs on the market, and what you can expect from them:
- Premium Plus's Omega-3 gelcaps contain the highest level of Omega-3 fatty acids for the lowest price. These essential fatty acids will support your dog's joint, heart, and kidney health, as well as giving him supple skin and a smooth, shiny coat. These skin supplements are appropriate for dogs with mild to moderately dry skin.
- Drs. Foster & Smith Vitacaps contain both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These supplements are appropriate for dogs with mildly dry skin.
- Premium Plus's Maximum Healthy Skin Care Kit contains the optimum levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. These supplements also contain vitamin C, to support your dog's immune system. They are appropriate for dogs with severe to moderately dry skin, and can also be of benefit to dogs who suffer from skin problems related to seasonal allergies.
- Premium Plus's Skin & Coat Tabs contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in a ratio appropriate for mildly dry skin. These are the only flavored dog skin supplements, appropriate for dogs who don't like liquid or capsules.