Feline Dandruff Control through Diet

Feline dandruff control is a concern that many pet owners share. A certain degree of shedding and dander are to be expected with any pet, but problems of the skin or coat can lead to excessive loss of dry or flaky skin. In turn, your cat's abnormal dandruff may contribute to human allergies or problems of hygiene and cleanliness around the house. Cats with unusual amounts of dandruff often experience itchiness and skin irritation as well, so it is best to take action against your pet's dandruff as quickly as you can.

When Dandruff Is Caused by Diet

Dandruff is a natural occurrence in cats. As your cat's skin cells die through the natural aging process, they fall off of your pet's body and can end up in the environment or on his fur. This is a completely healthy and normal feature of a cat's body. Unfortunately, allergies, parasites and other factors can contribute to excessive amounts of dandruff as well. Cats that are overweight or that do not receive the proper nutrition may have dandruff and skin problems related to their diets.

Controlling Your Pet's Diet

Cats are generally hygienic animals and typically do a good job of grooming themselves. However, if your cat is obese or overweight, he may not be able to adequately clean his fur and skin. His size may prevent him from reaching all parts of his body. The result is that he may develop a dandruff problem or other conditions of the skin.

Because overweight and obese cats are predisposed to a large number of serious medical conditions and diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure and more, removing your obese pet's dandruff problem is one of many health concerns that you can address by helping to control his weight. Many cat food manufacturers have specially-formulated types of food for obese or overweight cats. These foods are typically lower in protein and fat content than other foods. You can also help to control your pet's weight by limiting the treats and snacks that he eats, and by encouraging him to be active.

Before you attempt to adjust your pet's weight through a diet and exercise program, it is best if you speak with a veterinarian for further advice and to determine your cat's overall health. Because cats are carnivores exclusively, they require a diet that is heavy in protein and fat content from meat sources. You can help to boost the protein that your cat receives by giving him moist food instead of dry and by ensuring that he eats all of his food. Cats can be picky eaters, so you may need to experiment with different brands of food or flavors in order to find one that your pet enjoys.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your pet's diet, do not hesitate to speak with a veterinarian.

Dandruff Due to Malnutrition

Sometimes normal weight cats develop dandruff as well. When this problem arises as a result of a dietary issue, it typically involves malnutrition of some kind.

 

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