Katzenfellpflege auf einer Decke im Ratgeber über Biofutter von Liebesgut Tiernahrung.

Good nutrition for a beautiful, shiny coat

Keeping your pet's skin and coat healthy requires more than just manual grooming with a brush. A balanced diet also plays an important role. You know this from yourself. If you eat too unhealthily, you will quickly get the receipt in the form of spots or other skin blemishes.

A shiny coat is a sign of good health in dogs and cats. In any case, it is also an indication of a high-quality diet.

If your pet's coat is dull, rough or flaky, this may be an indication of poor care or a diet that does not meet the animal's needs. A dull coat, dandruff and severe hair loss can be signs of serious illnesses in your four-legged friend. You should therefore always take such abnormalities seriously and take your pet to the vet. Deficiency symptoms often manifest themselves first in the skin and hair. Once your vet has ruled out a disease, it is important to take a closer look at your dog's or cat's diet. When it comes to a beautiful, shiny coat, high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids are particularly important.

Essential fatty acids and proteins

Essential fatty acids are so called because they are not produced by the animal's organism itself, but must be supplied with food. Among other things, they are responsible for the differentiation of the body cells from one another. Put simply, without the essential fatty acids, skin and hair lack a crucial element, which quickly manifests itself in a scaly, rough coat or, in the worst case, hair loss. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are required in the body in a certain ratio, are particularly important. Types of food that are intended to ensure a more beautiful coat are usually particularly rich in these essential fatty acids.

High-quality proteins are most important for a beautiful coat. As 90 percent of hair is made up of keratin (fibre proteins), a lack of this building block will inevitably be reflected in the coat structure. Dogs or cats that are fed high-quality food with an easily digestible meat source usually also have a beautifully shiny coat.

Dietary supplements only necessary to a limited extent

Dogs or cats that are fed a good complete diet that is tailored to their particular living situation and the demands placed on them generally get everything they need and have a correspondingly beautiful coat. These animals do not normally need food supplements. On the contrary: a long-term overdose of certain vitamins and trace elements only puts unnecessary strain on the body and, in the worst case, can even lead to damage to various organs.

However, there are certainly situations in which dogs have an increased need for certain substances: For example, pregnancy, coat changes or health problems can lead to a mineral and/or trace element deficiency (or increased requirement). Well-dosed nutritional supplements can help to compensate for the deficiency. It is best to feed these after consulting your vet. They can determine your dog's or cat's exact requirements via a blood test.

At Liebesgut, we only use the best organic quality food for your pet. Our complete foods give your four-legged friend everything they need. Take a look in our shop and choose something good for your four-legged companion!

Our recommendations for your four-legged friend:

Tasting packs for dogs

Tasting packs for cats