What’s the best course of action?
Treat your pet from the inside out! What we see in their skin and coat is a direct reflection of what we put into their bodies. Good nutrition typically results in a healthier, shinier coat. Of course this excluding pets that have ongoing diseases and conditions which may need more involved nutritional support, but for the average pet, this applies.
Here are 8 tips to help you reach your skin health goals for your pet:
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Raw Diet - If you're not already feeding raw, start now! Raw food contains nutrients not found in any other type of pet food; including enzymes, phytonutrients, natural-source vitamins, and minerals. Often, poor skin health is related to nutritional deficiency, or more specifically, an enzyme deficiency.
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Essential fatty acids - EFA’s are a key component in cellular activity, such as hemoglobin production, transportation of oxygen, and tissue development. If your pet is experiencing dandruff or dry, itchy skin, we suggest that you add a cold-pressed fatty acid oil to their diet. Canned sardines in water is a great source of EFA’s, and minerals that help with EFA absorption. Rotating between different oils, animal and vegetable, is a good way to cover all the EFA, but make sure these oils are refrigerated and fresh.
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Dogs: Hemp seed, flaxseed, coconut, krill, salmon, sardine, mackerel.
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Cats: krill, salmon, mackerel, sardine.
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Dosage: 250-500 mg per 10lbs of body weight. Coconut oil is particularly useful for dogs with suspected yeast issues.
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Antioxidants - Antioxidants are powerful nutrients that fight cell-oxidizing agents called free radicals. The more antioxidant protection you provide, the more defense your pet has against these radicals that can leave your pet’s skin and coat looking “rusty.” Up the ante with fresh, raw greens and low-sugar fruits. 3P’s Veggie Combos #1, 3 & 8 are great sources of free-radical fighting power foods.
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Digestive Support - provide a variety of dietary digestive support foods including fiber, enzymes, and pre/probiotics. A raw diet will provide lots of dietary enzymes but if your pet is still having difficulty with his skin, add a supplement that includes a mix of digestive enzymes plus pre & probiotics. High fiber veggies from 3P can be found in our Veggie Combos Super Greens, Metabolic Support, & Yeast Buster.
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Vitamins for Skin Health: B5, C, E - These vitamins are essential for healing and maintaining healthy skin. Getting these nutrients in a natural form can be done by adding raw liver to their diet. The liver should only consist of 10% of the total raw diet. Don't exceed 10%. 3P carries the following raw liver sources: turkey. chicken, beef, and lamb. All 5 of our veggie blends include sources of these immune-boosting vitamins.
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Natural-Source Minerals - It's important for your pet to receive adequate natural-source dietary vitamins and minerals. Again, the raw liver is essential, and adding raw green and root veggies is a great addition too. Meat and bone are also great sources. If you are already providing these and you feel your pet needs further support, a rotation of green superfoods such as phytoplankton, chlorella, spirulina, and moringa leaf powders can be useful. Dosage: ½ tsp per 10lbs of body weight.
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Chemical-free Shampoo & Conditioner - Chemical-free shampoos containing coconut (caprylic acid), colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera can be soothing and nourishing for pets with itchy, dry skin. Dry the skin and coat well after baths.
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Apple Cider Vinegar - raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is packed with enzymes and is useful in combating yeast in the digestive tract and on the skin. Dosage: ½ tsp per 10lbs of body weight