Dry and Dull Coat

by Tricia
(Fort Worth, Texas, USA)

My Dachshund, is approximately 8 years old and has been on a prescription diabetic dry dog food for a couple of years. He is not diabetic but is on the food to help control his weight. He is not an active dog, so keeping his weight under control is a problem. Since he has been on this food, I have noticed that is coat is dull and his skin very dry and flaky. he has always had a little dry skin, but his coat was always very shiny and healthy looking. I am wondering if there is a better dry food for him or if there is a dietary supplement that would help his dry skin and coat?

My Comment:

Hi Tricia

You are giving food which is rather low in fat content. The fat is important for the maintenance of the skin and the coat.

Now that he hasn't any diabetes problem you can try another dog food. One which containing fish and higher amounts of omega 3 would be beneficial.

Often these foods can be quite rich so you have to keep an eye on the weight. Therefore as a alternative omega 3 supplementation might be better.

Omega 3 is much used in veterinary medicine and not only important for the coat and skin but the whole body in general.

Try this for 4-6 weeks before you judge the result.

Remember that it is fat and you might have to restrict the dog food some. I think it might be easier for you to control his weight using supplement.

If you which to change his dog food you might have some idears in my "Top Ten Dog Food" section.

All the best

Per Schonbeck