Keeping Your Dog's Coat Sleek & Beautiful

Agria supports the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and we're proud to partner with Naturaw, who have helped create this guidance.

You can tell a lot by looking at a dog’s coat: a dull coat is a symptom of poor nutrition, especially a lack of protein in the diet, and nutritional deficiencies or allergies and stress can cause excessive shedding. Nutrition is key to a healthy, shiny coat, from skin to fur.

The best way to achieve this is a balanced and nutritious diet and, perhaps, supplements of specific vitamins and minerals to keep your dog looking pawsitively beautiful. 30% of a dog’s protein intake goes directly to their skin and growing and maintaining their coat. The body digests protein into amino acids, building blocks for physiological processes like muscle building, repairs and making keratin, the protein of dogs’ fur. A diet lacking in protein means the body diverts what it does have to more essential tasks, bypassing the skin and fur leading to:

• Coat thinning
• Patchy, course or slow-growing fur
• Increased vulnerability to allergens causing dry and itchy skin
• Greasy skin or coat

Fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 are also essential in maintaining a healthy anti-inflammatory response, thereby decreasing dry, itchy, flaky skin. They help lock moisture into the skin, strengthening its protective capability. Omega 6 also supports hair follicles, to produce a shiny, luscious coat.

Zinc and vitamin E are vital too. Zinc is involved in many bodily functions, including keratin production, the protein from which fur is made. Zinc deficiency causes a dull, dry, brittle coat. Vitamin E is an important anti-oxidant for protecting the skin and hair follicles.

This is why Forage by our partner, Naturaw, contains 90% British meat or fish, including whole fresh mackerel, and organic eggs, in their range of complete meals.

And for an extra nutritional boost, you could try Naturaw’s Skin Tonic containing:

• Kelp – a source of minerals, antioxidants and amino acids
• Dandelion, fenugreek and flax – for vitamins and Omega 3
• Pre- & probiotics – supporting the skin microbiome to reduce inflammation

Remember, regular grooming stimulates blood supply to the skin and hair follicles, keeping them active. Avoid stripping natural oils from your dog’s coat by bathing them too often, but if your dog does have itchy or dry skin, oatmeal baths and massaging their skin with coconut oil can be soothing.

We would like to thank our lovely partners at Naturaw for providing this guidance.