What foods can contribute to dry coats?FamilyPet
A shiny coat is a sign of your pet’s health and vitality. Many factors can contribute to a dry coat and, while nutrition is one of them, there are also many other factors that can contribute to this problem. Without proper care, the coat may become lackluster, brittle and may even begin to fall out.
The first thing you need to do is take your cat to the veterinarian for an examination. The veterinarian will check to see if your cat’s coat is merely dry or if she is itchy as well, because sometimes that can be something else, such as allergies, skin infection, parasites or worms.
If all is okay, make sure her diet includes the right ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and other nutrients. The protein should be a high-quality meat source; while there is protein in plant-based foods, remember that your cat needs meat to survive. In fact, cats lack the enzymes to digest carbohydrates so they aren’t technically necessary. It’s also essential that your cat receive adequate amounts of taurine; without it, she could experience eye, heart and immune problems. Taurine is only found in meat and fish.
Sometimes homemade pet foods (preferably using organic produce) contain essential minerals and nutrients are a good solution. The skin of an animal requires these nutrients to produce natural oils to help keep the skin and hair follicles hydrated, moisturized and protected naturally. Be sure to check with your veterinarian to be sure the diet is balanced; he or she may also suggest including omega 3 fats in it as well.
Bathing your cat too frequently can be a cause of dry skin, so only bathe your cat when it’s only truly necessary (that is, if the hair coat is soiled with grease or dirt.). If you do bathe your cat, use a conditioning rinse. The conditioner should be one specifically designed for cats and not for people. In addition, brush your cat often to remove loose hair and dandruff flakes.