Skin & Coat
	The Importance of Nutrition

 General functions of the skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body. In a new-born puppy skin and coat represent 24% of his body weight. By maturity the skin and coat still accounts for 12%. The skin is also the first line of defence to the environment and protects the animal from chemical, physical and microbiological injuries. At the same time it works as an effective enclosing barrier to allow an internal environment for all other organs and to prevent loss of water. Furthermore the skin regulates the core temperature of the body and is the primary sense organ for touch, pressure, pain, itching, heat and cold.

 Structure of the skin

The skin forms the continuous external surface of the body and in different regions of the body varies in thickness, colour and the presence of hair, glands and nails. Despite these variations, which reflect different functional demands, all types of skin have the same basic structure. The external surface of the skin - called the Epidermis - consists of a layer of horny cells, which is continuously shed. The cells normally require about 3 weeks to mature and an additional 7 days to be shed from the skin. Underneath lays the Dermis, a highly sensitive layer with blood vessels, nerves, fat and sweat glands. This is where hair growth takes place. The hair follicle of most domestic species is compound. Long, strong hairs will grow from the big primary follicle which is surrounded by a variable number (3-10) of accessory follicles which produce fine, short hairs.

 Hair growth

Hairs do not grow continuously but rather in cycles. Each cycle consist of a growing period and a resting period. The hair production cycle is highly variable in dogs and to a large extent breed specific. However most breeds fall into a six-month cycle with two sheddings per year, in early spring and autumn. Changes in the duration and intensity of daylight will alert the body to start shedding. Many dogs, however, are housed indoors nowadays and therefore exposed to several hours of artificial light. This means they may shed throughout the year.

 Importance of nutrition

In order to optimise your dog's potential to develop and maintain a healthy skin and glossy coat you need to provide the proper environment and nutrition. With respect to hair and skin growth some nutrients have an especially important role. These nutrients include proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Without an adequate source of the required nutrients, signs of deficiency will be noticeable, such as a dull, dry coat, loss of elasticity and thinning hair.

 Proteins

As much as 30% of an animal’s daily protein requirement is used for its skin and coat. Hair consists of 95% protein. In some dogs the combined growth of all the hair on the body can add up to 30 metres per day! A high-quality protein source in the diet with all the essential amino acids (building blocks of protein) is necessary to ensure that the hair is able to grow without being limited by a poor protein supply. All Eukanuba formulas provide the correct level and quality of protein to meet the rigorous demands of the skin and hair.

 Vitamins and minerals

The vitamins A, E, C, biotin and riboflavin are all necessary for proper health of the skin and hair. Minerals such as zinc and copper are also essential for the development of a healthy skin and a good coat. A delicate balance between them and other minerals is present in Eukanuba nutrition.

 Fats and fatty acids

Fats and fatty acids also have a major impact on the skin and coat and need to be present in the proper amount and balance. Fat is the main energy source for dogs. Fatty acids are used as building blocks of hormones and are incorporated into cell membranes. Some fatty acids can not be produced by the body (essential fatty acids) and therefore must be present in the diet. Dogs and cats both require linoleic acid, and cats also need arachidonic acid. Fats also enhance the palatability of foods and are needed for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

 Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids

Fatty acids can be divided into two categories: Omega-6 fatty acids found in plant and animal sources (sunflower oil, chicken fat, pork fat) and Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and selected plant oils (e.g. linseed). All essential fatty acids belong to the Omega-6 category and therefore are needed in the dog’s diet. However they are known to result in a stronger inflammatory response of the body to occasional scratches, sores, bites, parasites or allergic conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids tend to reduce inflammation and in many animals reduce itching associated with skin and coat irritations. But high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids may have side effects such as disturbed blood clotting and might lead to bleeding. The important factor is not how many fatty acids are in the diet, but rather the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids. Research1 has shown that the optimal balance in the diet is between 5:1 and 10:1. In the correct balance, skin moisture is maintained, the normal healing process is supported and the coat will develop properly. All Eukanuba products provide the optimal balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. This unique product feature is called Coat Science 6:3.

Feeding your dog ‘new’ Eukanuba with Coat Science 6:3 will give him a rich and luxurious coat within 6 weeks. The best sign of excellent health!