Canine and Feline Nutrition and Its Direct Effect on Skin and Coat

Image via Freepik

Written by: Rosemary Sutton

The old saying is true: “Beauty is more than skin deep.” In dogs and cats, what you see on the outside reflects what is happening within. A glossy coat, healthy skin, and vibrant energy all begin with proper nutrition. Without it, even the best grooming can only go so far.

Why Nutrition Matters

Dogs and Cats are natural carnivores. While commercial diets can keep them alive, they don’t always provide the nutrients dogs and cats need to truly thrive. Over-processed foods are cooked at high heat, destroying delicate enzymes, fatty acids, and vitamins essential for overall health. The result? Dry, brittle coats, itchy skin, and a lack of vibrancy.

Adding fresh meat, live enzymes, and targeted supplementation helps the body build strong skin and coat from the inside out.

The Power of Enzymes

Enzymes are the foundation of life—responsible for breaking down food and fueling every metabolic process. But cooking kills enzymes, leaving kibble devoid of these essential sparks. That means your dog’s pancreas must work overtime to replace what’s missing.

SummerWinds® Xtraordinary En-Z-ymes with Prebiotics & Probiotics restores balance. It improves digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and supports gut health. Better digestion equals better nutrition—which shows up in coat condition, color, and shine.

Balancing the Gut in Stressful Times

Travel, showing, boarding, and even household changes can disrupt a dog’s digestion. Stress quickly depletes beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to poor absorption and even diarrhea.

That’s where SummerWinds® Trav-L-Stress Relief comes in. It contains living Lactobacillus acidophilus to resupply beneficial bacteria, condition the intestinal tract, and support digestive health when your dog needs it most. Keeping the gut strong ensures that coat and skin don’t suffer during stressful situations.

Essential Fatty Acids for Skin & Coat

Fatty acids are nature’s lubricants. They reduce inflammation, improve elasticity, and keep coats soft and radiant. Many commercial diets are deficient in these fragile oils.

SummerWinds® Health-E-Coat Skin & Coat Conditioner is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFAs to restore balance. Within weeks, you’ll see a stronger, shinier, healthier coat that truly radiates wellness.

Trace Minerals & Mother Nature’s Secret

While proteins and fatty acids are vital, trace minerals complete the nutritional picture. Minerals support everything from thyroid health to coat pigmentation.

SummerWinds® Ocean-S-Finest Kelp is “Mother Nature’s Best” supplement for total wellbeing. Kelp provides natural iodine, vitamins, and minerals that enhance metabolism, coat depth, and overall vitality. It’s one of the oldest, time-tested ways to keep dogs in peak condition.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: “A complete kibble or can diet provides everything my dog or Cats needs.

”Fact: Heat processing destroys enzymes and fatty acids. Supplementation is necessary for true coat excellence.

Myth: “A single supplement can fix a bad coat.

”Fact: Skin and coat health depend on a synergy of protein, enzymes, EFAs, and trace minerals—not one magic pill.

Myth: “All supplements are the same.

”Fact: Quality matters. The SummerWinds® line was created for the unique needs of show and performance dogs, with proven results for decades.

The Takeaway

The coat is the crowning glory of the dog, but it is built from within. Fresh nutrition, enzyme support, beneficial bacteria, EFAs, and minerals all play a role. With the right diet and targeted supplementation, you’re not just grooming a beautiful coat—you’re building lifelong vitality.

At SummerWinds, we honor the traditions of careful breeding and conditioning, while embracing the science that makes our dogs healthier and more vibrant. Because when nutrition is right, the coat tells the story.