The Science of Coat Health: From Root to Ring

Image via Freepik

Written by: Rosemary Sutton

(For Dogs, Cats & Horses)

You can’t build a skyscraper without a solid foundation—and you can’t build a beautiful, healthy coat without a strong base of internal health. Whether it’s a show champion stepping into the ring, a beloved family pet, or a performance horse, coat quality is the ultimate reflection of wellness, nutrition, and consistent, science-based care. The journey to a stunning coat begins deep beneath the surface and continues all the way to the spotlight of the show ring

1. It Starts Beneath the Surface

Every strand of hair, from the silkiest cat to the flowing mane of a show horse, begins at the follicle. Hair follicles are living structures nourished by blood vessels that deliver vital nutrients. Without the right building blocks, hair growth slows, weakens, or loses its natural shine.

SummerWinds® Health-E-Coat Skin & Coat Conditioner is rich in Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids (EFAs), all-natural, preservative-free, and highly palatable. These EFAs are key for follicle health, supporting growth, shine, and a soft, resilient texture.

2. Digestive Health: The Foundation for Nutrient Absorption

A coat can only be as healthy as the nutrients reaching it. This is where digestion plays a starring role. All warm-blooded animals—dogs, cats, and horses—require enzymes to break down food into usable nutrients. While raw, unprocessed foods naturally contain these enzymes, most commercial feeds and pet foods are heavily cooked or processed, destroying this vital content.

SummerWinds® Xtraordinary En-Z-Ymes supplies digestive enzymes plus prebiotics and probiotics to support optimal nutrient absorption. This means more of the vitamins, minerals, and proteins your animal eats actually reach the skin and coat, where they can work their magic.

3. Stress and Coat Health

Stress—whether from travel, competition, veterinary visits, or environmental change—can disrupt the digestive balance, impacting nutrient absorption and coat condition.

SummerWinds® TRAV-L-STRESS RELIEF contains living Lactobacillus acidophilus to restore beneficial gut bacteria during stressful times, supporting both digestive health and the outward glow of the coat.

4. Sea-Grown Nutrition for Skin, Coat, and More

For centuries, natural kelp has been prized as a superfood for animals. It’s rich in over 60 essential nutrients, including iodine, which supports thyroid function—vital for skin, coat, and mane health.

SummerWinds® Ocean-S-Finest Kelp is 100% natural and promotes healthy skin, a glossy coat, stronger hooves, and even fresher breath, making it an ideal daily supplement for overall vitality.

5. Cleansing Without Compromise

Once the coat has grown, it needs gentle yet thorough care. Harsh shampoos can strip natural oils, raise the hair cuticle, and leave coats dull or brittle.

SummerWinds® Shine-Onnn Shampoo is pH-balanced for dogs, cats, and horses—cleansing without stripping, while enhancing natural texture and shine.

6. Conditioning: The Protective Layer

Conditioning seals the cuticle, protects against breakage, and locks in moisture. SummerWinds® Fine L Shine Cream Rinse deeply hydrates and restores elasticity, while Protect-A-Coat Oil provides a breathable barrier against environmental stressors.

7. Daily Maintenance for Lasting Results

Regular brushing stimulates circulation to the skin, distributes oils, and prevents tangles or matting. Between washes, SummerWinds® Shine-Stat-A-Way Spray refreshes and protects, keeping coats show- or pasture-ready without buildup.

From Root to Ring—and Beyond