If you ask your veterinarian what the best indicator of your dog's overall health and well-being is, he'll likely tell you that it is your pup's skin and coat. Proper nutrition may just be the easiest way to improve your dog's skin and coat health, and this salmon dog food recipe could be a good option. Feeding the right ingredients will balance the skin's pH and stimulate the production of natural oils.
You may not realize how important it is to keep your dog's skin and coat in top health, but think about the major role these body parts play in Fido's everyday life. His skin and coat are essential to regulating body temperature, enhancing sensation from the environment and protecting against germs from the world around him.
If your dog is having serious skin troubles, it's best to seek veterinary help. It can often be difficult to distinguish the cause of a skin or coat problem in dogs, because of the complex interaction between the different “layers” of their skin and coat system. That being said, some of the most common causes of skin and coat problems in dogs include:
- malnutrition
- naturally dry skin
- naturally oily skin
- failure to properly groom your dog’s coat
- bathing too often or not enough
- using products on a dog’s skin or coat that are designed for human use
- allergies
- emotional/psychological turmoil
Being aware of these causes makes it easier to look into the source and try to eliminate the issue from there instead of attempting to treat the symptoms on the surface alone. If you think your pup is just suffering from some minor dry skin issues, this salmon dog food recipe may help.
Salmon Dog Food Recipe for Skin and Coat Health
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. salmon
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 zucchini
- 1 small squash
- 1 large carrot
- 1 can (15-ounce) pumpkin
- 2 ounces melted coconut oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 375˚ F.
Bake the salmon for 15 minutes. While the salmon is in the oven, cook the quinoa according to the instructions on the package.
Shred the zucchini, squash and carrot in a food processor. When the salmon and quinoa have finished cooking, mix all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Once cooled, you can feed this homemade dog food to your pet.
MORE: How Diet Affects Your Dog's Skin and Coat
I recommend feeding about 1/2 cup for every 20-25 pounds of body weight per serving. This recommendation is for 2 servings per day. Keep a close eye on your dog's weight and adjust the serving sizes accordingly if you notice weight loss or gain.
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 months. You can make the recipe in bulk and freeze for later use, so you don't have to cook meals for your pet every few days.
READ NEXT: 9 Common Skin Problems In Dogs – How To Prevent and Treat Them
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