The role of nutritional deficiencies in dogs with dry skin

Appropriate nutrition is important for all parts of a dog’s body, including their skin. Poor nutrition can lead to health issues, which may include skin problems, and nutrition may play a role in treating skin conditions. Certain nutrients and vitamins are essential for a dog’s skin health. Dry or flaky skin occurs with a number of different canine medical conditions, including nutritional deficiencies. However, nutritional deficiencies in dogs are uncommon overall and are unlikely to be the reason for a dog’s dry skin. If your dog has dry or flaky skin, read on to learn:

• Signs of nutritional deficiencies in dogs
• Common causes of skin problems in dogs
• How nutritional deficiencies affect a dog’s skin health
• Which dogs may benefit from a dietary supplement

The most common deficiencies that affect a dog’s skin and coat are zinc and essential fatty acid deficiencies. These deficiencies are most often caused by underlying health issues rather than an inappropriate diet and lead to symptoms such as dry or flaky skin, hair loss, and slow healing of wounds on the skin. Dogs with deficiencies as well as dogs with other skin issues may benefit from zinc or fatty acid supplementation. However, it’s important to talk to a veterinarian to determine if your dog may benefit from a supplement and to help you choose one that’s safe and effective.

A nutritional deficiency is a condition in which a lack of an essential nutrient disrupts bodily structures, systems, or functions to the extent that a dog’s health is negatively affected. A low blood level of a particular nutrient does not necessarily indicate a nutritional deficiency; the body has regulatory mechanisms in place to maintain blood levels of certain nutrients regardless of dietary intake.

Nutritional deficiencies in dogs are usually due to an underlying health issue that causes poor nutrient absorption, increased nutrient loss, or an inability to properly utilize a nutrient. Less commonly, deficiencies can be caused by an inadequate intake of a nutrient because a dog’s diet doesn’t contain enough of the nutrient or the dog isn’t eating enough of the diet to get sufficient amounts of the nutrient.

Nutritional deficiency is rare in otherwise healthy dogs who eat commercial food with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement of nutritional adequacy on the label. These pet foods are formulated to meet standards that ensure they contain the essential nutrients for the majority of healthy dogs. Deficiencies are more likely in dogs who:

• Eat mostly treats, table scraps, and other snacks instead of a balanced diet
• Are given home-cooked diets made without the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist
• Are primarily fed foods labeled as “toppers” or “supplemental,” which are commonly marketed as exotic or boutique speciality products

Signs of nutritional deficiency in dogs

Clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies vary depending on the specific nutrient and how severe the deficiency is. Symptoms can include:

• Crusty, scaly skin
• Hair loss or other coat changes
• Poor wound healing
• Bone fractures
• Weakness
• Neurologic signs (muscle tremors, spasms, seizures, difficulty walking)
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

While nutritional deficiencies in dogs are an uncommon cause of flaky skin, skin abnormalities, such as excessive flakes or scaly skin, are one of the most common symptoms of some specific deficiencies seen in dogs.

Dry skin is less common in dogs compared to people, and some degree of skin flakiness may be normal for some dogs. Some dogs may develop dry skin as a result of dry air or inappropriate grooming or bathing practices. Some may be genetically predisposed to dry or flaky skin.

Many dog owners mistake flaky skin for dry skin. Flaky skin is common in dogs but does not necessarily mean they have dry skin. Skin flakiness is often unrelated to dry skin and is instead caused by an underlying health condition, such as:

• Bacterial or fungal skin infections, like ringworm (dermatophytosis)
• External parasites, including fleas or mites
• Environmental or food allergies
• Seborrhea

Some types of nutritional deficiencies can cause dry or flaky skin, but in general, nutritional deficiencies are not common. Food can cause flaky, itchy skin if a dog is allergic to an ingredient in it, but this is not the same as a deficiency because the dog is not deficient in any particular essential nutrient.

Depending on the underlying cause, a dog with flaky skin may have additional clinical signs, such as:

• Itchy skin
• Scaly, scabby, or crusty skin
• Hair loss
• Red, inflamed skin
• Rash
• Skin lesions or sores

Skin symptoms may be isolated to one small part of the skin or may affect the entire body. Nutritional deficiencies usually take a long time to develop, so symptoms typically come on gradually. However, over time, they can become serious or even life-threatening. Symptoms can also take a long time to go away once the deficiency is corrected. Because they can persist for a long time, symptoms of nutritional deficiencies are rarely emergencies, especially if flaky skin is the only visible clinical sign.

Deficiencies in many essential nutrients can negatively affect the skin. Some of these include:

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Protein/amino acids
• Zinc
• Vitamins A, E, and B

Skin is the largest organ of the body and requires these essential nutrients to function properly. Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies in dogs are:

• Zinc-responsive dermatosis
• Essential fatty acid deficiency

Zinc deficiencies are common in Nordic breeds, such as Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes, because of a hereditary impairment, but any dog can be affected. In some of these breeds, a hereditary condition impairs the absorption of zinc from the gastrointestinal tract. Less commonly, a dog may develop a zinc deficiency if their diet is lacking in zinc.

A dietary deficiency of zinc, or any other nutrient, is unlikely to occur in an otherwise healthy dog being fed a complete and balanced, commercially prepared diet. Zinc is essential for wound healing and cell replication of the skin, hair, and nails. As a result, symptoms of zinc-responsive dermatosis include crusty or scaly skin, especially around the face, ears, and paws, as well as hair loss and poor wound healing.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play crucial roles in metabolic processes, healthy cell membranes, and skin hydration to prevent water loss through the skin. Signs of essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency in dogs include dry skin, flaky skin, poor coat health, increased susceptibility to skin infections, and delayed wound healing.

There is evidence to support the use of omega fatty acid supplementation or enriched diets as part of treatment for various skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and other allergies. “While some evidence suggests dogs with allergic skin disease may benefit from omega fatty acid supplements, this doesn’t automatically indicate a deficiency,” says Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “Appropriately formulated supplements may help support skin health and reduce inflammation, but that doesn’t mean your dog is lacking these nutrients in their diet.”

Does my dog need a dietary supplement?

Evidence showing the benefit of dietary supplements for healthy dogs is limited. It’s unlikely your dog needs nutritional supplementation if they:

• Are healthy
• Are on an appropriate diet
• Receive appropriate internal and external parasite control

Appropriate diets for healthy dogs include:

• Life-stage-appropriate commercial diets with an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy
• Homemade diets formulated under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist

Some dogs with certain health conditions may benefit from nutritional supplements that promote healthy skin. It’s important to talk to a veterinarian to determine if your dog may benefit from a supplement and to get help choosing a high-quality supplement that’s appropriately formulated.

Only seeing flaky or dry skin on your dog is not an indication that they need a supplement. These symptoms are most often caused by some other non-nutritional health issue, such as skin infections, allergies, or external parasites. If you’re concerned about your dog’s skin health or believe your dog might have a nutritional deficiency, talk to a veterinarian. Changes in skin health warrant a vet consultation to rule out other skin issues.

It’s important to seek veterinary care if your dog has dry skin, dandruff, flaky skin, or other skin changes. There are many health issues that can affect a dog’s skin. Nutritional deficiencies are an unlikely cause of dry or flaky skin, especially if your dog is:

• Otherwise healthy
• Primarily eating a commercial diet with an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy
• Up to date on parasite control

As it’s unlikely your dog’s dry or flaky skin is caused by a nutrient deficiency, it’s important to determine why it’s happening instead of simply changing their diet or adding a dietary supplement. Talk to an online vet to:

• Learn more about your dog’s food and your parasite control plan
• Get a professional opinion on whether your dog’s flaky skin is normal or not
• Discuss the factors that may be contributing to your dog’s flaky skin

How do I know if my dog has a nutritional deficiency?

Signs of nutritional deficiencies in dogs vary depending on the type and severity of the deficiency. Symptoms can include poor coat condition, poor skin health, neurologic symptoms, vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, and many other signs of illness. These clinical signs can occur with many other health issues, so it’s important to talk to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis before changing your dog’s diet.

Can a vitamin deficiency cause skin issues in dogs?

Deficiencies in zinc, omega-6, and omega-3 fatty acids can cause skin issues such as dryness, flakiness, scaly or crusty skin, hair loss or brittle hair, overly greasy skin, and other problems. However, these symptoms are more commonly caused by skin diseases, like infections, allergies, and external parasites.

What can I give my dog for dry, itchy skin?

It’s important to talk to a veterinarian to determine why your dog has dry skin, itchiness, or skin irritation. There are many common health conditions that can affect the skin, such as bacterial and fungal infections, food or flea allergies, or metabolic disorders. If the underlying cause of the skin symptoms is not addressed, the problem is unlikely to go away and may get worse.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.