By Royal Canin Scientific Communications

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Shiny. Silky. Soft. These are just some of the words people use to describe the hair of dogs with healthy coats. Many external things contribute to a healthy coat such as shampoos, conditioners, and frequent grooming, but how can we improve coat quality from the inside?

Nutrition plays a vital part in coat quality. Protein has an especially important role in the health of the hair. Up to 30% of the dog's daily protein intake may be utilized for maintaining the skin and hair. In breeds such as Yorkies, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos, hair growth is continuous without regular shedding. It is therefore critical to provide the proper amount of highly-digestible protein for optimal coat condition. Of particular interest in hair growth are the amino acids (the building blocks of protein) which contain sulfur. These amino acids are essential for the production of keratin which is the main protein of hair. By providing quality protein, we can positively affect the overall appearance of the coat.

Grooming and nutrition are synergistic for the coat's health. With the proper diet and grooming, we can provide a coat that could only be described as shiny, silky, and soft.