Best Cat Food For Healthy Skin And Coat

Best Cat Food For Healthy Skin And Coat

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If you have noticed dandruff, excessive fur loss or a not-so-shiny coat on your cat, then poor nutrition could be the problem.

Diet is usually a factor when changes occur in your cats skin and coat. Your cat’s skin and coat are essential in protecting him from environmental elements and serve as his first line of defense against infection.

Sudden changes in your cat’s skin or coat can be an indication of an underlying health issue.

A quality cat food that includes nutrients essential to your cat’s skin, coat and well-being could be the answer. Read on to learn more about the best cat food for healthy skin and coat, as well as other helpful information.

Why You Should Trust This Review

• I am a certified pet nutritionist
• I’ve been a cat mom for 30 plus years
• I have volunteered at cat shelters for over 15 years
• I did 48 hours of research on these cat food brands

The Best Cat Food For Healthy Skin And Coat Comparison Chart

 

The Best Cat Food For Healthy Skin And Coat

#1 Just Cats Fish & Chicken

Just Food For Cats offers only one type of cat food currently, Just Cats Fish and Chicken. This is high quality, high protein and low carbohydrate food, and the company is completely transparent and lists all ingredients right on the packaging.

They also offer a detailed description of each ingredient on the website and explain the benefits of each, for your cat.

The brand is the top vet-recommended fresh pet food on the market, and two independent universities conducted year-long trials proving their recipes boost the immune system of pets in a healthy way.

#2 Hill’s Science Diet Adult

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entree soft cat food is specially formulated for cats with sensitive digestive systems as well as to improve skin and coat health.

This sensitive stomach cat food provides a precisely balanced and complete nutrition that’s gentle on the stomach for optimal nutrient absorption to assist in everyday feeding.

This cat food includes omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, plus a clinically proven blend of antioxidants with vitamins C and E to support a healthy immune system.

#3 AvoDerm Wild By Nature Cat Food

Wild By Nature’s Avoderm Consommé is made with wild caught fish and is grain free.

It provides a healthy balanced meal for your cat by using high quality ingredients that ensure that you are providing the optimum nutrition your cat needs.

It also has vitamins, minerals and antioxidant nutrients to help support your cat’s immune function.

AvoDerm Wild By Nature is formulated to be rich in high quality fats and oils with a balanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acid ratio.

These nutrients, in the right proportions, are important to keeping your cat’s skin healthy. Avocado and avocado oil is included and can help support the skin and coat from the inside out for the protection your cat needs.

#4 American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

American Journey Turkey and Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is grain-free kibble that features real, deboned turkey as the first ingredient, wholesome fruits and vegetables, and deboned chicken.

t’s made in the USA with ingredients from around the world, and contains no poultry by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy or artificial preservatives.

This recipe delivers 40% protein, plus powerful nutrients and essential amino acids. American Journey cat food also offers antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, taurine for healthy eyes and heart, and omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. 

#5 ROYAL CANIN Hair and Skin Care Adult Dry Cat Food

Royal Canin Hair and Skin Cat Food is an exclusive formula of complex nutrients, including B vitamins, to help support the skin’s role as a protective barrier.

It is made with high quality proteins and specific amino acids help promote healthy hair growth and skin renewal. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are included for beneficial effects on skin health and coat condition.

#6 IAMS Proactive Health Dry Cat Food

IAMS is veterinarian recommended. It is formulated with essential nutrients including calcium & potassium to help keep your cats heart strong.

This cat food is made for indoor cats and controls hair loss and reduces hairballs. High quality protein from chicken helps maintain healthy muscles and provides the amino acids essential for a healthy coat. 

The high fiber blend, including beet pulp, not only helps reduce hairballs but a mix of protein and carbs contribute to healthy energy levels for your cat.

Reasons For Poor Skin And Coat

The health of your cat’s skin and coat is an indication of his overall health. A thick and shining coat reflects a healthy diet with necessary protein, fat and vitamins.

Minimal shedding, a clean scent and nice appearance usually indicate no health issues or parasites are present. However, there are a number of reasons your cat’s coat and skin appear less than healthy. Some of which include:

• Allergies – If your cat’s coat and skin are irritated, allergens maybe the cause. Foods containing corn, soy, wheat, and dairy ingredients can cause and trigger allergy flare-ups in some cats.
• Diet – Poor diet or malnutrition is common among feral cats. A poor coat often improves once the cat receives a healthy diet that is rich in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Infection – FIV, Feline Leukemia, Feline Panleukopenia and pneumonia are just a few types of infections. A thorough exam and blood tests can often help to diagnose these issues.
• Parasites – Worms, fleas, and ringworm can cause visibly flaky skin. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a good flea shampoo and a long-term treatment to keep the parasites away.
• Environmental – Over shampooing, over-grooming and dry air can cause dry itchy skin, which is also common in the winter months.
• Under grooming – This is common in senior cats who have less mobility or may have arthritis. Over weight cats may also have difficulty grooming due to their size.
• Hyperthyroidism – This is a disorder that causes hormone imbalances and can change your cat’s coat texture.
• Diabetes mellitus – Diabetes causes hormone fluctuations that can affect skin dryness and coat texture.

Ingredients To Look For

When shopping for a healthy skin and coat cat food, reading the ingredients on the label is the first place to start.

If possible, look for a food formulated specifically for your cat’s coat and be sure it lists a high-quality protein source (such as meat, fish, or egg) as the first ingredient.

Cats need protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to help them maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Certain vitamins and minerals are important in supporting the health of fur and skin.

These ingredients assist in maintaining the color of your cast’s fur, improving softness and shine, as well as controlling skin health at the cellular level.

Check the label for the following:

• Copper
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Biotin
• Zinc
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
• Riboflavin (B2)

In addition to a high quality cat food, you can also try supplementing your cat’s food with fatty acids like those found in salmon or other fish oils.

Final Thoughts

Before making changes to your cat’s diet or giving him supplements, talk to your veterinarian. As mentioned above, dry skin and a dull coat could be a sign of allergies, parasites or infection or could even be something more serious, like kidney, liver or thyroid problems.