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Essential Fatty Acids
Many canine skin disorders can have a basis in poor nutrition. The supplementation of both omega fatty acids, 3 and 6, have been shown to mediate the inflammatory skin response seen in chronic diseases. Omega 3 fatty acids are increasingly being used to treat pruritic, irritated skin. A group of dogs supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids (660 mg/kg [300 mg/lb] of body weight/d) not only improved the condition of their pruritus, but showed an overall improvement in skin condition. Futhermore, diets lacking in essential fatty acids usually present as matted and unkept as the first sign of a deficiency. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a well known omega 3, works by preventing the synthesis of another omega metabolite known as arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is an omega 6, making it pro-inflammatory. Though not always the case, omega 6 fatty acids promote inflammation of the skin which in turn reduces overall appearance and health. It is crucial to note the skin benefits of both these lipids, as a deficiency in omega 6s leads to a reduced ability to heal and higher risk of infection which also diminishes skin health. Lipids in general benefit skin health of dogs, as they nourish the epidermis and retain moisture to prevent dry, flaky skin. For more information, see Coat (Dog).

Vitamins
Vitamins are one of many of the nutritional factors that change the outward appearance of a dog. The fat soluble vitamins A and E play a critical role in maintaining skin health. Vitamin A, which can also be supplemented as beta-carotene, prevents the deterioration of epithelial tissues association with chronic skin diseases and aging. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to scaly of skin and other dermatisis related issues like alopecia. Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals that accumulate in highly proliferative cells like skin and prevent the deterioration of fibrous tissue in skin caused by these ionized molecules. There are also a couple water soluble vitamins that contribute to skin health. Riboflavin (B2) is a cofactor to the metabolism of carbohydrates and when deficient in the diet leads to cracked, brittle skin. Biotin (B7) is another B vitamin that, when deficient, leads to alopecia.

Minerals
Minerals have many roles in the body, which includes acting as beneficial antioxidants. Selenium is an essential nutrient, that should be present in trace amounts in the diet. Like other antioxidants, selenium acts as a cofactor to neutralize free radicals. Other minerals acts as essential cofactors to biological processes relating to skin health. Zinc plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, which aids in maintaining elasticity of skin. By including zinc in the diet it will not only aid in the development of collagen and wound healing, but it will also prevent the skin from becoming dry and flaky. Copper is involved in multiple enzymatic pathways. In dogs, a deficiency in copper results in incomplete keratinization leadsing to dry skin and hypopigmentation. The complicated combination of trace minerals in the diet are a key component of skin health and a part of a complete and balanced diet.