The snow is falling and you’re sitting by a nice fire, when you notice that your dog or cat is a little flaky.

So, what can you do about it?

The easiest thing to do is of course, brush your pet regularly. By regular grooming, you redistribute the oils and work on improving your pet’s skin and coat.

There are some other options though you may not have considered.

Work from the inside out. Feed your pet whole foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids and are anti-inflammatory. You have probably heard of the benefits of eggs, cranberries, salmon and oats. But, now there are 2 other powerful foods to consider- coconut and chia.

Coconut contains medium chain saturated fats that can be a great energy source as well as an amazing anti-inflammatory that also decreases bacterial growth.

Chia is a powerhouse in that it nourishes the skin from the inside out. It is high in B vitamins, protein, zinc and alpha-linolenic acids (plant based omega 3 fatty acids). Both of these super foods are easy to introduce into your pets diets–simply sprinkle a little on their food everyday.

Probiotics, digestive enzymes and essential fatty acids are also critical to healthy skin.

Probiotics play a huge part in maintaining balance of the intestinal tract. When they are out of balance, you are prone to yeast and bacteria that can cause a variety of skin conditions.

Digestive enzymes are amino acids that aid digestion, allowing the body to absorb nutrients effectively.

Essential fatty acids include omega 3, 6 and 9 oils. Wild salmon oil, flax seed and hemp oils are excellent sources of EFA’s. These help with inflammation and maintaining healthy skin and coat.

By trying some of these options, you are sure to find the right combination to keep your pet healthy from the inside out year round.

About the Author

Corry Hamilton is the owner of Taking The Lead (www.takingthelead.ca) — a pet care business that focuses on pet nutrition and well-being. Like many entrepreneurs, her journey towards creating a business of her own wasn't a straight path, but she believes that no matter what life throws at you, you can always pick yourself up and move on. You never know where it may take you and make all your dreams come true. You can check out what Corry is up to on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TakingTheLead.CorryHamilton and Twitter: https://twitter.com/TakingTheLead07