I use a good high protein dog food.30% protein plus omega 3 in it..but would like to know?

Question

what I can add to the food to increase gloss to my black Lab and golden retrievers coats

Answer 1

I agree that 30% protein is too high for most dogs. They do not need that unless they are working strenuously. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually harm your dog this way. His system will have to work harder to expel the excess protein and it could be very hard on his kidneys.
To actually answer your question, however, my Rotts have always had gorgeous coats due to good nutrition. However, nothing like they look now that I've added FLAX SEED OIL. Its not too expensive and you can get it at pet stores or natural health food stores. I know with black coats it can be difficult to keep the luster and gloss, and this has worked miracles.

Answer 2

A dog that is not very active does not need a high protein food like Evo. The extra protein would be considered 'high performace' for very active or working dogs to help sustain their muscle mass during stressful times, but most dogs need a more moderate amount of protein. A dog that gets little to no excercise does not need the excess protein and it can actually lead to undesired issues, including weight gain as opposed to weight loss. Just like fat, protein has to go somewhere and if it isn't used the body will store it as fat. The higher quality food is definitely a good place to start, but I would keep the protein under 30%.

Answer 3

That amount of protein seems a little excessive, unless there is a medical need for that much protein. Perhaps finding a lower protein food would help, and one that is known to help coats. I use Natural Balance on my toy breed and her coat shines without any supplementation. People always ask me what I feed her because the difference is so amazing - even when compared to other dogs in her breed.

Answer 4

That is too high protein for most dogs. I only feed my dogs that high of protein when I am roadworking them 2-3 miles a day and running them hard on weekends.

24% would be much better for most dogs. But it isn't just the protein percentage, it is the source as well. What kind of food are you feeding? Many foods are filled with corn or rice.

Answer 5

30% protein is to high for most dogs.
Your protein should be no higher than 26% MAX and that would be for a very active dog who has a high metabloisim and burns it off.
I would go for something higher in fat as that is what add the gloss to the coat. Look for Omega3 and Omega6 fatty acids in the food or give a suppliment for hair coat.

Answer 6

short answer:

30% protein is way too much, and kidney problems can result... as well as any of the side-effects of obesity, as joint probs, heart, respiratory, diabetes, etc

pets who are not in HEAVY aerobic competition events don't need any more than 21% protein.
and brushing, to distribute the natural oils in the dog's coat and keep it clean, will enhance the 'gloss' on any dog, of any breed, age or diet.

on the Lab, or any smooth-coated dog, a follow-up to brushing by wiping with a smooth, no-lint cloth like an OLD T-shirt rag, >> with >> the lay of the hair, will slick the coat and shine the dog even more.

Answer 7

The protein level is definitely too high unless you have growing pups.
Linatone would help to increase shine on the coat.

Answer 8

That is a REALLY high protein food!!!!!!!!!!!! Orthopedic problems in many large breed dogs can be traced to high protein diets.


It is actually "Linatone".

Answer 9

Lanolaic acid, a brand name is "Lanatone" and is available at pet stores. You can also add Brewer's Yeast to their food or buy Brewer's Yeast supplement tabs. I make a homemade shampoo for my dogs that also adds luster. I use Guiness Beer, cooked instant oatmeal, egg yolk, aloe vera, vitamin E oil and a bit of baby shampoo and mix it all in a blender. Now that is a bit tedious, but there are commercial products already blended that you can buy at the store with aloe and Vit. E.

Answer 10

The protein seems high. I feed Flint River Ranch and my kids coats are as shiny as can be.
Check it out:
http://www.f-r-r.com/dog6.htm
Good luck