dog care

The Skin And Coat Connection

Orders @ Pet Food Australia
The Skin And Coat Connection The Skin And Coat Connection

We all want our pets to look and feel their best.

That glossy coat.

That healthy skin.

That wagging tail that just won't quit.

But here's the thing: when something's off with your pet's skin or coat, it's not just cosmetic — it's often a sign of what's happening inside their body. Skin is, after all, the largest organ, and it can be a powerful indicator of your pet's overall health.

Let's break down how nutrition fuels skin and coat health, what warning signs to watch for, and how to bring back that soft, shiny glow — from the inside out.

Dull Coat? Dry Skin? Start With the Bowl.

When your pet's coat loses its shine, it's not about the weather. It's about what's in their bowl.

Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, are the building blocks of skin health. They help maintain the skin's natural barrier, reduce inflammation, and support a silky-smooth coat. Without them? 

Things can get rough — literally.

What to look for:

  • Dry, flaky skin

  • Itching or biting at the skin

  • Dull, brittle fur

  • Bald patches or hot spots

PSA: Our Hemp Seed Oil is loaded with omega fatty acids — a great natural support for itchy, irritated skin and to restore coat health.

Itching Isn't Always Allergies

We get it — scratching can be easy to dismiss. 

You might catch yourself thinking: "It's just the grass," or “it’s seasonal and it will sort itself out.”

We’re sorry to say that’s rarely the case. Persistent itching, licking, or chewing could point to an imbalance in your pet's diet.

Many commercial pet foods rely on low-quality grains or byproducts that offer little support for skin integrity. A species-appropriate, meat-based diet provides the amino acids and fats your pet needs to heal and protect their skin.

Hot tip: Always look at the first ingredient on the label. If it's not meat, it's not made to fuel your pet.

Red, Irritated, or Inflamed Skin? It Could Be Gut-Related.

A growing body of research links gut health to skin health, and pets are no exception. When your pet's gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to inflammation that shows up on the skin.

Poor-quality kibble, preservatives, or food intolerances can all throw your pet's digestive system out of whack, and their skin often pays the price.

What helps:

  • Probiotic support

  • Easily digestible proteins

  • Anti-inflammatory ingredients (like hemp and fish oil)

The Power of Real Food = Real Results

We believe good health starts in the bowl — and that includes glowing skin and a beautifully thick and soft fur coat.

Pet Food Australia's grain-free recipes are crafted with real meat, clean fats, and nutrient-dense ingredients designed to support skin, coat, gut, and immune health. No fillers. No artificial stuff. Just real food that delivers visible results.

Here's what we never include:

  • Wheat, corn, or soy

  • Meat meals or byproducts

  • Artificial colours or preservatives

Because your pet deserves better, and you deserve peace of mind.

Interested to learn more about what’s going into your dog's bowl? Read our previous blog:

5 Ingredients We Never Use (And Why It Matters)

How to Tell if Your Pet's Diet is Working

It's not just about how the food looks — it's about how your pet looks and feels. After switching to a high-quality, omega-rich diet, most pet parents notice:

  • A shinier, softer coat

  • Less itching or irritation

  • Reduced shedding

  • Improved mood and energy

  • Fewer tummy upsets

Sound good? Your pet will think so too.

The Bottom Line

Your pet's skin and coat are more than just cute — they're a mirror of what's going on inside. If you're noticing itchiness, flaking, or a lack of that once-glossy shine, it might be time to take a closer look at what's fueling them.

Because when you feed them better, they feel better.

Want to support your pet's skin and coat naturally? Explore our full range of grain-free, Aussie-made recipes or give their diet a boost with our Hemp Seed Oil, packed with the good stuff for a soft, shiny, scratch-free coat.

Better food. Better coat. Better life. That's the Pet Food Australia way.