The skin and coat represent the largest organ of dogs and cats, corresponding to around 10 to 15% of their total body weight, and perform several essential functions. They are a crucial immune system component, essential for protection against diseases, temperature regulation, perceiving sensations, body hydration, and nutrient storage.
However, when pets’ skin and coat are not adequately cared for, health conditions may arise, including allergies, hormonal imbalances that cause hair loss, and parasite infestations, such as mange and seborrhea.
A growing trend indicating the change in the relationship between humans and animals is the humanization of pets, now seen as family members. According to Mintel’s report, 61% of US pet owners agree that their pet’s happiness and well-being are more important than their own.¹
That humanization is reflected in family habits, which include animals spending more time indoors, allowing them to sleep on the couch or bed, and wearing more clothes.
Therefore, skin and coat health care is essential to minimize pets’ exposure to harmful factors, such as allergens, microorganisms, and parasites, which can affect the well-being of pets and those living with them.
So, how can we ensure our pets’ skin integrity and coat health?
ENSURING PETS’ SKIN AND COAT HEALTH
Maintaining pets’ healthy and beautiful skin and coat requires regular visits to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
However, following the tips below will help you maintain the skin and coat health of your cats and dogs, preventing diseases and promoting their well-being.
- Pet hygiene: Bathing and brushing are crucial to keep the skin clean and free from parasites. The frequency of bathing depends on the breed, type of coat, lifestyle, and environment in which the animal lives. It is important to animal-friendly hygiene products, dry them thoroughly, and regularly brush your pet’s to remove loose coat and free from parasites.
- Balanced diet: A balanced diet should supply the nutrients your pet requires to maintain its skin strong, hydrated, and protected. Nutritional deficiencies may cause several dermatological conditions.
- Apply sunscreen: Sunscreen should be applied to thinning hair and bald patches to avoid sunburns. Caution: use sunscreens specifically formulated for pets.
- Prevent parasite infestation: Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other external parasites that can cause skin problems.
Dogs and cats can also benefit from the daily consumption of beta-glucans. Scientific evidence shows that beta-glucans can help alleviate atopic dermatitis symptoms, such as itching, redness, sloughing, thickening, and dryness.
Do you want to learn more about pet skin and coat health trends? Download our e-book here!
MACROGARD: DISCOVER THE MODE OF ACTION OF BETA-GLUCANS
MacroGard is a scientific and commercial benchmark as it is the most extensively studied source of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans used in animal feeds for their health, performance, and welfare benefits.
Extracted from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, MacroGard contains a minimum concentration of 60% beta-glucans.
Furthermore, MacroGard strengthens pets’ immune systems, improves vaccine response in puppies, aids joint health maintenance, and improves the metabolism of obese animals by reducing glucose levels.
To discover MacroGard and contribute to maintaining your pets’ skin and coat health integrity, click here!
PET FOOD MARKET DEMANDS
Pet food and product companies are aware of changes in the relationship between humans and pets and seek to meet current demands and trends.
Consumers are spending more on pet care in general. According to a Mintel survey, during the last 12 months, 53% of Brazilian pet tutors reported spending more on food, 26% on hygiene and bath products, and 24% on sanitary products.¹
Therefore, the pet market has focused on skin and coat health issues. According to the same report, a greater proportion of food and pet product launches featured a low, no, or reduced allergen claim. In North America, 35% of labels presented the claim, 34% in Europe, 21% in the Asia Pacific, 11% in the Middle East and Africa, and 9% in Latin America¹.
Another significant finding was that pet tutors are increasingly aware of and value sustainable practices in pet food and product manufacturing, such as sustainable ingredients, eco-friendly materials and practices, and environmental footprint.
In the US, 68% of the pet tutors between 18 and 34 years old favor pet food brands that limit their environmental impact,² while 37% of Thai adult pet tutors try to give their pets environmentally-friendly diets,¹ points out Mintel.
Biorigin has offered natural ingredients to meet the demands of the pet food market for 20 years, providing solutions that help to promote pet intestinal health, immunity, and food attractiveness.
MacroGard promotes health throughout the animal’s life. Our product is a scientific and commercial reference, being the source of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans most studied and used in animal feed to maintain health and well-being. It has proven to be an effective tool to promote pets’ skin, coat, and bone health, strengthen the immune system, and balance the metabolism of obese pets, among other benefits.
Thaila Cristina Putarov, Biorigin’s Global Bussiness Manager of Animal Nutrition and Health, shares a fascinating insight: “MacroGard can be used at all stages of life to promote health and well-being in pets. It acts directly on the immune cells of the intestine since its molecular structure is recognized by the receptors present on these cells, which triggers the entire immunological cascade. This mechanism of action helps animals have faster and more efficient responses to everyday challenges.”
For further information about Biorigin and our yeasts and yeast extracts, visit our website.
Sources:
¹ Mintel – A year of innovation in pet food and products, 2024
² Mintel – Pet Food – USA – 2023
