The Gut-Skin Connection in Pets: Why What They Eat Shows on Their Coat

The Gut is More Than Just Digestion

The gut isn’t just where food is broken down—it’s where nutrients are absorbed, immunity is built, and inflammation is managed. Over 70% of a pet’s immune system resides in the gut. When the microbiome (the balance of good bacteria) is off, it can lead to:

  • Itchy, inflamed skin

  • Excessive shedding or dry coat

  • Hot spots or fungal infections

  • Low energy and sensitivity to foods

What Messes With Your Pet’s Gut?

  • Over-processed commercial food

  • Chemical additives and preservatives

  • Antibiotics or harsh medications

  • Lack of dietary fiber and diversity

  • Stress and poor immunity

How Food Can Heal From the Inside Out

Here’s the good news, food can also be medicine. A balanced, clean, ingredient-led diet can restore gut health and naturally improve your pet’s skin and coat. Here’s how:

🟢 Flaxseeds: High in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, they soothe inflammation and support shiny coats.
🟡 Turmeric: A powerful anti-inflammatory that supports both gut lining and skin healing.
🐔 Chicken breast: A lean, digestible protein source that nourishes without triggering gut stress.
🥩 Organ meats like beef liver: Rich in vitamin A and B12, essential for skin repair and immune function.


How to Know Your Pet’s Gut is Thriving

  • Softer, shinier coat

  • Less scratching or biting at skin

  • Better stool quality and consistency

  • More energy, better mood

If your pet’s skin issues feel like a never-ending cycle, it’s time to look beneath the surface. At Skona, we believe in feeding with function, every ingredient in our recipes supports something real.

Because when the gut is happy, the skin shows it.

 

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