Did you know that up to 30% of the daily protein requirements of dogs and cats can be used to replace dead skin and hair? Obviously, protein plays a key role in keeping your pet's skin and coat intact. Deficiencies can arise from low protein rations or from poor protein sources. Diseases such as parasitism or malnutrition can also rob the body of the protein it needs.

Signs of protein deficiency can include dry, rough, thin hair with or without baldness, scaly skin, and abnormal cycles of discharge. If you are looking for dog grooming in Durham NC, then you can search the internet.

Adult dogs use about 20 percent of their daily energy as protein. Puppies and cats need more. Most commercial dog and cat foods meet these requirements. However, since not all are created equal, it's best to choose a protein-rich ration from a variety of food sources to ensure your pet is getting a balanced diet.

However, be careful with labels of high protein foods. In fact, most researchers believe that the diet given to your pet can severely affect kidney function for a long time.

Always consult your veterinarian before starting a new diet for your pet. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy skin and hair. However, they should not be used indiscriminately to treat skin conditions or disorders. Giving your pet certain vitamins or minerals in large quantities can actually cause other downsides.