Dry skin

[Matthew J. Ries]

My 14 month YLF sheds a good amount, but recently noticed considerable dry skin flakes (dandruff) when brushing her. Currently feeding Nutro natural choice large breed puppy. Considered a change to the Sensitive Skin & Stomach, but the only difference is the protein & carbs...same amount of linoleic acid. The 106 temp today doesnt help or the humidity routinely below 10%.
Anyone have similar issues with their dog? Using a shampoo that helps or have other suggestions?
thanks
Matt

[Granddaddy]

Shampoos generally make the problem worse. An excellent non-shampoo cleanser is Virbac Epi-Soothe. Years ago I fed Nutro but with their China connection and the several recalls, I made a change to Purina Performance 30/20 about 4-5 yrs ago. I think there are better feeds than Purina PP but availability is critical when I travel across the country to run trials (& cost too). You might try to add more oil to the feed. I have found that adding 2 tbs of olive oil helps the coat. But 10% humidity will be a tough challenge. Make sure there isn't an allergy component (not food as much as contact) to your issues too.

[Rick S]

My 15 week old puppy had dry skin when I first had him. I have been slowly changing his food to the Nutro Natural choice. I mix it 50% with Native Level 3 puppy, which I got from the breeder. I like the native but can't find it within a reasonable drive, so we're switching to the Nutro. I also started adding fish oil to his meal at dinner time at 12 weeks of age. I started small, 3 drops and have worked up to 1\2 a capsule. His coat looks amazing and no more dry skin!

[Rick S]

Sorry I thought your dog was 14 weeks not 14 months. I'd still start with the fish oil, but maybe a larger dose than 3 drops.

[M&K's Retrievers]

Yeller dog=massive shedding. Don't know why but every yellow Lab I've been around sheds way worse than a black dog.