Proper Nutrition 

Nutrition Accounts for 80% of Skin and Coat Condition 

When working with skin and coat health, I always state this very clearly: 

Nutrition accounts for approximately 80% of all problems — or their solutions. 

The remaining 20% consists of external factors. 

Why is this the case? 
Because the skin is not just a surface. It is an organ that directly reflects what is happening internally. 

How Nutrition Affects Skin and Coat 

Proper — or improper — nutrition has a direct impact on: 

• Skin pH balance 

• Inflammatory processes within the body 

• Gut health 

• Immune system function 

• Detoxification pathways 

• Follicle strength 

• The hair growth cycle 

If internal balance is disrupted, the skin will be the first to show it. 

When Does Nutrition Become a Problem? 

Nutrition becomes problematic when the diet is: 

• Excessively acidifying 

• Not tolerated by the individual dog 

• Overloaded with unnecessary ingredients 

• High in artificial additives, flavorings, or colorants 

• Excessively high in protein without proper balance 

• Mineral-imbalanced 

In such cases, the body begins to “offload” the problem through the skin. 

How Does This Manifest? 

The symptoms are usually very clear: 

• Itching 

• Tear staining 

• Beard discoloration 

• Paw licking 

• Brown staining between the toes 

• Recurrent ear infections 

• Chronic, recurring skin irritation 

• Unpleasant body odor 

This is not a superficial issue. 
It is a signal of internal imbalance. 

The Remaining 20% – What Does That Include? 

These are factors that may worsen the condition but are rarely the primary cause: 

• Inappropriate cosmetics (aggressive pH levels, synthetic ingredients) 

• Parasites (fleas, ticks, internal parasites) 

• Hormonal imbalances 

• Fungal or bacterial infections 

• Improper bathing frequency or technique 

These factors can aggravate the condition; however, without correcting nutrition, the root cause remains unresolved. 

The Most Important Rule 

If we address only the 20% but fail to adjust nutrition, the problem very often returns. 

Sometimes even more severely. 

Only by addressing the cause — not just the symptoms — can we achieve stable, long-term results. 

The Progression of Allergic Reactions: How It Begins 

An allergy never suddenly starts “from everything.” 
It follows a clear progression. 

Stage 1 – Ears 

This is almost always the first signal. 

Healthy ears are: 

• Light in color 

• Odor-free 

• Free of discharge 

• Not warm to the touch 

At the onset of an allergic response: 

• The ear becomes red 

• It feels warmer 

• Discharge appears 

• An unpleasant odor develops 

This is a sign that inflammatory processes are already active in the skin. 

Stage 2 – Eyes 

If the process is not addressed: 

• Excessive tearing develops 

• Brown tear stains appear 

• The eye area becomes irritated 

The body begins eliminating irritants through the mucous membranes. 

Stage 3 – Oral Area 

The reaction then progresses to the mouth: 

• Increased salivation 

• Brown saliva staining 

• Irritated skin around the muzzle 

Stage 4 – Paws 

This stage is highly characteristic: 

• Intensive paw licking 

• Redness between the toes 

• Moist, sensitive skin 

The paws become one of the primary “exit points.” 

Stage 5 – Generalized Itching 

If still unaddressed: 

• Widespread itching begins 

• Scratching intensifies 

• Skin damage develops 

At this point, the allergic reaction has become systemic. 

Why Does This Happen? 

An allergy is not merely a skin condition. 
It is the body’s response to: 

• Inappropriate nutrition 

• Digestive disturbances 

• Toxin overload 

• Acid–base imbalance 

• Immune system overactivation 

The skin, ears, and mucous membranes become elimination channels. 

Why Early Intervention Matters 

If the reaction is stopped at the ear stage, correction is relatively simple. 

If intervention is delayed until generalized itching develops, treatment becomes more complex and prolonged. 

The ears are always the first indicator. 

My Working Principle 

When addressing skin and coat issues, I never begin with cosmetics alone. 

The first step is a comprehensive analysis of: 

• Primary diet 

• Protein source 

• Supplements 

• Treats 

• Dietary transition history 

• Parasite control 

• Current grooming products 

Only then can the full picture be understood. 

Cosmetics Matter — But Only Alongside Proper Nutrition 

Improperly selected products can: 

• Damage the skin barrier 

• Trigger itching 

• Disrupt the microbiome 

• Promote flaking 

However, even the best cosmetics will not be effective if internal imbalance persists. 

When skin-compatible, natural products are combined with balanced nutrition, the skin restores itself fundamentally — not just visually. 

A Holistic Approach Is the Only Long-Term Solution 

A healthy, glossy coat and calm skin are the result of a system working in harmony: 

✔ Balanced nutrition 
✔ High-quality external care 
✔ Functional elixirs 
✔ A consistent routine 

The greatest mistake is correcting only one part. 

If one or two links in the chain are failing, a 100% result will not be achieved.