The Link Between Nutrition and Nail Health

Sean B. Jones, MS, MBA

Whether you're a cat or dog owner, or have multiple pets, you likely recognize that optimal health extends to their nails. Pets rely on their nails for various activities, including scratching, digging, gripping, and protection. Inadequate nutrition can result in brittle and breakable nails, potentially leading to other health complications. For severe conditions, always consult a veterinarian first. A vet can identify other contributing factors and recommend a comprehensive treatment plan, possibly including dietary changes, to enhance nail health. Similar to humans, pet nail health hinges on consuming essential nutrients, such as omega fatty acids and biotin (Davenport et al., 2012).

Maintaining a balanced diet enriched with vital nutrients can support overall nail health. Beneficial food types include:

1. Protein-Rich Foods: Nails consist of a protein known as keratin, making it essential to include sufficient protein in your pet's diet. Suitable sources are meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products like goat milk, sheep milk, or kefir.

2. Biotin-Rich Foods: Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is crucial for nail strength. Pets can benefit from biotin-rich foods such as eggs, cauliflower, and spinach.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for general health, omega-3 fatty acids also enhance nail strength and prevent brittleness. Excellent sources include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and chia seeds.

4. Iron-Rich Foods: Iron deficiency can cause brittle nails. To combat this, include iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, and leafy greens like spinach or kale in your pet's diet.

5. Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Vital for collagen production, which supports healthy nail growth, vitamin C can be found in broccoli and other fruits and vegetables.

6. Zinc-Rich Foods: Zinc plays a key role in nail tissue growth and repair. Foods high in zinc include beef liver, poultry, and shrimp.

7. Water: Adequate hydration is crucial for nail health. Ensure your pets drink enough water daily to keep their nails hydrated and prevent brittleness.

8. Vitamin E-Rich Foods: Vitamin E helps protect nails from oxidative damage. Good sources include salmon, shrimp, spinach, and avocados. For safe avocado consumption by dogs, refer to Davenport et al. (2012).

Importance of Grooming:
Combining proper nutrition with regular grooming contributes to healthy nails in pets. Regular nail trimming not only strengthens nails but also helps avoid injuries. However, be cautious during trimming to avoid cutting into the "quick," which can cause pain and bleeding. For pets with dark or resistant nails, seek assistance from experienced veterinarians or professional groomers who can provide safe and effective trimming.

Reference:
Davenport, G. M., Shoveller, A. K., Hayek, M. G., Massimino, S., Halsey, L., Minikhiem, D., Flickinger, E., Roth, G., & Ingram, D. (2012). Tolerance and safety of an avocado-based ingredient for adult dogs. *FASEB Journal*, 26(1 Supplement), 825.1-825.1. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.825.1