title: Evaluation of marketing claims, ingredients, and nutrient profiles of over-the-counter diets marketed for skin and coat health of dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate marketing claims, ingredients, and nutrient profiles of over-the-counter diets marketed for skin and coat health of dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  24 over-the-counter dry and canned diets marketed for skin and coat health of dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data on marketing claims and ingredients were collected from diet packaging and manufacturer websites. Concentrations of selected nutrients were obtained by contacting the manufacturers and were compared against minimum values for Association of American Feed Control Officials Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult dog maintenance based on calorie content.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most diets incorporated marketing terms such as digestive health, sensitive, or premium that are poorly defined and may have limited relevance to skin, coat, or general health. The types and numbers of major ingredients (ie, potential to contribute protein to the diet) differed. The total number of unique major ingredients in each diet ranged from 3 to 8 (median, 5.5), but the total number of unique ingredients in each diet ranged from 28 to 68 (median, 38). Concentrations of nutrients associated with skin and coat condition also differed widely.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicated that the large variation among over-the-counter diets marketed for skin and coat health may cause confusion for owners during diet selection. Owners of a dog with dermatologic problems should consult their veterinarian to select a good-quality diet that meets specific nutrient goals.
authors.forename: Lily N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Cailin R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Heinze
authors.forename: Deborah E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Linder
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000329:Advertising; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D006197:Hair; D009753:Nutritive Value / Q000502:physiology*; D057805:Pets; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena