Barbet: A Diet to Support a Dense, Curly Coat and a Love for Water

With a cheerful, friendly disposition and a dense, curly coat that looks a bit like a friendly Muppet, the Barbet is a true water-loving joy. This rustic French water dog was bred for centuries to be a versatile hunter, flushing and retrieving waterfowl from marshes and lakes.

Their name comes from the French word "barbe," meaning "beard," a nod to their charming, shaggy facial hair. But their most important feature is their thick, protective, and curly coat.

As summer gets into full swing, your Barbet is likely living their best life in every body of water they can find. The key to their health and happiness is a diet that fuels their energetic spirit and, most importantly, nourishes that magnificent coat from the inside out.

Feeding the Curls: The #1 Priority

A Barbet's coat is their signature. It’s dense, curly, and meant to be waterproof to protect them in cold water. Growing and maintaining this impressive coat requires a significant nutritional investment.

• Protein is the Foundation: Hair is primarily made of protein, so a diet with a high-quality, digestible animal protein source is the essential starting point for a strong, healthy coat.

• Omega Fatty Acids are the Secret: This is the key to a vibrant, healthy Barbet coat. A diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids helps to support the natural oil production of the skin. This oil keeps the skin supple and gives the dense curls their water-resistant quality, preventing the coat from becoming dry and brittle. Look for foods that include fish oil or flaxseed.

Fuel for a Joyful Athlete

The Barbet is a sporting dog with a playful, happy-go-lucky nature. They need plenty of energy to fuel their daily swims, games of fetch, and other adventures.

• A High-Quality, Balanced Diet: Choose a food designed for active breeds. A good balance of protein for muscle and healthy fats for sustained energy will keep them ready for anything.

Keeping Ears Healthy

As a floppy-eared breed that loves to swim, Barbets can be prone to ear infections. A moist, warm ear canal is the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.

• How Diet Can Help: While diligent drying of the ears after every swim is the most important preventive measure, diet can play a supportive role. Omega-3 fatty acids, with their anti-inflammatory properties, can help maintain healthy skin within the ear canal. A strong immune system, supported by a diet rich in antioxidants, can also help the body fight off potential infections.

A Meal for a "Mud Dog"

After a long, happy, and probably muddy day of swimming and playing, your Barbet has earned a delicious and restorative meal. To make their dinner an event they look forward to, you can enhance their high-quality kibble with a healthy topper.

A few flakes of cooked salmon is a fantastic choice, providing a boost of both protein and those coat-nourishing Omega-3s. To make that special topper even more irresistible, a final sprinkle of a savory seasoning like Clean Plate K9enhances the delicious fishy aroma, ensuring your joyful water dog eagerly refuels for another day of adventure.

Sources:

1. "Barbet Dog Breed Information." American Kennel Club (AKC), akc.org/dog-breeds/barbet/.

2. "Essential Fatty Acids and Skin and Coat Health for Dogs." VCA Animal Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/essential-fatty-acids-and-skin-and-coat-health-for-dogs.

3. "Preventing Ear Infections in Dogs." PetMD, petmd.com/dog/general-health/preventing-ear-infections-dogs.