Great diet, great skin!

More and more dogs and even cats are showing up with skin ailments and allergies to foods.  Every pet owner wants their four legged companion to look and feel their best.  When constant licking, chewing, scratching and flaky skin abound owners and pets become frustrated. Often a simple change in diet can provide relief for both pet and owner. Consider what animals might eat if left to their own devices in the wild before we came along and made pet food.
An animal has an instinct for what it needs for itself, a dog or cat left to its own devices will forage for vegetables and meat and water whenever and wherever available.  Most of the time they know instinctively what not to eat as well.
There has been a lot said about allergens in pet food.  Read the label of your pet food.  Are the first few ingredients a grain - wheat, corn, or soy product?  Those are fillers and provide no real nutritional value for animals.  Certain grains have proven to be difficult for the body to process, specifically the liver and kidneys.  These organs process waste and eliminate toxins.  Some doctors even refer to the skin as the third kidney,  toxins are also eliminated through the skin.
Even in this economy there are foods available that offer true meat protein as the first ingredient and won't break the bank.  Take a moment and read the labels and price shop, talk with your veterinarian to get their opinion and suggestions.  Consider a diet filled with healthful ingredients and vitamins and minerals.  Many veterinarians are even suggesting a diet of canned wet food over kibble.  Nutrients are processed easier by the organs and with more of the correct healthful ingredients, there is generally less waste to be eliminated. 
Discuss with your veterinarian the specific issues your cat or dog has and ask their opinion about a diet that is suitable for your pets needs.