These vet-approved supplements can help improve your pup’s dull, dry coat.
Whether your dog has a short, dense coat or a long and fluffy one, there’s nothing better than running your fingers through their fur as you give them a good scratch or rub. Supplements can help keep your dog’s coat soft and shiny and their skin healthy. They aid in relieving dry skin and itchiness and can make a world of difference for pups that suffer from allergies. With so many products on the market, it can be tough to determine which one is best for your dog’s specific needs. To help, we reviewed some of the most popular dog skin and coat supplements based on ingredients, consistency, palatability, smell, packaging, and safety.
This skin and coat supplement by Native Pet is fantastic for dogs that suffer from dry, itchy skin caused by environmental factors and allergies. In some cases, it can even help treat itchiness, dermatitis, and even hair loss. Your pup will love the taste of this limited ingredient pick, and you’ll love their glorious, soft coat. As an added bonus, it’s easy to give to your dog: All you have to do is pump the recommended amount directly onto their kibble!
Zesty Paws Omega Bites are a delicious way to improve your pooch’s overall health. They contain ingredients that help to relieve hot spots and dry, itchy skin while supporting your pup’s joint health, immune system function, and cardiovascular system. It’s important to note, though, that these chews contain natural chicken flavoring as opposed to real chicken. For dogs allergic to chicken, these chews contain natural chicken flavoring, as opposed to real chicken. Even without real chicken, it’s still important to speak to your veterinarian before giving your pup Zesty Paws.
Our veterinarian Dr. Irish likes this product from Zesty Paws. As a company, they have a great track record, positive reviews, and a fantastic list of ingredients. That said, she did note the addition of palm fruit oil, which can act as a laxative.
Natural Dog Company Skin & Coat Chews help relieve your pup’s itchy, dry coat with nourishing key ingredients like wild salmon oil and coconut oil. The natural salmon flavor is very palatable to dogs and these soft chews are easy for canines of any age to devour.
Pet Natural Chews are full of the good stuff, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and salmon oil. They’re also beneficial to allergy sufferers. These tasty chews were formulated by veterinarians and can be given to dogs of all sizes.
Dr. Irish liked that this supplement includes biotin, which has been shown to help with dry, brittle fur and flaking coats, as well as vitamin E (which is a good vitamin in general). It also contains calcium sulfate, which can help with blood clotting and boosting your pup’s immune system. Although, she does advise using caution and consulting with your vet due to palm oil’s laxative effect.
These skin and coat supplements by Chew & Heal are cost-efficient and safe for dogs and cats, making them a good option for multi-pet households. Pet parents rave about how these chews improve their dog’s skin and coat by restoring shine and reducing shedding. Plus, pets love the taste!
According to Dr. Irish, these ingredients are found in many other products on the market, so they are probably safe. She points out that the website doesn’t answer questions like who formulated the supplement or if they were qualified veterinary nutritionists. So, she can’t speak to the quality or effectiveness of this supplement.
This veterinarian-developed powder features a blend of balanced ingredients tailored to relieve your doggie’s dry, itchy skin. In addition to ALA and omega-6, this formula also includes probiotics. The Missing Link Original Skin & Coat Powder contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Dr. Irish believes that this powder has a very flavorful blend of well-studied ingredients. She likes that it was formulated by a veterinarian and has favorable customer reviews. The one downside? It’s better to go with EPA and DHA for omega-3 supplementation, but this product only contains ALA and omega-6.
On paper, here’s a glance at how the products stack up against each other when it comes to flavor, amount, and price per ounce or chew.
*price at the time of our review
Before giving supplements to your dog, talk to your vet about their dietary needs and consider these tips.
Most of the time, your dog probably doesn’t need a skin supplement. As long as your healthy pup is eating a well-balanced diet of high-quality commercial dog food, they’re probably getting all the nutrients they need.
But, if your dog has vitamin deficiencies or health conditions, skin supplements can give them an extra boost to heal their dry skin and dull coat. If your dog’s coat looks dull, consult your veterinarian to determine if one of the above supplements could help.
For dogs with persistent skin issues, it’s best to give them supplements daily. These supplements are also most effective for pets with mild skin and coat issues, like occasional irritation or a dull coat during certain times of the year. If your dog has chronic skin issues like a rash or wound that isn’t getting better, talk with your veterinarian. They’ll help conduct the necessary tests to rule out environmental allergies, food allergies, bacterial infections, and more.
Supplements are one way to improve your dog’s skin and coat. But dogs need to regularly eat nutritious meals to stay in tip-top shape.
No organization oversees the pet supplement market, so pet parents need to be diligent. Only buy from reputable companies and stay far away from any that claim to “cure” your dog’s ailments. You can also check for the NASC Quality Seal, (Trusted Source) which means they’ve undergone an independent quality assessment.
There are different types of skin and coat supplements out there to suit your dog’s preferences. Some are easy to mix into food, while others are better given as a single treat.
Some of the most common ingredients found in skin and coat supplements for pups are listed below. Read on for additional information about the benefits of each for your dog:
Fish oil is a popular ingredient in most skin supplements because it’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s naturally aid and support the skin and are essential to a dog’s health. Canine studies have found that they support cardiovascular and dermatological functions and even decrease pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.
Like fish oil, krill oil contains fatty acids and is another option to try.
Antioxidants are natural molecules that dogs need to fight off toxins and are found in most skin and coat supplements. They offer many benefits to our canine friends, including healthy skin and a shiny coat. Many dog-friendly foods, like blueberries, blackberries, carrots, and sweet potatoes, contain antioxidants.
Sometimes it’s necessary for pet parents to supplement their doggo’s diet to ensure optimal health. Dogs can’t synthesize vitamin B, (Trusted Source) which supports the development of cells and helps dogs absorb protein and fat. Vitamin B benefits the heart and immune system, and also helps with skin health, relieving itchiness for dogs that suffer from allergies or dry skin.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that’s found in most skin and coat supplements. It relieves itchiness and helps your pup look like they’ve just spent a day at the salon. Salmon is rich in vitamin E, and, as you may have noticed, salmon and salmon oil are the top ingredients in many of our chosen skin and coat supplements.
Yummy sunflower seeds and sweet potatoes are good sources of biotin, a very important B vitamin. Skin and coat supplements often include biotin because it produces amazing results for dogs that suffer from allergies. It helps dogs synthesize fatty acids and works to relieve many skin conditions, (Trusted Source) including a dull coat, brittle hair, loss of hair, scaly skin, itchiness, and dermatitis.
There are many beneficial ingredients that promote healthy skin and are great for dogs, but some should be avoided. Just because they’re in a product made for dogs, doesn’t guarantee they’re safe.
Choosing the right supplement for your pup is no easy task. Below are some vet-approved tips and tricks to help:
A healthy dog’s coat should sport a glossy sheen without looking greasy. Oily skin or dandruff signifies underlying skin conditions. Here are some issues that may cause symptoms like hair loss, hot spots, excessive chewing, and bald spots.
Incorporating a skin and coat supplement into your pup’s diet is one way to help improve the luster of their coat, but it’s not the only thing you can do to help. Here are some additional tactics to try:
Since each pooch has individual needs, what works for one may not work for another. A great way to determine which supplement is best for your dog is to identify their specific issues and then choose a supplement that targets that problem.
From brushing and bathing to flea and tick prevention, there are many ways to improve your dog’s skin and coat. Proper nutrition is also very important for the overall health of your fur baby. Sometimes dogs need extra help to combat allergies and dry skin, and that’s where supplements can really help.
Glucosamine (Trusted Source) , fish oil, antioxidants, and probiotics are among the most popular supplements for our canine companions. Always ask your vet before giving your dog supplements; they may already receive an ample amount of essential nutrients through their food.
Salmon oil is an incredible supplement for your pupper. It’s rich in healthful omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help relieve allergies and itching while promoting a soft, shiny coat. It’s no wonder so many of the supplements on our list contain this amazing ingredient!
Biotin is not only safe for dogs but also very good for them! It’s a water-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in water and is absorbed by the body, while the excess is harmlessly eliminated. It’s important to note that daily supplements are necessary. Biotin offers many benefits for our furry friends, including healthy skin and hair, as well as liver, brain, and nervous system health.
