What are the Best Dog Foods for Healthy Skin & Coat?
When it comes to a dog’s skin and coat, health is beauty.
Did you know that a healthy coat starts with a good diet? If your dog is experiencing issues with a dull coat or significant levels of shedding, it’s time to consider switching diets. In this article, we provide a list of the best dog foods for a healthy coat so you don’t have to wonder if you’re feeding quality food to your furry friend. We also considered qualities such as high protein content, essential nutrients, and quality ingredients that some lower-quality foods do not provide. Before switching foods, keep in mind the need to transition your dog gradually into their new diet. A slow transition will help to avoid stomach upset and gastrointestinal issues.
Nutritionist Top Picks
The Petabolix nutrition team and data platform analyzed the nutrition of thousands of pet foods available on the market to find diets with an ingredient portfolio that is especially supportive of healthy skin and coat. It’s also important that the diet is well-balanced. You don’t want to sacrifice other important nutritional needs for a pretty coat, so we verified to ensure all diets recommended here are truly great options for your dog. Keep in mind, some of these diets may have a variant that’s more appropriate for your dog’s breed size, so check the links to make sure the size match is appropriate as well.
Naturals Skin & Coat Formula
by Diamond
A lack of essential nutrients might be preventing your dog from having a healthy coat. Diamond Naturals is Omega-rich and full of vitamins and probiotics good for your dog’s fur.
Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
True Solutions Perfect Coat Skin & Coat Care
by Blue Buffalo
The nutrition team at Blue Buffalo made this diet with real salmon for those omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids we talked about, not to mention a very high quality protein.
True Solutions Perfect Coat Skin & Coat Care Formula Dry Dog Food
Salmon Recipe with Grains
by Go! Solutions
Notice a fishy theme with our favorite skin & coat foods? This line from Go! Solutions is made with premium-quality salmon with omega fatty acids, along with fruits and veggies for immune health.
Skin + Coat Care Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food
Pro Plan Sensitive Skin
by Purina
Purina Pro Plan is a vet favorite for many reasons, and they have a specialty diet for skin and coat health. This is designed for sensitive skin and stomachs, but it's great for overall proactive coat care.
Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach, High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
Six Fish Grain-Free
by Orijen
Orijen has a reputation for creating quality dog food that is high-protein and low-carb. This omega-forward diet with fish protein gets a high score from us for all-around health.
Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Unrefined Smoked Salmon
by Earthborn Holistic
This line from Earthborn Holistic include fruit and superfoods like flaxseed, quinoa, berries, apples and sunflower oil, which supplement skin and coat health even further.
Unrefined Smoked Salmon with Ancient Grains & Superfoods Dry Dog Food
Need More Help Choosing Dog Food?
Choosing the best dog food for a healthy coat means finding the right ingredients and nutrients. The above list provides you with some of the best options for giving your dog the shiny, healthy fur you want. Plus, they don’t skimp out on protein and essential nutrients like some lower-quality foods.
At the end of the day, every dog has unique nutrition needs. If you’re still looking for guidance on choosing the right food for your dog, check out some of our nutrition tools.