Best Dog Food for Healthy Coat: Shine From Within

Your dog’s coat is a reflection of his inner health. When it is dull, dry, and patchy it is a sign that something isn’t right. A shiny coat is a sign that your dog is getting the essential nutrients he needs and that he is living a healthy and happy life.

A balanced diet is the key to keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy, but what nutrients benefit your pet's skin most? And how do you choose the best dog food for healthy coat when there are so many different options out there?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at common health issues that could be affecting your dog’s skin and coat.

We’ll also talk about the nutrients your dog needs for skin and coat health and provide some recommendations for the best dog foods for healthy skin & coat

Best Dog Food for Healthy Coat & Skin

The best dog food for healthy coat will not only meet your dog’s general nutritional needs, but it will also contain supplemental ingredients for skin and coat support.

Look for a recipe that lists a high-quality source of animal protein as the first ingredient with plenty of healthy fats and low-to-moderate amounts of digestible carbohydrates.

And don’t forget about vitamins and chelated minerals as well as other supplements like probiotics for healthy digestion.

 

1. Nom Nom Pet Food

The quality of your dog’s diet matters greatly, whether you’re concerned about his general health or, more specifically, his skin and coat health.

High-quality natural ingredients are the best recipe for a healthy diet and Nom Nom has them in spades. This company uses high quality & organic ingredients to prepare wholesome food for your dog that is catered to his nutritional and calorie needs.

Choose from four premium recipes featuring animal proteins like beef, chicken, turkey, and pork then have the food sent to your door in customizable deliveries.

Every recipe is made without artificial flavors and fillers with whole foods gently cooked to preserve the nutrients.

Nom Nom has recently come out with the Variety Pack, which I think is a marvelous idea. With this food pack, you can get 200g of each of Nom Nom's four pet cuisines so you can try each out and see which flavor your dog might take to the best. (It’s also always a good idea to trial food first to see how your pup does on it.)

What’s good about Nom Nom recipes is that each one is cooked gently to make it easier to digest. Because of its high digestibility, your dog will absorb more of the nutrition, which also translates to smaller poops and better energy.

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2. Addiction LID Skin & Coat Health Wild Kangaroo & Apples

With so many pet food choices to consider, it can be hard to pick just one. Though many dog foods might be a good choice for your pup, Addiction is a popular brand you can trust when you’re not sure where else to go.

This particular recipe features kangaroo as the main ingredient with supplemental protein from kangaroo meal and pea protein.

It is a grain-free recipe made with green peas, tapioca and yellow peas as digestible forms of grain-free carbohydrate with flaxseed and apples to support healthy and regular digestion.

This recipe also contains dried fermentation products for probiotic support. The primary benefit of this recipe is for your dog’s coat & skin health as it comes from the naturally high levels of omega-3 fatty acids from the novel ingredient which is balanced with the omega-6 content of the coconut oil.

Overall, this formula provides 22% protein and 11% fat with 6% fiber. It is nutritionally balanced and full of natural flavor as well.

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3. Maev Beef Formula Supplemented for Skin & Coat 

Maev Raw Food is expertly crafted by PhD veterinarians to provide optimal nutrition and support your dog’s overall health and well-being.

This protein-rich formula features 11 core ingredients, including human-grade beef, whole fruits, and vegetables, ensuring a balanced and nutrient-dense diet.

To enhance palatability and nutrition, it even includes lip-smacking peanut butter, making mealtime both delicious and beneficial.

Beyond its wholesome ingredients, this recipe is supplemented with functional nutrients, including fish oil, a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy skin, a shiny coat and joint support.

Every bite is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, carefully designed to fuel your pup’s energy levels, digestion, and immune function.

It is free from artificial additives, fillers, synthetics, by-products, or meals, ensuring a clean and natural diet for your furry friend. Unlike traditional raw diets that require extensive preparation, this ready-to-eat formula offers the convenience of kibble—no mess, prep, or thawing needed.

Simply scoop and serve for a hassle-free, nutritious meal that supports your dog’s health from the inside out.

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4. Blue Buffalo Basics LID Salmon & Potato Formula

If your dog suffers from recurring skin problems, it could be the result of a food allergy. Dog food allergies are less common than dog food manufacturers would have you believe, but they do happen and one of the best treatments is switching to a limited ingredient diet made with a novel source of protein and carbohydrate.

This LID formula is a great option because it features a short list of main ingredients to minimize the risk for reactivity, with fresh salmon as a novel source of protein.

It also contains digestible whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice with supplemental fiber from peas and potatoes. This recipe contains natural sources for both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support your dog’s skin and coat, plus it is supplemented with essential vitamins and chelated minerals.

Overall, it provides 20% protein and 12% fat with 6% fiber.

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5. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula

Featuring fresh avocado and avocado oil as key ingredients, this recipe is formulated for skin and coat support.

This recipe is made with chicken meal as the main ingredient and a concentrated source of premium animal protein. It is followed by whole brown rice, white rice, and oatmeal as highly digestible sources of whole-grain carbohydrates.

You’ll also find that this recipe contains several skin- and coat-supporting nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin E, and several trace minerals in their chelated form to maximize absorption.

Overall, this recipe is a great source of premium animal protein, omega fatty acids, and digestible carbohydrates. It contains 23% crude protein, 13% fat, and 4% fiber at 360 calories per cup.

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6. Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Salmon Recipe

Designed to bring out the best in your dog’s skin and coat, this Go! recipe is a great choice. It features premium-quality salmon as a single source of animal protein and a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids.

This recipe also contains canola oil to provide a rich balance of omega-6 fatty acids as well as supplemental sources of fat and fiber in the form of flaxseed.

You’ll find that this recipe is highly digestible with several sources of whole-grain carbohydrates as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources of key nutrients.

With plenty of supplemental fiber and the addition of probiotics, this recipe is highly digestible and full of natural flavor. It’s a little higher in calories than some dog foods, so pay attention to the feeding instructions but know that it contains 22% protein, 12% fat, and 4% fiber.

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7. Blackwood Salmon Meal & Brown Rice Sensitive Skin + Stomach Formula

Formulated for all life stages, this recipe is a great option for skin and coat support.

It features salmon meal as a concentrated source of premium animal protein and a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains digestible brown rice as the primary carbohydrate and a source of essential nutrients and dietary fiber.

This recipe delivers wholesome nutrition and is slow-cooked in small batches to ensure the highest quality possible. Plus, it contains probiotics and chelated minerals to ensure healthy digestion and optimal nutrient absorption.

It is free from artificial additives and low-quality fillers but full of natural flavor your dog will love. This recipe contains 24.5% protein, 14% fat, and 3.5% fiber at 432 calories per cup.

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8. Solid Gold Skin & Coat Support Chicken & Salmon

This thoughtfully crafted recipe delivers the irresistible flavor your dog craves while providing essential support for skin, coat and overall well-being.

Made with real chicken and salmon in a savory broth, each bite is packed with high-quality protein and nutrient-dense ingredients like carrots and pumpkin, along with essential vitamins and minerals to promote optimal health.

To further enhance your pup’s well-being, this recipe includes fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, which nourish the skin, promote a healthy coat, and support brain and joint function.

Real salmon serves as a natural source of these beneficial fatty acids, ensuring your dog gets the best possible nutrition from every meal.

Additionally, this formula is enriched with Nutrientboost, a powerful natural protein source designed to support gut health, immune system function, and nutrient absorption.

Whether served as a complete meal or a nutritious food topper, this flavorful dish offers both taste and functional benefits, making mealtime a delicious and nourishing experience for your pup.

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9. Weruva Meals ‘n More Paw Lickin’ Chicken

Here we have a premium, protein-packed meal designed to nourish your dog inside and out.

Crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients, this delicious wet food supports skin and coat health with a carefully selected blend of nutrients.

The main ingredient, chicken, is a lean, highly digestible protein that helps maintain strong muscles while being gentle on the stomach. It’s slow-cooked in chicken broth, which enhances flavor and provides essential hydration, ensuring your pup stays well-nourished and satisfied.

Adding a nutritional boost, quinoa serves as a gluten-free superfood, rich in fiber, vitamins and amino acids that promote overall well-being.

Chicken fat is an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat. Flaxseed contributes essential omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, reducing inflammation and supporting a shiny, well-moisturized coat.

Additionally, coconut oil provides medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which help improve skin elasticity and hydration while offering antimicrobial benefits.

Lastly, fish oil is a powerhouse of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, known for reducing dryness, itchiness, and irritation while enhancing overall skin and coat health.

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10. Halo Elevate Grain-Free Salmon Recipe

This premium adult dog food is crafted with real salmon, delivering an irresistible meaty flavor your pup will love. Formulated to support your furry friend’s five key health needs, each bite is packed with essential nutrients to promote overall well-being.

With 90% of its protein sourced from animals, this high-protein recipe helps maintain strong muscles and supports an active lifestyle.

It features live probiotics to aid digestion, taurine and vitamin E for heart health and immune function, and a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish the skin and coat.

For added mobility support, glucosamine and chondroitin work together to promote healthy hips and joints, helping your pup stay active for years to come.

Cooked in the USA using high-quality ingredients, including non-GMO vegetables, this dry food provides complete and balanced nutrition with every meal.

Plus, its delicious flavor and furkid-approved aroma make mealtime a satisfying and nutritious experience your dog will eagerly anticipate!

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The Basics About Coat And Skin Health in Dogs

If you own a cat, you know how much time they spend grooming themselves every day. Your dog is different. Not only is he unlikely to care much about the condition of his coat, but it may seem like he actively seeks out opportunities to get himself dirty.

The good news is that a little dirt never hurt anyone, but there are other things that can negatively affect your dog’s skin and coat.

Your dog’s skin is a barrier that not only protects his organs, muscles, and bones, but it also prevents water loss and keeps potentially harmful substances out.

Environmental factors and harmful pathogens can cause changes to your dog’s skin and coat that could change the pH, cause moisture loss, or trigger other changes like irritation, inflammation, and hair loss.

Some dogs are more prone to certain skin issues than others, so it is a good idea to learn the basics, so you know what to look for.

Here are some of the most common skin and coat issues in dogs:

• Dry, itchy skin – Officially known as pruritus, dry itchy skin is a common skin problem in dogs. In fact, itchy skin is a symptom in 40% of cases for dogs to visit the vet for skin issues. The itching itself is a nuisance, but it can increase the risk for secondary skin infections and hair loss.
• Skin allergies – Dogs can develop allergies to fleas, food, or environmental triggers. Many dog owners fail to realize that recurrent skin and ear infections are often a sign of food allergies.
• Hot spots – External parasites are a common cause of itchy skin and they may cause the dog to scratch so much that he damages the skin, causing open sores to develop that are at risk for developing a secondary infection.
• Hair loss – Everything from parasites to adrenal problems can lead to hair loss in dogs, so don’t take this symptom lightly. Talk to your vet at the first sign of trouble.
• Dull, dry coat – A diet lacking in omega fatty acids is the most common reason for dull, dry coat in dogs, but it can also be related to dehydration and underlying health problems.

If you suspect that your dog has developed a skin infection or some kind of internal health problem, your first step is to contact your veterinarian.

Tell your vet about all of the symptoms you’ve noticed and be as specific as possible when it comes to their duration. Once your vet makes a diagnosis, you can start treating your dog for the underlying problem which will improve his skin and coat as he heals.

What Nutrients Does Your Dog Need for A Healthy Fur?

Though skin infections and other health problems can impact the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, sometimes these issues are linked to an unhealthy diet.

Your dog requires a balance of certain nutrients in his diet for overall health, but there are specific nutrients he needs for healthy skin and coat.

All dogs require a diet rich in animal protein to help them build and maintain lean muscle mass. As a puppy, your dog needs a minimum of 22% protein in his diet to fuel his growth and development but, as an adult, that minimum number drops slightly to 18%.

Animal-based proteins like meat, poultry, and fish are best because they are complete proteins (they contain all of the essential amino acids your dog’s body can’t synthesize on its own) and they are more biologically valuable than plant proteins.

After protein, fat is the next most important nutrient for your dog. Fat provides a concentrated source of energy as well as essential fatty acids to support your dog’s skin and coat.

Your dog needs a mixture of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat and they can come from both animal and plant sources.

One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids is fatty fish and you can find omega-6 fatty acids in sunflower oil and safflower oils, among others.

In addition to meeting your dog’s basic needs for protein and healthy fats, his diet should also provide ample fiber for healthy digestion and specific levels of key vitamins and minerals. Most dog foods are supplemented with vitamins and minerals – just look for the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy that shows the food meets the minimum nutrition requirements for dogs.

To make sure that your dog gets the nutrients he needs, you should purchase the highest quality dog food you can consistently afford. Read on to learn the specifics of what you should look for in a diet to support your dog’s coat and skin health.

What to Look for in a Healthy Skin & Coat Food?

Keeping in mind the basic nutritional requirements listed in the previous section, you can now better understand what to look for in a dog food for shiny coat and healthy skin.

Be sure to adhere to any unique nutritional requirements your dog has and always talk to your veterinarian before you make significant changes to your dog’s diet. With your vet’s approval, you can start shopping for a new dog food to support your dog’s coat & skin health.

Here are some things to look for in the best dog food for shiny coat: 

• High-quality animal protein. Meat, poultry, and seafood are the best sources of protein for dogs. Make sure the dog food you choose contains at least 18% but ideally upwards of 25%.
• Rich in omega fatty acids. Healthy fats provide your dog with a source of energy as well as support for healthy skin and coat. Look for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in balance.
• Nutritionally balanced. On top of protein and healthy fats, your dog needs certain vitamins and minerals in his diet for overall health. Trace minerals like copper and zinc are particularly important for skin and coat, so look for chelated minerals as a biologically valuable source.
• Easy to digest. If your dog’s food is difficult to digest, his ability to absorb nutrition will be limited. A dog food made with wholesome, natural ingredients is the most digestible for dogs. Pay particular attention to the carbohydrates and keep in mind that whole grains are a healthy, digestible carbohydrate for most dogs –only dogs allergic to them need to avoid grains.
• No artificial additives or by-products. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives have no place in a high-quality dog food – neither do by-products. Make sure that your dog’s food is made primarily of real, whole-food ingredients from named sources (chicken meal versus meat meal).
  Now that you know what to look for in the best dog food for skin problems, you’re ready to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top picks for the best dog foods that are good for dog’s skin.

Now that you know what to look for in a healthy dog food for skin and coat, you’re ready to start shopping! If you’re still not sure what you’re looking for, check out our recommendations for the best dog foods that are good for dog’s skin in the next section.

Your dog’s skin and coat are a reflection of his inner health, so feeding him a high-quality, balanced diet is the best way to support this aspect of his health and wellness.

Take what you’ve learned here and put it to use in choosing a new dog food, or talk to your vet first to see if your dog might have an underlying condition.

If you’re still not sure where to look for the best dog food for shiny coat, simply try one of the recipes we’ve recommended in sections above!