10 Best Dog Food for Healthy Coat: Top Brands in 2023 Revealed!

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

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DOG FOODS FOR HEALTHY COATS

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.

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1. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food

First 5 ingredients: Depends on the recipe you choose

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 fresh 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 fresh to your door in customizable deliveries.

Every recipe is made without artificial flavors and fillers with whole foods gently cooked to preserve the nutrients. The food is so fresh that it is safe for humans to eat, but you’ll have a hard time fighting your dog for it.

Nom Nom has recently come out with the Fresh 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.

For an in-depth understanding on how Nom Nom does their fresh dog food, take a look at this short clip from Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, a US board certified veterinary nutritionist.

2. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Formula

First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas

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, Taste of the Wild is a popular brand you can trust when you’re not sure where else to go.

This particular recipe features fresh salmon as the main ingredient with supplemental protein from ocean fish meal, salmon meal, and smoked salmon. It is a grain-free recipe made with sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas as digestible forms of grain-free carbohydrate with potato fiber 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 salmon ingredients which is balanced with the omega-6 content of the canola oil.

Overall, this formula provides 25% protein and 15% fat with 3% fiber. It is nutritionally balanced and full of natural flavor as well.

3. American Journey Active Life Formula Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran

If the food recipes reviewed above are out of your price range, you’ll be glad to know that American Journey (Chewy’s in-house brand) is designed for both quality and affordability. This American Journey Recipe is an excellent choice for healthy skin and coat because it is packed with premium animal protein from fresh salmon.

As a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps ensure the optimal balance of omega-3s and omega-6s for maximum skin and coat support. This recipe also contains digestible whole grains like brown rice and barley which provide a rich source of essential nutrients as well as dietary fiber for digestive support.

You’ll find several fresh fruits and vegetables in this recipe as well which act as natural sources for key nutrient as well as vitamin supplements and chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

Overall, this recipe provides 25% crude protein and 15% fat with 6% crude fiber at 365 calories per cup.

4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Potato Formula

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Salmon Meal 

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 Blue Buffalo Basics LID Salmon & Potato 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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More Top-Rated Dog Foods for Healthy Skin & Coat

If the recipes reviewed above don’t seem like the perfect fit for your dog, don’t worry! There are plenty of other options out there. Here are six more picks for the best dog food for skin problems:

5. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat 

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.

6. Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Salmon Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Potatoes, Whole Oats, De-Boned Salmon

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.

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

First 5 ingredients: Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Oat Groats, Ground Grain Sorghum

Formulated for all life stages, this Blackwood Salmon Meal & Brown Rice Sensitive Skin + Stomach Formula 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.

8. Instinct Raw Boost Skin + Coat Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca

If you like the idea of feeding your dog raw food but can’t afford it, this Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Skin + Coat Health Chicken Recipe is a step in the right direction.

High-protein kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw ingredients, this recipe is a top-tier dog food. This formula features cage-free chicken as the primary ingredient with menhaden fish meal as a natural source of skin and coat-supporting fats.

This recipe also contains chicken meal, eggs, and freeze-dried chicken as well as freeze-dried chicken liver. You’ll also find plenty of natural sources for key nutrients including chia seeds, flaxseed, cranberries, carrots, and apples as well as supplemental sources of omega fatty acids like salmon oil.

This recipe is rich in essential nutrients including skin- and coat-supporting vitamins A and E as well as chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

Overall, it is packed with protein, omega fatty acids, and healthy fiber to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

9. Authority Skin, Coat + Digestive Health Fish & Potato Formula

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Whitefish, Fish Meal, Dried Potatoes, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Dried Egg Product

For many dogs, digestive issues are tied to skin problems and this formula is designed to resolve both. It features fresh whitefish as the primary protein and a natural source of skin-supporting omega-3s.

It also contains canola oil for omega-6 fatty acids to balance them out. This recipe is highly digestible and grain-free, so it works well for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grains – it also contains a lower number of main ingredients than many dog foods.

It features dried potatoes and sweet potatoes as digestible grain-free carbohydrates and natural sources of dietary fiber, plus it is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

Overall, it contains 26% protein and 14% fat with 5% fiber and 400 calories per cup.

10. Nature's Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Brewers Rice, Soybean Meal, Barley, Canola Oil, Natural Flavor

If you’re looking for a pet food formulated for skin and coat support that won’t break the bank, try this Nature's Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe. This recipe is perfect for fur babies who have meat protein allergies.

Rice provides a lean source of digestible carbohydrate, supplemented by oatmeal and barley. This recipe contains a rich blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids without going overboard on calories and it is supplemented with other skin- and coat-supporting nutrients like vitamins A and E as well as minerals like zinc and copper.

Overall, this recipe contains 22% protein, 12% fat, and 4% fiber at 303 calories per cup.

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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 Dog Food for Healthy Skin & Coat

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!