The best dog skin and coat supplements

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!

• Ingredients. Native Pet Omega Oil contains safe and beneficial ingredients, including wild-caught pollock oil, wheat germ oil, wild-caught salmon oil, and biotin, and natural preservatives called mixed tocopherols.
• Consistency. Oil blends well with wet or dry food.
• Palatability. Reviewers consistently state that their dogs love the taste of this omega oil, making it a breeze to administer.
• Smell. Some reviewers noted a fishy smell, but that it wasn’t overpowering. For others that did find the smell distracting, the benefits far outweighed the scent.
• Packaging. Some reviewers have a hard time getting the pump to effectively work, while others note damaged shipments or delays. But, overall, most seemed happy with how quickly the issue was resolved by the supplier (Chewy).
• Safety. Native Pet Omega Oil doesn’t come with any serious side effect warnings, but please note that it’s for animal use only.

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.

• Ingredients. Zesty Paws Omega Bites contain fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and biotin—a great combination of ingredients.
• Consistency. These chews are consistent in size and shape.
• Palatability. This supplement is highly palatable. Reviewers note that their dogs recognize the sound of container opening and run towards them.
• Smell. These chews are available in natural chicken or bacon flavors.
• Packaging. This product comes in a sealed plastic container with a screw-on lid.
• Safety. Though Zesty Paws Omega Bites do contain palm oil, which can act as a laxative in large amounts, they’re safe for pups in the recommended dosage.

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.

• Ingredients. These chews are made with a quality blend of DHA and EPA essential fatty acids, wild Alaskan salmon oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, vitamin C, and biotin.
• Consistency. Soft and chewy, these supplements are easy to nibble on and digest.
• Palatability. Dogs love the salmon and pea flavor.
• Smell. The wild salmon oil gives these chews their rich fish taste and smell that sends our canine friend’s noses roving.
• Packaging. These supplements come in a round plastic jar with a screw-on lid.

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.

• Ingredients. These chews contain healthy amounts of salmon oil, safflower oil, calcium sulfate, canola oil, and oat flour.
• Consistency. Pet Natural Chews look like miniature tootsie rolls; they’re small and rectangular and easy to chomp.
• Palatability. Some reviewers note that their dogs aren’t super fans of these chews. However, there are still some favorable mentions.
• Smell. This supplement has a salmon smell that dogs seemed interested in.
• Packaging. These chews come in a resealable plastic bag.
• Safety. While these chews are safe for your dog, it’s worth noting that maltodextrin should only be used in moderation for dogs.

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!

• Ingredients. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and EPA and DHA oils act as nourishing agents for your pet’s skin and coat.
• Consistency. These rounded soft chews are uniform throughout the jar.
• Palatability. Chew & Heal offers these chews in two flavors: bacon and peanut butter.
• Smell. Reviewers note that these chews don’t have a strong odor, which is good for pet parents.
• Packaging. Available in different sizes, these chews always arrive in a plastic jar with a screw-top lid for secure storage.
• Safety. These chews are safe for cats and dogs at the recommended dosage.

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.

• Ingredients. Some of the top ingredients include ground flaxseed, cane molasses, rice bran, dried yeast, sunflower seeds, and freeze-dried beef liver.
• Consistency. This granular powder is consistent throughout.
• Palatability. Dogs seem to enjoy the taste of the powder.
• Smell. The Missing Link Original Skin & Coat Powder has a mild smell.
• Packaging. This product arrives in a resealable plastic bag.
• Safety. This veterinarian-formulated powder is safe for dogs at the recommended dosage. The feeding instructions advise storing in the refrigerator and using within 90 days after opening.

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.

Does your dog need a coat and skin supplement?

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.

How to use supplements for coat health and what to expect

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.

A well-rounded diet is still key

Supplements are one way to improve your dog’s skin and coat. Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources But dogs need to regularly eat nutritious meals to stay in tip-top shape.

Dog coat supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA

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 This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources 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.

• Chews. Supplement chews are just another soft dog treat, just with extra vitamins and minerals.
• Tablets. This option can be snuck into soft treats so your dog doesn’t suspect a thing.
• Powders. Powders are easy to mix into kibble, food, and water.
• Liquids. Liquid supplements can be dribbled onto kibble, or you can use a dropper to place a few drops in your dog’s mouth.

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

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

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.

B vitamins like B6 and B12

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 This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources 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

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.

Biotin

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 This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources 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.

• Coconut oil. While often used in supplements, coconut oil may increase your dog’s risk of developing pancreatitis, making this an ingredient to avoid when picking a supplement for your pup.
• Xylitol. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs. Surprisingly, xylitol sometimes sneaks past us in foods like peanut butter because the label says “naturally sweetened.” Even very small amounts can be extremely harmful to pups.

Choosing the right supplement for your pup is no easy task. Below are some vet-approved tips and tricks to help:

• Always consult your vet. This should always be your first step before you introduce something new into your dog’s diet.
• Less is more. The simpler the supplement, the better. Limited ingredients help to ensure your pet is getting all of the nutrients they need, and none of the filler and byproducts they don’t.
• Look for NASC approval. The NASC Quality Seal Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources identifies products from pet companies that are dedicated to quality, vigilance, and continuous improvement.
• Over-supplementing is possible. Dr. Irish notes that over-supplementing can be a problem, especially if your dog is already getting enough nutrients in their daily diet.
• Check labels closely. Don’t forget to always check the ingredient list before starting your pooch on a supplement, especially if your dog has food allergies. Any food allergy can throw off a dog’s skin health.

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.

• Dandruff. Most of the time, dandruff is caused by seasonal changes, but it can also be a sign of underlying health conditions like parasites and allergies.
• Seasonal allergies. Your pooch can have allergies in response to seasonal changes, like fresh grass and tree pollen. Seasonal allergies are another type of environmental allergy.
• Food allergies. Dogs are sometimes allergic to proteins like beef and chicken. Food allergies lead to symptoms like itchy skin and paws, rashes, and red eyes.
• Fungal and bacterial infections. Infections like ringworm cause all kinds of skin problems in dogs and need to be treated by a veterinarian.
• Flea allergies. Flea saliva causes intense itchiness in dogs, and some dogs will experience a severe allergic reaction. A dog can show an allergic reaction after just one flea bite.
• Lack of mental stimulation or stress. Sometimes dogs will excessively lick or chew themselves because they’re stressed or bored.

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:

• Bathe and groom your dog regularly. How often you groom and bathe your dog will depend on their breed and overall health, but regular grooming sessions allow you to keep them looking and feeling fresh.
• Speak to your vet about problems you see. Address skin issues with your vet as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will figure out what’s causing your dog’s skin problem and create a plan to treat it.
• Ensure you’re feeding your dog a high-quality diet. If your dog is deficient in important vitamins and minerals, their skin and coat will show it.