Does your dog have a dry, lackluster coat? Does their coat seem flakey and brittle to the touch? If this sounds like your dog, a skin and coat supplement for dogs may help.
This post will look at what skin and coat supplements are, what they are composed of, and how they can benefit your dog.
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Related: Best Immune Supplements For Dogs, Dog Eye Supplements, The Best Liquid Joint Supplements For Your Dog, Liquid Multivitamins For Dogs, The Surprising Benefits Of Multivitamins For Senior Dogs, Using A Dog Fiber Supplement For Improved Digestion
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is A Skin And Coat Supplement?
A skin and coat supplement is a supplement given to your dog each day. It is composed of ingredients that have been shown to moisturize your dog’s skin and soften their coat. It may also increase the shininess of their hair and decrease dry, flaky skin.
Types Of Skin And Coat Supplements
Skin and coat supplements come in various forms, including soft chews, liquids, powders, and capsules. Let’s explore each type.
Soft Chews
Soft chews are more like treats you give to your dog. The dosage usually depends on your dog’s weight, averaging a few treats per day.
Pros:
- Easy to give your dog.
- Dogs may think it is a treat.
Cons:
- If you have a large dog, you may go through the package quickly.
- Dogs may not like the taste.
- If any of the supplements are broken, it may be difficult to give your dog the correct amount.
Liquid
A liquid skin and coat supplement is poured over your dog’s food. The dosage for this type of supplement also depends on your dog’s weight.
Pros:
- Easy to give to your dog.
Cons:
- Can be messy.
- Dogs may not like the taste.
- Bottle can leak.
Capsule
Skin and coat supplements can also come in a capsule. Capsules can be given to your dog in two ways: either while (put it in their food or cover in peanut butter or another treat they like) or you can pierce the capsules and put the inside liquid out over your dog’s food.
Pros:
- Easy to administer if your dog is good at taking pills.
- Easy to swallow.
Cons:
- Dogs may need to take many supplements based on their weight.
- May be difficult to pierce if you need to open it to give to your dog.
Powder
A powder is another way to administer a skin and coat supplement to your dog. Powders usually don’t contain fish oil and instead get their Omega-3s from ground flaxseeds or algae. Mix into your dog’s food.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Good for dogs that can’t take fish oil.
- Easy to store.
Cons:
- Dogs may not like the taste.
Are Skin And Coat Supplements Good For Dogs?
Skin and coat supplements are good for dogs if they are used as directed. Start off slowly by cutting the recommended dosage in half and gradually work your way up to the recommended dose to be sure your dog tolerated it well.
Used as directed, you can see an improvement in the look and feel of your dog’s coat and skin in a few weeks time.
What Can I Add To My Dog’s Food For Skin and Coat?
Skin and coat supplements can be added to your dog’s food to give them the benefits of the supplements. All forms of the supplement can be put into your dog’s food: soft chews can be broken up, liquid poured over, capsules put in or punctured and poured over their food, and powders can be mixed into your dog’s food.
What Are Common Ingredients Found In Skin And Coat Supplements?
Common ingredients found in skin and coat supplements include:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids. These are polyunsaturated fats commonly found in fish oil.
- Biotin. To maintain a healthy coat and skin.
- Vitamin C. To help reduce inflammation and boost immune system.
- Vitamin E. Helps boost the immune system and keep skin healthy.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in the formation of cell membranes. Dogs cannot produce Omega-3s on their own and need to get them from their diet.
There are two main types of Omega-3 fatty acids:
- DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid.
- EPA or Eicosapentaenoic acid.
These components have been shown to help brain and vision development in puppies and provide cognitive support in older dogs.
Omega-3 fatty acids are mostly found in fish oil and are a major component of skin and coat supplements for dogs.
What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil comes from cold water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and anchovies.
There are three types of fish oil:
- Natural triglyceride oil. Most natural and easily absorbed, however, not purified so it may contain toxins.
- Ethyl ester oil is distilled and purified. It contains high amounts of DHA and EPA.
- Synthetic triglyceride oil is the least likely to be absorbed because it is man made.
What Are The Benefits Of Fish Oil For Dogs?
Benefits of fish oil include:
- Supports heart health.
- Reduces dry, flaky skin.
- Promotes a healthy coat.
- Helps decrease joint pain.
- Provides immune support.
- Lowers triglycerides in the blood.
- Supports brain health.
What Conditions Does Fish Oil Help With?
Fish oil helps:
- Arthritis.
- Skin allergies.
- Heart issues.
- Kidney disease.
- Diabetes.
Is Fish Oil Good For Dogs?
Fish oil is good for dogs when given correctly. Too much fish oil can be detrimental to your dog’s health.
What Are The Negative Effects Of Fish Oil For Dogs?
Not all dogs can tolerate fish oil. It is important to start out with a low dose to see how your dog reacts to it and gradually increase the dosage.
Negative effects of fish oil include:
- Upset stomach.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Fishy breath.
- Oily skin.
Caution should also be taken if your dog has a blood clotting disorder or is on blood thinners because fish oil may affect your dog’s blood clotting ability.
Can Too Much Omega-3 Hurt A Dog?
If your dog is on a grain free diet and they take fish oil high Omega-3 fatty acids, it is possible it may decrease the amount of vitamin E in their system. Therefore, your dog may have to take a vitamin E supplement along with their fish oil.
What Are Omega-6 Fatty Acids?
Omega-6 fatty acid is also known as linoleic acid.
Omega-6 fatty acids can help with:
- Reproductive health.
- Skin health.
- Cell support.
Too much omega-6 in the body can lead to inflammation. Therefore, you will need to balance out the amount of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 in your dog’s diet.
This is another reason why it is important to discuss giving your dog a skin and coat supplement with your veterinarian to be sure they are given the right balance of what they need.
How Long Before I Start To See Results In My Dog’s Skin And Coat?
Depending on the dosage you are giving your dog, you may start to see results in as little as three weeks, but it could take up to six weeks before any benefits are seen.
What Is NASC Certified?
A product that is NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) certified means that it has been checked by a third party to ensure the product is of a consistent and high quality.
Only companies that meet the strict standards of council are able to put the label on their products.
Best Skin And Coat Supplements For Dogs
Here are some of the top selections of skin and coat supplements available. Product information is according to the manufacturer. We have included choices in each of the different forms available so you can choose the right type for you and your dog.
Again, always speak to your veterinarian before starting your dog on any type of supplement.
Best Soft Chew
Zesty Paws Omega Bites Skin And Coat
This supplement contains a combination of fish oil and vitamins to combat dry skin and promote a soft coat.
- Available in chicken or beef flavor.
- Comes in multiple sizes.
- Features AlaskOmega, from Alaskan Pollock with EPA and DHA.
- Contains fish oil , biotin, vitamins C and E to help with dry skin.
- Supports strong, shiny, soft fur.
- Grain free.
- Corn free.
- No artificial flavors.
- Preservative free.
- No synthetic colors.
- NASC certified.
- Made in the USA from US and globally sourced ingredients.
Pet Honesty Skin Health
These supplements contain different types of fatty acids and are also wheat, corn, and soy free.
- Salmon flavor.
- Contains Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 with DHA and EPA.
- Also contains vitamins C and E.
- Promotes a shiny coat.
- Helps reduce excessive shedding.
- Has Alaskan salmon oil.
- GMO free.
- Wheat, corn, and soy free.
- NASC certified.
- Made in the USA with US and globally sourced ingredients.
Best Liquid
Fera Pet Organics Fish Oil + Vitamin E Dog Supplement
This supplement has fish oil sourced from Iceland, has non-GMO vitamin E, and is NASC certified. This product also does not come with a pump and needs to be poured into a spoon.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Sourced from the waters of Iceland.
- Made from sardines, anchovies, herring, and mackerel.
- Contains EPA and DHA.
- Has non-GMO vitamin E.
- Gluten free.
- NASC certified.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Natural Dog Company Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Skin And Coat Supplement For Dogs
This supplement contains salmon oil and two types of fatty acids.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Salmon flavor.
- Contains 100% wild Alaskan salmon oil.
- Has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
- No additives or preservatives.
- Non-GMO.
- Contains EPA and DHA.
- Made in the USA.
Best Powder
The Missing Link Skin & Coat Powder Dog Supplement
This supplement has two types of fatty acids sourced from flaxseeds, is non-GMO, and is NASC certified.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids sourced from ground flaxseeds.
- Has added dietary fiber, vitamin E, and biotin.
- NASC certified.
- Non-GMO.
- Contains probiotics.
- Made in the USA with US and globally sourced ingredients.
Solid Gold SeaMeal Skin & Coat, Digestive And Immune Health Supplement
This supplement has fatty acids from flaxseeds and also contains seaweed to help support the skin and coat.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Supports skin and coat health with USA sourced seaweed.
- Contains natural digestive enzymes plus pineapple, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium.
- Has Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds.
- No artificial colors, flairs, or preservatives.
- Gluten free.
- Grain free.
- Made in the USA with US and Canadian ingredients.
Best Capsule/Soft Gel
Vetoquinol Triglyceride Omega 3 Supplement For Large Dogs
This supplement contains Omega-3 fatty acids and can be given whole or punctured.
- Available for all sized dogs.
- Comes in various sizes.
- Capsules can be given whole or punctured and put over food.
- Contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Has EPA and DHA.
- Made in Canada.
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Soft Gels
This supplement is made in Norway and has Omega-3 fatty acids sourced from anchovies and sardines.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Sourced from wild anchovies and sardines.
- Has EPA and DHA.
- Can give whole or puncture and pour over food.
- Made in Norway.
If your dog suffers from a dry, itchy, lackluster coat, a skin and coat supplement can help restore their dry coat to the shiny, soft, flake free it is meant to be- with a few added health benefits along with it.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.