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14 Best Skin & Coat Supplements For Dogs in 2024

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on January 31, 2024

Reviewed by: Dr. Theresa Fossum

Reviewed by:

Dr. Theresa Fossum

Meet Dr. Theresa (Terry) W. Fossum, DVM, MS. Ph.D., Diplomate ACVS – a remarkable animal lover whose passion for animal care and innovative solutions has left an indelible mark on the veterinary world. As the CEO of both Phoenix Animal Wellness and Epic Veterinary Specialists, she's ensuring dogs and cats receive the highest level of care and compassion.Read more
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The best skin and coat supplements for dogs can be beneficial for many reasons. They can protect your dog’s skin from the sun, soothe itchy and irritated skin, and keep your pup’s coat shiny and smooth. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside can benefit the most from these supplements because of their high exposure to the sun, pests, and seasonal allergens. Canines with skin problems often itch and scratch, leading to infections and further discomfort. So, skin & coat supplements help moisturize your dog’s skin and reduce scratching.

Two puppies peeking through fence

13 Best Skin & Coat Dog Supplements

  1. WagWell Allergy & Itch Chews
  2. iHeartDogs 100% Norwegian Salmon Oil
  3. iHeartDogs Happy, Healthy Omega 3-6-9 Skin & Coat Chews
  4. PetNC Natural Care Soft Chews for Dogs
  5. Vet’s Best Healthy Coat Shed & Itch Relief Dog Supplement
  6. Pet Parents USA Omega 3 for Dogs
  7. Lloyd & Lucy’s Skin and Coat Omega Supplement for Dogs
  8. VETRISCIENCE Derma Strength Allergy Dog
  9. Mushroom Matrix Canine Organic Supplement
  10. Makondo Skin and Coat Supplement with Fish Oil for Dog
  11. StrellaLab Allergy Relief with Omega-3 Dog Chews
  12. Ultra Oil Skin and Coat Supplement for Dogs
  13. PETIPET Omega 3 Salmon Chew Treats for Dogs
  14. Natural VetCare Dog’Skin Supplement

1. WagWell Allergy & Itch Chews

WagWell Allergy & Itch Chews

If your dog deals with itchy skin often, WagWell Allergy & Itch Chews can provide allergy relief year-round. These vet-formulated supplements use colostrum, spirulina, and plant-based omegas to support gut health and immunity while also enhancing your dog’s histamine response. The supplements are soft and chicken-flavored, so most dogs will happily eat them as if they’re a normal treat. These chews are perfect for keeping your pup comfortable and healthy all year long.

Key Features:

  • Uses 100% plant-based omegas to benefit your pup and the planet
  • Provides year-round allergy relief by enhancing your dog’s histamine response
  • Vet-formulated supplements in a chewable chicken-flavored form

In a Nutshell:

Instead of traditional fish oil, this supplement uses 100% plant-based omegas to ensure it’s healthy both your dog and the planet. They’re perfect for providing allergy support year-round.

Pros

  • Enhances your dog’s histamine response for allergy relief
  • Supports gut health and immunity
  • Vet-formulated
  • Soft chicken-flavored supplements

Cons

  • Some picky eaters might not like it

2. iHeartDogs 100% Norwegian Salmon Oil

iHeartDogs Salmon Oil Skin & Coat Supplement

This 100% Norwegian salmon oil product can tackle a lot of health concerns for your dog. On top of soothing itchy skin, this product can also make your dog’s coat shiny, raise their energy levels, improve their mobility, boost immunity, and benefit their heart health. The only ingredient in this product is salmon oil, which is a great source of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. It’s a liquid supplement, so you just need to squirt it on your dog’s food to serve. It doesn’t have a strong odor, so it can be beneficial for picky eaters. It’s made for both dogs and cats, and every bottle donates 12 meals to dogs in need.

Key Features:

  • Salmon oil is the only ingredient – a great source of omega fatty acids
  • Benefits a dog’s skin, coat, mobility, immune system, heart, and energy levels
  • Odorless liquid squirts onto your dog’s food

In A Nutshell:

This supplement only includes one ingredient, which is salmon oil. Salmon oil is a great source of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. The only downside is some picky eaters still won’t eat it off their food.

Pros

  • Provides health benefits from nose to tail
  • Odorless liquid
  • Single-ingredient formula
  • Packed with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids
  • Donates meals to shelter dogs

Cons

  • Some picky eaters will avoid it

 

3. iHeartDogs Happy, Healthy Omega 3-6-9 Skin & Coat Chews

iHeartDogs Omega 3-6-9 Skin & Coat Supplements

These large soft chews have a fishy smell that’s appealing to most dogs, so you can serve them as treats or crumble them on top of your dog’s food. They’re meant to fight itchiness and boost your dog’s skin and coat health. They contain omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids paired with krill meal, flaxseed meal, and biotin. The product caters to sensitive dogs by avoiding grain, gluten, and soy. While keeping your dog’s skin and coat soft and shiny, these chews can also improve their heart health and energy levels. This product is made in the USA, and every container purchased donates 14 healthy meals to dogs in need.

Key Features:

  • Packed with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids
  • Tackles constant itching, scratching, and biting
  • Comes in treat-like chews that most dogs love
  • Formulated by veterinarians

In A Nutshell:

These soft chews use omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids to keep your pup’s skin and coat as healthy as possible. However, not every dog will be interested in the fishy flavor.

Pros

  • Soft chews
  • Benefits skin, coats, hearts, and energy levels
  • Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids
  • Made in the USA
  • Donates meals to shelter dogs

Cons

  • The fishy smell doesn’t appeal to all dogs

 

4. PetNC Natural Care Soft Chews for Dogs

PetNC skin and coat supplements

Skin and coat health supplements help provide nutrients and reduce hair loss, promoting healthy skin and lustrous coats for dogs. These skin & coat supplements by PetNC are delicious liver-flavored chews that are lab-tested and formulated by veterinarians. They use human-grade ingredients, such as fish oil and green tea extract, to support skin and coat health. They come in tubs of 60 chews and are suitable for all breeds. They’re soft chews that look like treats, and their popular flavor makes them easy to serve.

Key Features:

  • Keeps skin healthy and coats lustrous
  • Savory, easy-to-serve chews for finicky eaters
  • Laboratory-tested, veterinarian-formulated

In A Nutshell:

Most dogs will happily gobble up these liver-flavored supplements as if they’re treats. Yet, some dog parents pointed out that the packaging isn’t durable and may open during shipping.

Pros

  • Liver-flavored
  • Soft chews
  • Provides skin and coat support
  • Human-grade ingredients
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • The packaging isn’t durable

 

5. Vet’s Best Healthy Coat Shed & Itch Relief Dog Supplement

Vet's Best Skin & Coat Supplements

Help your dog maintain a healthy coat and put an end to dry, itchy skin with Vet’s Best Healthy Coat Shed & Itch Relief Supplements. These veterinarian-made tablets come in bottles of 50. They’re made with omega-3 fatty acids, yellow dock root, quercetin, and MSM, a powerful anti-inflammatory, to improve and maintain skin and coat health. This supplement is suitable for all adult dogs. Not only does it benefit the skin and coat, but it can also help your pup maintain a healthy immune system.

Key Features:

  • Natural coat shed and itch relief supplements for your dog
  • Crafted into tasty and convenient chewable tablets
  • Veterinarian formulated with MSM, yellow dock root, quercetin, and omega fatty acids
  • Supports healthy coats, keeps skin hydrated, and maintains normal levels of histamine

In A Nutshell:

These supplements can help your dog maintain a healthy coat and normal levels of shedding while increasing skin moisture. However, the flavor isn’t appealing to all dogs, so you may need to conceal the tablets in a pill pocket.

Pros

  • Itch relief supplement
  • Boosts the immune system
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Veterinarian-formulated
  • Chewable tablets

Cons

  • The flavor isn’t appealing to all dogs

 

 

6. Pet Parents USA Omega 3 for Dogs

Soft Skin & Coat Supplements for dogs
This recipe comes in the form of soft chews, so your dog will think they’re getting a treat. It’s made with high-quality ingredients, such as salmon oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, sweet potatoes, carrots, and biotin. The supplements are made with human-grade processing. This omega 3 supplement helps with canine skin care, providing a healthy coat, reduced skin allergies, antioxidant support, dog itch relief, hot spot treatment, and proactive preventive care for your dog. These supplements are the perfect way to make your dog’s skin and coat soft and shiny so you can have the best puppy cuddle sessions.

Key Features:

  • Includes premium active ingredients.
  • Includes omega 3 fatty acid, fish oil, and salmon oil blend
  • Biotin helps with hair, nails, and rash-free skin.
  • Formulated by leading pet supplement scientists.

In A Nutshell:

The soft chews can benefit your dog’s skin and coat in a variety of ways with fast-acting results. However, not all dogs are interested in the smell or flavors of the supplements.

Pros

  • Soft chews
  • Human-grade processing
  • Made with whole meats and veggies
  • Leaves dogs with soft, shiny coats

Cons

  • Some dogs dislike the smell

 

 

Related: The 4 Best Supplements for Puppies (+1 to Avoid)

7. Lloyd & Lucy’s Skin and Coat Omega Supplement for Dogs

Skin & coat omega supplements for dogs

Lloyd and Lucy’s Omega Supplements are chewy and bacon-flavored, containing omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and a small amount of biotin. If your dog’s skin is dry and itchy, or if they’re suffering from brittle, broken hair, omega fatty acids are essential vitamins for strengthening and repairing their skin and coat. This product can assist with allergy symptoms, heart health, and kidney function. Omega 6 also helps support your faithful friend’s immune system. The supplement is made in a controlled laboratory in the United States.

Key Features:

  • Omega 3 and 6 are essential for strengthening and repairing skin and coats
  • Bacon-flavored formula transforms essential vitamins into yummy treats
  • Supports the immune system, heart health, and kidney function
  • Formulated in the USA

In A Nutshell:

These small, bacon-flavored chews act as treats, making them easy to serve to dogs. However, the formula is missing some beneficial ingredients, such as omega 9 fatty acids.

Pros

  • Chewable and bacon flavored
  • 100% natural ingredients
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Supports healthy skin and coat

Cons

  • Doesn’t contain as many essential ingredients as competitors

 

8. VETRISCIENCE Derma Strength Allergy Dog Supplements

VetriScience Skin & Coat Support

This skin & coat supplement supports the immune system and skin health by including omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9. It’s affordable and helps alleviate skin issues in dogs. These tasty bone-shaped chews look like treats to most dogs, making them easy to serve. These supplements can help maintain the shine and luster of your dog’s coat while promoting skin elasticity and resilience. They contain Vitamin E for added immune support so dogs of all sizes can live their best lives. Veterinarians formulate the recipe.

Key Features:

  • Derma Strength can reduce discomfort from dry or itchy skin.
  • Supports skin and coat health using omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.
  • Contains whole, natural ingredients.
  • Specially flavored to make dogs enjoy taking their supplement.

In A Nutshell:

Some dogs won’t take it because it smells and tastes fishy. Yet, if the smell isn’t an issue for you, this is an effective option for keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy since it contains omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids paired with natural ingredients.

Pros

  • Supports healthy skin, fights dog dandruff
  • Suitable for all dogs
  • Supports immune system
  • Veterinarian-formulated

Cons

  • Smells fishy

 

 

9. Mushroom Matrix Canine Organic Supplement

Mushroom skin & coat supplement for dogs

This organic mushroom supplement provides a 100% natural way to help your pet have healthy skin and fur. This mushroom powder supplement is made to provide healthy skin and shiny coats, especially for animals with allergies. The powder contains no synthetic ingredients, additives, or fillers. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can also help with joint health. Since the powder is flavorless, you can simply mix it with your dog’s food and add water. Most dogs won’t even realize they’re eating it, making it a great choice for picky pups.

Key Features:

  • Uses naturally occurring biotin and methionine to maintain healthy skin
  • Support for pets with seasonal allergies
  • Helps maintain healthy histamine levels
  • Antioxidants assist the body in combating environmental pollutants

In A Nutshell:

This flavorless supplement can be mixed with a dog’s food, which can be beneficial for picky eaters. However, it may not be as effective as supplements that focus on omega fatty acids.

Pros

  • Supports normal detoxification processes
  • Flavorless powder form
  • 100% natural ingredients
  • Anti-inflammatory properties

Cons

  • Not as effective as formulas with fish oil

 

 

10. Makondo Skin and Coat Supplement with Fish Oil for Dogs

This bacon-flavored chewable tablet easily supports your dog’s skin and coat health. Most dogs will happily gobble these up like they would with treats. The formula provides nutrients to relieve dogs of dry, itchy skin or other skin conditions. The main ingredient is fish oil, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. This supplement also contains canine multivitamins, amino acids, biotin, and multi-minerals. This formula is also excellent for dogs dealing with hair loss, bald spots, skin issues, and allergies. It can even support eye health. These canine health products are made in the USA in cGMP-compliant facilities.

Key Features:

  • Helps animals achieve a soft, shiny, and healthy coat
  • Deals with hair loss and bald spots
  • Suitable for furry pals of any age or breed
  • Helps reduce inflammatory reactions in the skin

In A Nutshell:

This supplement nourishes coats because it’s rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals essential for healthy skin and coats. However, picky dogs might not enjoy the flavor.

Pros

  • Chewable and bacon-flavored
  • Helps reduce itching
  • Improves skin permeability to water
  • Vet-formulated

Cons

  • Picky dogs might not eat it

 

 

11. StrellaLab Allergy Relief with Omega-3 Dog Chews

Strellalab dogs skin & coat supplement

StrellaLab’s omega 3 supplements provide allergy relief in the form of delicious soft treats. You can choose from several flavors: bacon, chicken, peanut butter, and vegetable. This supplement is designed to improve your dog’s immune system and help the digestive tract naturally free itself from unpleasant allergy symptoms. Thus, these chews will reduce itching, redness, and sneezing. You may also see obsessive symptoms like paw licking disappear. With fewer reactions to allergies, dogs may have shinier coats and smoother skin overall.

Key Features:

  • Easy to give as a delicious treat or sprinkled over your pal’s favorite food
  • Results in healthy and fortified skin that successfully fulfills its protective shield function
  • Helps reduce dryness and flaking of the skin
  • Improves the immune system and digestive tract

In A Nutshell:

With several flavors to choose from, most dogs will gobble these supplements up as if they’re treats, resulting in less itchy skin. Yet, some reviewers mentioned that they didn’t see any improvements.

Pros

  • Promotes skin, digestion, and immune system health
  • Helps with allergies
  • Soft chews
  • Several flavors available

Cons

  • Isn’t always effective

 

 

12. Ultra Oil Skin and Coat Supplement for Dogs

Skin & Coat Ultra Oil for Dogs

This omega fatty acid supplement comes in an oil form, making it simple to incorporate into your pet’s diet. You can put it directly into their mouth, water, or food. The advantage of utilizing an odor-free liquid is that you can give it to your dog without worrying about them eating around it or spitting it out. Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids are this blend’s premium components. Not all competing products contain omega 9s, but omega 9 aids in the total absorption of omega fatty acids 3 and 6.

Key Features:

  • Provides balanced nutrients for growth & vitality
  • Alleviates flaky skin, skin bumps, itching, and excessive scratching
  • Formulated with the full spectrum of healthy fatty acids
  • Reduces inflammation and symptoms of arthritis

In A Nutshell:

As an odorless liquid form, this supplement is easy to serve to dogs since picky eaters are less likely to notice it in their dish. However, a downside is that the packaging can be poor quality, leading to leaks.

Pros

  • Made with safe, all-natural ingredients
  • Controls shedding and prevents scabs
  • Easy-to-use liquid form
  • Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids
  • Odorless

Cons

  • Leaks around the pump a bit

13. PETIPET Omega 3 Salmon Chew Treats for Dogs

Dog Omega DHA Skin & Coat Bars

This supplement is a good choice for promoting the health of your dog’s skin and coat because it contains omega fatty acids and natural ingredients like sweet potatoes, apples, and ginger. This substance can reduce skin inflammation and allergies. The formula uses fresh, human-grade, non-GMO ingredients because they’re wholesome and palatable. It’s also a limited-ingredient product, making it great for dogs with allergies. These supplements are soft, treat-like bars, so most dogs will happily gobble them up with no hassle.

Key Features:

  • Made with a restricted heat-step method to maintain delicious flavors
  • Works as a natural vitamin that promotes your dog’s cardiovascular and mental wellness
  • Enriched with DHA to aid in dog brain and neurological system development

In A Nutshell:

These skin & coat supplements look and smell like treats to dogs, so most dogs will happily eat them. However, they have a fishy smell, which may deter some canines.

Pros

  • Supports skin and coat health
  • Promotes brain and eye development
  • Made with certified human-grade ingredients
  • Soft treat-like chews

Cons

  • The fishy smell doesn’t appeal to all dogs

14. Natural VetCare Dog’Skin Supplement

Natural VetCare Dog Skin & Coat Supplements

Natural VetCare’s Dog’Skin supplements contain a combination of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, MSM, biotin, and antioxidants. These ingredients can nourish the skin, coat, and nails, as well as calm and repair irritated, sensitive, and damaged skin. The product has nutrient-rich marine algae extract that supports skin elasticity and includes vital fatty acids for strong, lustrous hair. This is one of the best dog supplements for skin & coat because it also promotes digestive health and balances the immune system to assist in guarding against allergies. The supplement comes in small, solid pieces that you can scoop and pour into your dog’s food as directed.

Key Features:

  • Supports healthy, clear skin and a rich glossy coat.
  • It comes in the form of tasty pellets.
  • Available in large sizes.
  • Contains essential fatty acids for strong, shiny hair.

In A Nutshell:

Overall, these chewable pellets are appealing to most dogs while enhancing their skin and coat health. However, poultry protein is one of the ingredients, so it’s not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies.

Pros

  • Biotin encourages skin health
  • Scientifically formulated
  • Promotes a rich, glossy coat
  • 100% natural ingredients
  • Easy-to-serve pellets

Cons

  • Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies

Related: The 10 Best Calming Supplements for Dogs

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Supplement for Skin and Coat

There are many things to think about if you want to give your dog nutrients to treat their coat and skin. Below are some aspects to consider, but you should always consult your veterinarian for the best suggestions.

Supplement Form

Supplements come in many forms. There are chewy treats, chewable pills, tablets, liquids, and powders. All options are effective, so most dog parents choose the one that fits their dog’s preferences best. Some dogs will happily gobble up anything that looks like a treat, so chewable supplements may be the way to go. Yet, some dogs are picky, so that might be a situation where you’d pick a flavorless powder.

Ingredients to Look for

Omega fatty acids, fish oil, salmon oil, and biotin are the most effective ingredients in the best dog coat supplements. They can keep your dog’s coat shiny and silky and their skin healthy and hydrated. Also, they can aid in treating skin and hair conditions, such as dryness, itching, skin allergies, and hair loss.

Look for supplements made with pure, natural ingredients rather than additives and preservatives. While additives and preservatives won’t cause immediate harm to your pet, they add no benefit to the formula. If a supplement has a long list of ingredients, those items should add more benefits to the product, such as improvements to your dog’s digestion, immune system, and joints.

Ingredients to Avoid

Some dog supplements on the market have chemicals that could harm your dog’s health. Avoid purchasing supplements for your dog’s skin and coat that contain the following:

  • Calcium phosphate
  • Lecithin
  • Cellulose
  • Alginic acid
  • Crospovidone
  • Silica
  • Sorbitol
  • Fructose

Artificial flavors and sweeteners can become food for viruses and bacteria. Inorganic substances in supplements can cause additional problems, such as diarrhea and allergic reactions. Always research the ingredients listed on the package to make sure they’re safe for your dog to eat. When in doubt, ask a vet about a product’s ingredient list.

Dachshund resting on couch

FAQs

How do you know if your dog needs skin & coat supplements?

Dogs need a wide variety of vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy skin and fur. If they experience skin irritation or hair loss, they may not be getting enough nutrients from their diet. Adding supplements with omega fatty acids to their diet can help their skin and coats look healthy again.

At what age should I give my dog supplements?

It depends on the product. Most supplements will say how old a dog should be on the label, but 12 weeks is usually the earliest to give a dog a supplement. If you think your dog might need a supplement, talk to your vet about options.

How do I get a stubborn dog to take medicine?

The easiest way to give a dog supplements is to hide them in something else. You can mix the supplement with strong-scented items like wet food or peanut butter, or you can conceal it in a pill pocket.

Can omega-3 fish oil help my dog’s dandruff?

Yes, omega-3 fatty acids can potentially help reduce your dog’s dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil and flaxseed oil, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can contribute to skin conditions, including dandruff, and by reducing inflammation, these supplements may help improve your dog’s skin health.

What causes excessive itching in dogs?

Excessive itching in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies to food or environmental triggers (such as pollen or fleas), dry or irritated skin, fungal or bacterial infections, and even underlying medical conditions. Identifying the underlying cause through a veterinarian’s examination is crucial to provide appropriate treatment and relief for the dog’s itching.

What shampoos are best for dogs with skin issues?

The best shampoos for dogs with skin issues are those specifically formulated to address their specific condition. For dogs with allergies or sensitive skin, hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoos can be gentle and soothing. Dogs with bacterial or fungal infections may benefit from medicated shampoos prescribed by a veterinarian, while those with flea infestations should use a flea-specific shampoo. It’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the right shampoo for your dog’s specific skin issue.

Dog giving woman high five

Final Thoughts

Giving your dog a skin and coat supplement could be the key to making them healthier and more comfortable. Your dog will suffer from less scratching and shedding, so they’ll thank you in the long run.

Hopefully, this list provided helpful information about choosing supplements for your dog’s skin and coat health. If you’re able, adding one of these supplements to your dog’s daily routine could change their life for the better.

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