MidJourney
A soft, shiny coat and minimal shedding aren’t just about good grooming—they start with what your dog eats. Functional foods are packed with specific nutrients that nourish the skin, strengthen hair follicles, and reduce inflammation, all of which help your pup shed less and shine more. Here are seven powerful foods to support a healthy coat from the inside out.
Collagen-Rich Foods
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Collagen helps maintain the structure and strength of your dog’s skin and fur. Foods high in collagen can reduce brittleness, support skin elasticity, and make your dog’s coat more resilient. An easy way to include collagen in their diet is with Organic Chicken Bone Broth Powder (on Amazon). It’s hydrating, easy to serve, and packed with amino acids that promote strong, shiny fur. Another tasty option is Beef Topper with Collagen (on Amazon), which adds both flavor and functionality to your dog’s daily meals.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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Omega-3s are essential for reducing inflammation and dryness, making them a top choice for dogs with itchy skin or excessive shedding. These healthy fats help regulate oil production in the skin and add a natural gloss to your dog’s fur. You can deliver a potent dose of omega-3s through iHeartDogs Norweigan High Omega-3 Salmon Oil (on Amazon), a clean, high-quality oil that supports both coat and joint health.
Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables
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Fruits and vegetables like blueberries and carrots are loaded with antioxidants that protect skin cells from damage and support fur growth. They also help calm skin inflammation that leads to shedding. One easy way to add these nutrients is with Beef Topper with Carrots and Blueberries (on Amazon), a delicious and functional mix that turns regular meals into a skin-boosting feast.
Mushrooms for Skin and Immune Support
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Certain mushrooms, including reishi, chaga, and turkey tail, are rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans that strengthen your dog’s immune system while promoting skin balance and fur health. These adaptogenic fungi help reduce inflammation from the inside out. To tap into the power of mushrooms, try iHeartDogs Hemp Mushroom Chews – Mobility, Calming, Allergy, Lumps, Bumps, Lipomas & Immune Support (on Amazon), which include a blend of functional mushrooms along with soothing hemp.
Probiotic-Rich Foods
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A healthy gut equals healthier skin. When your dog’s digestive system works efficiently, it better absorbs nutrients needed for coat health—like biotin, zinc, and omega-3s. Pupkin Probiotics and Prebiotics with Pumpkin For Dogs (on Amazon) are a great source of gut-friendly bacteria combined with fiber-rich pumpkin, which helps reduce inflammation that can trigger excessive shedding.
Whole Food Multivitamins
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Sometimes, shedding is a sign of nutritional gaps. Whole food-based multivitamins ensure your dog is getting the full spectrum of coat-boosting nutrients like B vitamins, biotin, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids. Adult Dog 24-in-1 Multivitamin (on Amazon) and Senior Dog 24-in-1 Multivitamin (on Amazon) are both excellent daily options that support not only skin and coat health but also immunity, digestion, and joint care.
Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
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Chronic inflammation from allergies or environmental irritants can lead to constant scratching and shedding. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, quercetin, and colostrum help soothe the skin and calm histamine responses. For a natural approach, Glucosamine and Turmeric Chews (on Amazon) support both joints and skin, while iHeartDogs Allergy and Itch Colostrum Chews (on Amazon) and iHeartDogs Allergy and Itch Quercetin Chews (on Amazon) target allergy-related itching that often leads to shedding.
Nourish the Coat from Within
MidJourney
Your dog’s skin and coat health is a direct reflection of what they eat. By incorporating these seven functional foods—collagen, omega-3s, antioxidant-rich fruits, mushrooms, probiotics, multivitamins, and anti-inflammatory ingredients—you’re giving their body the tools it needs to grow healthier, shinier fur and reduce excess shedding naturally. With consistent, nutrient-dense meals, your pup will look as good as they feel. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, iHeartDogs earns from qualifying purchases.
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