Majority of dog owners want to see their pets having shiny and healthy coats. Fur that looks lavish and silky has always been associated with healthy and attractive dogs. And it’s always the first thing that people notice about pets, right?
Fortunately for dog parents, there are plenty of shiny dog coat supplements available in the market. But the question is– how do you choose the right supplement for your pet?
Things to Look for in a Shiny Dog Coat Supplement
In shopping for a shiny dog coat supplement, there are certain ingredients that you should look for. These include:
1. Fatty Acids
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are highly recommended for dogs. According to Randy Kidd, DVM, Ph.D., Holistic Veterinarian, “omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids together provide a natural way to alleviate or cure skin and other conditions, while being key to developing and maintaining a healthy hair coat.”
Fatty acids also promote a robust immune system and cellular growth. Dogs that don’t get enough of these fatty acids may suffer from a dull coat, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, and dermatitis.
Scientists categorize EFAs into two general communities. The first (alpha-linolenic acid) includes the Omega-3 fatty acids, which are derived mainly from animal excess fat but also from flaxseed oil (the richest source) and some other veg oils. The next (linoleic acid) comprises Omega-6 fatty acids, which can be found from many veggie sources, especially the seed oils of borage, night primrose, and black currant.
It’s equally as very important to the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 EFAs to be correct as it is for dogs to keep these things in their diets. A ratio around 4-1 Omega-6 to Omega-3 is known as most effective for dogs. Many commercial dog foods contain EFAs in ratios of 20-1; ratios of 50-1 or even more (often observed in foods which contain lots of corn, which contains high degrees of Omega-6 EFA) will cause an Omega-3 deficit.
2. Vitamin A
Dogs with dry and itchy skin or dull coat may be lacking vitamin A in their diet. The skin and coat of dogs require vitamin A for proper function. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, an adult dog food should have 5000 international unit (IU) for every kilogram of food. Some of the best sources of this vitamin for dogs are fish liver oil and liver.
3. Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral in maintaining good canine skin and coat. The second most widely-used mineral in a dog’s body, it is involved in hormone production, cellular reproduction, brain function, and good eyesight. Of course, it also helps maintain healthy skin and coat. In fact, lack of this mineral can lead to dermatitis around the eyes, paws, muzzle or on the groin.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps keep the skin and coat of dogs healthy. Known for its cellular regeneration properties, this vitamin can prevent skin problems such as dermatitis, dandruff, flea allergy, rashes, and skin infections.
Aside from the availability of these nutrients, you should also consider other factors in choosing a dog coat supplement. For example, choose a dog supplement that is easy to administer. Chewable tablets are particularly attractive for most dogs. Dog coat products in powder form can be tricky to give to dogs, on the other hand.
Best Shiny Dog Supplements That Could Boost Skin and Coat Healthiness
Do you want to learn how to make a dog’s coat shiny and healthy? We’ll make it easier for you to find the best supplement to improve your dog’s coat. Below are some of the top-rated shiny dog coat products that you can try today:
Makondo Pets Skin and Coat Supplement for Dogs
This canine supplement is specially formulated to relieve dog dry skin. It’s also effective in relieving common dog skin problems like itchiness, dryness, and excessive hair shedding. It contains fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids that boost canine skin health.
This supplement has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids proven to be effective in promoting a silky and shiny dog coat. It also has vitamin B complex that aids in stimulating hair growth and protecting the skin against dryness and cracking.
Available in tablet form and bacon-flavored, this supplement is very attractive to dogs. It is easier to administer to your canine pal compared to powder or liquid supplements. It is safe for consumption of puppies and senior dogs, as well as small and large breeds.
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I usually never write a review, but this product is worthy to do it. I am a Golden Retriever parent, yes my dog هt’s like my family. I tried this product for over a year, and improve significantly my dog hair and coat. This product contains Biotin a nutrient need it to build blocks in their skin and coat. I am a nurse and labels are important to me, you could read the label by yourself and notice the good minerals, and fatty acids like omega 3 on it. I try other expensive products with almost the same amount of ingredients and this for the price is one of the best here.
Lloyd and Lucy’s Skin and Coat Omega Supplement
This canine supplement comes in bacon-flavored soft-chews that most dogs would find irresistible. As such, it would be easy for you to give this to your pet. Each pouch contains 120 chewable tablets, giving you more value for your money.
There is also no shortage of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in this supplement. It is rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This supplement also has vitamin E and zinc that can both help in preventing hair shedding, help itchy skin, and promoting healthy, shiny coat.
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This stuff really works! I have a female lab that was a rescue. She had a very dry dull coat when I got her. It was obvious that she was not taken care of. She shed horribly ……. I started using this product and we are on our 2nd bag and her coat has done a turnaround ….. it shines, is soft and she hardly sheds at all. She loves it…… I put it her kibble and she thinks she is getting a treat with every meal. I highly recommend this product. It has made a huge difference and I will continue using it……..update: still using it, discovered she has allergies and this helps to keep her skin from itching as well……. she loves it! And so do I!
Maxxiomega Fish Oil for Dogs
This supplement is rich in fatty acids– Omega 3, 6 and 9— and thus should give your dog a healthy and shiny coat in such a short time. Its Omega 3 is sourced from fish fat while the Omega 6 component comes from unrefined soybean oil that’s easily digested by canines. Omega 6 is also considered the best fatty acid for promoting a shiny coat.
Aside from those essential fatty acids, this supplement also has vitamins A, D, and E for a good balance of nutrients and antioxidants.
It is easy to administer as well. Stored in a handy pump, the oil can be mixed into your dog’s food. The manufacturer recommends feeding dogs weighing less than 25 pounds half teaspoon daily. If you buy the soft gel, then you should use 1 soft gel per day for Dogs 1-15 lbs and 2 soft gels per day for dogs 16-30 lbs.
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I’ve got a black lab who’s had some dry itchy skin from the day I rescued her. I bought this product to ease her dry, itchy skin. So far, her coat has improved tremendously and her itchiness has decreased significantly. She looks very healthy. I haven’t tried other comparable products before, but I can say I am satisfied with this product. I only give her a half dose (1 pump for a 65-pound dog). Also, she absolutely LOVES the taste. She thinks she is getting a treat every time she gets fed. So far so good.
HealthyCoat – The Best Dog Shedding Supplement
This dog food supplement is getting positivThe reviews for its ability to improve the condition of the skin and fur, particularly in reducing flaking and excessive shedding. It also has other benefits like improving the energy levels of dogs. If you are looking for one of the best dog shedding supplement for your dog, then “HealthyCoat” Dog is recommended for you to buy.
Containing Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, these supplements for dog shedding come in liquid form. Simply mix it with your dog’s food. Dogs weighing less than 25 pounds should be given just one pump per day while bigger canines weighing more than 75 pounds must be given four pumps a day. This food supplement is safe for use in puppies, adults and senior dogs.
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This is the 2nd time I’ve ordered this product; I can now report that it appears to be working for the dog it was bought for. During the winter months, she has dry skin and gets dandruff in her coat. Since I started putting Healthy Coat dog food supplement in her food in late 2014, dandruff has been getting less and less (it used to look like she had white specks all over her back). I’m confident that given time, dandruff will disappear completely. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that she also loves the flavor/taste. I also give it to our other dog, who also loves the taste…he sheds a little all year round but now he is shedding less since being on this supplement.
Lipiderm Skin and Coat Supplement for Dogs
Finally, this skin and coat supplement contain the essential nutrients to make your dog’s skin and fur shine: Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A and E. It has also been proven effective in reducing hair shedding and treating flea dermatitis.
This supplement comes in liquid form and soft capsule gel. You can choose liquid form and you could add it to your dog’s food for easy administration. Dosage ranges from ½ teaspoon for dogs weighing 15 pounds and less and up to 3 teaspoons for dogs who weigh more than 75 pounds.
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I have a German Shepherd and short of having him get the $500 allergy testing I had him to the Vet numerous times, changed his food to grain free, oatmeal baths, fish oil tablets, etc NOTHING worked. After only 2 weeks I have seen a noticeable improvement in his scratching. After using this product for about 3 months his itching is very rare and he is shedding less (an added bonus). I don’t write very many reviews on here, but this product is well worth it I cannot say enough good things, not having to watch my boy scratch and bite himself every evening is just awesome!!!
These supplements were most recommended for your dog’s coat & fur nutrition which help to make a healthy and shiny coat. But, use supplement alone is not enough, you need to still groom and brushing them too. Read our previous article: “How to Make a Dog’s Coat Shiny and Healthy?“. If you have used one of five supplements above and have good or bad results, please share we us and others by write comments below.
