Most people want their dog to have a shiny, healthy coat and many different factors can affect a dog’s coat, including their diet. As a pet owner, you want to ensure that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition. This means feeding them a diet that is high in quality protein and other essential nutrients. Not only will this help keep your dog healthy, but it can also help improve their coat condition, making their coat shiny and sleek.
Maybe you’ve noticed your dog’s coat is changing, and you want to take action. The coat of a dog is a good indicator of its health, just like the skin of a human being. An excellent diet can help your dog’s coat look its best! We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated dog foods for skin and coat today. You can keep your dog’s coat healthy and lustrous with these foods, which have beneficial vitamins. Let’s get started!
A Quick Look at Our Favorite Choices in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Turkey is a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities
Only fresh whole ingredients
GMO and gluten-free
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Best Value
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food
There is no chicken
Quality ingredients at a good price
Vitamin and mineral-rich
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Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Dry Dog Food
Chicken-free
Preservative-free
Ingredients of high quality
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Best for Puppies
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Food
Chicken and oatmeal for balanced nutrition
Blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
American made from reliably sourced ingredients
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Vet’s Choice
ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Rich in nutrients
Suitable for all breeds
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shiny Coats
- Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Turkey breast, kale, lentils, carrots
Protein content: 11% minimum
Fat content: 7% minimum
Calories: 1390 kcal ME/kg
Skin and coat problems may be caused by grain sensitivities and digestive issues, even if grain-free diets aren’t recommended for every dog. There is also the possibility of a reaction to common proteins such as beef and chicken. Ollie Fresh Dog Food is a brand of fresh dog food that features a recipe with fresh turkey breast, kale, lentils, carrots, and blueberries. The company promises that its food is made with real, whole ingredients and that it is GMO-free and gluten-free. Ollie also pledges that its food is made in the United States in accordance with the most rigorous safety standards.
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Main ingredients: Turkey breast, kale, lentils, carrots
Protein content: 11% minimum
Fat content: 7% minimum
Calories: 1390 kcal ME/kg
This food is designed specifically to be healthy and provide a balanced diet for dogs. In addition to meeting AAFCO’s Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, Fresh Turkey Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large dogs. Turkey is a high-quality protein that will help keep your dog healthy and strong. Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, which are beneficial for your dog’s health. The recipe is also free from artificial additives, preservatives, and other harmful ingredients.
As the only fresh food option on our list, you might expect Ollie would be more expensive than other options, and you would be right! It is also said to be fresh and delicious, making it a good choice for pet owners who want to provide the best food possible for their furry friends.
Pros
Turkey is a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities
Only fresh whole ingredients
GMO and gluten-free
Made in the United States
Balanced nutrition
Meets AAFCO’s Nutrient Profiles for all life stages
Contains no artificial additives, preservatives, or other harmful ingredients
Cons
Quite a bit more expensive than dry food options
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula Dry Dog Food is a food product that has been specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs with skin and coat problems. It is suitable for all life stages, and as mass-produced dry dog food, it is the best value for your money if you’re looking to improve your dog’s coat. We like this food for a few reasons. It is another great option for dogs with chicken allergies because there is no poultry in it, but it is still high in protein. Your dog will stay fuller longer because there are more calories per cup.
Turkey is a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities
Only fresh whole ingredients
GMO and gluten-free
Made in the United States
Balanced nutrition
Meets AAFCO’s Nutrient Profiles for all life stages
Contains no artificial additives, preservatives, or other harmful ingredients
- Turkey is a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities
- Only fresh whole ingredients
- GMO and gluten-free
- Made in the United States
- Balanced nutrition
- Meets AAFCO’s Nutrient Profiles for all life stages
- Contains no artificial additives, preservatives, or other harmful ingredients
Quite a bit more expensive than dry food options
- Quite a bit more expensive than dry food options
Main ingredients: Salmon, fish meal, potatoes, lentils, peas
Protein content: 25% minimum
Fat content: 14% minimum
Calories: 408 kcal/cup
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The ingredients of this food are what stand out most. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are found in salmon, the first ingredient. In addition to zinc, copper, biotin, and riboflavin, these nutrients contribute to a healthy coat. Most dog owners notice a noticeable difference in their dog’s coat after switching to this food. There is one downside to this food, and that is excessive shedding is sometimes reported by a small minority of owners. The food is also fortified with antioxidants to help protect against free radicals that can damage cells and tissues. It is common for dogs to refuse to eat certain dog foods, and this formulation is no different. The most common concern expressed by owners is this one.
Pros
There is no chicken
Quality ingredients at a good price
Vitamin and mineral-rich
Cons
Some owners report excess shedding with this recipe
The third item on our list is Go! Solutions Skin and Coat Care Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food. First of all, this food does not contain chicken, so it is perfect for pets with allergies to chicken. Healthy gut bacteria and digestion are supported by probiotics and prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root. Additionally, coconut oil is included, which is an easily digestible fat. In addition, there are no preservatives in this food, and it is packed with vegetables and vitamins for your dog’s skin and coat.
There is no chicken
Quality ingredients at a good price
Vitamin and mineral-rich
- There is no chicken
- Quality ingredients at a good price
- Vitamin and mineral-rich
Some owners report excess shedding with this recipe
- Some owners report excess shedding with this recipe
Main ingredients: Lamb meal, oatmeal, whole brown rice, deboned lamb, canola oil
Protein content: 22% minimum
Fat content: 14% minimum
Calories: 451 kcal/cup
You should be careful about how much of this food you feed your dog since it contains 451 calories per cup. If you don’t pay attention to portions, your dog will gain weight. It’s been reported that this food makes dogs flatulent, so that is something to watch out for.
Pros
Chicken-free
Preservative-free
Ingredients of high quality
Cons
Can make some dogs gassy
More suitable for active dogs
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food is designed for puppies and is made with chicken meal and oats. It is one of the best foods for puppies for shiny coats. The food also contains a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help support your puppy’s well-being. The food is meant to help with growth and development, as well as provide them with the nutrients they need. Hill’s USA facilities manufacture all Science Diet recipes. A majority of Hill’s raw materials are sourced from countries with reliable safety procedures, including Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and several European nations. As a result, not all ingredients are sourced in the United States.
Chicken-free
Preservative-free
Ingredients of high quality
- Chicken-free
- Preservative-free
- Ingredients of high quality
Can make some dogs gassy
More suitable for active dogs
- Can make some dogs gassy
- More suitable for active dogs
Main ingredients:
Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 394 kcal/cup
Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
Although this is not a specialized skin and coat formulation, dog owners often comment on how shiny their dogs’ coats look after eating this food. Most dogs also dig in quickly and seem to relish the taste of this food.
Pros
Chicken and oatmeal for balanced nutrition
Blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
American-made from reliably sourced ingredients
Cons
Ingredients are not all American
ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Food is designed for dogs with food sensitivities and contains a limited number of ingredients. The main ingredients are lamb and pumpkin, both of which are considered to be healthy, nutrient-rich foods. The food is also free from grains, fillers, and artificial additives, making it a good choice for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Providing complete nutrition and all the necessary vitamins for a shiny, healthy coat, it is nutrient dense and nutrient dense. Among all foods on this list, it also has the highest protein content. In addition, it’s suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Chicken and oatmeal for balanced nutrition
Blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
American-made from reliably sourced ingredients
- Chicken and oatmeal for balanced nutrition
- Blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- American-made from reliably sourced ingredients
Ingredients are not all American
- Ingredients are not all American
Main ingredients: Deboned lamb, lamb meal, oat groats, whole sorghum, lamb liver
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 371 kcal/cup
Some dogs don’t like the taste of the food, and not all the ingredients are sourced in the United States. To see if the kibble your dog likes or not, it’s best to get a small bag and mix it with the food they currently eat to make sure it’s a good fit for them.
Pros
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Rich in nutrients
Suitable for all breeds
Cons
Not all ingredients are US-sourced
Some dogs refuse to eat this
Nature’s Recipe Original Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to be nutritionally complete and balanced for adult dogs, containing all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for optimal health. The lamb and rice recipe is a good source of protein and essential fatty acids, while the added vitamins and minerals help ensure that your dog gets the nutrients they need. The food contains lamb and chicken meal as the primary sources of protein, along with rice, barley, and oatmeal which provide carbohydrates for energy. The food also contains supplemental nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Rich in nutrients
Suitable for all breeds
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Rich in nutrients
- Suitable for all breeds
Not all ingredients are US-sourced
Some dogs refuse to eat this
- Not all ingredients are US-sourced
- Some dogs refuse to eat this
Main ingredients: Lamb, chicken meal, brewers rice, barley, oatmeal
Protein content: 21% minimum
Fat content: 8% minimum
Calories: 305 kcal/cup
The recipe is certain to provide benefits for the skin and coat of adult dogs, as this food contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, both of which are beneficial for skin health. These ingredients in the food are meant to provide balanced nutrition that can help keep the skin healthy and the coat shiny and full. The food is also meant to be gentle on the stomach, which can help keep digestive issues under control, however, some owners report their dogs experiencing digestive issues after eating this formula.
Pros
An affordable price
The food is free of artificial colors and preservatives
Suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
Cons
Some owners report digestive issues
In seventh place on our list is Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, which is great for dogs with food sensitivities and that need an extra shine. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. The food is made with real chicken and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is also gluten-free and grain-free. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food is a dry dog food that is convenient to store and serve. It contains natural ingredients and is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
An affordable price
The food is free of artificial colors and preservatives
Suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
- An affordable price
- The food is free of artificial colors and preservatives
- Suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
Some owners report digestive issues
- Some owners report digestive issues
Main ingredients: Chicken, brewer’s rice, chicken meal, yellow peas, cracked pearl barley
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 382 kcal/cup
The food is also enriched with vitamins and minerals to support overall health. There is prebiotic fiber in it, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria and reduces stomach upset. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in Hill’s food, and it is cheaper than prescription food. As well as being made in the USA, it is also of high quality. Although it is great for most dogs, GI upset may still occur in a limited number of highly sensitive dogs as a result of eating this food. If that is the case, you may need to speak to your vet about prescription food.
Pros
The product does not contain artificial colors or flavors
Keeps the gut healthy
Cheaper than prescription dog food
Cons
Highly sensitive dogs may continue to experience GI upset
Next on our list is Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Skin Support Dry Dog Food. If your dog’s skin is dry and flaky, this could be a good option. This is a dry dog food designed to support the skin health of adult dogs. It contains a number of ingredients that are thought to help with skin problems, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and biotin. These ingredients are meant to soothe and protect the skin, and the food is also lower in calories to help dogs maintain a healthy weight along with a shiny, glossy coat. In addition to using chicken fat instead of meat, this product is allergy-safe and delicious. Your dog’s complete mental and physical development is also supported by Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Skin Support Dry Dog Food.
The product does not contain artificial colors or flavors
Keeps the gut healthy
Cheaper than prescription dog food
- The product does not contain artificial colors or flavors
- Keeps the gut healthy
- Cheaper than prescription dog food
Highly sensitive dogs may continue to experience GI upset
- Highly sensitive dogs may continue to experience GI upset
Main ingredients: Brewer’s rice, fish meal, brown rice, chicken fat, natural flavors
Protein content: 22.50%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 322 kcal/cup
Another interesting fact about this kibble is that it helps remove tartar from your dog’s teeth due to its shape. In order to provide texture variety, the manufacturer recommends supplementing this food with the wet food version. Most dogs, however, enjoy the flavor of the dry food as it is, so this step isn’t necessary for them. One downside for highly active dogs may be the lower protein and lower calories in this food. Additionally, it is quite expensive. You may want to start with one of the cheaper foods on our list before jumping straight into this price point.
Pros
Dry skin is reduced
Boosts oral and digestive health
Bags in small sizes are available
Pairs well with wet foods
Cons
Very expensive
Lower in calories, so not suitable for active dogs
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Coat Dry Food is made with real salmon and salmon meal, which provide your dog with important protein and amino acids. As a primary protein source, salmon, when combined with flaxseed gives a coat that is rich and beautiful. This food is designed to provide the nutrients that a dog needs to maintain a healthy epidermis and glossy fur. The food is also supposed to help with shedding and make it easier to brush a dog’s coat. To promote optimal skin health, it contains antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and minerals. Besides being free of artificial flavors and preservatives, the food comes with Lifesource Bits, which are vitamins and nutrients packed into kibble.
Dry skin is reduced
Boosts oral and digestive health
Bags in small sizes are available
Pairs well with wet foods
- Dry skin is reduced
- Boosts oral and digestive health
- Bags in small sizes are available
- Pairs well with wet foods
Very expensive
Lower in calories, so not suitable for active dogs
- Very expensive
- Lower in calories, so not suitable for active dogs
Main ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley
Protein content: 24% minimum
Fat content: 14% minimum
Calories: 363 kcal/cup
It is suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds, as well as those with chicken allergies. This option does not contain chicken flavoring, byproducts, or meals. The potential for GI upset is the biggest drawback of this food. Some of Blue Buffalo’s food options are said to cause diarrhea in some dogs. Still, dogs love the flavor, so picky eaters might enjoy this!
Pros
Free of artificial flavors and preservatives
Suitable for all breeds and sizes
Allergy-friendly option
Cons
There is a possibility of diarrhea and gas for some dogs
This dry dog food from Nutro Natural Choice contains non-GMO ingredients and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Additionally, the food is made with natural fibers to make digestion easier. This food is designed to meet the needs of adult dogs and is made with natural ingredients and has a chicken and brown rice recipe. The food is designed to provide balanced nutrition for dogs and help promote overall health, plus is designed to improve the dog’s skin and coat quality.
Free of artificial flavors and preservatives
Suitable for all breeds and sizes
Allergy-friendly option
- Free of artificial flavors and preservatives
- Suitable for all breeds and sizes
- Allergy-friendly option
There is a possibility of diarrhea and gas for some dogs
- There is a possibility of diarrhea and gas for some dogs
Main ingredients:
Chicken, brewer’s rice, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain barley
Protein content: 22% minimum
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 343 kcal/cup
Chicken, brewer’s rice, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain barley
Chicken, brewer’s rice, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain barley
The food isn’t recommended for puppies under one year of age, and some owners have reported that their dogs no longer eat the kibble after years on the brand. Some owners suggest that issue may be due to a new formula, but if your dog has never eaten this food before, they should not have any problems.
Pros
Non-GMO ingredients
Made in the United States
Easy digestion with natural fiber
Cons
Not suitable for puppies
Some dogs may not like the new formula
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Shiny Coats
Can Vitamins Help Your Dog’s Coat?
The presence of vitamins in a dog’s diet can help improve the dog’s coat. Vitamins are essential nutrients that help regulate many body processes, including hair growth. A lack of vitamins can lead to poor coat health, including dull, dry, or brittle fur. Adding vitamins to a dog’s diet can help restore the coat to its healthy condition.
Non-GMO ingredients
Made in the United States
Easy digestion with natural fiber
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Made in the United States
- Easy digestion with natural fiber
Not suitable for puppies
Some dogs may not like the new formula
- Not suitable for puppies
- Some dogs may not like the new formula
Dogs need vitamins A, C, and E to maintain a healthy coat. Vitamin A is important for sebum production, which helps keep the hair shaft lubricated and prevents dry skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep the hair shaft strong and healthy. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that helps protect the hair from free radical damage.
Fatty Acids
The beneficial effects of fatty acids seem to come from their ability to improve the health of your dog’s skin. Fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, which can lead to a healthier coat. They can also help keep the skin hydrated, which can lead to a shinier coat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the best dog foods for shiny coats in 2022. Here’s a quick recap. For their high-quality, fresh ingredients, Ollies Fresh Dog Food is our top choice. Diamond Naturals Skin and Coat Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food is our favorite value option due to its affordability, great taste, and great ingredients. The Go! Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food from Solutions Skin and Coat Care is an option we recommend due to its no-chicken formula and high-calorie content.
All of these foods are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin and coats. If your dog is not currently on one of these diets, you may want to consider switching him or her to one of these foods.
Featured Image Credit: maheima-kapur, Unsplash
