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10 Best Dog Foods for Shiny Coats In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove

10 Best Dog Foods for Shiny Coats In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

black and brown dog with shiny coat

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 your dog gets the best possible nutrition. This means feeding them a diet 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 want to take action. A dog’s coat 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!

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A Quick Look at Our Favorite Choices in 2024

The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shiny Coats

1. Ollie Fresh Turkey Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

Ollie turkey + blueberries

Main ingredients: Turkey breast, kale, lentils, carrots
Protein content: 11% minimum
Fat content: 7% minimum
Calories: 1,390 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 Turkey Dog Food is a fresh dog food with fresh turkey breast, kale, lentils, carrots, and blueberries. The company promises that its food is made with real, whole ingredients and is GMO-free and gluten-free. Ollie also pledges that its food is made in the United States following the most rigorous safety standards.

This food is designed 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
  • Made in the United States
  • Meets AAFCO’s Nutrient Profiles for all life stages
  • Contains no artificial additives, preservatives, or other harmful ingredients
Cons
  • More expensive than dry food options

2. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Salmon, fish meal, potatoes, lentils, peas
Protein content: 25% minimum
Fat content: 14% minimum
Calories: 408 kcal/cup

Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula Dry Dog Food is a food product 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 want 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.

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 coat after switching to this food. One downside to this food is that 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

3. Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Dry Dog Food

Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Lamb meal, oatmeal, whole brown rice, deboned lamb, canola oil
Protein content: 22% minimum
Fat content: 14% minimum
Calories: 451 kcal/cup

The third item on our list is Go! Solutions Skin and Coat Care Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food. First, this food does not contain chicken, so it is perfect for pets with chicken allergies. Probiotics and prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root support healthy gut bacteria and digestion. Additionally, coconut oil, which is an easily digestible fat, is included. In addition, this food has no preservatives, and it is packed with vegetables and vitamins for your dog’s skin and coat.

You should be careful about how much of this food you feed your dog since it contains 451 calories per cup. Your dog will gain weight if you don’t pay attention to portions. It’s been reported that this food makes dogs flatulent, which 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

4. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal & Oat Recipe Dry Dog Food

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

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 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. Most 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.

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
  • A blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
  • American-made from reliably sourced ingredients
Cons
  • Ingredients are not all American

5. ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food

ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Deboned lamb, lamb meal, oat groats, whole sorghum, lamb liver
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 371 kcal/cup

ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Food is designed for dogs with food sensitivities and contains limited ingredients. The main ingredients are lamb and pumpkin, which are considered 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. It has the highest protein content among all foods on this list. In addition, it’s suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Some dogs don’t like the taste of the food, and not all the ingredients are sourced in the United States. To see if your dog likes the kibble 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

6. Nature’s Recipe Original Adult Dry Dog Food

Nature's Recipe Adult Lamb & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Lamb, chicken meal, brewer’s rice, barley, oatmeal
Protein content: 21% minimum
Fat content: 8% minimum
Calories: 305 kcal/cup

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.

The recipe is certain to benefit adult dogs’ skin and coat, 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

7. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Food

Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Chicken, brewer’s rice, chicken meal, yellow peas, cracked pearl barley
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 382 kcal/cup

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.

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 so, 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

8. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Skin Support Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Skin Support Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Brewer’s rice, fish meal, brown rice, chicken fat, natural flavors
Protein content: 22.50%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 322 kcal/cup

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.

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

9. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Coat Dry Food

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Skin & Coat Care Formula Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley
Protein content: 24% minimum
Fat content: 14% minimum
Calories: 363 kcal/cup

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.

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

10. Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Natural Choice Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

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

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 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.

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 of the brand. Some owners suggest that the 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

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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.

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.

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Wrapping Up

In conclusion, these are the best dog foods for shiny coats this year. Here’s a quick recap. For its high-quality, fresh ingredients, Ollie Fresh Turkey 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

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