The Nutrients Your Dog Needs for a Healthy Coat and Skin

Your dog’s skin and hair play an important role in keeping him healthy and comfortable. They prevent water and heat from leaving your dog’s body, and help keep viruses and bacteria out. One of the best ways to make sure your dog’s skin and coat are in the best possible condition is through his diet.

White and black spotted dog looking upward in front of an ocean

Nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins and minerals are vital to the skin and coat health of dogs. Your dog’s coat is made up almost entirely of protein. If his diet doesn’t contain enough protein quantity and quality, hair might fall out or become dry, weak and brittle. Likewise, his skin is made up of tightly packed flat cells with tough membranes made of proteins and fats. Without proper amounts of these nutrients, the cell membranes weaken, allowing water to escape and bacteria and viruses to enter more easily.

Make sure your dog is getting the following nutrients to keep his coat and skin healthy.

Nutrients for Healthy Skin and Hair in Dogs

Essential Amino Acids

Proteins are found in both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. However, animal-based proteins contain all the essential amino acids dogs need, whereas plant-based proteins might not contain enough of some essential amino acids.

Fatty Acids

Fats also are found in both animal- and plant-based ingredients and are incorporated into skin cells as fatty acids. In particular, linoleic acid is essential for a dog’s skin and coat health. Without enough linoleic acid, dogs might experience a dull and dry coat, hair loss, greasy skin and increased susceptibility to skin inflammation.

Linoleic acid is found in chicken fat and vegetable oils (such as corn and soybean). IAMS™ research has also found that the fatty acids in vitamin-rich fish oils help promote excellent skin and coat health.

Vitamins and Minerals

Your dog needs vitamins and minerals for a healthy skin and coat. The best way to provide these nutrients is by feeding a complete and balanced diet full of essential vitamins and minerals, rather than giving him supplements.

Vitamin or Mineral	Importance to Skin and Coat Health
Vitamin A	Necessary for growth and repair of skin
Vitamin E	Protects skin cells from oxidant damage
Vitamin C	Helps heal wounds
Biotin	Aids in the utilization of protein
Riboflavin (B2)	Necessary for fat and protein metabolism
Zinc	Necessary for fat and protein metabolism
Copper	Involved in tissue, pigment, and protein synthesis

Gray dog looking to the left on grassy and rocky landscape

What Causes Changes in a Dog’s Coat Condition?

Diet can be a factor when changes in skin and coat condition occur, but the most common causes are season and life stage. As cold weather approaches, most dogs grow a thick coat to help keep heat in and cold air out. As the weather warms up, they shed their thick, heavy coat.

Most puppies are born with soft, fuzzy hair, but as they age, a coarser coat grows. Pregnant or nursing dogs also might experience a change in coat condition or hair loss. And, as with humans, a dog’s hair might thin out and become coarser and white as he reaches his mature years.