What to Feed a Dog to Get a Shiny Coat

The most important decision you make for your dog is its food. A wholesome, nutritious food creates shine from the inside out, and can reduce shedding, guard against itching and alleviate skin problems. Know what to look for when you purchase dog food. The more than 15,000 brands of dog food all claim what they can do for your dog's coat and health.

  1. Read the Label

    • Check the ingredients on a bag or can of dog food before you buy it. Dog food ingredients are listed on the label in the order of content amount. The first ingredient should be meat, poultry or fish. Avoid food that lists meat byproducts. Byproducts are harvested from euthanized or diseased animals, or waste products such as feet and beaks. Stay away from foods with corn, corn or wheat gluten, animal fats, or dyes.These ingredients can result in dry and dull coats, itchy, flaky skin and allergies.

    The Best Food

    • Read the ingredients on the bag before buying dog food.

      Look for a food that contains whole meat, poultry or fish with a protein level of at least 21 percent. If your dog is active, consider a higher protein level. Your dog's food should contain vitamins, fatty acids, omega-3 and -6 oils. Many dog foods include fruits and vegetables. Look for whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole egg.

      High quality dog foods contain the necessary nutrients for a healthy, shiny coat, but a fish oil supplement such as salmon or sardine oil can further enhance the coat. Add 1 tsp. to a small dog's food; 1 tbsp. for a large dog.

    Go Grain Free

    • Dogs in the wild don't eat grains. They can't digest corn or wheat, nor do they require the carbohydrates grains provide. Many inexpensive dog foods use low-quality grains as filler. A grain-free food that contains fruits and vegetables provides adequate carbohydrates with no filler for a shiny coat and better overall health. Grain-free foods are frequently recommended for dogs with allergies. Grain-free foods can be more expensive to purchase, but the dog eats less so the food lasts longer. These foods typically contain additional amino acids and omega-6 to make your pet's coat shine.

    Other Options

    • Give your dog the best coat with good food.

      Homemade and raw diets are increasingly popular among dog owners who want to know exactly what is in their dog's food. These options require careful study and supplements to ensure the dog gets the nutrients needed. Many resources are available to help with homemade or raw diets. Ready-made raw foods are also available in premium pet food stores.

    Make Changes Slowly

    • Change your dog's diet very gradually when switching foods, even to a different brand, to avoid digestive upset. Dietary changes should be made over a week or two, so the dog's system can adjust. If you're making a change to raw, don't mix commercial dog food with it. The dog's system processes raw and kibble differently. Begin feeding a bit of raw separately and increase slowly.