Foods to Make a Dog's Coat Shiny

There are many brands of dog foods out there that boast about giving your dog a shiny coat, but certain foods from your refrigerator will have the same, or even better, results. Your furry friend can have a lustrous coat when eating the right foods.

  1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

    • We have all heard about how beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids are to human health; they're also beneficial for our pups too according to The Daily Puppy. Foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids include fish, olive oil and flax seeds. You can add a tablespoon or teaspoon (depending on the size of your dog) of olive oil to your dog's food. Find treats that are rich with flax seed or you can also add a teaspoon of them to your dog's food. You can incorporate salmon into your dog's meals every now and then as well. Salmon is very high in Omega 3 fatty acids and your dog will benefit from it.

    Omega 6 Fatty Acids

    • Like Omega 3s, Omega 6 fatty acids are a beneficial part of a dog's diet states WebMD. They will help to replenish the oils in your dog's skin and make his coat healthy and shiny. Vegetable oils are an excellent source of Omega 6 fatty acids. Stir one teaspoon or tablespoon (depending on your dog's size) of sunflower or safflower oil into your dog's food. Make sure you don't overdo it on the oils or it will make your dog sick.

    Protein Foods

    • A healthy diet will help your dog to have healthy skin, and thus, healthy hair. Protein is vital in a dog's diet. Ground beef, turkey and chicken can be added to your dog's food to ensure he is getting enough protein. Additionally, fish, eggs, and dairy are a high source of protein. Speak with your dog's veterinarian and make sure you don't feed your pet too much of anything.

    Avoid Corn

    • Dogs who have problems with their coats often have allergies that cause dry skin. According to the Daily Puppy, corn allergies are very common among dogs. Cut out corn and any foods that contain it, to ensure that your dog doesn't have an allergic reaction.