"In this section, our vets have their say – experts who have been working on healthy dog nutrition and canine health for years."
A shiny coat as a health indicator
You're sitting with your dog in the sunshine. His coat gleams in the light, you stroke him gently and feel how soft and silky it is. That's exactly what it looks like when your dog feels truly comfortable in his own skin. A glossy coat is beautiful to look at – and it tells you a lot about your dog's health.
When the coat is dense, soft and shiny, it usually points to a good supply of essential nutrients and healthy skin. The sebaceous glands are typically working well too: they form a natural protective film that keeps skin and hair supple.
If the coat looks dull, brittle or greasy, your dog is losing a lot of fur, has dandruff, bald patches or intense itching, it's worth taking a closer look. Changes like these can point to nutrient deficiencies, digestive or metabolic problems. Allergies, parasites or skin fungus are also possible causes. And in some dogs the coat simply changes with age – it becomes thinner, drier or loses some of its shine.
The good news: there's a lot you can do for your dog's coat health. A beautiful coat starts from within. A balanced diet with high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 naturally supports skin and fur. Regular brushing also helps to remove loose hairs, stimulate circulation in the skin and create enjoyable bonding moments.
If the coat changes suddenly and significantly, or if symptoms like intense itching, bald patches or skin inflammation appear, you should have your dog examined by a vet.
Supplements for dogs – when do they make sense?
Not every dog needs an extra in the bowl. The most important thing for your dog's skin, coat and overall wellbeing remains a balanced diet that keeps him well-nourished every day.
Supplements for dogs can provide support when skin and coat need a little extra attention. For example during the coat change, in phases of increased demand (such as puppies, pregnant females or seniors), or when the coat looks dull, the skin feels dry or dandruff appears.
Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, B vitamins and zinc in particular can promote healthy fur. Getting the dosage right is key. Overdosing fat-soluble vitamins can lead to health problems. When in doubt, it's worth checking with your vet.
Not every skin or coat problem can be solved with supplements. If your dog has severe itching, hair loss or skin issues, the cause should be identified by a vet.
Salmon oil for dogs – why it's so popular
Salmon oil is a high-quality fish oil valued above all for its omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the dog's body and must be obtained through food. Many dogs love the intense flavour.
In many of our recipes in the LuckyChef RecipeWorld we use salmon oil – always precisely tailored to the individual dog and his meal. The oil is not simply added as a blanket supplement but is calculated exactly to the daily requirement: we take into account which nutrients are already provided by the other ingredients in the recipe, and then add precisely the amount of salmon oil that makes sense for a healthy dog.
Recipes for dogs with salmon oil →
What is salmon oil good for in dogs?
- Support for skin and coat: The omega-3 fatty acids it contains are well known for supporting healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Joint health: Omega-3 fatty acids have antioxidant properties and can therefore support your dog's joint health – particularly helpful for older dogs, joint conditions such as osteoarthritis or arthritis, or other joint problems.
- Heart health: Helps regulate cholesterol levels and supports cardiovascular function, which can benefit heart health and vitality in the long term.
- Immune system: The antioxidant properties of the fatty acids strengthen the immune system and can support your dog's natural defences.
- Cognitive function: DHA from high-quality fish oil plays an important role in brain development and can promote cognitive performance, especially in older dogs.
How often can I give my dog salmon oil?
Most dogs really enjoy the taste of salmon oil. You can give it regularly – even daily – in the right amount over their food.
The feeding recommendation for LuckyChef BeautyFuel is based on your dog's body weight:
| Body weight | Recommended amount |
|---|---|
| up to 10 kg | 1 teaspoon per day |
| up to 25 kg | 3 teaspoons per day |
| up to 45 kg | 4 teaspoons per day |
| 45 kg and above | 5 teaspoons per day |
The right amount depends on your individual dog's needs and what calories and fats are already included in the meal.
Biotin and brewer's yeast for dogs – what do they do for skin and coat?
Biotin for dogs: Biotin is an important B vitamin that supports metabolism and is involved in the formation of keratin – a key building block for fur, skin and claws. Biotin is found in liver, egg yolk, yeast, salmon and oats, for example. A deficiency can result in a dull coat, dry skin or brittle claws.
Brewer's yeast for dogs: Brewer's yeast is also frequently used for skin and coat because it is rich in natural B vitamins and minerals. It can be a useful addition during coat change or when the coat looks lacklustre – including for sensitive dogs. Brewer's yeast is usually given to dogs as a powder, flakes or tablets mixed into food.
Supplements for dogs – an overview
Alongside salmon oil and brewer's yeast, there are a number of other supplements for dogs. The most commonly used ingredients in dog supplements include:
- Vitamins: e.g. vitamin C, vitamin E and B vitamins such as vitamin B6 support the immune system, nervous system and energy metabolism. Fat-soluble vitamins should be dosed carefully, as overdosing can be harmful.
- Minerals and trace elements: A balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus is essential. Too much phosphorus can put strain on kidney function. Zinc contributes to the structure of many body tissues and plays an important role in the immune defences.
- Amino acids: As the building blocks of the body's own proteins, amino acids support muscles, the immune system and the supply of micronutrients. Puppies and pregnant females in particular have an increased requirement.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, e.g. from hemp oil or salmon oil, support skin, coat and a balanced diet.
- Plant-based active compounds: Herbal extracts, vegetables and herbs, as well as bioactive plant compounds such as curcumin or OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), provide antioxidant protection and can have anti-inflammatory effects.
The right supplement for every need
One dog may struggle with osteoarthritis, another with a sensitive stomach. The good news is that you can supplement in a targeted way depending on what's needed:
Joint health
For joint problems, joint conditions or osteoarthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin are frequently used – important building blocks for articular cartilage and joint fluid. Green-lipped mussel extract, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and rosehip shells, which are rich in vitamin C, additionally help to protect cartilage and maintain mobility.
LuckyChef JointJoy
The mussel meat extract from Perna canaliculus and vitamin C from acerola cherries promote synovial fluid, articular cartilage, ligaments, tendons and intervertebral discs. Valuable plant compounds and minerals additionally support collagen formation in bones, cartilage, skin and blood vessels – for an active, mobile dog life.
Discover nowDigestion and gut health
Prebiotics and probiotics support healthy digestion and a stable intestinal flora. Crude fibre and dietary fibre regulate bowel activity, and herbal extracts can gently promote digestion. A balanced gut flora directly shows in your dog's vitality and performance.
LuckyChef GutFeeling
The formula contains probiotic cultures with Bacillus subtilis, dietary fibre from psyllium husks and fermented herbs – for a stable intestinal flora and healthy digestion. Particularly useful for digestive upsets, after antibiotic treatment, during stress or high physical strain. Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Discover nowImmune system and cell protection
A strong immune system needs the right foundation: vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B6 protect cells from oxidative stress and strengthen the body's defences. Bioactive plant compounds such as oleuropein from olive leaves, curcumin from turmeric or OPC from grape seeds additionally work as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
LuckyChef ImmunSupport
Gently cold-pressed pellets with vitamin C from acerola, vitamin E, vitamin B6, zinc, and hemp oil with essential fatty acids, olive leaves, grape seeds, turmeric and rock rose. Suitable for all dogs as targeted support for the immune system and nervous system.
Discover nowAnyone looking to order supplements for dogs online should pay attention to high-quality ingredients and transparent manufacturer information.
A shiny coat in dogs: home remedies
What gives my dog a shiny coat? When you ask this question, fellow dog owners will often suggest home remedies. Let's take a closer look at a few of them:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil can be given as a food supplement or applied directly to the coat. Thanks to its high lauric acid content, it nourishes skin and fur, provides moisture, and is known for potential antibacterial properties. Not every dog enjoys being massaged with coconut oil, though. Some dog owners use it as a tick and flea preventative, but this effect has not been scientifically proven.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is recommended by some dog owners as a topical application. It is said to regulate the skin's pH level and help with itching and dandruff. To use it, mix one part apple cider vinegar with two to three parts water and apply it to the coat, for example with a spray directly onto the fur or via a brush.
Do not use on sensitive skin. Avoid contact with eyes and open wounds!
Raw egg
Raw egg for a shiny coat is another tip that keeps coming up – probably because egg yolk contains biotin. However, raw egg white contains avidin, which actually inhibits biotin absorption. It's therefore better to feed only the raw egg yolk.
What's really worth it for your dog?
In the end, supplements can be a useful support, but should always be chosen in a targeted way and matched to the individual dog.
How beautifully your dog's coat shines and how healthy and fit he is overall depends not on a single product, but on the complete picture: high-quality dog food, proper care and understanding your dog's individual needs.
