Best Skin Supplements for Dogs: Nourish from the Inside Out

A shiny coat and healthy skin aren’t just about looking good— they’re important indicators of your dog’s overall well-being. Just like in humans, skin is the largest organ in a dog’s body, and it plays a critical role in protection, temperature regulation, and immune defense. If your dog is dealing with dry, itchy, flaky, or inflamed skin, natural supplements can offer gentle, effective support.

Today, we’ll explore the best skin supplements for dogs, why they work, and how they can help your furry friend look and feel their best.

The Best Skin Supplements for Dogs

Here are our top picks when it comes to the best skin supplements for dogs.

1. Omega-3s

Why they’re beneficial: Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. They help soothe itchy skin, reduce allergic reactions, and promote a glossy, hydrated coat. They also help maintain the skin’s water barrier, keeping it moisturized and protected from allergens and irritants. 

Bonus: Omega-3s also support heart, joint, and brain health!

Tip: Look for high-quality, sustainably sourced oils that have been purified to remove heavy metals and don’t harm the ocean, like our Potent-Sea!

2. Probiotics

Why they’re beneficial: A healthy gut = healthy skin! Beneficial bacteria in the gut help regulate the immune system and reduce skin inflammation, especially in dogs prone to allergies. Natural probiotic sources include fermented foods like kefir (unsweetened) or specially formulated canine probiotic powders.

Tip: Introduce probiotics slowly to avoid digestive upset, and choose strains that are known to support canine health, like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis. Our Fido’s Flora contains species-specific strains, and The Wolf contains species-appropriate ones!

3. Coconut Oil

Why it’s beneficial: Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) like lauric acid, which can help combat bacteria, fungi, and inflammation in the skin. When used as a dietary supplement, coconut oil can moisturize from the inside out, supporting skin elasticity and reducing itchiness.

• External – Go for coconut oil – made from fresh or dried coconut meat. Contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
• Internal – Go for MCT oil – a refined version of coconut oil that contains only MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides). It does not contain lauric acid, but focuses on faster-digesting fats like caprylic and capric acids.

Tip: When feeding, start with small amounts (about ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight) and gradually increase to avoid digestive upset. When applying topically, gently massage it into the affected area. Allow it to absorb, and prevent your dog from licking it off too quickly.

[RELATED] Read more on coconut oil here.

4. Chia Seeds

Why they’re beneficial: Chia seeds are tiny but mighty. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, and protein. They help maintain healthy skin by fighting oxidative stress (which damages skin cells) and by supporting hydration thanks to their high water-retention ability.

Tip: Sprinkle a small amount (¼ teaspoon for small dogs, ½ teaspoon for larger dogs) onto their food daily. Soaking the seeds first can make them even easier to digest.

5. Spirulina

Why it’s beneficial: Spirulina is a blue-green algae loaded with protein, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants like phycocyanin. It’s fantastic for detoxifying the body, reducing inflammation, and promoting vibrant skin health.

Tip: Use a trusted organic brand to avoid contaminants. Spirulina needs sunshine and has to be grown outdoors. A pollution-free environment and clean water are essential for high-quality production. A little goes a long way—start with ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs.

[RELATED] Read more on spirulina here.

Honourable Mention #1: Dirt

This may seem like an odd one to add to a list of the best skin supplements for dogs, but hear us out.

No, we’re not suggesting you start feeding your dog dirt (although, Soil & Sea does feature soil-based probiotics… but we’re getting of track). The best way to boost the skin microbiome and improve dog skin health is to let your dog get dirty! Seriously!

Dirt helps to boost your dog’s natural skin microbiome by supporting bacterial diversity.

Chew on this: A 2014 study at Texas A & M University, The Skin Microbiome in Healthy and Allergic Dogs, looked at the difference in community and diversity of the microbiome living on the skin of healthy dogs compared to allergic dogs, as well as compared to dogs with atopic dermatitis.

The study found that allergic dogs had lower diverity in their microbiome compared to the healthy dogs (demonstrating that the skin supports a much more biodiverse ecological system of friendly health-supporting bacteria fungi and viruses (microbiome) than had been thought before and that the diversity of the skin microbiome in atopic dogs is reduced compared to healthy dogs.

So, let your dog dig and roll in the dirt! Take them to as many different parks, wooded trails, beaches, farms, etc. as you can. The more diverse the dirt, the better. Get a small kiddie pool, go to a nursery and fill the pool with different organic dirt. Then, let your dog roll in it, dig in, and bury toys in it. You can even add water to make mud, let them play in it, let it sit on their skin, then hose them off with just water and NO soap. The dirt really is good for the skin!

Honourable Mention #2: Skip the Bath

Yes, skip it!

It can be really tempting to give your dog a bath when the skin is troubled, especially after a particularly muddy/dirty walk, but don’t. You might even think a warm bath would help sooth the skin. But we implore you, skip it! 

Bathing removes the necessary oils from the skin microbiome and can increase skin irritation. That microbiome is home to millions of friendly bacteria that help defend the skin – you don’t want to wash them down the drain! Plus, once your dog gets out and dry off, the skin starts to dry out too. If your dog just can’t go without a cleaning, instead of a full bath, wipe down areas that need attention and dry them well.

Final Thoughts: Start Slow and Choose Quality

When introducing any new supplement, it’s important to start slowly and monitor your dog’s response. Natural doesn’t always mean “safe at any dose,” so follow guidelines carefully, and when in doubt, consult with a holistic or integrative veterinarian. The best skin supplements for dogs, a balanced diet, regular grooming, and lots of love will go a long way in keeping your dog’s skin healthy and their coat shining. A healthy coat is a reflection of a healthy dog—from the inside out!