Signs Your Dog's Skin and Coat Need Help
Your dog's coat says a lot about what is going on underneath. A shiny, healthy coat usually points to good nutrition, while dullness, flaking or excessive shedding can be a sign their current food is not giving them what they need.
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A dull coat that has lost its shine
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Dry, flaky skin and dandruff
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Heavy or patchy shedding
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Brittle hair and thinning patches
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Scratching, licking and a doggy smell
What Affects Your Dog's Skin and Coat?
A dog's skin and coat reflect their whole body, so when something is off internally, it often shows up on the outside first. Diet is one of the most common, and correctable, causes.
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Not enough omega 3 and omega 6
These essential fatty acids support the skin's natural barrier and coat shine, and many dry diets simply do not include enough to make a visible difference.
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Low quality protein and heat damaged fats
Coats are made almost entirely of protein, so poor quality or heavily processed protein sources can leave hair brittle, thin or slow to grow.
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Food sensitivities driving inflammation
Certain proteins or ingredients can trigger inflammation in sensitive dogs, often showing up as itchy skin, hot spots or excessive licking.
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Poor gut health, dehydration and parasites
Gut health, hydration and parasite control all play a role in skin and coat condition, alongside whatever is in the bowl.
The Nutrients Behind Healthy Skin and a Shiny Coat
Every 5 Hounds meal plan is gently cooked and built around the nutrients skin and coat condition actually depend on, so support comes from the inside out rather than a shampoo alone.
Real fish is a natural source of omega 3 fatty acids, which support the skin's barrier function and a healthier, shinier coat.
Real cuts of human grade meat give your dog the quality protein a healthy coat is largely made from.
These nutrients come from real, whole food ingredients rather than a synthetic additive, supporting skin and coat health as part of a balanced diet.
Fresh, moisture rich meals paired with synbiotic support help keep digestion settled, which plays its own part in skin and coat condition.
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Vet-Formulated for Skin and Coat Health by Dr Will
"A lot of the skin and coat issues I see in practice trace back to nutrition. Getting the right balance of omega 3s, quality protein and real nutrients can make a genuine difference, often before you reach for anything else."
Dr Will Maginness, Veterinarian and Founder, 5 Hounds
How Your Dog's Skin and Coat Meal Plan Works
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Step 1: Take the 2-minute meal plan quiz
Tell us about your dog's age, weight, and any skin or coat concerns you have noticed, like dryness, itching or shedding.
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Step 2: Get a plan built around skin and coat support
We build a meal plan rich in omega 3s and quality protein to support their skin and coat from within.
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Step 3: Fresh meals delivered to your door
Portioned meals arrive fresh and ready to serve, so every bowl works toward a healthier coat.
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How to Switch Your Dog Over, and When You Will See a Shinier Coat
Switching your dog's food will not change their coat overnight, since a visible difference usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks as the coat grows through. We recommend transitioning gradually over a week to settle their gut first.
Days 1 to 2
25% New Food
Mix a quarter fresh food with their current diet to gently introduce new ingredients.
Days 3 to 4
Half and half
Increase to an even split as their gut adjusts to the change.
Days 5 to 6
75% new food
Move to mostly fresh food, keeping a small amount of their old diet.
Weeks 6 to 8
Fully Fresh + The Coat Starts to Change
This is typically when a visible difference in coat condition and shine starts to show, as the new coat grows through.
Real Results From Dogs with Dull Coats and Dry Skin
The itching stopped
I've spent a lot of money at the vets for injections to help my kelpie with his itching, nothing worked until I put him on 5 hounds. His coat is so dark, full and shiny, no itchy skin.
The best kind of progress
Since changing Rosie’s food to 5 Hounds by Dr Will, we’ve noticed such a wonderful improvement. Her itchy ears have settled down so much, and she seems much more comfortable and happier. It’s been such a relief to see her scratching less and finally getting some comfort. We know we’re still on the journey, but seeing this positive change gives us so much hope that we’re on the right track. Nothing makes us happier than seeing our beautiful girl feeling better. Fingers crossed the improvements continue, and we can keep her healthy, comfortable, and itch-free. ❤️🐾🐾
5 Hounds has been a life saver for our Chester
We used to say that Chester was allergic to life! He suffered itchiness, hair loss, anal gland issues and then we found 5 Hounds! Chester’s coat is beautiful, he rarely scratches and his poops are perfect now. He absolutely loves delivery day and can be slightly impatient with waiting for a bag of food to defrost, but I can safely say that every flavour is devoured. He loves it and we love that it’s turned him back into our healthy boy. Thanks Dr Will!
5 Hounds changed our world - healthy Goldens, shiny coats, perfect digestion. Always excellent!
5 Hounds has really changed our world. Our two girls are thriving - so healthy, with soft, shiny coats and perfect poo. We’ve been using 5 Hounds for nearly two years now, and the quality is consistently excellent. On top of that, the customer service from the 5 Hounds team is absolutely brilliant - we feel valued and actually feel like we're a part of the team itself! We couldn’t be happier. Thank you so much!
Mavis's Transformation
★★★★★
I cannot recommend 5 Hounds highly enough
In October 2024, Mavis received her first delivery of 5 Hounds and it would be fair to say that she was struggling. She had a nasty skin condition as a result of long term medication use for her autoimmune disease, her coat was dull and pasty, her energy levels were depleted and she was barely holding onto any quality of life. I honestly believed at that point in time, that she would struggle to see out Christmas 2024.
If we fast track to earlier this month (03/11/2025) we celebrated Mavis turning 8, a milestone that was seriously a pipedream back in 2024. They say that a picture tells a thousand words and well the pictures attached do exactly that (see attached Mavis Nov 25 & Mavis Nov 2025).
Mavis is absolutely thriving and the only thing that has changed in her life is her diet, she is a fully fledged 5 Hounds advocate!! She is now fueled by a diet that has given her quality of life back and is kicking goals in her senior years.
To say that I am grateful is an understatement, my world is better with Mavis (& Esme) in it. This last 12 months has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of a diet that has been created to ensure our four legged companions get the necessary fuel for a healthy and long life, I cannot recommend 5 Hounds highly enough.
Keep up the awesome work!!
- Danielle
Isla's Transformation
★★★★★
Isla is a new dog on 5 Hounds
Isla is 4 and had visited the Vet every few months for skin allergies since she was 6 months old. She was previously on 80% premium kibble alongside meat/veg. 5 weeks ago I discovered 5 Hounds and had a consultation with Dr Will. I was quite stressed due to all the medication Isla had been prescribed prior with no answers. Her moods had become sporadic, her anxiety was high and she had recently tried behaviour training.
I highly recommend having a consult with Dr Will. He was so compassionate, patient and knowledgeable about gut health in dogs and its ability to improve immunity. Since then Dr Will and Dr Sienna have also been incredibly helpful in ensuring a holistic approach to Islas skin issues. The results so far (alongside some dermatology meds intially) is her enthusiasm at meal times; she now jumps in the air and spins as soon as I mention the words “5 Hounds”. This is followed by drooling and licking her lips before devouring her meal. Her stools are perfect, her coat is velvet soft and I’ve noticed less anxiety and calmer moods.
I cannot recommend 5 Hounds enough and have been telling my fur parent community. Thanks so much for being an advocate for real and nutritious dog food! And creating a product I can trust. Thanks
- Shonah
Dog Food for Skin and Coat FAQs
What is the best dog food for skin and coat health?
What is the best dog food for skin and coat health?
The best dog food for skin and coat health is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, quality protein and whole food nutrients like zinc and biotin. Fresh, human grade meals tend to deliver these in a more natural form than heavily processed kibble.
5 Hounds meal plans are vet formulated with skin and coat support in mind, alongside the rest of your dog's nutritional needs.
What nutrients give a dog a shiny coat?
What nutrients give a dog a shiny coat?
Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, quality protein, zinc, biotin and vitamin E all play a role in coat shine and skin health. A coat is made mostly of protein, so the quality of protein in the diet matters just as much as the fat content.
Fresh, whole food ingredients tend to deliver these nutrients in a more usable form than synthetic additives.
How long does it take for a dog's coat to improve after a food change?
How long does it take for a dog's coat to improve after a food change?
Most dogs take around 6 to 8 weeks to show a visible improvement in coat condition after switching food, since it takes time for the new coat to grow through. Skin changes can sometimes show sooner.
Consistency matters more than speed here, so it is worth sticking with a new diet for at least two months before judging the results.
Is fish oil good for my dog's skin and coat?
Is fish oil good for my dog's skin and coat?
Yes, fish oil is a well known source of omega 3 fatty acids, which support the skin's barrier function and a healthier coat. Whole fish in a meal provides these fatty acids in a natural form alongside other nutrients.
If your dog has a specific skin condition, it is worth checking with your vet about the right amount and type of support.
Why is my dog shedding so much?
Why is my dog shedding so much?
Some shedding is completely normal, particularly with seasonal coat changes, but heavy or patchy shedding can also be linked to nutrition, stress or an underlying health issue.
Diet plays an important role, since a coat under nourished in protein or omega 3s tends to shed more readily. If shedding is sudden, patchy or comes with skin changes, it is best to check in with your vet.
When is a dull coat or itchy skin a sign of something more serious?
When is a dull coat or itchy skin a sign of something more serious?
A dull coat or itchy skin can sometimes point to something beyond diet, such as allergies, parasites, hormonal issues or an underlying illness.
If you notice redness, hair loss, open sores, a strong odour or symptoms that do not improve with a diet change, it is best to book a vet visit rather than wait it out.
Bring Back Your Dog's Shine
Give your dog the omega 3 rich, human grade nutrition their skin and coat need to look and feel their best.
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