The look and feel of a lustrous hair coat is one of the joys of sharing your life with a dog. Many of us judge our pet's health by a shiny coat, so it's no surprise that skin and coat concerns are the most common reasons for veterinary exams.1 When skin or coat problems occur, the pet parent is often advised to add a supplement containing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to the pet's daily regimen. But in many cases, a simple food change may be the answer.

The Roles of Omega-6 and Omega-3

Both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, promote a strong immune system, and play a role in cell growth. If a dog is not getting enough of these essential fatty acids, the classic signs of deficiency may appear, including:

  • dry, flaky skin
  • dull coat
  • dermatitis
  • hair loss

The appropriate amounts of omega-6 and/or omega-3 fatty acids may benefit dogs with skin, coat or certain other problems. This can be accomplished by feeding foods rich in essential fatty acids, by adding fatty acid supplements, or both.2 The most convenient and economical solution is to feed a pet food rich in essential fatty acids.

Key points


More Than Supplements

There's a very simple way to provide dogs the fatty acids they need for a healthy skin and coat — feed Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Advanced Fitness Original Canine pet food. Advanced Fitness is a rich source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. In fact it would take 14 capsules of a typical fatty acid supplement to equal the essential fatty acids in a bowl of Advanced Fitness.3

Eliminate the Hassles

None of us looks forward to the prospect of giving our pet a pill or unnecessary supplements. In some cases, fatty acid supplementation may prove beneficial for dogs with chronic or severe diseases. But for the normal, healthy dog, the cost and hassle of supplementing fatty acids isn't necessary. Simply feed a food that's rich in essential fatty acids — Science Diet Adult Advanced Fitness Original Canine pet food.

1 Roudebush P, Schoenherr WD. Skin and Hair Disorders. In: Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, et al., eds. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th ed. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute; 2010:637.
2 Scott DW, Miller DH, Griffi n CE. Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Co; 2001:367.
3 Vetri-Science Omega-3,6,9. Vetri-Science Laboratories Website. http://www.vetriscience.com. Accessed June 16, 2010.

Hills Author Hills Author
Staff Author

One of our staff authors prepared this article for you

Related articles

Hookworms in Dogs: What Are They, and How Do Dogs Get Them?

Hookworms in dogs are intestinal parasites that get their name from the hook-like mouthparts they use to attach to the intestinal wall. Learn more here.

How to Stop Dog Fence Fighting

Learn what's going on when dogs engage in outdoor "fence fighting", consistently barking & acting aggressive toward one another, and how to help stop it.

What to Look For in Food for a Mature Dog

Learn about choosing the right food for your mature or older dog, ensuring he receives the correct balance of nutrition.

Addison's Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Learn about Addison's disease, or Hypoadrenocorticism, in dogs, including a wide range of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

"Why Is My Dog Constipated?" and Other Gastrointestinal Questions

Wondering why your dog is constipated? Or why he has diarrhea? Learn more about these common gastro issues in dogs, and tips for managing them at home.

Dealing With Dog Mange

Learn about the skin condition called dog mange: what it is, how to spot the symptoms, and treatments for both Demodectic & Sarcoptic types of the disease.

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Learn all about hip dysplasia in dogs, including causes & symptoms of the disease, most susceptible breeds, diagnosis and treatment options.

Preventing Growth Disorders in Dogs

Reduce the chances of your puppy developing a growth disorder by discovering the issues that cause this dog disease and taking steps to combat it.

Common Causes of Dog Skin Conditions

Understand the common irritants that cause various dog skin conditions, whether they be due to parasites, infections, food, or the environment.

Identifying & Preventing Separation Anxiety in Your Dog

Learn how to spot separation anxiety in dogs, what you can do to help with his stress, and ways to prevent anxiety in the first place.

Are Dogs Really Color Blind?

Are you wondering if dogs really are color blind? Get the scoop on which colors your dog can actually see and which ones should catch his attention.

Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs: Types, Causes & Treatment

Learn about angular limb deformities in dogs, including types of deformities, why they happen and treatment options for dogs that have this condition.

Cataracts in Dogs: Symptoms, Appearance & Treatments

Learn everything you need to know about cataracts in dogs, including common symptoms of the condition, breeds most at risk, and how they can be treated.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

You know your furry friend loves peanut butter, but is it good for him? Learn the details about this snack and when it's safe for your dog.

Steps to Take If Your Dog Is Vomiting Blood

Here are three steps to take if you find that your dog is vomiting blood.

Tips for Helping Your Dog's ACL Surgery Recovery

Learn how you can help your dog recover from ACL surgery, including tips for their activity, medications and nutrition.

Dogs That Shed: Why and What You Can Do

Discover why dogs shed, learn the breeds that shed most & least as well as reducing their excess hair, and how to keep your house clean of loose hair.

Why Do Dogs Howl?

Learn some possible reasons for your dog's howling, which breeds are most active howlers, and some training tips for getting them to stop.

How to Prevent and Treat Fleas on Dogs

Learn how to protect your dog from fleas, as well as how to provide your dog with the proper treatment if you notice they have been infested.

Heterochromia in Dogs: Why Your Dog Has Two Different-Colored Eyes

If you've wondered why your dog has two different colored eyes, learn about this condition called heterochromia and if it's tied to any health issues.