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:
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.
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.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs with our special antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
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.
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.
Learn about choosing the right food for your mature or older dog, ensuring he receives the correct balance of nutrition.
Learn about Addison's disease, or Hypoadrenocorticism, in dogs, including a wide range of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
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.
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.
Learn all about hip dysplasia in dogs, including causes & symptoms of the disease, most susceptible breeds, diagnosis and treatment options.
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.
Understand the common irritants that cause various dog skin conditions, whether they be due to parasites, infections, food, or the environment.
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 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.
Learn about angular limb deformities in dogs, including types of deformities, why they happen and treatment options for dogs that have this condition.
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.
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.
Here are three steps to take if you find that your dog is vomiting blood.
Learn how you can help your dog recover from ACL surgery, including tips for their activity, medications and nutrition.
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.
Learn some possible reasons for your dog's howling, which breeds are most active howlers, and some training tips for getting them to stop.
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.
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.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool