Best Diets for Pets with Skin & Coat Issues: Nutrition Tips for Healthy, Shiny Fur

If your cat or dog is constantly itching, scratching or suffering from a lacklustre coat, you're not alone. Many pets in New Zealand develop skin sensitivities or fur problems at some point in their lives. The good news? A targeted diet can help tackle these issues from the inside out. At Petdirect, we get pet – including their occasional flare-ups – and we’re here to help you find the best diet for a healthy, happy coat and calm, soothed skin.

Common Causes Of Skin And Coat Problems

Skin and coat concerns can have many causes, from allergies to fleas, environmental sensitivities or nutritional deficiencies. Here are a few common culprits:

• Food intolerance: Some pets react poorly to common proteins, grains or additives.
• Environmental allergies: Pollen, dust mites, and grass can all trigger itching or rashes.
• Fleas or mites: These pesky parasites can cause intense itching and hair loss.
• Lack of omega-3s or key nutrients: A poor-quality diet may be missing essential fatty acids that support skin hydration and coat shine.

A visit to your vet can help determine the underlying cause, but food is a fantastic place to start supporting your pet’s skin from the inside.

Best Pet Foods For Skin And Coat Health

Quality nutrition is one of the most effective ways to care for your pet’s sensitive skin. Look for diets formulated with skin-loving ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins A and E. These top picks are favourites among Kiwi pet parents:

• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet – Tailored options for cats and dogs with dermal concerns, including skin sensitivities and atopic dermatitis.
• Hill’s Prescription Diet – Offers advanced nutrition designed to support skin barrier function and reduce itching.
• PRO PLAN Veterinary Diet – Formulated to ease food sensitivities and skin irritations.
• Black Hawk Sensitive Skin & Gut range – A gentle option packed with natural omega oils from fish.
• ZIWI Peak – A whole-prey diet made in New Zealand with air-dried meats, rich in skin-supporting nutrients.

Explore our full range of science-backed nutrition for skin and coat support to find the best match for your furry friend.

Supplements That Support A Healthy Skin Barrier

In some cases, supplements can power-up your pet’s regular diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are especially powerful when it comes to improving coat shine, reducing inflammation and supporting skin hydration. Here are some great options:

• Fourflax – A New Zealand brand offering flaxseed, salmon and hoki oil supplements for shiny coats and itch relief.
• Skin and coat health supplements – A curated collection of oils, chews and capsules to nourish your pet’s skin from within.
• My Beau Skin & Hair – Packed with omega oils, zinc and biotin to help tackle dull or dry coats.

Supplements are especially helpful during seasonal changes, after flea infestations or when recovering from an allergy flare-up. And don’t forget – they’re most effective when used alongside high-quality, complete food.

Flea Control And Grooming Matter Too

Even the best food can only go so far if parasites or poor grooming habits are still lingering. For many pets, controlling fleas and adding a consistent grooming routine can make a huge difference in skin health:

• Flea treatment – Check out brands like NexGard or Bravecto for long-lasting parasite protection.
• Pet grooming products – Using a soothing shampoo for sensitive skin and regular brushing reduces hairballs and matting, and promotes circulation.

For dogs who love outdoor adventures or cats with long coats, regular grooming goes paw-in-paw with skin health.

When To Consider A Veterinary Diet

If your pet’s skin condition is persistent or severe, your vet may recommend a prescription or veterinary-only food. These diets are carefully formulated to avoid common allergens and help manage chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis or food allergies in dogs and cats.

At Petdirect, you’ll find leading dog vet diets and cat vet diets, including options from Royal Canin Veterinary Diet and PRO PLAN Veterinary Diet. These diets should be fed under veterinary supervision to ensure they meet your pet’s individual needs.

A Healthy Skin Story Starts With What You Serve

Whether your pet is chasing their tail or curling up on the couch, their skin and coat deserve just as much attention as their tummy or teeth. With the right food, skin-loving supplements and consistent care, your four-legged mate can glow from nose to tail.

Ready to nourish your pet’s skin from the inside out? Explore our wide range of cat and dog food, skin and coat support supplements, and soothing grooming essentials today. Don’t forget to sign up for Pet Perks and collect Airpoints with every order – because at Petdirect, we get pet.