There’s no denying it: when your dog’s coat shines like a freshly waxed floor and their skin stays itch-free, it’s a sign something’s going right in the bowl. Many dog owners have switched to raw feeding with the hope of getting those glossy results. But does raw dog food really deliver smoother fur and healthier skin? Or is it all just tail-wagging hype?
Let’s chew over the facts and see what’s actually going on beneath all that fluff.
Why Skin and Coat Reflect Diet
A dog’s skin and coat are the first things you’ll notice when something’s off. Dull fur, dry patches, flaky skin, and excessive shedding can point to poor nutrition, allergies, or even gut imbalances. The food your dog eats is one of the biggest factors behind these symptoms. That’s where the raw diet for dogs often comes into the conversation.
The theory is simple: feed dogs what they were built to eat. A raw diet generally includes uncooked meat, bones, organs, and sometimes vegetables or supplements. Advocates believe this mirrors what dogs would eat in the wild, supporting better overall health, including that coat you can’t stop petting.
What’s in Raw Dog Food That Might Help?
Raw meat contains naturally occurring oils, amino acids, and enzymes that are altered or lost during the cooking process. These elements support healthy skin by maintaining moisture and improving elasticity. A raw diet for dogs also tends to contain fewer fillers like grains, which can sometimes trigger allergies or sensitivities.
Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s and omega-6s, play a major role. These are often found in oily fish, organ meats, and grass-fed animal fat. While commercial food may add synthetic versions, raw ingredients contain them in their natural form. That’s where some say BARF dog food has an edge. BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, and this model often includes raw meaty bones and fresh produce to create a complete diet.
These raw inclusions may support a shinier coat and reduce flaky skin, provided the food is well-balanced. Throwing together chunks of beef without considering nutrients won’t work. Dogs need the right ratio of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and fats. This is where planning matters.
Is There Science Behind It?
There’s limited large-scale research on raw feeding, but small studies and anecdotal reports suggest a pattern. A 2017 study published in the Veterinary Record showed that some dogs on raw diets had improved coat condition, though the researchers noted the need for more detailed analysis.
Vets often caution against homemade raw diets that aren’t properly formulated. Without the right balance, the benefits can fall flat or even create new problems. If your dog’s current food is low in essential fats or loaded with artificial ingredients, even a mildly improved diet might make a visible difference. But that doesn’t mean raw food is a guaranteed solution for all coat issues.
Not All Raw Meals Are Equal
The quality of ingredients matters. Feeding fresh, well-sourced meat is not the same as giving scraps from your dinner prep. You’re likely getting a balanced mix if you’re using BARF dog food from a reputable brand. But even then, it’s worth checking if the diet is formulated by a pet nutritionist or backed by lab analysis.
Convenience plays a role, too. Some raw diets come frozen or freeze-dried, which makes storage and portioning easier. If you’re building your meal plan, make sure it includes a variety of proteins, organs, and appropriate supplements. Don’t rely on guesswork—dogs need more than just meat to keep that coat from going coarse.
What to Watch for When Switching
Changes won’t happen overnight. It can take a few weeks or even months before you notice differences in your dog’s coat. In the meantime, observe how they respond to the new food. Less itching? More licking of the food bowl? Fewer fur tumbleweeds on the floor?
If your dog develops diarrhoea or shows signs of discomfort, the diet might need tweaking. Not all dogs thrive on raw. Some breeds or individual dogs may need cooked meals or specialised diets to stay balanced. The key is to focus on what works for your dog, not just what trends suggest.
Check out BOM BOM to browse raw food options that support skin, coat, and happy tails without fuss.
