Quick answer
Our top pick is Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Wild Red, which combines freeze-dried raw pieces with high-protein kibble and omega-3s from salmon oil. For a more affordable option, Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Salmon & Beef offers raw-coated kibble with added omegas. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, Primal Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Lamb & Salmon is a limited-ingredient choice with healthy fats.
What to consider for Raw Dog Food For Dogs With Thick Coats
Dogs with thick coats, such as Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, require a diet that supports a healthy skin barrier and reduces shedding. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil, flaxseed, or chicken fat help maintain a shiny coat and reduce inflammation. Protein from named meat sources like beef, chicken, or salmon provides the building blocks for hair growth. Additionally, adequate zinc and biotin are important for coat quality. Raw diets often retain more natural nutrients than heavily processed kibble, but they must be balanced to meet AAFCO standards.
What to look for in a dog food
Look for a raw or raw-coated food that is AAFCO complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage (adult, puppy, or all life stages). The first ingredient should be a named meat or meat meal, such as beef, chicken, or salmon. Protein content should be around 30 to 40% on a dry matter basis, fat around 15 to 25%, and calories around 350 to 450 kcal per cup. For thick coats, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseed are beneficial. Avoid foods with unnamed meat meals or excessive fillers. For large breeds, ensure calcium and phosphorus levels are appropriate for bone health.
How we chose these picks
- Evaluated ingredient quality and named protein sources
- Checked for AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements
- Prioritized recipes with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health
- Considered product form (freeze-dried raw, raw-coated kibble, frozen raw) for convenience
- Reviewed customer feedback on coat improvement and palatability
- Assessed price per pound and value for the ingredient quality
- Looked for brands with strong safety and quality control records
- Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission
What to avoid
- Unnamed meat meals as the only protein source, which can be low-quality
- Defaulting to grain-free or legume-heavy recipes without veterinary guidance, as the FDA continues to investigate a potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- All-life-stages food for a large-breed puppy, as it may have improper calcium levels
- Abrupt diet switches; transition over 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing amounts of new food with old
For more guidance, explore our dog guides and check out dog food and dog nutrition resources.
