Biotin for Dogs: Key to a Shiny Coat and Healthy Skin

Biotin for Dogs: Key to a Shiny Coat and Healthy Skin

Reviewed by Dr. Kathy Adamson

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As a pet parent, you’re likely aware of common canine health concerns. For instance, it’s easy to tell when your dog is limping or if they ate something that upset their stomach. But are you also aware of their proper vitamin levels? Just like humans, dogs require a healthy balance of nutrients in their diet.


Biotin is one such vitamin that goes a long way for the well-being and comfort of your pup.


If you don’t know your dog’s biotin intake—or have never heard of this B vitamin before—you’re in the right place. The team at Vetericyn is here to break down the properties, uses, and benefits of biotin for dogs.

What is Biotin?

Biotin, known by its more common name vitamin B7, provides many benefits to both human and animal health. Its name derives from the Greek word “biotos,” meaning life or sustenance, which sheds light on the significance of this nutrient.1


Biotin assists in the production of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids. 5 The gut bacteria of mammals produce biotin. It’s also obtained from food including egg yolks, oats, mushrooms, spinach, and others.5 


Benefits of Biotin for Your Dog’s Flourishing Skin and Coat


Biotin’s nutritional properties work from the inside out, helping prevent dry skin or a dull coat. In one study, over 100 dogs with fur and skin conditions were given biotin daily for several weeks. Their skin condition symptoms included hair loss, scaly skin, dull coat, and dermatitis. At the end of the study, symptoms resolved in 61% of cases, improved in 31%, and showed no effect in 9%.4 These results suggest biotin is beneficial for dogs’ skin and coat.4 


Possible Causes of Biotin Deficiency in Dogs


Biotin deficiency is rare in dogs; however, it can occur under certain circumstances.6 


  • Diet – The most common culprit is a biotin-deficient diet. Fortunately, veterinary-approved dog foods are well-balanced. However, feeding raw egg whites can lead to biotin deficiency because raw egg whites contain a protein that binds biotin in egg yolks, preventing its absorption.6

  • Antibiotics – Prolonged use of antibiotics can cause intestinal bacteria imbalances, interfere with biotin production, or produce biotin-consuming bacteria.3 If your pup needs antibiotics, ask your veterinarian about using biotin supplements. 6

Biotin Supplements for Dogs

If your dog is having skin or coat problems, talk to your veterinarian about starting a biotin supplement. There are many types of supplements to choose from, such as dog treats, powders, and liquid drops. Whether you hide the supplement in a pill pouch or sprinkle it over kibble is up to you.


Keep in mind that this is an instance when sharing isn’t caring—in other words, you should buy dog-specific supplements for your furry friend, rather than giving them some of yours.


Closely follow the recommended dosage based on your dog’s size and weight, and consult a veterinarian if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

 


Are There Any Side Effects of Biotin for Dogs?

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that, unlike a fat-soluble vitamin, it’s not stored in the body. Biotin either dissolves into tissues or is absorbed into urine and expelled as waste.2

High doses of biotin discolor the urine and cause gastrointestinal symptoms but vitamin B ingestion rarely causes worse clinical signs. 7 

If you have any doubts or concerns about your dog's health, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian.

Support Your Dog’s Skin Health and More with ALL-IN from Vetericyn

For a comprehensive approach to canine nutritional health, look no further than our ALL-IN supplements. Designed for complete support at every stage of life, ALL-IN is made with age-specific formulas for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. These customized supplements are an excellent, all-natural way to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of essential nutrients.


From biotin for healthy skin to probiotics for immunity, ALL-IN supports every area of dog health, including:


  • Bone and joint
  • Muscle
  • Skin and coat
  • Digestive
  • Heart
  • Immune
  • Mental

Visit a local pet store today or order your supplements on our website to support your dog’s health.

Dr. Kathy Adamson

Reviewed by Dr. Kathy Adamson


Dr. Kathy Adamson earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.


She completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Alongside her studies, Kathy worked in a research lab, contributing as an author and co-author to various journal articles.


She has also pursued medical writing and editing certification through the University of Chicago Graham School. Currently, she runs KMA Veterinary & Medical Writing, a freelance medical writing company, serves as the Digital Content Manager for the Greater Chicago Area Chapter of the American Medical Writers Association, is a member of the AMWA Communications Committee, and enjoys writing about healthcare topics for people and their cherished pets.

Sources:

  1. Healthline. Health Benefits of Biotin. https://www.healthline.com/health/the-benefits-of-biotin
  2. National Institutes of Health. Biotin: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
  3. National Library of Medicine. Biotin Deficiency. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547751/
  4. National Library of Medicine. Clinical study on the effect of biotin on skin conditions in dogs. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2602924/ 
  5. Cervantes A, Soos MP. Biotin Deficiency. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Accessed September 7, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547751/ 
  6. Sanderson SL. Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals. In: Merck Veterinary Manual. Rahway, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.; 2025. Accessed September 7, 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals?query=nutritional%20requirements%20of%20small%20animals
  7. Stern L. Toxicoses in Animals From Human Multivitamins and Supplements. In: Merck Veterinary Manual. Rahway, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.; 2025. Accessed September 7, 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/toxicoses-from-human-vitamins-minerals-and-dietary-supplements/toxicoses-in-animals-from-human-multivitamins-and-supplements
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