The Essentials

• Vitamins A, E, C, H and B-complex are essential for your dog's skin health. They will help maintain your dog's skin and help protect him from diseases and cancer. Vitamins A, E and C, in particular, are powerful antioxidents and especially important for dog skin health.
  
  Vitamin A relieves dryness, hardening and itching of skin, according the "Vitamin-and-Supplement-Guide." Mainly found in the yellow pigment (carotene) in plants, vitamin A plays an important role in growth and development, including healthy hair and skin. Don't feed your dog more than the optimal dose of 2,225 IU (International Units) of vitamin A per pound of food consumed daily. Overdoses may produce muscle weakness and bone abnormalities.
  
  Vitamin E can be found in cold-pressed vegetable oils, meats, nuts and green, leafy vegetables. It can prevent and improve chronic skin problems, as well as protect critical cellular structure. A healthy dose of vitamin E ranges from 100-400 IU once or twice daily.
  
  Vitamin C helps regenerate Vitamin E and has been found to help prevent skin problems. If your dog is less than 2 years old, give him 250 mg twice a day. If your dog is over 2, give him 500 mg twice a day.
  
  

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

• While omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are not classified as vitamins, your dog's skin can benefit from these supplements. Some dog foods contain added omega-3 and omega-6, but they rarely have enough to be of maximum benefit to your dog's skin and coat.
  
  

Sources of Vitamins

• Your dog will receive most of the vitamins listed above from the food you give him. However, it is still likely that he is not receiving the maximum amount. Supplement your dog's daily diet with a multi-vitamin to ensure maximum nutrition and skin health. According to Natural-Dog-Health-Remedies.com, vets and dog-care providers believe that multi-vitamins or other supplements are necessary to ensure your dog is in ideal shape. Vitamins should be given as a dietary supplement according to the age, size and physical condition of your dog, as well as the type of food he consumes.