A healthy coat and calm, nourished skin aren’t just about appearances — they’re often the clearest signs that your pet is thriving inside and out. Whether your pet has a fluffy mane, short bristles, or rugged curls, the condition of their skin and coat reflects their overall health and well-being.
And one small yet powerful nutrient behind that healthy glow? Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H.

What Is Biotin?

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that supports:

• Skin regeneration and repair
• Hair follicle strength and healthy coat renewal
• Fatty acid metabolism and energy production

It also contributes to the production of keratin, the structural protein found in skin, claws, and fur.

Why Skin and Coat Health Matters

Good skin and coat condition aren’t about beauty — they serve essential protective and physiological functions:

• 🧊 Thermoregulation: Keeps pets warm in winter and cool in summer
• 🦠 Barrier function: Prevents irritation, allergens, and infections
• 🐜 Tick defense: A thick, healthy coat makes it harder for parasites to attach
• 🌟 Comfort and confidence: Pets feel better when they’re physically comfortable

Biotin is more than a “beauty supplement” — it supports comfort, immunity, and resilience, all of which are reflected in how your pet looks and feels.

When Is Biotin Supplementation Helpful?

Biotin needs vary — and in many pets, internal or external factors can reduce how much they absorb or produce.

After illness or medication

• Antibiotics and fenobarbital can disrupt the gut microbiome, reducing natural biotin synthesis
• Biotin supports recovery by strengthening skin and coat during healing

During stress or lifestyle changes

• Events like moving, travel, vet visits, or competition prep can impact skin and coat
• Stress affects digestion and nutrient absorption, potentially reducing biotin availability

For pets in dry or indoor climates

• Swiss winters, floor heating, and dry indoor air often contribute to brittle coats and underdeveloped winter fur
• This is especially true for small indoor breeds like spitz, poodles, or bichons, whose naturally abundant coats can mask subtle deficiencies — even though targeted support could visibly improve their overall condition

For show dogs or coat-heavy breeds

• Dogs preparing for show season or experiencing seasonal shedding benefit from coat-boosting nutrients that restore thickness and shine

Skin Issues, Coat Dullness, or Excessive Shedding

While these symptoms should always be discussed with a vet to rule out underlying conditions, biotin can be a helpful parallel support for pets whose coats appear dull, thin, or lifeless, or who frequently scratch. Biotin may also help regulate seasonal shedding, and support regrowth in pets with patchy hair loss.

Allergies and Inflammation

Pets with food or environmental sensitivities may benefit from extra support for skin regeneration and barrier function.

Nutritional Gaps

Pets on low-meat or highly processed diets — especially kibble-heavy or lower-quality formulas — may not receive adequate biotin, making supplementation a smart addition.

Common Signs Your Pet Might Need Biotin:

• Dull, flaky, or thinning coat
• Skin irritation or excessive scratching
• Unusual shedding patterns
• Poor coat development in colder months

What Science Tells Us About Biotin

Biotin is one of the most thoroughly researched and safest supplements in veterinary use. It is:

• Highly bioavailable and effective when given orally
• Well tolerated, even over extended use
• Widely used in clinical support for seborrhea, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia

It has been shown to:

• Improve skin elasticity and moisture retention
• Reduce dandruff, flaking, and seborrhea
• Support regrowth of damaged or thinning fur

While biotin alone won’t solve every skin issue (especially those caused by parasites or infection), it remains a core component in many skin-support protocols. Most pet owners notice visible improvement within 4 to 6 weeks of daily supplementation.

What to Look for in a Biotin Supplement

When choosing a biotin product for your dog or cat:

• ✅ Make sure it’s vet-formulated and species-appropriate
• ✅ Check that the dosage (in mcg or mg) is clearly stated
• ✅ Avoid artificial fillers or unnecessary additives
• 🔍 Can be combined with Omega‑3 or collagen for further reinforcement

🔎 Holista Biotin Skin & Coat is a distinctive biotin formula, ideal for focused support or building a custom supplement plan for your pet.

How to Use It

Biotin powder is easy to add to any feeding style:

• Dry kibble
• Wet food
• BARF or mixed diets

Its neutral taste and strong safety profile make it easy to introduce to your pet’s routine — whether they’re growing, recovering, aging, or simply deserve to feel their best.

Where Else Is Biotin Found?

Biotin naturally occurs in a variety of foods — including liver, egg yolks, salmon, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. However, its availability depends on how food is prepared and digested. For instance, raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that binds biotin and inhibits its absorption.

Some B-complex vitamins and brewer’s yeast supplements also contain biotin. At Holipets we do offer Holista brewer’s yeast that supports, between many others, skin and coat naturally too, however the concentration of biotin alone is much lower than in a dedicated Biotin product. That said, when your pet needs targeted, measurable support — such as during illness, shedding, or recovery — a dedicated biotin supplement ensures precision and consistency.

The Bottom Line

Biotin isn’t about vanity — it’s about vitality. It’s a simple, safe, and effective way to support your pet’s skin, coat, comfort, and immune strength, especially in times of stress, illness, or seasonal change.

🛒 Explore Holista Biotin Skin & Coat — your pet’s daily dose of healthy, visible well-being.

References

Prudente, S., Nogueira, M., Antônio, M., Brunetto, J., Toloi, J., de Oliveira, M., Sampaio, J., Gomes, E., Teshima, A., & Carciofi, A. (2010). Dermatosis responsive to Biotin in a dog. Ciência Rural, 40(3), 682–685. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782010000300032

Westendorf, J. (2012). Scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of biotin as a feed additive for all animal species based on a dossier submitted by VITAC EEIG. EFSA Journal, 10(11), 2926. https://doi.org/10.2903/J.EFSA.2012.2926

Riverón-Negrete, L., & Fernandez-Mejia, C. (2017). Pharmacological effects of biotin in animals. Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 17(6), 529–540. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557516666160923132611

Hanna, M., Jaqua, E., Nguyen, V., & Clay, J. (2022). B Vitamins: Functions and uses in medicine. Perm J, 26(2), 89–97. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/21.204