As a dog owner, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your best friend constantly scratching, chewing their paws, or dealing with a dull, flaky coat. We’ve all been there—trying different shampoos, supplements, and vet-prescribed diets with mixed results. It often feels like a never-ending battle. That’s where a specialized diet can make a world of difference, and I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Farmina’s Natural & Delicious Quinoa line, specifically the Skin & Coat formula. This isn’t just another bag of kibble; it’s a functional food designed from the ground up to tackle those very skin and coat problems that drive us and our pups crazy.
What Makes This Food Stand Out?
Farmina takes a unique approach by combining a novel protein with powerful, targeted superfoods. It’s clear they put a lot of thought into this recipe, focusing on what goes in and, just as importantly, what stays out.
✅ Novel Protein Power: The first two ingredients are fresh and dehydrated venison. For dogs with sensitivities, this is a huge win. Many food allergies are triggered by common proteins like chicken or beef, so switching to a novel protein like venison can provide immense relief.
✅ Functional Superfoods: This is where the “Quinoa Functional” name really shines. It includes quinoa (a gluten-free seed packed with amino acids), coconut (known for its skin-soothing properties), and turmeric (a powerful natural anti-inflammatory). This trio works together to support skin health from the inside out.
✅ Rich in Omega Fatty Acids: With herring oil and linseed on the ingredient list, this food is loaded with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These are the building blocks for a healthy skin barrier and a glossy, luxurious coat.
✅ Free from Common Allergens: This formula is completely grain-free and contains no chicken, beef, corn, or wheat. It’s a clean diet designed for sensitive systems.
How to Switch Your Dog to Farmina
If you decide to give this food a try, remember that a slow transition is key to avoiding an upset stomach. Don’t just swap the food overnight.
- Start Small: For the first 2-3 days, mix about 25% of the new Farmina food with 75% of your dog’s old food.
- Increase Gradually: Over the next few days, move to a 50/50 mix.
- Go for the Goal: After about a week, you can transition to 75% Farmina and 25% old food.
- Full Transition: By day 10, your dog should be comfortably eating 100% Farmina.
Tip: Pay close attention to the feeding guide on the bag, but be prepared to adjust based on your dog’s individual metabolism and activity level. And of course, always have a bowl of fresh water available!
What Are Pet Parents Saying?
With an aggregate rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 133 reviews, the general consensus is very positive.
Many owners are raving about the results. One user, Jessica (5 stars), shared that her Pitbull mix, who suffered from constant skin infections and itchiness, saw a “night and day” difference. She noted that his coat became incredibly soft and his scratching almost completely stopped after a month on this food. Another review from David (5 stars) mentioned his French Bulldog’s yeasty paws and skin folds cleared up beautifully, saving him countless vet bills.
Of course, no product is perfect for everyone. A couple of reviewers noted that their particularly picky eaters weren’t fans of the venison flavor. And as a premium food with specialized ingredients, the price point was a concern for some. Mark (3 stars) mentioned that while he appreciated the quality, the cost was a bit steep for his multi-dog household.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Excellent for dogs with allergies | ❌ High price point |
| ✅ Novel protein source (venison) | ❌ Some picky eaters may not like it |
| ✅ Noticeably improves skin and coat health | ❌ Only available in smaller bag sizes |
| ✅ High-quality, transparent ingredients |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this food truly grain-free? A: Yes, it is. Instead of traditional grains like corn or wheat, it uses high-quality quinoa and pea starch as its primary carbohydrate sources, making it a great choice for dogs with grain sensitivities.
Q: My dog has a chicken allergy. Is this food safe? A: Absolutely. This formula is specifically made without chicken. The primary protein is venison, making it an ideal limited-ingredient diet for dogs allergic to more common proteins.
Q: How long until I see results in my dog’s coat? A: While every dog is different, many owners report seeing positive changes—like reduced itching and a shinier coat—within 3 to 4 weeks of consistently feeding this food.
Final Verdict
The Farmina N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat formula is a top-tier choice for a specific type of dog owner. If you’re at your wit’s end dealing with your dog’s skin allergies, constant scratching, or dull coat, and you’re willing to invest in a premium food to solve the problem, this is absolutely worth trying. The combination of novel protein and functional ingredients offers a powerful, targeted nutritional solution.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or have an extremely picky dog who is resistant to new flavors, the high price and unique taste might be a hurdle. For everyone else struggling with skin issues, this food could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Ready to give it a try for your furry friend? You can find it on Amazon.