SkinHero Topping – Skin & Coat Support

Our functional and low-purine topping for skin care and a balanced skin environment combines carrot, brewer's yeast, cistus herb, black cumin oil and rosemary – as a plant-based supplement to daily feeding. Especially for nutrition-sensitive dogs or during coat change, the topping can contribute to maintaining a healthy skin barrier – a possible factor for a less attractive skin environment for external influences such as parasites.*

Thanks to gentle steaming, taste and nutrients are largely preserved. The innovative mono-PE packaging is fully recyclable – for responsible dog owners who value the environment and feeding quality.

*Note: The ingredients mentioned do not replace veterinary parasite prevention or treatment. In case of acute parasite infestation, please consult your veterinarian.

Note: BugBell products are dog food or complementary feed, not veterinary medicines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. If your dog has health issues, please consult your veterinarian.

The toppings are suitable for both adult dogs and young dogs.

The daily rations are guidelines for adult dogs. Individual needs vary depending on breed, age, and activity. Ideal as a daily supplement to meals or as a snack.

For every 5 kg of your dog's body weight, add about 50g of topping to or mix it into their daily food. For your dog's health, observe the feeding recommendation and adjust the main meal accordingly. Always provide fresh drinking water. After opening, store in a cool place and use within 3 days.

Studies on the functional ingredients

If you would like more background on the functional ingredients and their effects, please refer to our scientific data basis here – clearly compiled as a report.

Download Report Repellent Effect and Skin Health

Summary

The evaluation of available studies shows that plant extracts and combinations have a high potential for natural Skin & Coat Support as well as for supporting skin and coat health:

• Black Cumin (Nigella sativa): Laboratory studies show over 90% repellent efficacy against several tick species (Carroll et al. 2016). Initial evidence suggests that the bioactive substances contained may also have anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing effects, which could strengthen the natural skin barrier.

• Multi-Plant Formulation (Bioticks®): A controlled study in cats showed a gradual reduction of flea population by up to 77% after 5 months with very good tolerability (Banuls et al. 2023). The herbs contained, such as rosemary, lemongrass and lemon balm, also provide antioxidant and skin-protective effects that support skin health and coat quality.

• Coconut Oil Derivatives and Catnip Oil: Laboratory findings suggest acaricidal effects against ticks (Barrozo et al. 2021). Coconut oil fatty acids are also known for their nourishing effect on skin and coat, which can indirectly strengthen the natural defense function.

• Yeast Derivatives / B-Vitamins (Formula Z®): In 34 dogs, the average number of free ticks was significantly reduced by 74% and the number of engorged ticks by 68% after administration of a standardized yeast-thiamine complex (p < 0.001). The presumed mechanism of action is based on an influence on skin metabolism and a reduced perception by Haller's organs (Semmler et al. 2011; Shurson 2018).

All tested preparations were well tolerated, without relevant side effects.

Conclusion: Plant-based active ingredients such as black cumin, coconut oil, herbal mixtures and yeast derivatives combine repellent effects against fleas and ticks with positive influences on skin barrier and coat health. They thus represent a promising, safe and environmentally friendly supplement or alternative to conventional acaricides. Their effectiveness against fleas and ticks is proven, and their tolerability is high. Particularly interesting are combinations of several plant extracts, which have a gradual effect over longer periods and are suitable for sustainable, chemical-free parasite management.