SkinHero Dry Dog Food – Special Offer

Our extruded Dry dog food has been specially developed for dogs that need an extra portion of care for their skin and coat. The balanced recipe combines high-quality ingredients such as carrot, coconut oil, black cumin oil, rosemary and rockrose herb – a functional mixture to support skin metabolism and the skin's natural barrier function. Thanks to its selected composition, the food can also contribute to stabilizing the skin's microbiome – a factor that can make the environment less attractive for parasites such as ticks or fleas.*

*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.

Complete feed according to FEDIAF guidelines: This food serves as a complete meal for adult dogs and covers the daily requirement of all necessary nutrients (including minerals, trace elements, vitamins). It can also replace individual meals. The daily ration recommendations are guidelines. Individual needs vary depending on breed, age, and activity. Divide the daily ration into at least 2 portions and feed at room temperature. The additional feeding of snacks should be taken into account in the daily ration. Please always provide fresh drinking water. Please store the product in a cool and dry place.

The daily ration recommendations are guidelines. Individual needs vary depending on breed, age, and activity. Divide the daily ration into at least 2 portions and feed at room temperature. The additional feeding of snacks should be taken into account in the daily ration. Please always provide fresh drinking water. Please store the product in a cool and dry place.

Food change: For a complete change, please proceed as follows:

The transition should be carried out over 7 days, depending on the dog's sensitivity.

✓ Day 1-2: 75% current food | 25% BugBell food
✓ Day 3-4: 50% current food | 50% BugBell food
✓ Day 5-6: 25% current food | 75% BugBell food
✓ Day 7: Welcome to the BugBuddies

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.