brittle nails

I have a Springer Spaniel with brittle nails; a few nails are starting to break.  Are there any supplements I can give her to strengthen her nails?  She's on Nature's Recipe - Venison & Rice, and hasn't gotten any table scraps lately.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Brittle nails can be a sign of an autoimmune disease: Lupus onchodystrophy, or hypothyroid,  and other diseases.  I would have her evaluated by a vet just in case.

If she is free of these disease than try a Vitamin and mineral formula available over the counter for human skin and nail diseases. These formulas usually have names like: Hair, Skin, and Nails, or Nail Support.   A good formula will contain biotin, horse tail, silica, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, gelatin or other collagen or cartilage and other vitamins and minerals.  She can be on a human sized dose as listed on the label.  It will take 2 months or more to see a difference.  

Please also place her on a diet that contains no grains.  Rice is a grain.  She requires high protein meat, or fish with a low carb vegetables and fruit.  

Please also place her on a Fish oil supplement, with omega 3 fatty acids, distilled so that it contains no mercury.  She will need 1000mg twice daily.  This can also be a human supplement, unless your vet has one.  If she is only eating dry kibble, please place her on all canned, or at least make 3/4 of her diet canned.  Please also increase her liquid intake by allowing as much water as possible and by placing additional bowls of diluted meat or chicken broths.  Subclinical dehydration can also cause dry skin and nails.