The Best Dog Food for Shedding: See If Your Dog’s Food Is in the List

Managing shedding is crucial, whether it's shedding season or not. Your dog's diet plays a significant role in controlling shedding, making it essential to choose the best dog food for shedding.

Normal shedding happens with the seasons, keeping your dog warm in winter and cool in summer. However, if your dog sheds excessively year-round, there may be an internal issue that needs immediate attention.

Long-term problems require long-term solutions. While quick fixes might provide temporary relief, a proper diet is key to effectively addressing your dog's excessive shedding.

Best Dog Food For Shedding

Regular shedding can be managed with routine brushing and grooming. However, if your dog is shedding excessively, it may be due to underlying issues like dry skin or poor nutrition. In such cases, consult your vet and consider switching to a dog food formulated to reduce shedding.

To help you find the best dog food for shedding, we've compiled a list of the top options available. These selections can help manage your dog's shedding and improve their overall health.

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food

Ollie offers a healthy alternative to traditional kibble and raw diets by partnering with vet nutritionists to create precise recipes of cooked food. These meals, delivered to your door in manageable portion sizes, use human-grade ingredients similar to what dogs would eat in the wild.

Each meal is personalized with fresh whole ingredients and targeted vitamins and minerals based on your dog's needs. Ollie uses restaurant-quality proteins and vegetables, ensuring your pet receives all the necessary nutrients in a preparation good enough for humans to eat. Their philosophy is to only feed pets what you'd eat yourself.

To get started, create a pet profile on Ollie's website. You'll provide information such as breed, current and ideal weight, activity level, and any specific issues like picky eating or allergies. You can then choose from four meal options: Beef, Chicken, Lamb, and Turkey.

Ollie’s personalized recipes are designed to address your dog’s specific needs, including shedding. Clients report less shedding, along with softer and silkier coats, within four weeks. Other benefits include increased energy and excitement at mealtime in the first week, better breath and smaller stools by the second week, ideal body weight and improved stamina by the third month, and overall health and happiness by the ninth month.

To try Ollie, visit their website and create a pet profile. They are currently offering a 60% discount on all first orders.

2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach

For tackling shedding, consider this adult dry dog food, a top choice among dog foods designed to address skin and coat issues.

This high-protein dry dog food is specifically formulated to support skin health and manage shedding. It features a blend of biotin, omega-6, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which help reduce shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Additionally, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. It avoids common allergens and fillers like chicken by-products, soy, corn, and wheat, and does not contain artificial flavors or colors.

The inclusion of prebiotic fiber also supports digestive health, further contributing to overall well-being and coat condition.   

3. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula

High-quality nutrition doesn’t always have to come with a high price tag. If you’re looking for a recipe formulated to resolve your dog’s hair loss but you don’t want to spend a fortune, consider this brand.

For only $43.99 per 30-lb bag, this grain-free dog food packed with natural ingredients is definitely giving your more bang for your buck.

This formula features wild-caught salmon as the main ingredient supplemented with fish meal as a concentrated source of animal protein. It contains a rich blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as digestible carbohydrates

It is also loaded with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants that target the needed nutrition your dog needs for healthier skin and coat.

While it’s cheaper than the other major brands in this list, this formula doesn’t come short of the essential ingredients that can help reduce your dog’s shedding.

It’s definitely a perfect choice if you are looking for a cheaper alternative without compromised quality.

4. Taste of the Wild High Prairie

It may sound cheesy to say that a Taste of the Wild is what exactly your dog can taste when he eats this grain free dry dog food, but it is what it is.

This product is formulated to mimic the diet of the wolf, the ancestor to all dogs. This tasty dog food is different from most kibbles since it is formulated with novel animal proteins like buffalo and bison.

Aside from that, it is also loaded with highly digestible peas and sweet potatoes that all give a strong punch of energy to your pup.

Along with these ingredients, it is also crafted with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc, which all play a crucial role in promoting healthy skin and coat, and in reducing shedding in dogs.

5. Whole Earth Farms Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe

Whole Earth Farms emphasizes “Goodness from the Earth,” using all-natural ingredients in their pet foods. Their Grain-Free natural dry dog food provides balanced nutrition with high-quality proteins from pork, beef, and lamb.

The formula includes moderate fat levels and omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and reduce shedding. It’s also fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and immune function.

Free from wheat, soy, corn, artificial flavors, colors, fillers, and animal by-products, this dog food ensures your pup receives dense, nutrient-rich ingredients for optimal health and controlled shedding, while being suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.

6. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Named after a beloved pet, Blue Buffalo is committed to holistic premium pet food. Their formula features deboned chicken as the first ingredient, followed by whole grains, veggies, and fruits.

This food may help with shedding due to its precise blend of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants. It’s crafted with selected ingredients to support the overall health and well-being of adult dogs.

By switching to this diet, you might see a reduction in shedding along with improvements in your dog's health and wellness.

7. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

American Journey grain-free dog food is ideal for dogs with shedding issues and sensitive skin. It features deboned salmon, which provides high protein levels and essential fatty acids from fish oil to support overall health.

The formula includes chicken fat, zinc, flaxseed, and vitamin E to enhance coat and skin health through Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

This kibble is grain-free, avoiding fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which can irritate sensitive stomachs. However, it does contain chicken and turkey meal, which may be a concern for dogs with specific food allergies.

Overall, this well-balanced, grain-free option is designed to improve skin health and reduce shedding, offering good value for a premium dog food.

8. ORIJEN Six Fish Formula

Give your dog a biologically appropriate diet that contains 85% of quality fish ingredients.

With its stunning concentration of whole animal ingredients in WholePrey™ ratios, this food delivers concentrated nutrition in the form your beloved pet was made to consume. Protein-rich fish makes up 80% of the food.

Orijen Six Fish is filled with a diverse source of nutrients, which come from not just 6, but ten kinds of wild-caught fishes mostly from the Pacific.

Two-thirds of the meat in this food is fresh or raw, and the remaining third of that meat is dehydrated at around 194°F.

This low-heat processing locks in the nutritional value of the food, in part making it possible for this recipe to include only minimal vitamin and mineral supplementation.

With its primary sources of nutrients, you are guaranteed that your dog is nourished with a high amount of protein in his diet, DHA, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which are all essential in promoting healthy skin and coat.

It also contains peas and lentils to boost your dog’s energy, as well as superfoods such as kale, spinach, beet greens, and apples to help strengthen your dog’s immune system.

9. Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe

Satisfy your dog’s cravings for a tasty meal without sacrificing the nutrients that he can get with Merrick Grain-Free Adult Dog Food.

The brand never uses ingredients from China and all of their products are hand-crafted and produced in Hereford, Texas using locally sourced ingredients.

They also offer the Merrick Five Star Promise which guarantees local growers, real whole foods, company-owned kitchens, balanced nutrition, and health you can see.

This natural dog food is made with 65% protein and healthy fat, primarily from deboned beef, lamb, and salmon.

With these ingredients, you can guarantee that your pup stays healthy and strong all day every day while also keeping his shedding to a bare minimum.

The remaining 35% of this premium dog food consists of vitamins, minerals, fiber, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and several other important nutrients that all help in keeping your dog healthy, strong, and at optimal weight at all times.

The synergistic effects of these essential nutrients also help in promoting your dog’s skin and coat help, as well as in strengthening his hips and joints.

10. Crave High Protein White Fish & Salmon

Fill your pup’s stomach with nutrient-dense and grain-free dog food to keep his body in prime shape while also spoiling him with tasty food that he could wolf down come mealtime.

Crave’s high-calorie recipe is based on meals wild wolf ancestors of modern dogs may have eaten. The recipe is protein-rich (34%) with salmon as the first ingredient.

This high-protein dog food is ideal in providing canines of all breed sizes with the nutrients that they need to maintain a lean, healthy, strong, and energetic body.

Whitefish is the first ingredient and the primary source of protein in this grain-free dog food, but it is also packed with salmon, chicken, and pork.

It is also loaded with omega-6 fatty acids from its fish ingredients, as well as added vitamins, and minerals that all help in promoting not just your dog’s skin and coat health, but his all-around health and wellness, too.

It’s a grain-free formulation that’s designed for all breeds and for pups that may be food sensitive.

Why is My Dog Shedding So Much?

Shedding is normal for dogs—it helps them get rid of old, damaged hair to make way for new growth. However, if your dog is losing a lot of hair, there could be several reasons:

1. Seasonal Shedding: Some breeds, like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds, shed more throughout the year. If your dog is healthy and this is the only issue, it’s likely just normal seasonal shedding.
2. Diet: A poor diet can lead to excessive shedding. Even if your dog eats expensive food, check the label to ensure it has the right balance of protein, fats, and nutrients. Avoid foods with lots of fillers and artificial ingredients.
3. Skin Issues: Problems like fleas, mites, or infections can cause hair loss. Look out for signs like itching, bumps, or rashes, and consult your vet if you notice these symptoms.
4. Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to food, pollen, or household products. If your dog is losing hair and scratching a lot, an allergy might be the cause. Your vet can help identify and treat the allergen.
5. Stress: Just like us, dogs can get stressed from changes in their environment, loud noises, or separation from their owner. Stress-induced shedding is less common, but if you suspect stress, talk to your vet about possible solutions.

If you’re unsure about the cause of your dog’s excessive shedding, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What Are Some Non-Shedding Dog Breeds?

While there are breeds that shed a lot, there are also those with significantly reduced shedding. Non-shedding dogs are usually those with only a single coat, such as the following:

• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Maltese
• Poodle
• Schnauzer
• Havanese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Shih Tzu
• Basenji

 

How to Reduce or Prevent Excessive Shedding in Dogs

Shedding is normal for all dogs, but excessive shedding can be managed with a few simple steps:

1. Brush Regularly
   Regular brushing is one of the best ways to control shedding. Choose the right brush based on your dog's coat type:
   • Bristle Brushes: Good for all coat types.
   • Wire-Pin Brushes: Ideal for long, curly hair (e.g., German Shepherds).
   • Slicker Brushes: Best for medium to long coats (e.g., Bearded Collies).
   • Rubber Combs: Great for short-haired dogs and provide a relaxing massage.
2. Bathe Your Dog
   Regular baths help remove excess hair and keep your dog clean. Aim for once a week, especially in summer. Use a gentle shampoo that doesn’t strip the coat’s natural oils. Consult your vet for recommended anti-shedding shampoos.
3. Groom Professionally
   Regular professional grooming can help with shedding and manage coat-related issues like fleas. If you groom at home, use quality clippers and consider professional grooming for best results.
4. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
   Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water. Proper hydration supports healthy skin and can reduce shedding caused by dryness.
5. Prevent Fleas and Ticks
   Fleas and ticks are common causes of hair loss. Keep your dog clean and use preventative treatments. Essential oils or adding a small amount of raw apple cider vinegar to their water can help deter pests.
6. Provide a Balanced Diet
   Feed your dog a nutritious diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and omega fatty acids. Avoid foods with fillers and artificial preservatives. A well-balanced diet strengthens hair follicles and reduces shedding.

By following these steps, you can help maintain your dog’s coat health and minimize excessive shedding.

How to Change Your Dog’s Food

Successfully transitioning your dog to a new food can be even harder than determining what dog food is right for him. But don’t worry your pup will come along eventually. You just have to be patient as this process takes time.

Once you’ve selected a new dog food for your pup, don’t get too excited by shifting all his food totally in one go.

Instead, you have to introduce the new food gradually. You can mix it with his old food to prevent digestive problems, and so he can have a taste of it little by little.

Start by adding ¾ of his old food and only ¼ of the new food to his daily meals. After a week, you can increase the portion of the new food by 25% and decrease the portion of the old food.

Continue doing this until you manage to successfully shift your dog to his new food without any issues or hesitations from your pooch.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right dog food is crucial for managing shedding and promoting overall coat health. The best dog food for shedding is one that provides a balanced blend of high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Look for foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help nourish the skin and strengthen hair follicles, reducing excessive shedding in dogs. Avoid products with fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-grade ingredients, as these can compromise your dog’s health and exacerbate shedding issues.

By investing in a premium, nutritionally balanced dog food, you're not only supporting your dog's coat health but also contributing to their overall well-being. A well-fed dog is likely to have a shinier, healthier coat and shed less.

So, take the time to choose a high-quality dog food that meets your pet's specific nutritional needs, and you'll see a noticeable improvement in their coat and shedding patterns.