7 Best Dog Foods For Shedding: Improve Your Pup’s Skin & Coat Health With A Better Diet
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.
Are you constantly having to round up those annoying dog-hair tumbleweeds in your home? After brushing, do you feel like you could craft a scarf or sweater from your pup’s enormous mound of fur? While some shedding is normal, excessive shedding is no joke for some pup parents. An increase in shedding can even indicate an underlying health problem, such as hypothyroidism. An inadequate diet can also contribute to skin and coat problems, including excessive shedding, itchy skin, hair loss, etc.
I share all you need to know about dog shedding, dog food ingredients to avoid, and those you want to feed your shed-monster pup. I’ve also chosen the best dog food for shedding and skin and coat health. No food is a miracle worker to stop shedding, but a high-quality diet can improve your pup’s overall health and reduce the abundance of flyaway fur.
Grain-Free Fresh | Grain-Inclusive Fresh | Dehydrated | Wet | Premium Kibble |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
The Farmer’s Dog | Ollie | Spot & Tango | JFFD | Open Farm |
Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
What Can I Feed My Dog To Stop Shedding?
I spoke with Dr. Sarah-Jane Molier, BSc, BVM&S, MRCVS, a veterinarian at a small animal clinic in the U.K., and here’s what she had to say about dog shedding and nutrition.
Shedding, or molting, is a natural process that happens several times a year. Shedding isn’t usually a cause for concern. However, if a dog is shedding excessively, there may be an underlying reason. I always consider factors such as poor nutrition, fleas, mites, allergies, and illness, which can all contribute to poor coat health.
If your dog is otherwise healthy, excess shedding may mean that your dog isn’t getting the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy coat. In particular, I suggest good-quality protein and the right balance of omega fatty acids, vitamins (such as A, C, and E), and minerals (such as zinc), which are all important for skin and coat health. I find that a good quality, complete diet should provide all of the nutrients needed for a healthy coat, in the right quantities.
– Dr. Sarah-Jane Molier, Veterinarian BSc, BVM&S, MRCVS
Important Ingredients In Dog Food For Coat And Skin Health
The most crucial factor to remember is that your pup requires nutritious dog food without fillers and artificial ingredients to thrive. Some dog food ingredients are critical in keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy. These include:
1. Omega Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in high amounts in some fish, fish oil, chia seeds, and flaxseed, are excellent for coat and skin health. Specifically, look for dog food containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega-6 fatty acids are also helpful, but most dog foods contain enough.
2. Animal Protein
I recommend dog food with real animal protein as the first ingredient. Salmon is one of the best options for a healthy coat and skin because it’s rich in omegas. However, many other animal proteins are excellent if the formula contains other skin-friendly ingredients.
3. Biotin
Biotin, or vitamin B7, is also important for skin and coat health. Biotin-rich foods include organ meats, eggs, salmon, legumes (beans, peas, lentils), sweet potatoes, seeds, broccoli, and brewer’s yeast. Some dog foods are also fortified with biotin.
4. Zinc
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends 120 mg/kg of zinc in dog food. Zinc stabilizes the membrane structure of the skin, which can help to prevent dry skin and a dull coat. Zinc-rich foods include meat, eggs, nuts, beans, and whole grains.
5. Vitamin A
AAFCO recommends 5,000 IU/kg of vitamin A in adult dog food. Natural sources of vitamin A found in high-quality dog food include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, kale, fish oil, and eggs.
6. Vitamin E
According to the AAFCO, adult dog food should provide 50 IU/kg of vitamin E. Natural sources of vitamin E include salmon, trout, spinach, safflower oil, and sunflower oil.
Did You Know?
In general, if your commercial dog food says it’s complete and balanced, meets AAFCO guidelines, and is appropriate for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior), your dog should be getting all the vitamins and minerals they need from their food. This means you do not need a dog multivitamin unless your vet has recommended one. Check out our dog multivitamin guide if your vet gives you the go-ahead.
5 Best Dog Food For Shedding
My top picks may help reduce shedding but can also be good for dogs with allergies, which can cause dry, itchy skin, resulting in excessive shedding. All the dog foods I review here meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional guidelines for a complete and balanced diet. They are also made in the USA and contain no corn, wheat, soy, by-products, fillers, or artificial ingredients.
Best Grain-Free Fresh: The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Review
Fresh dog food tops my list of the highest-quality diets you can feed your pup. The Farmer’s Dog (TFD), which offers fresh, human-grade meals using all-natural limited ingredients, is among my favorites. While they offer four recipes, I’ve chosen their chicken formula as the best dog food for hair loss or excessive shedding. Featuring high-quality chicken, organ meat, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, this recipe also includes salmon oil and chia seeds. Chia seeds contain super-high levels of omega fatty acids as well as other skin-friendly nutrients.
The Farmer’s Dog gently cooks these whole-food ingredients to preserve nutrients and freshness. They also personalize your dog’s meals according to age, weight, activity level, and other factors. Another plus for fresh dog food is the high moisture content, which can help reduce skin dryness, which can contribute to shedding. The Farmer’s Dog requires a subscription, but you can change recipes or cancel anytime.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Fresh, human-grade food | More expensive than kibble (but this is a premium dog diet) |
All-natural ingredients | |
Contains chicken, organ meat, salmon oil & chia seeds | |
Gently cooked for optimum nutrients | |
Meals are personalizable | |
High moisture content | |
Fuss-free subscription service |
Our Personal Experience With The Farmer’s Dog
Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves The Farmer’s Dog. He gobbles it down fast and has had much more consistent bowel movements. He has maintained a much healthier weight since switching, and his coat is noticeably more shiny and healthy. We’ve been TFD customers for more than two years now.
– Sadie Cornelius, Dog Parent & Creative Marketer For Canine Journal
Price
- Starts at $2 per day
Our readers can get 50% off their first box. No code is needed; just use this link to apply the discount!
Be sure to read our full review of The Farmer’s Dog for details on formulas, ingredients, our personal experience, and more.
Best Grain-Inclusive Fresh: Ollie Lamb Dish Review
Another of our favorite fresh-frozen dog food delivery services, Ollie, is similar to The Farmer’s Dog in many respects. It uses only human-grade, whole-food ingredients carefully chosen by animal nutritionists for optimal health in all life stages for all of its recipes. Ollie also personalizes your pup’s food based on their profile, and it’s simple to alter or cancel if you need to.
I recommend Ollie’s grain-inclusive lamb recipe to help reduce shedding and improve skin and coat health. Fortified with chia seeds and salmon oil, this formula also features zinc-rich lamb as the first ingredient. It also lists butternut squash, biotin-rich lamb liver, chickpeas, kale, rice, cranberries, green beans, and potatoes. While it’s marginally more expensive than The Farmer’s Dog, it’s an excellent option if you’re wary of grain-free dog food.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Premium, fresh-frozen diet | More expensive than kibble |
Uses human-grade, whole-food ingredients | |
Gently cooked to maintain potency | |
Personalize their meal plans | |
Lists skin & coat nourishing ingredients | |
Hassle-free delivery subscription service |
Price
- Starts at $2.50 per day
Our readers can get 50% off their first order. Use this link to take advantage of this offer (no discount code needed).
Check out our full review of Ollie for more details about their fresh and baked formulas and subscription plans.
Best Dehydrated: Spot & Tango Unkibble Cod & Salmon Review
Don’t have enough fridge or freezer room for fresh meals? Or perhaps you want to feed your pup a more premium diet without the higher price tag? Spot & Tango’s Unkibble could be just the ticket. This shelf-stable dog food is made from human-grade meats and other whole-food ingredients that are dehydrated under low temperatures to preserve nutrients. I recommend the grain-free Cod and Salmon recipe, packed with skin-supportive superfoods such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, kelp, spinach, and strawberries for skin and coat health.
Spot & Tango also offers two other Unkibble formulas and fresh-frozen dog food. A certified vet nutritionist developed all recipes. Like the Farmer’s Dog, Spot & Tango personalizes your pup’s food for specific dietary needs. Many pup owners rave about Unkibble, saying it has helped improve their dogs’ coat health, energy levels, digestive issues, and more. Watch this short video showing our team unboxing a Spot & Tango order, where you can also see what their Unkibble looks like.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Shelf-stable dog food | More expensive than kibble |
Dehydrated to preserve nutrients | |
Uses human-grade protein & other wholesome ingredients | |
Personalize your dog’s diet | |
Offers a variety of diet options |
Price
- Starts at $1 per day
Our readers can save 50% off the following pricing for your first 2-weeks (plus free shipping) with the code CANINEJOURNAL50 using this link.
Learn more about what this premium brand offers in our full review of Spot & Tango.
Best Wet (Shelf-Stable): JustFoodForDogs Joint and Skin Support Review
JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) crafts all of its human-grade dog food recipes based on scientific research. They use carefully selected ingredients to address a host of health issues. This recipe, specifically formulated for skin and coat support, features vitamin and mineral-rich pork loin as the first ingredient. Other ingredients, like quinoa, kale, carrots, and Fuji apples, are loaded with amino acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory nutrients to help maintain skin and coat health.
Premium Icelandic fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids in highly biologically available forms of EPA and DHA, and additional essential vitamins and minerals round out this super-healthy wet dog food. Although it’s pricey, this high-moisture food is shelf-stable for two years. Making it an excellent alternative to fresh food. However, if you have fridge and freezer space, JFFD also offers this recipe in a fresh formula.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Specifically formulated for coat & skin health | More expensive than standard kibble diets |
Shelf-stable for 2 years | |
Loaded with other antioxidative ingredients | |
Uses human-grade ingredients | |
Rich in fish oil | |
High-moisture |
Price
Looking for a JustFoodForDogs promo code? Click here for the best deal we could find.
Our full review of JustFoodForDogs provides more details about the ingredients in their recipes, food safety practices, and more.
Best Premium Kibble: Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Review
I think this nutrient-dense premium kibble is among your best options for helping reduce shedding and restore skin and coat health. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to a blend of wild-caught fresh salmon, salmon oil, and several fish meals. It also contains a ton of superfoods, such as pumpkin, carrots, and cranberries. Featuring easily digestible grains, this formula is free of peas, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, and legumes.
Open Farm is one of my favorite pet food brands due to its food quality and superior ethical, sustainable, and food-safety practices. Animal nutrition experts formulate their pet food, and an independent third-party lab tests every batch. Open Farm also offers a grain-free version of this formula and a high-protein Wild Ocean RawMix kibble that’s also packed with omegas.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Rich in salmon and other omega-3s | More expensive than a standard kibble diet |
Contains other superfoods | |
An ethical & sustainable brand | |
This formula is also available as a grain-free option | |
Offers a 30-day satisfaction money-back guarantee |
Price
- Starts at $26.99
In-Depth Open Farm Review
Check out our full review of Open Farm to learn more about this premium brand and other formulas you may want to consider.
Other Best Dog Food For Skin And Coat Health
Although the following options didn’t make our top picks, you may find that one of these dog foods is a better fit for your pup and budget. So, I encourage you to consider them when you’re looking for the best dog food for itching and shedding or even the best dog food for hair loss due to allergies.
Canidae Pure Salmon & Sweet Potato Review
For dogs with allergies or food sensitivities, feeding a limited-ingredient diet may help ease allergy symptoms and reduce shedding. This Canidae Pure salmon and sweet potato formula only contains ten key ingredients, with no wheat, grain, soy, or artificial preservatives. It is chock full of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from high-quality salmon. So, this food may help improve your pup’s skin and coat health to keep excessive shedding at bay.
It’s also fortified with biotin, vitamins, minerals, and Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and an extra boost of omegas. This kibble is more budget-friendly compared to fresh diets. Only a handful of customer reviews mention their fussy pup wouldn’t eat it.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Limited ingredient diet for easier digestion | Some fussy Fidos wouldn’t eat it |
Rich in salmon & other omegas | |
Fortified with vitamins & minerals | |
Contains HealthPLUS blend | |
More budget-friendly than fresh |
Price
- Starts at $21.99
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Review
Looking for a budget-friendly alternative? Diamond Naturals doesn’t skimp on quality with this skin and coat dry formula for all life stages. Real salmon (as the first ingredient), chia seeds, flaxseed, and kelp pack an omega punch to help reduce shedding. Superfoods, such as blueberries, carrots, spinach, and pumpkin, provide plenty of natural antioxidants for immune health.
This chicken-free formula also contains easy-to-digest grains, biotin-rich lentils and peas, and a blend of prebiotics and probiotics for digestive and overall health. Many pup owners have found lower shedding success with this affordable kibble.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This is a specific skin & coat formula | Some dogs had an upset stomach during the transition to this kibble |
Salmon is the first ingredient | |
Contains other superfoods | |
This is a chicken-free formula | |
Contains prebiotics & probiotics | |
The least expensive on my list |
Price
- Starts at $31.99
Should I Consider An Omega Supplement?
You should always consult your vet before giving your pup a dog supplement. Here’s what Dr. Molier has to say about adding omega supplements to your dog’s bowl.
If you are having trouble with excess shedding, you might find that adding an essential fatty acid supplement helps. But you should only ever offer supplements made for dogs. Some human supplements can be very harmful to dogs.
– Dr. Molier, Veterinarian
See our reviews of the best fish oils and salmon oils made specifically for dogs to find all-natural, healthy options.
What Causes Excessive Shedding? 4 Other Reasons
Poor diet is only one of many factors that cause an increase in shedding. Some other causes include:
1. Allergies
If your pup can’t stop scratching or biting their skin or you notice redness, bumps, or irritation, they could be suffering from allergies. Many allergies can frequently cause excessive shedding or hair loss. Dogs can be allergic to fleas, food, or environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold. Seasonal allergies are common, too. If allergies are the cause, it’s essential to identify the allergen to prevent skin problems and hair loss.
Consider doing an at-home allergy testing kit if you suspect your pup might have allergies.
2. Medical Conditions
Shedding may increase if your pup develops a disease or disorder such as Cushing’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hypothyroidism, liver disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances. This list isn’t exhaustive, and many of these issues can be life-threatening, which is why it’s essential to see your vet about persistent skin problems or hair loss.
3. Grooming Issues
Many breeds need regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Brushing stimulates the skin’s surface, removes dead and dry skin, and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat. So, inadequate grooming can be a cause of over-shedding. We have reviewed the best de-shedding dog brushes for all breeds that you should check out.
Also, using a shampoo that doesn’t agree with your pup’s skin can cause excessive shedding. You might want to consider changing your dog’s shampoo to see if this is the culprit. We have a guide on the best anti-shed dog shampoo. We also have a guide on the best dog shampoo for allergies and sensitive skin.
4. Stress
Stress and anxiety are known causes of excessive shedding. This can occur temporarily from a stressful event like visiting the vet or fireworks. However, over-shedding and hair loss can also happen with chronic stress, such as separation anxiety. It’s important to identify the cause so you can relieve your dog’s stress.
If you suspect stress is causing your dog to shed, speak to your vet about adding CBD oil to your dog’s diet.
How Can Pet Insurance Help?
Although some skin problems and hair loss can be treated at home with natural remedies or a high-quality diet, sometimes they require medical intervention. Without it, your dog’s skin concerns can worsen or may be a symptom of a more serious medical issue. Having pet insurance can help families manage the financial costs of emergency care. Our pet insurance experts share their pet insurance reviews to help you find the best options for you and your best friend. We also provide a free quote widget below to pull prices from our top companies.
Who Are The Most Extreme Shedders?
Unfortunately, some breeds usually are mega-shedders. A healthy diet and regular brushing and grooming are typically your best lines of defense for these fabulous furballs. As are the best vacuums for pet hair! However, even if your pup is on this list of “offenders,” you should contact your veterinarian if you notice an increase in their typical shedding. This list is by no means exhaustive – it merely reflects some of the most popular breeds in the U.S.
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Siberian Huskies
- Chow Chows
- Akitas
- Saint Bernards
If you want to add another canine family member but can’t handle another extreme shedder, see our guide on low-shedding dog breeds.
Methodology
We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:
- Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
- Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
- Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
- Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs’ nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
- Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Staying informed on every dog food recall
- Diving into every pet food brand’s history and reputation
- Keeping on top of pet food trends
Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our readers still have questions about excess shedding and how nutrition can help. If you don’t see your question below, ask us in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
What Dog Food Stops Shedding?
No dog food stops shedding. Instead, you must find the right dog food to prevent your dog’s overshedding. All dogs are different, and there are various reasons for it, from hypothyroidism to kidney disease. It’s also important to remember that shedding is normal and healthy, and you only want to control excessive shedding.
Can Dog Food Cause Shedding?
In some cases, yes, dog food can cause shedding. If you feed your dog a poor-quality diet or they have food allergies, the food you’re giving them might contribute to their excessive hair loss. This is why it is important always to feed them a high-quality diet that meets AAFCO guidelines and work with your vet if the problems persist.
Does Grain-Free Dog Food Help With Shedding?
Generally speaking, eating a grain-free diet over a grain-inclusive option isn’t any better for shedding concerns. The most crucial thing is that the dog’s diet is high-quality, balanced, and meets AAFCO guidelines. However, for some dogs, a grain-free diet can help to reduce shedding because they might tolerate it better.
Essential Grooming Tools
Because regular brushing and grooming can be so important to reduce shedding, you may want to check out our ultimate guide on how to groom your dog if you’re tired of the fur all over your house. Our guide gives you tips on home grooming and finding a good dog grooming professional. Also, see our reviews of the best dog grooming clippers for more tools you can use at home to cut down on the everywhere fur. And if you have resigned yourself to the fact that a constant flow of dog hair is a part of your life, couch covers for pets and hair removers for laundry are a must.
Does your dog experience excessive shedding? Do you feed them one of these formulas, or perhaps another you think I should consider for my list? Let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Thankfully, neither of them is a high-shedding dog. Before joining the Canine Journal team, she was a full-time dog walker and sitter and has met many high-shedding dogs over the years. Emma is passionate about researching dog products and sharing her decades of dog experience with her readers. She works with a dedicated team to maintain Canine Journal’s reputation as a current and trusted online resource for all things dog.