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Are you looking for the perfect shampoo for your pup but have yet to find the right one? Have you seen lots of oatmeal-type shampoos but aren’t sure if they work? Luckily, we’ve taken the hard work out of choosing for you. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide on the best oatmeal shampoos for dogs. Bathing your dog is part of any good grooming routine. It helps get rid of that nasty doggy odor and clears the dog’s coat of excess oils and dirt.
Giving your dog a bath is also an excellent opportunity for you to check your pup over for skin problems and parasites. This comprehensive guide discusses why these types of shampoos are suitable and their benefits. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to the best dog shampoos containing oatmeal, considering price, ingredients, and more.
| Best Overall | Best Value | Best Hypoallergenic | Best Scented |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| Zesty Paws Itch Soother | Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe | Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Pet Wash | Honeydew Lavender Oatmeal |
| View On Chewy | View On Chewy | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to bathing your dog, always use a canine-specific shampoo. Human shampoo is unsuitable for use on dogs as it is too harsh on a pup’s sensitive skin. In a pinch, you could use super-mild baby shampoo to wash your dog. However, proper dog shampoo is the best option.
Choose a dog shampoo that contains no harsh chemicals, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrances. Look for all-natural, cruelty-free products, preferably made using organic materials. A concentrated shampoo formula will go much further than a cheaper, more dilute product, saving you money in the long run.
Dog Shampoo vs. Human Shampoo
The first thing to know about dog shampoos is that not all are made equal. Ideally, you want to choose an all-natural or hypoallergenic shampoo. It should be formulated especially for use on canines. These products are mild and gentle on your dog’s skin and are very good for conditioning your pet’s coat.
The ingredients used in human shampoos are too potent for a dog’s sensitive skin and can cause irritation and allergic reactions. But why is that?
Manufacturers formulate shampoos to have certain pH levels. Dogs and people have different natural skin pH levels. That means using human shampoo on a dog will upset the delicate pH balance of the dog’s skin, causing irritation, dehydration, and ultimately making your dog break out in dandruff and scurf. Many dog shampoos list oatmeal as one of their main ingredients. So, what’s so good about oatmeal, and what benefits can using an oatmeal shampoo have for your dog?
Colloidal Oatmeal Overview
A somewhat “under-the-radar” ingredient until the last decade, “colloidal” oatmeal has become popular in many skin care products. It’s created when pure oatmeal has been ground and then suspended in a liquid. Preparing oatmeal in this way allows the ingredient to be more easily absorbed by the skin than in its raw form.
People have used colloidal oatmeal for centuries as a skin soother thanks to the phenols and avenanthramides it contains. Both of these chemicals can relieve skin itching and irritation. They can also help to balance the skin’s delicate pH levels. Colloidal oatmeal contains several substances that are proven to have beneficial properties for the skin, including:
- Avencin compounds, which have antifungal properties
- Saponins, which help with cleansing the skin
- Flavonoids, which assist with the absorption of ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays
- Vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties
- Phenols and starches, which help to moisturize the skin
The fiber and cellulose that oats contain create a skin-softening emollient. It’s been shown to be highly effective against the redness and irritation that some skin conditions, such as rosacea and eczema, can cause. Once the skin is soothed, the itchiness accompanying these conditions is generally relieved, too.
Oatmeal shampoo offers many benefits to your dog. Benefits include soothing and moisturizing itchy skin and relieving the symptoms of hot spots and tick and flea problems. It also leaves your dog’s coat soft and shiny.
When you’re choosing the perfect formula, check the product label to see that it contains vitamin E, aloe, and oatmeal. Also, check that it’s suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.
Ingredients To Avoid
Certain ingredients are contained in many shampoos that you really don’t want anywhere near your dog. This list isn’t all-inclusive, but it’s a good guide to help you identify what you don’t want to put on your dog’s skin.
- Cocomide DEA/MEA: As the name suggests, cocomide is derived from the coconut plant. Unfortunately, to make cocomide DEA, the natural coconut is chemically treated to the point that it’s transformed into a mildly carcinogenic agent.
- Dyes: Avoid using brightly colored dog shampoos. These products can contain synthetic and potentially dangerous dyes. Instead, look for dog shampoos that will enhance your dog’s natural coat color without endangering their health.
- Fragrances: Natural fragrances in dog shampoos are fine. Just make sure they come from a non-toxic, hypoallergenic source. Check the product labeling to ensure that any fragrance included in the shampoo is derived naturally. Synthetic scents are often too harsh for the dog’s skin and are usually classified as asthma triggers, hormone disruptors, and neurotoxins.
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Methylchloroisothiazolinone is an anti-fungal and preservative product in some dog shampoos, although the chemical has been banned in Canada and Japan. Why has the chemical been banned? Methylchloroisothiazolinone is carcinogenic and is also associated with organ poisoning.
- Mineral oils: Mineral oil might sound natural, but it’s actually a by-product of gasoline made from crude oil. Mineral oil blocks the skin’s pores, preventing the skin from “breathing” and causing a potentially harmful accumulation of toxins.
Avoid Animal Testing
You may be surprised to learn that some manufacturers still use animals to research and develop their human and dog shampoos. To ensure a product is cruelty-free, check for third-party certification on the product’s label.
Two major organizations oversee cruelty-free standards and compliance. The first is Leaping Bunny, run by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) and Cruelty Free International (CFI). This accreditation program verifies that companies do not test on animals, conducts independent audits, and requires documents from suppliers to ensure compliance. The second certification is by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). PETA offers two certifications: cruelty-free or cruelty-free and vegan.
Unfortunately, local laws in some countries, such as China, still insist that all imported beauty products, including shampoos, are tested on animals before they can be sold in that country. It’s important to do your research before you make any purchase, and oatmeal-based dog shampoos are no different!
Scented vs. Non-Scented
There are some circumstances when it’s better to use a non-scented dog shampoo on your pet, even if they’re a bit stinky! For example, dogs with allergies or skin sensitivities are usually better suited to a non-scented shampoo. If your dog has normal skin, using a scented shampoo does have several benefits, including:
- Calming effect: Dog shampoos scented with botanical extracts and natural essential oils not only smell great but can also offer calming properties for your dog. Lavender is beneficial in relaxing your pet during bath time.
- Masking odor: Everyone with a furry friend will be familiar with doggy odor! Doggy odor occurs when a build-up of natural oils accumulates in the dog’s coat, and bacteria start to grow. A scented shampoo not only helps to get rid of your pooch’s pong but also freshens up the coat, leaving the fur looking shiny and healthy.
- Repelling pests: Some scented shampoos can act as pest repellants. For example, lemongrass and rosemary scents smell delicious and can also prevent mosquitoes from bothering your dog and you when you’re out for walks during the summer season.
Our Favorite Oatmeal Shampoos For Dogs
In this section of our guide, we closely examine five of the most popular, high-quality dog shampoos on the market. While there are multiple options that you can choose from, these five favorites mark a solid representation of the best oatmeal shampoos you can choose for your pup.
This list isn’t all-inclusive by any means. It’s good to remember that the right shampoo will help you keep your pup clean, but you’ll also want to brush your pup regularly and invest in a de-shedding tool for bi-annual shedding sessions if your pup has a longer coat. Our top five are ranked in no particular order, and you should consider everything we’ve discussed, along with price, when picking the right shampoo for your pup.
Best Overall: Zesty Paws Itch Soother Review
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Zesty Paws offers a wide range of dog products and supplements. Its oatmeal-based anti-itch formula is excellent for dogs with sensitive skin. Many pups with skin problems end up that way due to skin irritation, which they can’t stop scratching. The Zesty Paws anti-itch formula helps to solve that by including soothing oatmeal, aloe vera, and vitamin E. It also contains almond extract, which keeps skin conditioned.
The aloe vera contains antifungal and antibacterial agents, which can help eliminate hot spots. The formula has a mild vanilla scent, which will be easy on your dog and others living in your home. This shampoo will help ensure that your pup has a lustrous-looking coat while reducing shedding and improving your dog’s coat health.
The formula is designed to clean and condition the coat, detangle long hair, and moisturize your pet’s skin. The shampoo is very easy to rinse away after your dog’s bath is complete.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | Uses fragrance (parfum) |
| Anti-itch formula | |
| Aloe vera soothes skin and moisturizes coat | |
| Helps neutralize hot spots | |
| Features hydrolyzed quinoa to repair damaged hair and enhance shine | |
| Great for dogs of all ages |
Best Value: Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Review
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Earthbath makes a wide range of dog shampoos that come in different scents. This formula is specifically made with oatmeal and aloe for a gentle cleansing effect that won’t irritate your dog’s skin.
All Earthbath products are made with a 100% all-natural, biodegradable formula. No harsh chemicals are used to make Earthbath shampoos, and no soap or soap compounds are contained in Earthbath products. This is important because although soap may work well to remove dirt from your dog’s coat, it strips away natural oils.
Earthbath shampoos are scented with natural, non-toxic fragrances. They contain natural moisturizing agents to keep your dog’s skin supple and healthy and promote a shiny, glowing coat.
Many top dog groomers use Earthbath shampoos because the company’s products are always consistent in quality and work brilliantly. Earthbath shampoos come in 12 different formulas, including a shampoo designed especially for puppies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | Some consumers might not like that it’s soap-free |
| Offered in bulk | |
| 3% colloidal oatmeal formula | |
| Features allantoin to stimulate wound healing and soothe irritated skin | |
| Organic aloe vera | |
| Soothes skin and neutralizes odors |
Best Hypoallergenic: Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Pet Wash Review
Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Pet Wash is a high-quality 5-in-1 dog shampoo that cleanses, conditions, deodorizes, detangles, and de-sheds for a shiny, healthy coat. It is pH-balanced, fragrance-free, and marketed as hypoallergenic. The product comes with a 100% money-back manufacturer’s guarantee.
This conditioning shampoo restores natural oils, making it perfect for dogs with sensitive skin. It also contains added vitamins A, D, E, and B12 to support and protect your dog’s skin and coat. It also features aloe vera gel to relieve dry, itchy skin.
Although unscented, the shampoo has deodorizing properties that effectively eliminate wet dog odor. This formula contains no harsh detergent, alcohol, artificial colors, soaps, or fragrances.
Pro Pet shampoo is environmentally friendly. It is biodegradable and cruelty-free, and the container is made from recycled materials.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic formula | Some consumers might not like that it’s soap-free and detergent-free |
| Helps detangle longer coats | |
| Contains almond oil and aloe vera | |
| No alcohol | |
| Detangles as well as soothes | |
| Works well for dogs with allergies | |
| Made in the United States |
Best Scented: Honeydew Lavender Oatmeal Review
Honeydew’s range of animal and human products are all made using natural oils and botanical extracts. Every shampoo in its Pet Pleasant range contains extra minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that are designed to enhance hair and skin and promote your pet’s overall wellness.
The shampoo is mild, gentle, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive skin. It contains colloidal oatmeal and lavender essential oil, which help soothe and calm irritated skin while softening your dog’s fur.
Lavender has a calming, comforting effect on your dog, making bath time an enjoyable and relaxing experience for your pet and for you, too! The product has a gentle deodorizing effect that eliminates nasty odors and leaves your pup smelling fresh and clean.
This shampoo contains no sulfates or parabens and is cruelty-free. The shampoo’s mild formula is tear-free. That means that the product won’t irritate your pet’s eyes. The manufacturer offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | Contains fragrance (parfum) in addition to essential oil |
| No tear formula | |
| Jojoba helps with dry skin irritation | |
| Soothes skin while softening fur | |
| Cruelty-free | |
| Paraben and sulfate-free |
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some of the questions that are most often asked by people buying dog shampoos. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, please ask your question in the comments box below.
Are Oatmeal Shampoos Really A Better Alternative For My Dog?
In many circumstances, yes. Oatmeal has a calming effect on your dog’s skin and will leave it feeling less dried out after use. Many formulas use both oatmeal and aloe to soothe your pup’s skin due to the natural healing properties in their ingredients.
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
How often you bathe your dog will depend on your pet’s age, coat type, and skin health. As a general rule of thumb, most dogs will benefit from being bathed at least every three months. Senior dogs and those with skin conditions will benefit from more frequent washing with an appropriate dog shampoo.
What Happens If You Don’t Bathe Your Dog Enough?
If you don’t bathe your dog frequently enough, the natural oils produced by your pet’s skin can accumulate. This will make their fur feel greasy and cause that nasty, doggy aroma with which all canine owners are only too familiar! Also, elderly dogs may have difficulty in grooming themselves. Regular bathing can help prevent skin problems caused by accumulated dirt.
Can You Bathe Your Dog Twice A Week?
No. Unless your dog has a medical condition or a parasite problem. Only then should you consider twice-weekly bathing as advised by your vet or canine dermatologist. Outside of that scenario, you should not bathe your dog that frequently. Bathing your dog too often can strip away all the natural oils your pet produces, making the skin dry and flaky.
Can You Bathe A Dog With Human Shampoo?
You really shouldn’t. The pH of human and canine skin is very different. Human shampoo is far too harsh for use on a dog and could cause unpleasant side effects and skin irritation.
Can You Wash A Dog With Baby Shampoo?
You may use a gentle, unscented baby shampoo to wash most dogs. Baby shampoo is suitable for use on dogs because it’s formulated to be very mild and gentle on a baby’s sensitive, delicate skin. However, using a canine-specific shampoo on your dog is better than anything else.
How Often Should Dogs Be Bathed?
Your dog’s coat and skin are highly effective at self-cleaning, so your pup doesn’t need to be bathed too frequently. Doggy smell is natural. However, skin problems, such as bacterial and fungal infections, can become an issue if your dog goes without a bath for too long. Our article covering how often to bathe your dog includes additional insights on canine cleanliness, including our tips and tricks for a successful bathtime.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Michelle has been a dog owner her entire life. She has given lots of baths over the years, but not before doing lengthy research to find out which bath products are safe for use on pups. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
