Shedding is part of the packaging when you want a dog. There’s just nothing you can do about it. Depending on the dog breed, it can be more or less serious. Nevertheless, too much shedding might be a sign that something is not right in your dog’s diet and that is when you should consider the best dog food for shedding on the market.
There are ways to minimize your dog’s excessive shedding and it starts with the food. Often, too much shedding might signal some sort of nutritional deficiency. It seems there is a pretty solid link between a dog’s nutrition and his skin and hair coat health. About 25% of dog owners take their dogs to the veterinarian to look into skin or hair coat problems. The most common causes for excessive shedding in dogs are:
- Hormonal disbalance
- Thyroid issues
- Vitamin deficiency
- Parasites
- Digestive stress
Let’s dig into one of the easiest to solve: vitamin deficiency. There are some very good nutritional formulas for dogs on the market right now, and I’ve taken a closer look at them. So, I’ll go through some of the best nutritional solutions, from best dry dog food for shedding, to best dog food for dry skin and shedding, and many more. Let’s dive in!
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Best Dog Food to Reduce Shedding and Boosting Your Dog’s Daily Nutrient Intake
Providing the best dog food for shedding might make a big difference not only to the amount of weekly shedding, but also to your dog’s well-being. These foods accomplish that by supplying all the nutrients that your dog needs to lead a happy, cheerful life by your side. So, let’s take a closer look at the right dog food for shedding on the market right now. Moreover, I’ll also let you peek into a few other solutions for dog shedding that might help on the short term.
Top 3 – Best Dog Food for Shedding
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ORIJEN High-Protein Dog Food |
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Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food |
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Blue Buffalo Basics Dog Food |
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Here Are the Best Dog Food for Shedding Reviews 2022
- ORIJEN High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food
- NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food
- Diamond Naturals Real Meat Recipe Dog Food
- Mighty Petz MAX Omega 3 Dogs Food
- Dr. Tim’S Premium All Natural Dog Food
- Pet MasterMind Coat Promote Natural DeShedding Spray
- Shed Defender Dog Onesie/Grooming
- Pure Vita Grain Free Salmon Canned Dog Food
- Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Canned Dog Food
1. ORIJEN High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
ORIJEN product is a good source of fish proteins. It does not contain one, but 6 different sources of fish proteins to help your canine friend energized and his coat shiny. The plus point is, it’s got 4.4% of omega fatty acids, which we know are good for shedding and the overall well-being of our canine friends. Moreover, it contains no filler ingredients and the fish protein comes from fresh and wild caught fish.
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Herring, Alaskan Cod, Sardines and Blue Whiting are the sources of omega fatty acids in this one. Overall, this is a pretty good dog food for shedding which contains about 85% animal ingredients and 15% whole fruits and vegetables. They say these haven’t been treated with any preservative so they are not harmful to your dog.
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Dog Food
I choose to continue my best food for dog shedding research with another Blue Buffalo formula. This one here is mostly fit for large breed dogs, as it has more crude protein and fat than the previous one. It is a dry food formula based on real chicken meat, no poultry or by-products based on chicken.
Overall, it is a good dog food for reducing shedding due to its high protein values. Moreover, it contains wholesome whole grains, veggies and fruits. Apart from its shedding benefits, this blue buffalo formula also provides a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin which help alleviate joint problems or other mobility problems in large breed dogs.
As we all should pay attention to our own vitamin intake, so should we take care of our furry friends’ as well. Their immune system and oxidative balance also, depends on their nutrition and the only one who could control their food is you.
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All in all, this Blue Buffalo formula contains a good mix of real meat, wholesome whole grains, healthy fruits and vegetables which will contribute to stronger muscles, boost your dog’s immune system and help with their skin and coat health. I’m not saying it’s the ultimate best food for dog shedding, but this could it for your dog.
3. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food
I started my research by looking for the best reviewed dog food for shedding and this one might be it. This Blue Buffalo dry food for dogs is based on real turkey as the only animal protein source and, also compensates with peas, pumpkin and potatoes to assure an easy digestion for your adult dog.
The fact that it is grain-free makes it good for dogs suffering from digestive issues. No grains, no gluten, no aching tummy for your beloved furry pal. Moreover, this Blue Buffalo formula is also good for dogs suffering from a lot of other food sensitivities. Although it does not contain any chicken, beef, soy, or diary, it meets all the nutrient requirements so that your dog can lead a healthy, cheerful life.
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The formula contains a full range of vitamins and minerals to make sure your dog meets all the nutritional requirements. Overall, Blue Buffalo looks like a good dog food for shedding. Of course, you should also check with your veterinarian first before making the final decision.
4. NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Dry Dog Food
Still looking for the best dry dog food for shedding, right? Well, Nutro Wholesome Essentials formula gets close to that, as well. It comes in 15, 30 and 40 lb. It contains farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, in combination with brown rice and sweet potato for a plus of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Also it is a good solution that strengthens your dog’s muscles and also supports the health of his joints. It is also packed with some healthy antioxidants, such as vitamin E which contributes to a healthy immune system.
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All in all, it is a good product rich in protein and made with real ingredients. That means no by-products, corn, wheat, soy proteins or other kinds of artificial flavors, or preservatives in there. What is more, all the ingredients are supplied by local farmers.
Also Read: Best Cat Food for Older Cats – Top 10 Healthy Foods Reviewed!
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food
If what you’re looking for is the best dog food for excessive shedding, then this one might prove a good solution. Compared to the other two above, this Blue Buffalo dog food has got 3.5% omega fatty acids per portion and is based on two different fish proteins.
As with the other two, this dog food for shedding is based on animal protein as the first ingredients and does not contain any additional artificial ingredients. The first ingredient here is deboned salmon.
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There are no grains in this dog food formula, but it contains peas and potatoes for the carbohydrates that your dog needs. Moreover, it does take care of your dog immune system with valuable antioxidants extracted from carrots, cranberries and blueberries. So, all in all, this is what this best dog food for shedding looks like.
6. Diamond Naturals Real Meat Recipe Dog Food
When looking for a good, reliable dog food, of course you’re also looking for the whole package, like say, the best dog food for shedding and dry skin. This way you’ve got multiple issues taken care of at the same time. I know that dry skin on dogs can be quite an issue. It is usually caused by cold weather or poor nutrition lacking in protein, vitamins and essential fatty acids.
Dry skin can lead to a lot of complications for your furry little pal, like redness, inflammation, crusting even. So, to avoid any of these complications, it’s good to look for the best dog food for dry skin and shedding out there. This Diamond Naturals product might be close to that. It is high in protein and amino acids which make for lean and strong muscles. In addition to that, it also contains a good mix of fats that are good for the skin and coat.
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Moreover, it is very good for the digestion due to its high quantity of proprietary probiotics. One important aspect to mention here is that the company producing this is family owned and it still runs in the family. And I forgot to mention, the product is based on chicken as the first ingredient.
7. Mighty Petz MAX Omega 3 Dogs Food
This Max Omega 3 supplement is made in the USA in a FDA-registered and GMP-certified factory. So, yes, they look quite trustworthy and like a nice change in your dog’s diet. This is a dog treat rich in omega-3 fatty acids that might help keep your furry pal in shape.
These essential fatty acids called omega-3 are known for their capabilities of balancing hormone levels, reducing inflammation and supporting skin cells regeneration. In the long run, this means less shedding. So, it might be a good idea to add this to your list of dog food to reduce shedding.
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Moreover, this “chewy” treat is based on fish oil which will also contribute to the well-being of your dog’s joints and immune system. Surprisingly, they come in the form of treats, so your furry friends will eat important nutrients as a reward for being nice all the time…or not. It’s your call there!
8. Dr. Tim’S Premium All Natural Dog Food
Although this product here might seem a little bit extreme, especially if your canine friend is a little pooch who loves to lay around all day, being cute and all, Dr. Tim’S Premium is still one of the top-rated dog food for shedding. It seems designed for the most active dogs and as a high-level source of omega-3 fatty acids to help your canine friend recover after a race or sport event.
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It also contains ocean fish oil to help with certain inflammations, heart health and shedding. Yes, this is why it is a good dog food for shedding. What is more, it contains probiotics which will help with your dog’s immune system, digestion and overall well-being.
Also Read: Best Guinea Pig Food – for Your Picky Cavy
9. Pet MasterMind Coat Promote Natural DeShedding Spray
I know this is not what you’d call anti shedding dog food. Nevertheless, it is an anti-shedding solution you could consider together with the top-rated dog food. Pet MasterMind spray offers a natural relief for dog dry skin and can even fight against dandruff.
You’ll see that it contains some really helpful vitamins and omega fatty acids, much like the best dog food for shedding that we’ve been discussing so far. It is easy to use, you simply spray it on your dog’s coat and then comb the hair a little bit.
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Made in Canada from natural ingredients, this natural de-shedding spray contains no parabens, artificial fragrance or dye. Overall, it looks like a good skin and coat conditioner and shedding treatment to use together with good nutrition.
10. Shed Defender Dog Onesie/Grooming
Shed Defender onesie is a sort of short-term solution which will keep the dog hair in check for when you don’t want your furry friend to leave a trail of hair. Let’s say, maybe, you take him for a ride in the car and you don’t want to spend the whole afternoon cleaning the hair out of every little corner of the car. This is when this versatile onesie can come in handy.
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It is also a very good alternative to the infamous medical cone and it can prevent your dog from scratching a wound. Thus, it can even help alleviate some allergies and itching skin conditions made worse by your dog’s constant scratching. So, all in all, it is a good short-term solution to the whole shedding problem.
Also Read: Top Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Reviews
11. Pure Vita Grain Free Salmon Canned Dog Food
If a good yet cheap dog food for shedding is what you look for, then this might be a good idea. Pure Vita is based on salmon and also contains a fair amount of Omega 3 Fatty Acids to help with the natural shine of your dog’s coat. It says it is also good for keeping allergic reactions at bay, but that depends on the kind of allergy your dog has.
Also it is made and sourced in the USA. Now, some dogs might not really enjoy the taste of salmon. I know it might sound hard to believe, but I’ve had to deal with pesky picky pups who turned their noses up to salmon-based food. So, yes, the first thing you should do is see if your dog enjoys the taste.
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All in all, it seems like a reasonable dog food for shedding. The fact that it contains omega-3 fatty acids might do a really good job for your canine friend’s coat. That is a fact.
12. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Canned Dog Food
You should also write this product down on your list of best dog food for shedding. One of its strong points is that Whole Earth Farms is made of 100% natural ingredients. It contains some high-quality proteins, but also some plant fillers like fresh fruits and vegetables. By the look of it, it might serve like a good treat for your dog after a whole day of playing outside.
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The manufacturer claims that all its products are made in the USA from natural ingredients and that is not a bad thing to know. Overall, this is a balanced nutritional solution for shedding that might also sound like a good treat occasion for your little furry friend. So, why I liked it enough to put it on my list? Here it is!
The Best Dog Food for Shedding Buying Guide
As a dog owner you will notice hair seems to be appearing out of nowhere and getting stuck on everything. It clings to everything from your favorite night dress to your preferred sofa. Of course, you knew this was going to happen when you decided to adopt or buy a canine fellow to live with you.
However, truth be told, you can never be prepared for the amount of dog hair that will follow. You probably prepared yourself with a couple of brushing and grooming tools to weather the storm of dog hair. You were brave at first, then lived in denial for a short period of time and then went completely crazy on the whole hair issue?
Well, it happened to me at first, but I realized soon that excessive shedding is something that is “not normal” and something should be done about it. Then I realized there are, actually, a few solutions and that it all starts with nutrition.
The best dog food for shedding out there can actually help making your furry pal’s coat much stronger and healthier and it is up to make the right choice. To help you, I’ve reviewed a few top-rated dog food ingredients that help prevent shedding. This is based on a few important considerations backed up by nutritional science and veterinarians. Let’s take a look!
What Are the Main Dog Food Ingredients That Help Prevent Shedding?
One of the main reasons for excessive shedding is an imbalanced diet. Of course, there are other underlying causes, like stress, skin parasites, certain skin disorders or even external causes like a bad shampoo. Nevertheless, the number one factor is inflammation caused by poor nutrition. This is why you have to pay more attention to the labels on the dog food products and make sure they’ve got these ingredients below.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Usually, these fatty acids are found in fish. They are one of the most important beneficial factors for the dogs’ skin health. Furthermore, if the skin is healthy and in good condition, then the coat can also grow to be more resistant and thus lead to less shedding.
So yes, when looking for the best dog food for shedding, these omega fatty acids are important. Moreover, they can help if your dog suffers from certain allergies and can even help with kidney problems and boost heart health. So, read the label and look for these two “guys”!
Protein
Protein is usually sourced from meat. So, the type of protein in dog food is dependent on the type of meat the food is based on. One very important aspect here is that you look for dog food that contains actual meat, and not animal by-products which only provide low-quality protein.
So make sure the first ingredient in the dog food is real meat and also pay attention to the quantity or percentage of protein. You need to be sure that your dog has enough protein intake for its weight. That will ensure he is healthy in general and has got lots of energy to enjoy fun time with you.
Vitamin A and Vitamin E
Vitamins are important for your dog’s overall well-being which also influences his skin and coat health. Always check that the dog food contains vitamin and real vegetables and/or fruits. These are a source of antioxidants which are really great for your dog’s overall health.
Avoid Artificial Flavors and Other Preservatives
If you’ve managed to do that with your own diet, then it’s time to do that with your dog’s as well. Always check to see if the dog food has any added artificial flavors, chemicals or any kind of preservative. Aim for natural ingredients! Aim for food that tastes like chicken because it is based on real chicken meat and not because it’s got artificial chicken taste.
Wet or Dry Dog Food for Shedding?
Well, I’d say both. add all kinds of chewing treats. As you have seen, there are a lot of dog food for shedding options on the market, may it be dry, wet or just supplements. My advice is to have one of each. Treats are also supposed to be healthy and provide a good source of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.
So, if you have a combination of wet food, supplements and dry dog food for shedding, then you’re more probably providing your little furry bundle of joy the complex diet he needs to get rid of dry skin and excessive shedding.
How Can You Tell Your Dog Is Shedding Excessively?
You know that shedding is normal and as much as it bothers you at first, you will get used to it. However, you’re probably wondering when you should start to worry and this is quite hard to say since dogs shed differently depending on the breed. However, there are a few signs to look for:
- He suddenly starts shedding more than he used to
- Bald patches of skin start to appear
- You see certain areas in his coat that are visibly thinning
In the first case, you can start looking to change its food and experiment with some good dog food for shedding. In the following two cases, you should probably go see a vet first and then decide together the next steps and the types of dog foods necessary.
What Are the Main Causes of Excessive Shedding?
- Poor Nutrition
This comes first on the list. As we were discussing above, you need to make sure your little furry pal gets all the proteins, fatty acids and vitamins he needs and that his food is still tasty enough for him to enjoy, without any artificial flavors and preservatives
- Watch Out for Spontaneous Allergies
Your dog may develop a certain kind of allergy and he might do that almost out of the blue. He can get allergic to chicken, pork, beef, fish or grains, so that is why you should always pay attention to his behavior and follow closely the first ingredient that his dog food is based on. As you can see, allergies can also be influenced by dog food. So yes, it’s still up to the dog food.
- Stress Levels
Hair fall due to stress; this happens to us humans, so why wouldn’t it happen to our dogs? Although it might seem like a trifling matter to you, it is not to be taken lightly. Dogs can sense a series of stressful events around the house; they can sense tension from you or your family members; they can feel bad if you yell at them or act strangely towards them.
Stress can lead to a lot of issues, from digestive problems to skin itching and so much more. So, yes, make sure you keep a stress-free environment at home. It is for the best, for you and for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can Changing Dog Food Help With Shedding?
A: Yes. If you put your dog on a poor-quality diet, it can result in shedding. So, make sure to put it on a meat-rich diet. It would help if you supported this diet with fruit and vegetables. This will help to improve the resistance and strength of your dog’s coat.
Q: Does Coconut Oil Help With the Shedding?
A: Yes. Coconut oil is very effective in reducing your dog’s shedding. It also promotes healthy skin and coat and helps with skin irritations.
Q: How Much Shedding Is Normal?
A: Every dog shed a little, but some dogs shed a lot. Is there any way to understand how much shedding is normal for your dog? Yes. If your dog is healthy but sheds a lot, you do not need to worry about it. If the shedding is visible on clothes and furniture, it is normal. But it should not be visible on your dog’s body. Other than year-round shedding, some dogs shed seasonally (spring and fall). This kind of shed is visible on your dog’s entire body, and it happens every year on a cycle.
Q: Does Grain-Free Dog Food Help With Shedding?
A: A canine’s natural diet is nearly devoid of any grain. So a grain-free diet would naturally be a more comfortable choice. Not only that, but a grain-free diet means a protein-rich diet, so your dog will have a steady supply of all the oils and nutrients they need to maintain a shiny, healthy coat, reducing shedding as a result.
Q: Can You Stop a Dog From Shedding?
A: You cannot stop a dog from shedding entirely. If you’re very partial about it, you can choose a breed of dog that sheds less. Aside from that, you can keep your dog clean and groomed all the time to reduce shedding, provide food that reduces shedding, and overall ensure good health. Even then, there’s going to be some minimal amount of shedding that you’ll simply have to tolerate.
Conclusion
As you can see, a lot of health issues can be solved through a proper nutrition. You probably already know that but might not have paid too much attention to it. So, maybe now you start doing that and reap the rewards: your furry pal’s happiness and silent gratitude. Excessive shedding can be stopped through the best dog food for shedding.
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