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Shedding is a natural, common thing for dogs. Dogs shed a little from time to time, and this is not something you should be worried about. Nevertheless, some dogs shed extremely, and certain dog breeds are more susceptible to this.
Most times, extreme shedding is a sign of nutritional deficiency or coat and skin irritation, which could cause your dog to scratch, resulting in excess shedding.
Fortunately, you can minimize this issue with the best dog food for shedding. Dog foods formulated specifically to minimize shedding come with all the vital nutrients that a dog needs, especially those that need a healthy, shiny, coat and skin.
In this guide, we have done our findings to come up with a list of some of the best dog food for shedding in the market. We also have more than just our top picks for you, read on to find out more!
OUR TOP PICK
Our top pick for the best dog food for shedding is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula. This food is packed with loads of minerals and vitamins from natural ingredients. It contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains high-quality protein sources and other premium ingredients.
The Life Protection Formula Small Breed from Blue Buffalo is made with deboned chicken, brown rice, chicken meal, oatmeal, menhaden fish meal, and barley, with chicken as the number one protein source. It comes with adequate amounts of carbs and protein to meet the high energy demands of small dogs.
The protein source is of high quality, and this food is completely free from poultry by-product meals. The menhaden fish meal in this food is a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which would help keep the skin and coat of your dog healthy and shiny, preventing excess shedding. It also contains sweet potatoes, carrots, and whole peas, which contribute to the skin health of your dog.
This food does more than catering to the skin health of your dog, as it also protects against inflammation, thanks to the antioxidant-rich fruits such as cranberries and blueberries it contains. It is not artificially flavored, colored, or preserved, and it is free of corn, wheat, and soy. It also helps to prevent allergic reactions, as well as reactions that could lead to skin issues.
This food also contributes to a healthy immune system, thanks to its powerful blend of chelated minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It features a minimum crude protein count of 26 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 15 percent. The maximum crude fiber is 4 percent and the caloric content is 397 kilocalories per cup.
If your dog sheds a lot and you are looking for the best dog food shedding dogs, then the Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach is one of the best options to consider. As stated in the name, Purina made this food specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.
The top ingredients of this food are salmon, barley, ground rice, canola meal, oatmeal, and fish meal (which is a great source of glucosamine). It also contains salmon oil, which is another source of glucosamine to provide your pup with healthy, strong bones and joints.
This food is full of protein, nutrient-dense, and it contains healthy sources of fat and carbs. It is also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to keep the coat and skin of your dog shinier and healthier.
This food contains a few fiber-rich, whole grains, which contribute to a healthy digestive system. All the ingredients used to make this food are easy on the digestive system, making it a great choice for dogs with digestive issues.
Included in this diet are essential minerals and vitamins to boost the overall health of your dog. You do not have to worry about fillers in this food, as it does not contain any trace of soy, wheat, corn, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
This food is made in the United States, and it does not contain any harmful ingredients. It is suitable for small, medium, and large breed dogs. The protein content of this food is 26 percent while the minimum crude fat is 16 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent with a caloric content of 429 kilocalories per cup.
Specs
Dry Food
Adult
Small, medium, and large breeds
Sensitive digestion, no wheat, corn, pea, and soy
Pros
Sufficient amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
Ideal for sensitive skin and stomach
Easy-to-digest ingredients
Made in the United States
Cons
It does not contain flaxseed, which is a great source of omega fatty acids.
The next best dog food for shedding dogs on our list is the RawRev Grain-Free Original Recipe from Wellness. This food is a perfect combination of quality dry kibble with nutrient-dense raw bites.
It features a nutrient-rich profile with high-quality protein to keep your pet’s coat beautifully intact and its skin healthy. It is made with high-quality, natural ingredients including deboned turkey, turkey meal, peas, chicken meal, dried ground potatoes, and potatoes.
It also contains chicken fat, which is a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that supports healthy skin and coats. The Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free formula is 100 percent grain-free, and it does not contain any ingredient that could cause skin allergies. It is also gluten-free, with no trace of corn, wheat, or soy.
This food is available in two different flavors: Duck, Lamb, & Boar and Chicken & Turkey, and all the flavors are super rich in protein count. This nutritionally balanced and complete diet also supports digestion and whole-body health. If you have a very active dog, then this is a great option, as it contains an impressive 36 percent (minimum) protein.
The fat content of this food is 16 percent while the maximum crude fiber is 4 percent. To provide your dog with more than enough energy, this food boasts of a caloric content of 423 kilocalories per cup. It also contains adequate levels of chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy bones and joints.
Specs
Dry Food
Adult
Small, extra small, and toy breeds
Grain-free, gluten-free, high-protein, no corn, wheat, or soy
The Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of the most affordable dog foods for shedding dogs on our list. This is a great choice for dogs that shed a lot, and it is made with only premium ingredients. This food is made with salmon, ocean fish meal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, canola oil, salmon meal, smoked salmon, peas, and more.
It is very rich in protein and it contains highly digestible ingredients. The salmon flavor also contains plenty of healthy fats to keep the skin of your dog shiny. This food does not contain any land-animal meats, making it a safe option for dogs with chicken and beef allergies. It consists of more plant-sourced ingredients and it is 100 percent grain-free.
This moderately priced dry dog food is also free from corn, fillers, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It is also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support a shiny fur and healthier skin.
This food contains chelated minerals that help with maximum absorption of vital nutrients. In this food are antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits such as blueberries, tomatoes, and raspberries, providing your dog with a healthy immune system and overall health.
The ingredients are from sustainable and trusted sources and they are easy on the digestive system. It is suitable for all dog breeds and sizes. This food boasts of a protein content of 25 percent with a minimum crude fat content of 15 percent. The maximum crude fiber content is 3 percent while the caloric content is 360 kilocalories per cup.
Nature's Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food is another perfect dog food for shedding coats. This food is made with high-quality ingredients that cater to the digestive health of your dog. This formula is 100 percent grain-free, with recipes based on salmon, peas, garbanzo beans, poultry fat, pea protein, and salmon meal.
Salmon meal and poultry fat are great sources of omega fatty acids to leave your pet with a shinier coat and healthy skin. It is also ideal for dogs with sensitive skin, as it helps reduce scratching, which results in excess shedding.
The primary protein source of this food is salmon, providing your dog with more than enough protein to keep it healthy. It contains great carb sources such as pumpkin and sweet potato to provide your dog with all the energy it needs all through the day. The carb sources are also easy on the digestive system, as they are easily digestible.
This food features a precise blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to maintain the health of your dog and boost its immune system. There are also no traces of soy, corn, or wheat in this food. It is not artificially preserved, colored, or flavored. It also contains plenty of antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits.
This food is suitable for small, medium, and large breeds. The protein content is 27 percent while the crude fat content is 12 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent with a caloric content of 336 kilocalories per cup.
Specs
Dry Food
Adult
All dog breeds
Grain-free, no corn, soy, or wheat
Pros
Great carb sources
Tasty formula
No additives
Supports a healthy immune system, skin, and coat
Cons
No added food supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine
This is another great dog food for shedding dogs, as it is formulated to cater to skin allergy issues. If your dog has poultry-related sensitivities or allergies, then this is one of the best options you have. The primary protein source of this food is pork meals. The first five ingredients of this food are pork meal, dried potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, and pork fat.
In addition to being free from poultry, this food does not contain corn, soy, or wheat. It is also free of artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. All the ingredients used to make this food are stomach-friendly and easily digestible.
Other notable ingredients in this food include rosemary, thyme, sage, and blueberries as sources of essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that your dog needs.
This food also contains nutrient-rich ingredients that care for the fur of your dog, giving it a shinier look. It helps to reduce food-induced excessive shedding, and it supports healthier skin.
It also contains other great sources of protein such as beef and lamb. Enriched with delicious flavors from natural, healthy ingredients, making it difficult for dogs to resist.
This is an adult formula and it is ideal for all dog breeds and sizes. The protein content of this food is 26 percent with a minimum crude fat content of 14 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 3.5 percent with a caloric content of 348 kilocalories per cup.
Limited ingredient dog foods are made for dogs with sensitivities and allergies, and they help reduce shedding. When it comes to limited ingredient diets, the Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet is one of the best options out there. This food is made with lamb, lamb meal, oatmeal, peas, and ground rice. The ingredients are safe for sensitive dogs and support healthy skin as well.
This food should stop itchy skin and excessive shedding, which are signs of food intolerance. Furthermore, this food is free of corn, soy, and wheat, making it easy to digest. There are also no traces of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives in this food. Nevertheless, this food contains easily digestible whole grains.
It also contains plenty of veggies and fruits, which are great sources of essential minerals and vitamins that your pup needs. This food contains flaxseed, which is a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to keep the coat and skin of your dog healthy. The primary protein source, which is lamb, provides more than enough protein for your pup.
The protein content of this food is 21 percent while the fat content is 12 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4.75 percent with a caloric content of 406 kilocalories per cup.
Specs
Dry Food
Adult
All dog breeds
Sensitive digestion, gluten-free, limited ingredients, no corn, wheat, or soy
If you are looking for the best dog food for shedding with natural, premium ingredients, you should consider the AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food.
This food is made with all-natural ingredients, high-quality protein sources, with California-grown avocado. The top ingredients of this food include lamb meal, ground brown rice, ground white rice, chicken fat, oatmeal, flaxseed, and more.
The meat-based protein helps to restore the coat and skin of your pup to a shiny and healthy state. It also helps reduce inflammation, itching, and irritation. The flaxseed and chicken fat content are also great sources of omega fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.
In addition, this food is packed with plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, crude fiber, and minerals to support the digestive system and overall health of your dog.
It is free of corn, soy, wheat, fillers, as well as artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. This food supports the external and internal health of your dog, and the ingredients are easily digestible.
Furthermore, this food is available in two different flavors. It contains avocado and avocado oil, which are packed with about twenty minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients.
This food is ideal for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The protein content is 21 percent while the fat content is 11 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 5 percent with a caloric content of 360 kilocalories per cup.
Specs
Dry Food
Adult
All breed sizes
No wheat, corn, or soy
Pros
Antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits
California grown avocados
No artificial ingredients
It is formulated to help with itchy skin, sensitive stomach, and excessive shedding
Cons
The kibble pieces are a bit larger and stronger for smaller dogs.
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Salmon Recipe provides your pup with a formula that resembles what they eat naturally in the wild. It is super rich in protein, as it contains one of the best protein sources that are easy on the digestive system.
The top ingredients of this food include deboned, real salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, pea starch, flaxseed, dried egg product, dried tomato pomace, and more.
The salmon content also provides your dog with beneficial omega 6 fatty acids. It also contains a menhaden fish meal, which is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. The omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids work together to make your dog’s coat shinier and skin healthier, and it helps to reduce shedding.
This formula is completely from grains. Rather, it contains potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes, which are all great sources of carbs. Other notable ingredients in this food are carrots, cranberries, and blueberries, which provide enough antioxidants to enhance the immune system of your dog.
It does not contain any artificial ingredients, and it is free of corn, wheat, and soy. This food contains an impressive 32 percent protein, with a minimum crude fat of 14 percent. The maximum crude fiber content is 6 percent while the caloric content is 386 kilocalories per cup.
Specs
Dry Food
Adult
Large breed
Grain-free, high-protein, no corn, wheat, or soy
Pros
It contains Blue’s LifeSource Bits
Natural veggies and fruits
Available in different bag sizes
Grain-free
Cons
It contains chicken fat for flavor.
Buying Guide For The Best Dog Food For Shedding
There are not many dog foods out there specifically formulated to reduce excessive shedding from the coat of your dog. However, there are a few reliable options in the market, and here some of the things you need to consider when looking for the best food for shedding control:
Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are an extremely part of a dog’s diet. Dogs do not develop these essential acids on their own; hence, they need to eat foods that are rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
When looking for dog food for shedding control, this is one of the most important things you need to look for. Fatty acids help to build a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Weak coat and dry skin often result in excessive shedding, and fatty acids help in reducing shedding. Hence, you need to make sure that the food contains adequate levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Chicken fat, salmon, menhaden fishmeal, and other types of fish are great sources of essential fatty acids. Dog foods with fish as one of the major ingredients are an excellent option for reducing shedding.
Protein
Another vital thing you should consider is the quality of protein in the food. The basic building block of a healthy coat and skin is animal-based protein. If the dog food is low in animal-based protein, it may result in a brittle coat and dry skin.
Flaky, dry skin and coat that is susceptible to breaking can contribute to shedding. While some dogs do well on very high-protein food, others do not thrive well when the protein level is too much.
Most of the dog foods on our list come with moderate levels of protein. Hence, to provide your pup with a healthy coat and skin, you need to make sure that the food contains animal-based proteins.
Essential Minerals and Vitamins
Dogs need plenty of essential minerals and vitamins to remain healthy. Some dog foods come with added minerals and vitamins. Nevertheless, it is best to opt for dog food that contains natural sources of minerals and vitamins.
Some dog food brands spray a chemical concoction of minerals and vitamins onto the kibble, and that is not something you want for your dog.
This is why you need to opt for dog foods with plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables, as they are super rich in natural vitamins and minerals.
In addition, some of the essential minerals and vitamins you should look for in the dog food include vitamins B group, calcium, vitamins A, E, K, & E, iron, zinc, iodine, choline, manganese, potassium, copper, and magnesium.
Quality Ingredients
Artificial ingredients are not good for your dog’s health. The more artificial ingredients in the diet of your dog, the higher the chances of your dog having a bad reaction to it.
To avoid this, you need to look for dog food that is made with high-quality, wholesome ingredients such as real meat, healthy supplements, and whole grains. Make sure the food contains plenty of veggies and fruits.
The food should also be free of by-product meals and other fillers ingredients that do not contribute to your dog nutritionally.
Final Thoughts
Healthy nutrition is the answer to most of the health issues dogs encounter regularly. With a nutritionally balanced and complete diet, your dog’s excessive shedding will be a thing of the past.
It comes with plenty of fruits and veggies to provide your pup with all the vitamins and minerals it needs. It also supports healthy skin and coat, thanks to the omega fatty acids in it.
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