It can be frustrating when your dog leaves behind a mountain of hair on the sofa or in its bed. Shedding is natural and can’t be stopped completely but improving skin and coat condition can help reduce shedding. Shedding or moulting is especially problematic in the summer and fall months, and some dogs are just more prone to shedding year round, such as the Golden Retriever or German Shepherd. However, a medical condition can also be the cause of excessive shedding. Excessive shedding should be investigated if this is a new problem for your pet, particularly if there are bald patches or other signs of skin disease or illness.
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Stress, skin problems, thyroid disease, or allergies are some of the possible suspects, and going through the process of elimination can be challenging. Luckily, plenty of foods on the market are tailored to skin and coat problems that cause shedding. If your pet has genuine food allergies rather than just intolerance they will likely need a prescription food from your vet.
Whatever the reason, we’re here to help guide you through the top 10 reviews of the best dog food for shedding so that you have the best information possible.
A Quick Comparison of the Winners in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Purina Pro Plan Adult Formula
High-quality ingredients
Aids in reduced shedding
Free from corn, wheat, or soy
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Best Value
Crave High Protein Dry Dog Food
White fish is main ingredient
Free from corn, wheat, or soy
No by-products or artificial preservatives
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Premium Choice
Nom Nom’s Beef Mash Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Delivers to your home
Human-grade, high-quality ingredients
Developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
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- Free Shipping
Best for Puppies
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog
100% complete and balanced
Oatmeal for smooth digestion
Contains DHA and omega-6 fatty acids
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Hill’s Prescription Skin/Food Sensitivities Dog Food
Targets skin and coat conditions
Contains fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Clinically proven and effective food for adverse food reactions
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shedding
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is a protein-dense food with salmon as the main ingredient. It contains sunflower oil and vitamin A that provides plenty of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and it also has oatmeal for easy digestion. It’s perfect for dogs with corn allergies because it is corn, wheat, and soy-free.
Calories: 467 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 26%
Crude fat: 16%
Crude fiber: 4%
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Not only does it help with shedding, but it also contains prebiotics and probiotics for overall digestive and immune health. It is a little pricey, but the high-quality ingredients justify the cost if you want a premium dog food that minimizes shedding, all while supporting your canine kiddo’s overall health. It also helps dogs with sensitive stomachs.
It’s available in a 5-pound bag, 16-pound bag, 30-pound bag, or a 41-pound bag. We feel this product is the best overall dog food for shedding with the top-notch, healthy ingredients and its ability to minimize shedding.
Pros
Contains omega-6 and omega-3 for healthy skin and coat
Aids in reduced shedding
Free from corn, wheat, or soy
High-quality ingredients
Variety of bag sizes
Cons
Expensive
If you’re looking for a good value, Crave High Protein White Fish & Salmon Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food could be a good option. Crave uses a grain-free formula with white fish as the main ingredient, which provides 34% crude protein for your dog. It’s free from by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, as well as corn, wheat, or soy. It does contain a high proportion of proteins from legumes and these are still under investigation for their contribution to heart disease.
Contains omega-6 and omega-3 for healthy skin and coat
Aids in reduced shedding
Free from corn, wheat, or soy
High-quality ingredients
Variety of bag sizes
- Contains omega-6 and omega-3 for healthy skin and coat
- Aids in reduced shedding
- Free from corn, wheat, or soy
- High-quality ingredients
- Variety of bag sizes
Expensive
- Expensive
Calories: 422 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 34%
Crude fat: 17%
Crude fiber: 5%
The top-quality ingredients help keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy, and it aids in keeping shedding down to a minimum. It also provides the nutrients your doggo needs for overall health. It’ll give your dog energy, too, and most dogs love the taste.
This food may not be suitable for large dogs because the kibble is small in size, and chicken meal is listed as the second ingredient. You’ll want to avoid this food if your dog has a chicken allergy. However, this food is not as expensive as others in its class, and you can purchase a 4-pound bag, 12-pound bag, or a 22-pound bag, making this food the best dog food for shedding for the money.
Pros
White fish is the main ingredient
Free from corn, wheat, or soy
No by-products or artificial preservatives
Affordable
Various bag sizes
Cons
High in pea and lentil proteins
Contains chicken meal
Kibble size may be small for large dogs
3. Nom Nom Beef Mash Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Premium Choice
Click Here to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with Nom Nom!
Calories: 182 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 8%
Crude fat: 4%
Crude fiber: 1%
If you’re looking for a premium option, then Nom Nom’s Beef Mash Recipe could be a good match to suit your needs. Food delivery services are a thing of normalcy these days, and with Nom Nom, dog food is part of that normalcy.
White fish is the main ingredient
Free from corn, wheat, or soy
No by-products or artificial preservatives
Affordable
Various bag sizes
- White fish is the main ingredient
- Free from corn, wheat, or soy
- No by-products or artificial preservatives
- Affordable
- Various bag sizes
High in pea and lentil proteins
Contains chicken meal
Kibble size may be small for large dogs
- High in pea and lentil proteins
- Contains chicken meal
- Kibble size may be small for large dogs
Nom Nom is unique in that they have two of the estimated 100 board-certified veterinary nutritionists in the United States that develop their recipes. This company adheres to the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) nutrition levels that help prevent chronic diseases in our pets. The delivered food is fresh and contains only quality, human-grade ingredients. This particular recipe includes sunflower oil and fish oil, which hydrates your dog’s fur and helps minimize shedding. It also contains eggs, carrots, and peas that help condition the skin and coat, and it can help doggies with skin allergies.
Using Nom Nom can be pricey, but they do offer 50% off and free shipping on your first order, which is a great deal if you’re looking to give it a try. Many success stories from this product make it enticing, as many consumers claim this food has helped minimize their dog’s shedding tremendously.
Pros
Developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
Human-grade, high-quality ingredients
Contains sunflower oil and fish oil for fur hydration
Delivers to your home
50% off + free shipping on first order
Cons
Expensive
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food is a good option if you have a puppy in your life. This formula is designed specifically for puppies to aid in their first year of life. It is 100% complete and balanced, with lamb as the main ingredient. It added oatmeal for smooth digestion on your puppy’s little tummy, along with prebiotics and probiotics for enhanced digestibility. The omega-6 fatty acids in this recipe ensure your pup’s skin and coat stays healthy during development, and DHA derived from fish oil promotes brain and vision development.
Developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
Human-grade, high-quality ingredients
Contains sunflower oil and fish oil for fur hydration
Delivers to your home
50% off + free shipping on first order
- Developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
- Human-grade, high-quality ingredients
- Contains sunflower oil and fish oil for fur hydration
- Delivers to your home
- 50% off + free shipping on first order
Calories: 428 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 28%
Crude fat: 18%
Crude fiber: 3%
The kibble is small and may not work for large puppies, and it is pricey. It comes in a 4-pound bag, 16-pound bag, or a 24-pound bag.
Pros
100% complete and balanced
Contains DHA and omega-6 fatty acids
Oatmeal for smooth digestion
Comes in 3 bag sizes
Cons
Expensive
Small kibble may not be suitable for large puppies
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Original Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food focuses on skin allergies and other skin and coat conditions. It is specifically formulated with essential fatty acids that nourish the skin and coat, therefore, cutting down on shedding. This food has an S+Ox Shield Seal of Confidence, which means the formula supports a healthy urinary tract. If your dog has tummy issues, this food will help with that, too.
100% complete and balanced
Contains DHA and omega-6 fatty acids
Oatmeal for smooth digestion
Comes in 3 bag sizes
- 100% complete and balanced
- Contains DHA and omega-6 fatty acids
- Oatmeal for smooth digestion
- Comes in 3 bag sizes
Expensive
Small kibble may not be suitable for large puppies
- Expensive
- Small kibble may not be suitable for large puppies
Calories: 3%
Crude protein: 354 kcal/cup
Crude fat: 1%
Crude fiber: 4%
Hill’s is a trusted brand within the dog food industry, and nutritionists and veterinarians craft the formulas to target specific health issues. Unfortunately, this food requires a prescription from your vet, and it is expensive. This is a clinical food for dogs with food allergies rather than intolerances. The protein is hydrolyzed so it can’t produce allergic reactions and there is a single source of carbohydrate to reduce reactions to these.
Pros
Clinically proven and effective food for adverse food reactions
Contains fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Contains Hill’s S+Ox shield Seal of Confidence for urinary health
Targets skin and coat conditions
Cons
Expensive
Requires a prescription
- Merrick Grain Free with Real Meat + Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
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Calories: 379 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 32%
Crude fat: 14%
Crude fiber: 5%
Merrick Grain Free with Real Meat + Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is a grain-free formula with real deboned salmon as the main ingredient. It’s made from real whole foods with plenty of omega fatty acids to aid in healthy skin and coat, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints. It excludes corn, wheat, soy, or gluten and helps your dog stay at an ideal weight. The food is crafted and cooked in the U.S.A., and you have the choice of salmon, duck, lamb, chicken, Texas beef, or beef and bison.
Clinically proven and effective food for adverse food reactions
Contains fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Contains Hill’s S+Ox shield Seal of Confidence for urinary health
Targets skin and coat conditions
- Clinically proven and effective food for adverse food reactions
- Contains fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Contains Hill’s S+Ox shield Seal of Confidence for urinary health
- Targets skin and coat conditions
Expensive
Requires a prescription
- Expensive
- Requires a prescription
Check Latest Price
Calories: 379 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 32%
Crude fat: 14%
Crude fiber: 5%
It’s available in a 4-pound bag, 10-pound bag, or a 22-pound bag. As a note, it is expensive and the bag is not resealable.
Pros
Made with real whole foods
Contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Free from corn, wheat, soy, or gluten
Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
Expensive
Bag is not resealable
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Vegetable uses chicken broth and salmon as the main ingredients. It is recommended by veterinarians to support skin and digestive health. This canned food can be used as a complete meal or as a topper to encourage dogs to eat dry kibble. It is rich in omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin E too, which helps keep excessive shedding down by improving skin health.
Made with real whole foods
Contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Free from corn, wheat, soy, or gluten
Made in the U.S.A.
- Made with real whole foods
- Contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, or gluten
- Made in the U.S.A.
Expensive
Bag is not resealable
- Expensive
- Bag is not resealable
Calories: 379 kcal/can
Crude protein: 4%
Crude fat: 3%
Crude fiber: 1%
Made with natural ingredients and free from grains it contains natural fibers and vegetables to encourage digestion and easy stool pick up.
This food is one of the more affordable options for specially-formulated dog food for healthy skin and coat, and it comes in a 12 pack of 12.8 ounce cans.
Pros
Contains omega 6 and vitamin E for healthy skin and coat
Salmon flavour
Free from corn, wheat, and soy
Cons
May not work for large-breed dogs due number of cans needed per day
Does contain chicken if your dog is intolerant of this protein
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food has plenty of healthy ingredients at a more affordable price compared to other dog food on our list. This food helps with shedding because it includes flaxseed, chia seed, and coconut, all of which promote healthy skin and coats. Salmon is the main ingredient, it’s made in the U.S.A., and the manufacturers are family-owned and only use the finest ingredients from around the globe.
Contains omega 6 and vitamin E for healthy skin and coat
Salmon flavour
Free from corn, wheat, and soy
- Contains omega 6 and vitamin E for healthy skin and coat
- Salmon flavour
- Free from corn, wheat, and soy
May not work for large-breed dogs due number of cans needed per day
Does contain chicken if your dog is intolerant of this protein
- May not work for large-breed dogs due number of cans needed per day
- Does contain chicken if your dog is intolerant of this protein
Calories: 408 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 25%
Crude fat: 14%
Crude fiber: 5%
This food contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, lentils, pumpkin, and papaya, to boost nutrition. Prebiotics and probiotics round out the healthy ingredients in this nutritious superfood for your canine kiddo.
Some consumers state that the food made their dogs have diarrhea, so it’s important to monitor your dog after feeding to make sure no digestive issues arise. It comes in a 15 or 30-pound bag. You can also purchase a 30-pound bundle of two. It is also high in legume protein which is a controversial source of protein.
Pros
Contains omega-3 and 6 with flaxseed, chia seed, and coconut
Contains prebiotics and probiotics
Salmon is main ingredient
Made in the U.S.A.
Affordable
Cons
High in legume protein
May cause diarrhea in some dogs
- Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
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Calories: 451 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 22%
Crude fat: 14%
Crude fiber: 3%
Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food specialty formulated dog foods to suit your doggie’s individual needs, and skin and coat problems are one of them. This food contains salmon oil and whole ground flaxseed to provide omega fatty acids for a luxurious coat, and it helps with shedding. It has no corn, wheat, or soy, and it’s pea-free for those who prefer to avoid this source of protein.
Contains omega-3 and 6 with flaxseed, chia seed, and coconut
Contains prebiotics and probiotics
Salmon is main ingredient
Made in the U.S.A.
Affordable
- Contains omega-3 and 6 with flaxseed, chia seed, and coconut
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics
- Salmon is main ingredient
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Affordable
High in legume protein
May cause diarrhea in some dogs
- High in legume protein
- May cause diarrhea in some dogs
Calories: 451 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 22%
Crude fat: 14%
Crude fiber: 3%
It’s a little pricey, but not as much as some of the foods included in our list, and it comes in three bag sizes: 3.5-pound, 12-pound, or 25-pound bags. It’s also not grain-free, making it unsuitable for dogs with grain allergies.
Pros
Contains omega fatty acids for a luscious and shiny coat
Pea-free
No corn, wheat, or soy
Cons
A little pricey
Unsuitable for dogs with grain allergies
Low in fiber
- Royal Canin Sensitive Skin Care Adult Medium Breed Dry Dog Food
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Calories: 372 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 22%
Crude fat: 15%
Crude fiber: 2%
Royal Canin Medium Sensitive Skin Care Adult Medium Breed Dry Dog Food targets skin issues with omega fatty acids. It doesn’t have animal protein; however, veterinarians specially formulated this food to keep shedding down to a minimum while promoting healthy skin and coat.
Contains omega fatty acids for a luscious and shiny coat
Pea-free
No corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains omega fatty acids for a luscious and shiny coat
- Pea-free
- No corn, wheat, or soy
A little pricey
Unsuitable for dogs with grain allergies
Low in fiber
- A little pricey
- Unsuitable for dogs with grain allergies
- Low in fiber
Calories: 372 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 22%
Crude fat: 15%
Crude fiber: 2%
Royal Canin has been in business since 1968 and uses a team of experts to craft formulas specific to certain health conditions, and we felt this formula was worthy of inclusion in our list.
It is not made for large breed dogs, and if your dog has corn allergies, you’ll want to avoid this food, as it contains corn gluten. The food may also have a strong, fishy smell.
Pros
Specifically targets excessive shedding, bad skin, and coat
Crafted by veterinarians
Cons
Not for large breed dogs
No animal protein
Contains corn gluten
Specifically targets excessive shedding, bad skin, and coat
Crafted by veterinarians
- Specifically targets excessive shedding, bad skin, and coat
- Crafted by veterinarians
Not for large breed dogs
No animal protein
Contains corn gluten
- Not for large breed dogs
- No animal protein
- Contains corn gluten
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Dog Food for Shedding
Now that we’ve listed our top 10 reviews of the best dog food for shedding, let’s break it down even further on what to look for.
Determine The Cause
As we’ve mentioned, some dogs simply shed more than others, and there’s no cause for alarm. However, it’s a good idea to have your vet examine your dog to ensure no medical issues are causing the problem. Once that’s cleared, you can move on to finding a dog food that tailors to eliminating excessive shedding.
Ingredients
Knowing what’s in your dog’s food is essential in providing the appropriate nutrients for the shedding problem. You’ll want to look for dog food that has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These usually come in the form of flaxseeds, chia seeds, sunflower oil, vitamin A, and salmon. Biotin is another excellent component for keeping shedding down and promoting healthy skin and coats.
Transition New Food Slowly
When you find the perfect dog food to try, it’s vital to make the transition slowly to the new food. Otherwise, starting your dog on the new food right away will almost certainly cause tummy upset. We recommend starting by feeding 75% of the old food with 25% of the new food for 3 days. Then, mix 50% of the new food with 50% of the old food for 3 more days. Next, mix 75% of the new food with 25% of the old food for 2 to 3 days. After that, your dog should be ready to eat the new food exclusively.
Conclusion
For the best overall dog food for shedding, we recommend Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice because it combines salmon, sunflower oil, and vitamin A to combat shedding. Crave High Protein White Fish & Salmon Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food provides white fish and other top-quality ingredients that reduce excessive shedding for the best value.
We hope this guide helps you make the best decision for you and your canine pal’s needs. If this guide indeed helps, please share it with other dog parents so they too can feed a dog food that cuts down on shedding.
Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock
