Maltipoos are cute, cuddly, and affectionate. However, as a Maltipoo owner, you’re well aware of their high-maintenance coats. These designer dogs require regular brushings and grooming, so picking the right type of shampoo is important. Maltipoos shed very little, but they are prone to skin irritations, making the right kind of shampoo even more important.
Since the Maltipoo is a cross between the Maltese and the Poodle, their coats can vary depending on which predominant gene they carry. The coat can be curly, silky, or wavy and they have no undercoats. In this article, we’ll review our top picks for the best shampoo for Maltipoos so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing a product.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Lovely scent
Free from damaging chemicals
Soothing ingredients to heal and hydrate the skin
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Best Value
Nature’s Miracle Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
No parabens or dye
Contains aloe and vitamin B5
A natural cocoa surfactant shampoo
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Premium Choice
Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Shampoo
Vet-recommended
Soothes and deodorizes
Excellent product for itch relief
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Best for Puppies
CHI Tearless Puppy Shampoo
Ionic technology
Calm, chamomile scent
Paraben and sulfate-free
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Earthbath Dog & Cat Shampoo
pH-balanced
All-natural ingredients
Paraben and phosphate-free
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The 11 Best Shampoos for Maltipoos
- Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo – Best Overall
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Key ingredients: Oatmeal shampoo base, aloe vera gel
Suitable for: All life stages
Scent: Cucumber and aloe
Our best overall option is Hepper’s Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo. Colloidal oatmeal is oat grain ground into a fine powder. It’s special because it contains vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins that are excellent for softening and smoothing the skin.
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Key ingredients: Oatmeal shampoo base, aloe vera gel
Suitable for: All life stages
Scent: Cucumber and aloe
The oatmeal is paired with calming aloe vera gel and cooling cucumber for maximum skin relief while cleansing the greasiest coats. It also leaves a lovely scent that’s wonderful to snuggle and sniff.
This shampoo is free from damaging chemicals like soaps, glutens, dyes, sulfates, and phthalates. However, it contains surfactants and fragrances that could irritate your pet’s skin.
You can test the shampoo on a small patch of your pet’s fur. If all goes well, feel free to start bath time.
At PetKeen.com we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
Lovely scent
Free from damaging chemicals
Soothing ingredients to heal and hydrate the skin
Great for oily pets
Cons
Contains surfactants
Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner gives your Maltipoo a bath without leaving behind the wet dog smell. It contains aloe and vitamin B5 to make your pooch’s coat shine while retaining moisture in the fur. For the extra-stinky doggies, this shampoo neutralizes the odor with a soothing oatmeal and aloe scent.
Lovely scent
Free from damaging chemicals
Soothing ingredients to heal and hydrate the skin
Great for oily pets
- Lovely scent
- Free from damaging chemicals
- Soothing ingredients to heal and hydrate the skin
- Great for oily pets
Contains surfactants
- Contains surfactants
Key ingredients: Water, oatmeal
Suitable for: Dogs of all ages
Scent: Fresh and clean
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This formula is soap-free and does not contain parabens or dyes. It won’t wash away topical flea treatments, but be sure to follow the instructions on the medication before using this product. This shampoo is made in the U.S.A.
This product is a natural cocoa surfactant shampoo, which will leave your Maltipoo’s coat clean and soft without using harsh chemicals. It’s available in a 16-ounce bottle or a 32-ounce bottle for a great value, making it our pick for the best shampoo for Maltipoos for the money. Some consumers feel the shampoo doesn’t lather well, and some owners didn’t like the way their dogs smelled afterward.
Pros
Soap-free
Contains aloe and vitamin B5
A natural cocoa surfactant shampoo
No parabens or dye
Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
May not lather well
Smell may not work for everyone
If your Maltipoo suffers from itchy skin, Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Shampoo may be helpful to use for your pup to get relief. It’s vet-recommended and made with chlorhexidine and ketoconazole that calms itching, and the antibacterial and antifungal ingredients help with ringworm, dermatitis, and hot spots. You can also use this shampoo on your feline pal if you have one.
Soap-free
Contains aloe and vitamin B5
A natural cocoa surfactant shampoo
No parabens or dye
Made in the U.S.A.
- Soap-free
- Contains aloe and vitamin B5
- A natural cocoa surfactant shampoo
- No parabens or dye
- Made in the U.S.A.
May not lather well
Smell may not work for everyone
- May not lather well
- Smell may not work for everyone
Key ingredients: Chlorhexidine gluconate, ketoconazole
Suitable for: Puppies, adults, seniors, cats
Scent: Fresh and clean
This shampoo soothes, deodorizes, and eliminates odors. A drawback is this shampoo may be too harsh for some Maltipoos, and you may only need this particular shampoo if your pup suffers from allergies or has a fungal infection. It’s a bit pricey, but many consumers have had success using this product. It comes in a 16-ounce bottle.
Pros
Excellent product for itch relief
Vet-recommended
Antifungal and antibacterial formula
Soothes and deodorizes
Safe for cats
Cons
May be too harsh for some dogs
Expensive
For the puppy Maltipoo, CHI Tearless Puppy Shampoo may be a good option. This tearless formula is perfect for baby Maltipoos and leaves a soft and shiny coat without the tears. It’s paraben and sulfate-free, and it contains chamomile extract for a smooth and calm fragrance.
Excellent product for itch relief
Vet-recommended
Antifungal and antibacterial formula
Soothes and deodorizes
Safe for cats
- Excellent product for itch relief
- Vet-recommended
- Antifungal and antibacterial formula
- Soothes and deodorizes
- Safe for cats
May be too harsh for some dogs
Expensive
- May be too harsh for some dogs
- Expensive
Key ingredients: Purified water, aloe, honey
Suitable for: Puppies 8+ weeks, adults
Scent: Chamomile
This gentle formula uses ionic technology that seals hair cuticles, reduces frizz, and makes the coat silky. It only comes in a 16-ounce bottle but at a reasonable price, and it’s made in the U.S.A.
The only drawback we can see is that the formula does not lather well, so keep that in mind while you’re shopping for your little ball of fluff.
Pros
Tearless formula for puppies
Calm, chamomile scent
Paraben and sulfate-free
Ionic technology
Affordable
Cons
Does not lather well
Comes in only a 16-ounce bottle
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo is soap-free and made specifically for dry and itchy skin. The organic aloe and Colloidal oatmeal soothe the skin and re-moisturizes without harsh ingredients. It’s paraben and phosphate-free, all-natural, and the vanilla and almond scent will leave your Maltipoo smelling fabulous. This shampoo is pH-balanced to ensure your fur babies are getting the best, but it’s advised to use only once a week to retain your Maltipoo’s natural skin oils.
Tearless formula for puppies
Calm, chamomile scent
Paraben and sulfate-free
Ionic technology
Affordable
- Tearless formula for puppies
- Calm, chamomile scent
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Ionic technology
- Affordable
Does not lather well
Comes in only a 16-ounce bottle
- Does not lather well
- Comes in only a 16-ounce bottle
Key ingredients: Coconut, aloe, oatmeal
Suitable for: Dogs and cats 6+ weeks
Scent: Vanilla and almond
Some consumers do not like the scent, and the perfume may not last as long as you’d like. It comes in a 16-ounce bottle or a 1-gallon jug.
Pros
Soap-free
Paraben and phosphate-free
All-natural ingredients
pH-balanced
Cons
Scent may not be suitable for some
Perfume may not last long
Can be used only once a week
Soap-free options are an excellent choice for Maltipoos and Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is another great option. This shampoo and conditioner lathers well and rinses easily. Made in the U.S.A., this formula is gentle and includes botanical extracts and essential oils.
Soap-free
Paraben and phosphate-free
All-natural ingredients
pH-balanced
- Soap-free
- Paraben and phosphate-free
- All-natural ingredients
- pH-balanced
Scent may not be suitable for some
Perfume may not last long
Can be used only once a week
- Scent may not be suitable for some
- Perfume may not last long
- Can be used only once a week
Key ingredients: Coconut shampoo base, aloe vera gel
Suitable for: Puppies, adults, seniors
Scent: Lavender and mint
This shampoo contains aloe, making it perfect for fur babies with skin allergies. The coconut-based liquid is alcohol-free so that it won’t dry out your Maltipoo’s skin. It’s safe to use on puppies 12 weeks and older, all the way up to seniors. It’s also safe to use every two weeks. It comes in a 16-ounce bottle or a 1-gallon jug at a reasonable price.
Some consumers don’t care for the smell, and the smell may be a bit strong for some.
Pros
Soap-free formula
Shampoo and conditioner rolled into one
Lathers and rinses well
Made in the U.S.A.
Affordable
Cons
Scent may be too strong for some
Burt’s Bees have been in operation since 1984, making trusted human products that nourish the skin. Nowadays, Burt’s also makes the same trusty products for our fur babies. One such product is Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey for Dogs.
Soap-free formula
Shampoo and conditioner rolled into one
Lathers and rinses well
Made in the U.S.A.
Affordable
- Soap-free formula
- Shampoo and conditioner rolled into one
- Lathers and rinses well
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Affordable
Scent may be too strong for some
- Scent may be too strong for some
Key ingredients: Green tea extract, colloidal oat flour, honey
Suitable for: Adults, all breeds
Scent: Oatmeal
This gentle formula is cruelty-free and pH-balanced that cleans, softens, and soothes your Maltipoo’s coat. It contains no sulfates, fragrances, or colorants, and it’s made with 97% natural ingredients, such as colloidal oat flour, honey, and beeswax. The honey in this product keeps the coat moisturized, and the green tea extract strengthens your pup’s hair follicles to promote healthy growth.
Some people claim that this formula doesn’t lather as much as they hoped, and there’s little to no scent. The formula is a bit watery, and it may seem like you need a vast amount to get your Maltipoo clean.
It comes in a 16-ounce bottle and a 32-ounce bottle at a reasonable price.
Pros
97% all-natural ingredients
pH-balanced
Contains no sulfates, fragrances, or colorants
Moisturizes coats
Promotes healthy hair growth
Cons
Does not lather well
No scent
Formula is watery
Pets Are Kids Too Premium Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is perfect if your Maltipoo suffers from dry, itchy skin. The organic oatmeal, baking soda, coconut, and aloe provide instant itch relief, and it provides relief from itchy hot spots, too. It also contains vitamins A, D, and E, and it’s hypoallergenic. It’s vet-approved and used by professional groomers. This formula also helps keep shedding down.
97% all-natural ingredients
pH-balanced
Contains no sulfates, fragrances, or colorants
Moisturizes coats
Promotes healthy hair growth
- 97% all-natural ingredients
- pH-balanced
- Contains no sulfates, fragrances, or colorants
- Moisturizes coats
- Promotes healthy hair growth
Does not lather well
No scent
Formula is watery
- Does not lather well
- No scent
- Formula is watery
Key ingredients: Organic oatmeal, baking soda, aloe vera, coconut
Suitable for: Dogs and cats
Scent: Oatmeal cookie scent
This product is made from all-natural ingredients, and it will leave your Maltipoo’s coat soft and shiny. It’s safe for dogs and cats of all ages, and the oatmeal cookie scent is subtle. This formula also lathers quite well, which many owners enjoy.
This product comes in a 17-ounce bottle and is a bit pricey compared to our other picks. This product may not work for all dogs with itchy skin, and in some cases, it may make the problem worse.
Pros
Provides instant itch relief
Hypoallergenic
All-natural ingredients
Helps with shedding
Safe for dogs and cats of all ages
Cons
May not work for all dogs with itchy skin
Expensive
Veterinary Formula Solutions Snow White Whitening Shampoo may work wonders if your Maltipoo’s white coat needs a little whitening. It contains no bleach or peroxide, using only patented optical brighteners. It’s pH-balanced and leaves a blue coral and citrus scent. The vitamin E boosts dull coats, and the green tea extract helps stimulate hair growth while softening. It won’t irritate the skin, and it does well with brightening stains with multiple uses. You can also use this product as often as needed.
Provides instant itch relief
Hypoallergenic
All-natural ingredients
Helps with shedding
Safe for dogs and cats of all ages
- Provides instant itch relief
- Hypoallergenic
- All-natural ingredients
- Helps with shedding
- Safe for dogs and cats of all ages
May not work for all dogs with itchy skin
Expensive
- May not work for all dogs with itchy skin
- Expensive
Key ingredients: Coconut-based cleansers, green tea extract, vitamin E
Suitable for: Adult dogs and cats
Scent: Citrus and blue coral
Some people claim that the formula stinks, and it may not brighten all Maltipoos’ coats. You also may need to use it several times before noticing a difference.
This product comes in a 17-ounce bottle or 1-gallon jug.
Pros
Contains no bleach or peroxide
pH-balanced
Contains vitamin E and green tea extract
Use as often as needed
Safe for cats
Cons
Scent may be too overbearing for some
May take several uses to see a difference
You may be familiar with John Paul’s salon products for humans, and now they have a product suitable for dogs and cats! This oatmeal shampoo is gentle and will soothe dry, flaky, and itchy skin. The almond oil moisturizes with each use and leaves behind an almond scent. This pH-balanced formula contains aloe, hydrolyzed oat protein, aloe, and chamomile.
Contains no bleach or peroxide
pH-balanced
Contains vitamin E and green tea extract
Use as often as needed
Safe for cats
- Contains no bleach or peroxide
- pH-balanced
- Contains vitamin E and green tea extract
- Use as often as needed
- Safe for cats
Scent may be too overbearing for some
May take several uses to see a difference
- Scent may be too overbearing for some
- May take several uses to see a difference
Key ingredients: Aloe, chamomile, hydrolyzed oat protein, almond oil
Suitable for: Dogs and cats
Scent: Almond
This product was tested on humans first for safety reasons, and that alone makes one feel more confident using it. It works well in removing dirt, and it won’t dry out your Maltipoo’s skin or strip the coat of its natural oils. It’s also vet-approved and vet-recommended.
This formula may not work for all dogs, and in some cases, it may make your dog itch. Some people claim the scent is very faint, so if you want a strong scent in a product, this one may not be suitable for you.
It comes in a 16-ounce or 1-gallon bottle at a reasonable price.
Pros
Tested on humans
Vet-approved
Reasonably priced
Works well in removing dirt
pH-balanced
Cons
May make some dogs itch
Faint scent
TropiClean Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo & Conditioner is derived from all-natural ingredients, such as coconut, wheat, oats, chamomile, and fruits. This 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner lathers well and has a pleasant papaya and coconut scent.
Tested on humans
Vet-approved
Reasonably priced
Works well in removing dirt
pH-balanced
- Tested on humans
- Vet-approved
- Reasonably priced
- Works well in removing dirt
- pH-balanced
May make some dogs itch
Faint scent
- May make some dogs itch
- Faint scent
Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, botanical blends
Suitable for: Dogs and cats of all ages
Scent: Papaya and coconut
This product replenishes coats and restores natural moisture balance. It’s soap-free and won’t wash away topical flea and tick treatments. The coconut and added mango help relax tangled fur so that you can brush out any matted clumps easily. It’s gentle for both dogs and cats and comes in a 20-ounce bottle, 1-gallon jug, or a 2.5-gallon jug. You can also buy this in bundles, which is a nice bonus.
Beware that if you have this product shipped, it may come having leaked out. On some bottles, the cap may not close completely, which can cause a soapy mess if it tips over.
Pros
2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
Derived from all-natural ingredients
Lathers well
Cons
Bottle may come defective, causing leaks
The cap may not shut properly
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Shampoo for Maltipoos
Now that you’ve had a chance to review our favorites, let’s break down how to choose from the myriad of choices still on the market. In our buyer’s guide, we’ll focus on what to look for in an ideal shampoo for your Maltipoo to keep their coats shining white.
2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
Derived from all-natural ingredients
Lathers well
- 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
- Derived from all-natural ingredients
- Lathers well
Bottle may come defective, causing leaks
The cap may not shut properly
- Bottle may come defective, causing leaks
- The cap may not shut properly
Ingredients
Knowing what’s actually in the shampoo is vital in ensuring your Maltipoo will have no issues after using it. Many of our picks contain colloidal oatmeal. This ingredient is known for its soothing effect on irritated skin. It’s derived from kernels of oats, where it is then grounded into a fine powder that dissolves in water. Colloidal oatmeal brings relief from dry skin, itchiness from insect bites, and dermatitis. We highly recommend using a shampoo with this ingredient.
If a product you’re interested in doesn’t contain colloidal oatmeal, that’s alright! Just be sure the ingredients are natural and soap-free.
Use With Flea and Tick Treatments
Many dog shampoos advertise that their products are safe to use with topical flea and tick treatments. Even when a shampoo states it won’t wash away such products, it’s wise to follow the directions from the treatment to ensure it won’t actually wash away. Most are safe to use shampoos after a few days from when the treatment was given.
Frequency of Use
If your Maltipoo often rolls around in dirt and leaves, you’ll want to buy a shampoo that you can use as often as needed. Some shampoos are only recommended for use once a week, while others are safe to use daily. Be careful, though, as too much bathing can strip your Maltipoo’s coat of its natural oils. If your Maltipoo gets dirty in between baths, you can always try dog wipes to freshen up your pooch.
Conclusion
We hope our reviews of the best shampoos for Maltipoos help you make a suitable decision for your fur baby. To recap, we recommend Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo as the best overall shampoo for Maltipoos. It is made with natural ingredients, lathers well and rinses well, contains aloe for sensitive skin, and is affordable. For the best value, Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is soap-free, contains no parabens or dyes, and contains oatmeal and aloe.
Featured Image Credit: Bokehboo Studios, Shutterstock
