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Dogs shed. It’s a fact of life. And while some dogs shed more than others, all dogs will lose some hair. So, what’s the best food to feed your dog to help minimize shedding? Check out our list of the seven best dog foods for shedding, as well as our reviews and guide on picking the right food for your pup.
Best Dog Food for Shedding – Our Top Pick
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Dog Food
What are the Best Dog Foods for Shedding and Dry Skin?
- Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food
- Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Crave High Protein White Fish & Salmon Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
What to Look For in a Dog Food for Shedding and Dry Skin
When selecting a dog food to help reduce shedding, it’s essential to look :
High-quality protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs and helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass. It’s also necessary for healthy skin and coat. Look for food that contains high-quality animal proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish.
Vitamins and minerals
A well-rounded diet should contain all the essential vitamins and minerals your pup needs to stay healthy. Some of these include vitamin A for a healthy coat, B vitamins for energy, and zinc for a robust immune system.
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce excessive shedding by keeping the coat healthy. Omega-6 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin, but too much of them can lead to more shedding. The best dog food for shedding will have a balance of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your dog’s digestive system. They can help with everything from diarrhea to gas and may also help reduce shedding.
Natural Ingredients
Whenever possible, choose dog foods that contain natural ingredients. These are generally easier for your dog to digest and are less likely to cause allergies or other problems.
Easy to digest carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide energy for your dog, but some are easier to digest than others. Simple carbohydrates like rice and potatoes are usually the best choices for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
No Fillers
Fillers are ingredients that add bulk to dog food without providing any nutritional value. They can be made from corn to wheat to soy, and they can cause allergies or other problems in some dogs. It’s best to avoid dog foods that contain fillers.
7 Best Dog Foods for Shedding – Reviews
1- Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dog Food is specially developed to support your dog’s skin and food sensitivities. Clinically tested to help avoid skin and digestive signs of adverse food reactions, this food is enriched with essential fatty acids and promotes a healthy skin barrier. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d is enriched with clinically proven antioxidants to support a healthy immune system.
Pros:
- Specially formulated for dogs with skin and food sensitivities
- Clinically tested to help avoid skin and digestive signs of adverse food reactions
- Enriched with clinically proven antioxidants to support a healthy immune system
Cons:
• More expensive than some other dog
2- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food
Are you looking for gentle food on your puppy’s stomach? This Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Puppy Food are perfect for him! Made with lamb as the first ingredient; this food is fortified with probiotics for digestive health. Omega-6 fatty acids keep his skin and coat healthy, while antioxidants support his developing immune system.
Pros:
- Gentle on the stomach
- Made with lamb as the first ingredient
- Fortified with probiotics for digestive health
- Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Antioxidants support a developing immune system
Cons:
- Some puppies may not be able to tolerate the lamb protein
3- Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
This whitefish-based recipe contains protein and wholesome grains like oatmeal and no meat byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives. Expertly selected ingredients and added nutrients support immune, energy levels, joint and bone health, and healthy skin and coat. Plus, Wellness Complete Health food is made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients. So you can
Pros:
- Protein-rich whitefish recipe
- Wholesome grains like oatmeal
- No meat byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives
- It supports immune health, energy levels, joint and bone health, and healthy skin and coat
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
Cons:
- Some dogs may be allergic to fish
4- Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
This dry dog food is rich in omega fatty acids from salmon oil and whole ground flaxseed, providing your dog with the nutrients they need to look and feel their best. Formulated for dogs of all ages, Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care food is packed with premium-quality ingredients like lamb, antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, and whole grains. Plus, it contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion.
Pros:
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Formulated for dogs of all ages
- Packed with premium-quality ingredients
- It contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber
Cons:
- Some dogs may not enjoy the taste
5- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is made with global ingredients you can trust and is veterinarian recommended. This diet promotes digestive health while nourishing your dog’s skin. It is a source of prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut microbiome and is packed with vitamin E & Omega-6 fatty acids to help your dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin.
Pors:
- Veterinarian recommended
- Made with global ingredients, you can trust
- Formulated to promote digestive health
- Nourishes your dog’s skin
- Source of prebiotic fiber
- Packed with vitamin E & Omega-6 fatty acids
Cons:
- Some dogs may be allergic to ingredients in this food
6- Crave High Protein White Fish & Salmon Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
CRAVE adult dog food is made with real white fish and salmon and contains 34% protein to help support a lean body. Plus, this recipe is free of corn, wheat, soy, and other grains that can be difficult for dogs to digest. And because they know that all dogs are different, this food is available in small and large sizes to meet the needs of any pup.
Pros:
- Grain-free
- Made with real white fish and salmon
- It contains 34% protein
- Available in small and large sizes
Cons:
- Some dogs may not be able to digest fish easily
7- Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach with Probiotics is a complete diet for adult dogs that may be prone to skin and stomach sensitivities. This formula helps maintain healthy skin, coat, and digestive tract. It contains real salmon as the first ingredient, providing the high-quality protein your dog needs for optimum health. The guaranteed live probiotics in this low-fat food help support immune system health, while natural prebiotic fiber nourishes specific intestinal bacteria for healthy digestion. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil promote joint health and mobility, and antioxidants support a healthy immune system. This food is highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Pros:
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- It contains live probiotics to support healthy digestion
- Omega-3 fatty acids promote joint health
- Highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons:
- It May be more expensive than other brands
- Some dogs may not tolerate fish-based ingredients
Why You Should Use Dog Food for Shedding
You might want to use dog food specifically designed to reduce shedding for several reasons. First, if your dog is shedding excessively, it could indicate an underlying health condition. Dog food for shedding can help to improve your dog’s overall health and reduce shedding.
Second, if you’re concerned about the amount of hair your dog is leaving around the house, this type of food can help to minimize that. And lastly, if you have a breed of dog known to shed a lot, such as a Labrador retriever or golden retriever, using dog food for shedding can help keep the shedding under control.
What Causes Excessive Shedding?
Several things can cause excessive shedding in dogs. It could be something as simple as seasonal changes, allergic reactions to new foods, or environmental irritants. It could also signify a more serious health condition, such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, or autoimmune diseases.
Poor diet
It can also lead to excessive shedding. If your dog isn’t getting enough of the nutrients he needs, it can affect his coat and skin health. That’s why a high-quality diet is crucial for all dogs, especially those prone to excessive shedding.
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common causes of excessive shedding in dogs. Allergies can be caused by anything from environmental irritants to certain ingredients in their food. If you think your dog may be allergic to something, it’s essential to talk to your vet and find out for sure.
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can cause various problems in dogs, including excessive shedding. If your dog has any hormonal imbalance, it’s essential to talk to your vet and get it under control.
Thyroid problems
Thyroid problems are another common cause of excessive shedding in dogs. If your dog has a thyroid problem, it’s essential to get it under control with medication.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body attacks itself; This can lead to various problems, including excessive shedding. If your dog has an autoimmune disease, it’s essential to get it under control with medication.
Stress
Stress can also cause excessive shedding in dogs. If your dog is under a lot of pressure, it’s crucial to find ways to reduce his stress levels; This may include providing him with more exercise or attention or changing his diet.
Dry or Irritated Skin
Dry or irritated skin is another common cause of excessive shedding in dogs. If your dog’s skin is dry or uncomfortable, you must talk to your vet and get it under control.
Read more:
When Should You Visit A Vet?
If your dog is shedding excessively, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. They can determine if an underlying health condition causes the shedding and recommend the best course of treatment.
Best Dog Foods for Shedding – FAQs
Q: How Much Shedding Is Normal?
A: A small amount of shedding is average for all dogs. However, if your dog is shedding excessively, it could indicate an underlying health condition.
Q: What Are Some Common Causes Of Excessive Shedding?
A: Allergies, hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, stress, and dry or irritated skin are all common causes of excessive shedding.
Q: How Can I Reduce My Dog’s Shedding?
A: The best way to reduce your dog’s shedding is to consult your veterinarian. They can determine if an underlying health condition causes the shedding and recommend the best course of treatment.
Q: How Do I Transition My Dog to a New Food?
A: When transitioning your dog to a new food, it’s essential to do it gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food. Gradually increase the amount of new food while decreasing the amount of old food until they only eat the new food.
Do you have a furry friend who sheds? If so, you’re probably always looking for the best food to help minimize hair loss. Check out our list of the seven best dog foods for shedding and review each product. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or share this post with your friends.
Also Read:
- Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppies (Review)
- Feeding Your Lab Puppy: What, How Much, How Often? Lab Puppy Feeding Chart
- 10 Best Dog Foods for Labrador Retrievers
- Best Dog Food for Firm Stools (Review)
- Crave Dog Food Reviews
- The Best Dog Food for Yorkies (Review)
- The 7 Best High Fiber Dog Food-Anal Gland Problems
- 5 Best Dog Food for Less Poop
- 7 Best Dry Dog Foods for Yeast Infections (Guide & Reviews)
- Wellness Core Puppy Food Reviews
