Although cleaning up after your dog and shedding is a common part of pet ownership, excessive shedding can be annoying.
Additionally, while some breeds shed more than others, it can also indicate a nutrient deficiency or a food allergy.
So what can you do to reduce your dog’s excessive shedding, and can a healthy diet help?
The Top 10 Dog Foods for Shedding (2022 Updated)
Based on factors like the ingredients used, the ratio of protein to fat and fiber, and the presence of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, our top 10 list of dog foods includes those we think are the best for shedding.
However, I think it’s crucial to note that we are not veterinarians. Therefore, even though we spent a lot of time researching the best kibble for controlling shedding, you should speak with a licensed veterinarian before making any dietary changes for your dog.
Following that, the following are our top ten picks for 2022:
To learn more and determine which item on our list, if any, will be best for your dog, let’s examine each of our top 10 choices in more detail.
Purina’s Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach is our top pick overall because it meets all nutritional requirements while also promoting a healthy coat and minimizing shedding.
In terms of nutrition, it has a balanced ratio of fiber, protein, and fat in addition to vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it contains oatmeal and natural prebiotics to aid in your dog’s digestion, making it especially suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Pro Plan has nutrients like Omega 3 and 6 to help nourish your dog’s skin and coat, which can limit excessive hair loss when it comes to shedding. Salmon is the main source of Omega-3 fatty acids, while sunflower oil is the main source of Omega-6 fatty acids.
The absence of wheat, soy, or corn in Pro Plan is another fantastic feature. Moreover, despite the fact that there is nothing wrong with these ingredients, they are merely fillers. It also doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colors, which is crucial.
The main drawback, however, is that it’s not grain-free.
Some dogs can benefit from a grain-free diet, especially if they have allergies to things like rice, even though this isn’t really a factor in reducing shedding in healthy dogs.
In either case, Purina’s Pro Plan (Salmon and Rice formula) is a fantastic option for overall good nutrition, digestion, and healthy skin and hair, which is essential for controlling shedding.
| Brand: | Purina |
| Main Ingredients: | Salmon |
| Protein (min): | 26% |
| Fat (min): | 16% |
| Fiber (max): | 4% |
| Omega-3: | 0.75% |
| Omega-6: | 1.6% |
| Grain-free: | No |
| Available Sizes: | 5lb, 16lb, 30lb, 41lb |
Orijen’s Six Fish formula is arguably the best of the best when it comes to shedding. This is primarily because it is made from six different types of real fish, which means that each serving has a large amount of fish oils, omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-6 fatty acids.
Atlantic mackerel is the primary ingredient, but there are also other fish such as herring, monkfish, acadian redfish, flounder, and silver hake. According to Orijen, raw or fresh fish meat, organs, cartilage, and bone make up 85% of the food. While the remaining 15% of ingredients include vegetables and botanicals.
The fact that the fish in Orijen’s Six Fish kibble is wild-caught in the chilly waters of New England and prepared at low temperatures before being dried and packaged is another fantastic feature of the product. Because it’s made from real fish, it not only results in higher-quality dog food overall, but the preparation method also helps the fish’s nutrients remain intact.
| Brand: | Orijen |
| First Ingredient: | Fish |
| Protein (min): | 38% |
| Fat (min): | 18% |
| Fiber (max): | 4% |
| Omega-3: | 1.8% |
| Omega-6: | 2.1% |
| Grain-free: | Yes |
| Available Sizes: | 4lb, 12lb, 13lb, 25lb |
Therefore, given how rich in fish oil it is, it’s not only a fantastic dog food for managing shedding but also a premium, protein-rich, nutritious kibble that most dogs adore. Not to mention, it’s grain-free. So this is my top choice when it comes to purely reducing shedding.
The Honest Kitchen claims that its kibble is “human grade,” which is its most notable perk. “As in, it’s produced in a facility that handles human food and adheres to the same quality standards as the food we eat. And to me, this is quite a unique selling point.
In my experience as a teenager working in a pet food factory, I can say that some dog foods, sometimes even the good stuff, are made in an unsettling manner, to put it mildly. It made me pause and consider what I fed my dogs in the years that followed.
Fortunately, The Honest Kitchen is an exception to this.
The company claims that its safety standards are seven times higher than those for regular feed grade. Additionally, their food is produced in the USA using high-quality ingredients that are free of byproducts, grains, GMOs, and preservatives.
Another interesting point I want to mention is that these are not just regular dog biscuits. This is whole food that has been dehydrated. So the idea is to add water to the food before serving, which makes it into a nutritious meal your dog will enjoy and also makes it go much further.
Simply by adding water and mixing it in accordance with the bag’s instructions, a 10 lb bag becomes a 40 lb bag. In light of that, even though it isn’t the most affordable option when compared to some kibble, it is actually more affordable per meal.
| Brand: | The Honest Kitchen |
| First Ingredient: | Chicken |
| Protein (min): | 26% |
| Fat (min): | 14.5% |
| Fiber (max): | 5% |
| Omega-3: | Not specified |
| Omega-6: | Not specified |
| Grain-free: | Yes |
| Available Sizes: | 1.75lb, 2lb, 4lb, 10lb |
The fact that Nutro kibble is only allowed to contain 10 essential ingredients or less is its main selling point. Although the primary ingredients are few and natural, there are added vitamins, minerals, and natural flavors.
Lamb is the main ingredient, and there are also other ingredients like sweet potato, lentils, chickpeas, and sunflower oil. Additionally, it is free of grains and doesn’t have any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
However, the salmon formula is a better option for a higher protein percentage, and there are other flavors available depending on your dog’s preference. In any case, this is a wholesome, nourishing dog food that is intended to enhance a dog’s skin and coat.
| Brand: | Nutro |
| First Ingredient: | Lamb |
| Protein (min): | 20% |
| Fat (min): | 14% |
| Fiber (max): | 3.5% |
| Omega-3: | Not specified |
| Omega-6: | Not specified |
| Grain-free: | Yes |
| Available Sizes: | 4lb, 22lb |
According to CRAVE, the majority of meat in its dog food is “inspired by the diets of their wolf ancestors.”
Therefore, the main characteristic of CRAVE’s kibble that makes it stand out in my opinion is that it aims to satisfy dogs’ natural desire for meat. And as such, it’s very rich in animal protein. In fact, this dog food has 34% protein, making it one of the highest-protein options available.
This is advantageous because, in addition to the fact that protein is crucial for your dog’s general health and wellbeing, the majority of the protein in this kibble comes from real white fish and salmon, making it rich in beneficial fish oil. Additionally, CRAVE offers a variety of flavor options if your dog doesn’t like fish, including chicken, lamb, and beef, all of which are very high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
The fact that CRAVE is completely grain-free and doesn’t contain wheat, soy, or corn is another aspect I like. Consequently, there is less filler and more of the good stuff.
| Brand: | CRAVE |
| First Ingredient: | Salmon |
| Protein (min): | 34% |
| Fat (min): | 17% |
| Fiber (max): | 3.5% |
| Omega-3: | Doesn’t specify |
| Omega-6: | 2% |
| Grain-free: | Yes |
| Available Sizes: | 4lb, 12lb, 22lb |
One of the most respected brands in the United States is Hill’s Science Diet, and it’s easy to understand why. It is endorsed by veterinarians, is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, and is available in a variety of formulas to suit almost all dog breeds.
This specific formulation is intended for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. To help your dog maintain a healthy digestive system, they made the first point highly digestible and added prebiotic fiber. And regarding the second point, they’ve included vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids to help your dog maintain healthy skin and an ideal coat.
Overall, this is a fantastic all-purpose kibble that can help you win the war against excessive shedding in addition to being good for your dog’s general nutrition. Additionally, this formula is available in chicken and potato if she prefers that over chicken and rice.
| Brand: | Hill’s Science Diet |
| First Ingredient: | Chicken |
| Protein (min): | 25.9% |
| Fat (min): | 16% |
| Fiber (max): | 1.3% |
| Omega-3: | 0.51% |
| Omega-6: | 4.71% |
| Grain-free: | No, but this formula also comes in a grain-free version |
| Available Sizes: | 4lb, 15.5lb, 30lb |
The Diamond Naturals Skin and Coat formula is formulated with the company’s exclusive K9 Strain probiotics to aid in digestion and is bursting with nutrients and antioxidants.
Additionally, it aims to support the growth of your dog’s ideal coat and healthy skin. As a result, it contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that come from a variety of sources, including salmon, flaxseed, chia seeds, and coconut.
On the other hand, despite having a ton of nutrients and even superfoods like kale, this kibble isn’t the highest protein option available.
| Brand: | Diamond Naturals |
| First Ingredient: | Salmon |
| Protein (min): | 25% |
| Fat (min): | 14% |
| Fiber (max): | 5% |
| Omega-3: | 0.4% |
| Omega-6: | 2.5% |
| Grain-free: | Yes |
| Available Sizes: | 15lb, 30lb |
Wag is the dog food brand owned by Amazon, and it competes favorably with some of the more well-known names in the industry.
Here’s why I say this:
Wag’s kibble has a lot going for it, and it comes in a wide range of formulas, including chicken, lamb, salmon, and turkey, so you have plenty of options to suit your dog’s preferences.
| Brand: | WAG (Amazon brand) |
| First Ingredient: | Beef |
| Protein (min): | 35% |
| Fat (min): | 15% |
| Fiber (max): | 4.5% |
| Omega-3: | 0.4% |
| Omega-6: | 2.5% |
| Grain-free: | No |
| Available Sizes: | 5lb, 30lb |
Wellness Complete Health provides your dog with the nutrition she requires and encourages the growth of a healthier, stronger coat by containing the ideal ratio of nutrients, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids.
Whitefish is the main component, but this recipe also includes sweet potato for digestion, peas for a more well-rounded protein source, and flaxseed for more omega-3 fatty acids.
However, its main flaw is that it is not very high in protein and contains grains as well. There are therefore better options if you’re looking for a dog food that is higher in protein despite the fact that it is a wholesome, balanced kibble that is high in omega-3.
| Brand: | Wellness |
| First Ingredient: | Whitefish |
| Protein (min): | 22% |
| Fat (min): | 12% |
| Fiber (max): | 4.5% |
| Omega-3: | 1.5% |
| Omega-6: | 3% |
| Grain-free: | No |
| Available Sizes: | 5lb, 15lb, 30lb |
For dogs who aren’t fans of the standard flavors like beef, chicken, or salmon, Merrick’s duck and sweet potato kibble is a great substitute.
It is primarily composed of protein and fat, with 35% of its weight made up of produce, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients. Consequently, it is a balanced source of nutrition for almost any dog. Additionally, it includes Omega fatty acids to support your dog’s healthy coat maintenance.
This kibble is nourishing, high in protein, and grain-free, but it’s not my top choice for shedding or overall. So it has earned a spot on our list.
| Brand: | Merrick |
| First Ingredient: | Deboned Duck |
| Protein (min): | 34% |
| Fat (min): | 17% |
| Fiber (max): | 3.5% |
| Omega-3: | 0.8% |
| Omega-6: | 3% |
| Grain-free: | Yes |
| Available Sizes: | 4lb, 10lb, 22lb |
The Top Picks for the Best Dog Food for Shedding: Ranked
Our top pick for the best dry dog food for shedding is Hill’s Science Diet’s Sensitive Stomach & Skin. The food is an affordable alternative that can fit almost any budget and is specially formulated to nourish a dog’s digestive system and improve their skin and coat.
Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E are two helpful ingredients that can help stop shedding. These ingredients will help keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny in addition to reducing the amount of shedding they do.
This food is formulated with prebiotic fiber to enhance a dog’s digestive system and general health in addition to reducing shedding and promoting healthy skin and a coat.
Feed this reasonably priced adult food to dogs of small, medium, or large breeds. It comes in two flavors: chicken and grain-free chicken and potato.
Some customers claim that their dogs won’t eat this dog food because they don’t like the flavor. Others claim that their dog’s digestive issues, such as diarrhea, were not resolved by the food.
How to Choose the Right Dog Food Shedding
If your dog sheds just a little bit more than you anticipate and is otherwise healthy, switching to a dog food that contains fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 can help prevent excessive shedding.
Fish-based dog foods like salmon, sardines, and anchovies are natural sources of omega vitamins, which support the maintenance of healthy skin and coats.
When trying to prevent excessive dog shedding, healthy skin is crucial. Natural oils produced by healthy, pH-balanced skin rise to the skin’s surface, creating a luxurious, healthy coat that doesn’t shed excessively.
Take your dog’s current health into account when selecting a dog food for shedding. Before changing their diet, make sure you speak with a veterinarian if they have any health issues. Before choosing a new food for your dog, it’s also critical to consider whether they have any food allergies.
It’s a good idea to bring the veterinarian a few dog food options that you would like to feed your dog. In most cases, the vet will inform you if the change in dog food will improve both your dog’s specific health issues and their shedding issue.
If your dog is healthy, pay attention to their preferred flavors. If your dog dislikes the flavor of fish, go with something else, like chicken.
While there are a number of salmon and fish options on the list, your dog will also like other flavor options.
Sometimes inadequate nutrition results in excessive shedding in dogs with sensitive digestive systems. For dogs with delicate digestive systems, the majority of the dog food options on the list are appropriate. These nutritious choices give your dog a complete and balanced diet.
Additionally, the bite-sized kibble and ideal texture of these digestion-friendly dog foods for shedding make them simple to chew and digest. Simply select the option you believe your dog will enjoy most.
If you need to let your dog taste test for flavor, the majority of dog foods for shedding provide small bag portions. Additionally, it’s a great way to learn what flavors your dog prefers, which is especially useful if you have more than one dog.
Make a difference in your pet’s life today by selecting one of the dog foods from the list above to prevent your dog from shedding excessively.
FAQ
What can I feed my dog to reduce shedding?
Adding flaxseed or olive oil to your dog’s diet will help reduce shedding. These oils are incredibly rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are excellent for calming and nourishing irritated skin.
Does dog food make a difference in shedding?
We search specifically for kibble made with premium ingredients, especially those that are acknowledged to reduce shedding. For instance, omega-3 fatty acid-containing ingredients like fish and flaxseed can help your dog’s skin and coat.