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10 Best Supplements to Stop Dog Shedding in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Jessica Kim

By Jessica Kim

golden retriever with a dog toy on grassy park

No matter what type of coat your dog has, it will shed to some degree. While there are no medications or supplements to stop shedding completely, there are some supplements that your dog can take to reduce it. Shedding can also occur when your dog is experiencing skin and coat issues. So, the efficacy of different supplements will depend on what’s affecting your dog’s skin and coat health.

Our reviews of supplements to stop dog shedding are here to help you know what options are available for your dog. By the end, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision on which supplement is the best for your situation.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Value
Winner
Nutri-Vet Shed Defense Seafood & Fish Nutri-Vet Shed Defense Seafood & Fish
  • Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids nourish skin and coat
  • Helps support normal shedding cycles
  • Palatable hickory smoke flavor
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Vet’s Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat Vet’s Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat
  • Uses natural ingredients to stop shedding
  • Also alleviates itchy skin
  • Strengthens hair
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    PetAg Linatone Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs PetAg Linatone Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs
  • Safe for cats and dogs
  • Safe for pets of all ages
  • No strong odor
  • Best for Puppies
    Native Pet Omega Oil Native Pet Omega Oil
  • Clean ingredient list
  • Helps to stop itching from allergies
  • Strengthens coat to reduce shedding
  • Shed-X Dermaplex Shed Control Nutritional Supplement Shed-X Dermaplex Shed Control Nutritional Supplement
  • Liquid form makes it easy to feed to dogs
  • Designed to stop shedding as fast as in 3 weeks
  • Contains powerful natural ingredients
  • The 10 Best Supplements to Stop Dog Shedding

    1. Nutri-Vet Shed Defense Seafood & Fish Flavored Soft Chews – Best Overall

    Type: Chew
    Flavor: Hickory smoke
    Active Ingredients: Omega-6 fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids

    The Nutri-Vet Shed Defense Seafood & Fish Flavored Soft Chews are a great place to start when shopping for shed control supplements as they help support normal shedding. The formula was developed by veterinarians, and the main active ingredients are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids sourced from salmon. These fatty acids help nourish and condition the skin and coat, leaving the coat feeling lush and soft. Individual hairs are also strengthened and less likely to fall or break off.

    The chews are easy to administer, and many dogs will enjoy the hickory smoke flavor. If your dog doesn’t have any other health issues, like allergies, then these Nutri-Vet chews are the best overall supplements to stop dog shedding, and they make a great addition to your dog’s diet. If your dog has more significant skin conditions, then they will probably need chews formulated to specifically address their health issues.

    Pros
    • Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids nourish skin and coat
    • Helps support normal shedding cycles
    • Palatable hickory smoke flavor
    Cons
    • Not for dogs with skin issues

    2. Vet’s Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat Chewable Tablets – Best Value

    Type: Tablet
    Flavor: None
    Active Ingredients: Omega-6 fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids

    Vet’s Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat Chewable Tablets are another great option to try out, especially because they’re the best supplement to stop dog shedding for the money. This affordable brand of shed control supplements has an effective formula that uses a lot of natural ingredients known to improve skin and coat health. Some of the active ingredients you’ll find within this supplement are MSM, yellow dock root, and omega fatty acids. Along with helping to reduce shedding, the supplement also provides relief and improves the condition of the coat by strengthening individual hairs.

    The tablets are fairly small and chewy, so they’re easy for dogs to eat. However, they don’t have a particularly tasty flavor, so some dogs, especially picky ones, may be resistant to eating them.

    Pros
    • Uses natural ingredients to stop shedding
    • Also alleviates itchy skin
    • Strengthens hair
    Cons
    • May not be palatable for picky dogs

    3. PetAg Linatone Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs – Premium Choice

     

    Type: Oil
    Flavor: N/A
    Active Ingredients: Linoleic acid, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, linolenic acid

    If you’re looking for a high-quality supplement and don’t mind paying a little extra, the PetAg Linatone Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Cats & Dogs is a great option to look into. It’s safe for both cats and dogs, and pets of all ages are able to eat it.

    The formula contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and zinc. So, it nourishes the skin and coat and helps reduce inflammation while boosting the immune system. Zinc is also a natural mineral needed for growing healthy hair.

    The formula also doesn’t contain fish oil. So, unlike other skin and coat oil supplements, this one does not have a strong fishy odor. It’s pretty easy to administer, as you can just mix it into your pet’s food. Just keep in mind that it can get a little messy, so make sure to be careful when pouring the supplement into your pet’s food to avoid spillage.

    Pros
    • Safe for cats and dogs
    • Safe for pets of all ages
    • Helps reduce inflammation and supports immune system
    • No strong odor
    Cons
    • Can get messy when pouring

    4. Native Pet Omega Oil – Best for Puppies

    Type: Oil
    Flavor: Fish
    Active Ingredients: Omega-3 fatty acids, biotin

    Puppies can have very sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to feed them high-quality food and supplements that contain natural ingredients. This is why the Native Pet Omega-3 Fish Oil is an excellent option for puppies. It only contains five ingredients, so it’s safe for many puppies to eat. It’s also a considerable option if you have a dog with food allergies or sensitivities.

    The formula contains a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, biotin, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E. This simple yet powerful formula does an excellent job of reducing itching and scratching caused by allergies. It also nourishes the coat and strengthens hair so that your puppy sheds minimally.

    This supplement has a tasty flavor that’s been tested and approved by real dogs. It comes with a convenient pump so that feeding it to your puppy is a mess-free experience. Just keep in mind that this oil does have a strong fishy odor. It’s very likely that you’ll have to wipe up your puppy’s mouth immediately after it finishes eating to prevent the odors from getting on your carpets and furniture.

    Pros
    • Clean ingredient list
    • Helps to stop itching from allergies
    • Strengthens coat to reduce shedding
    Cons
    • Strong fishy odor

    5. Shed-X Dermaplex Shed Control Nutritional Supplement for Dogs

    Shed-X Dermaplex Shed Control

    Type: Oil
    Flavor: Chicken
    Active Ingredients: Linoleic acid, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin

    The Shed-X Dermaplex Shed Control Nutritional Supplement is another supplement that comes in liquid form. The formula was designed to stop excessive shedding within 3 to 6 weeks. It contains powerful natural ingredients that benefit the skin and coat including Norwegian anchovy oil, Norwegian sardine oil, zinc, flaxseed oil, biotin, and wheat germ oil.

    The supplement is really easy to mix into your dog’s food. However, it does contain chicken flavor. It’s unclear as to whether the flavor is natural or artificial. Just to be safe, it’s probably best to avoid feeding this supplement to dogs that have chicken allergies.

    Pros
    • Liquid form makes it easy to feed to dogs
    • Designed to stop shedding as fast as in 3 weeks
    • Contains powerful natural ingredients
    Cons
    • May not be safe for dogs with chicken allergies

    6. Nature’s Farmacy Dogzymes Ultimate Dog Supplement

    Nature’s Farmacy Dogzymes

    Type: Powder
    Flavor: None
    Active Ingredients: Calcium, phosphorus, taurine, copper, zinc

    This Nature’s Farmacy Dogzymes Ultimate Dog Supplement is a considerable option for dog owners of picky dogs. Supplements and powdered form are a great option for picky dogs because you can just sprinkle a small, unnoticeable amount into each of their meals.

    The supplement doesn’t contain any fish oils and won’t emit a strong odor. Instead, it uses sustainable algal oil, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also includes many beneficial nutrients, like beta carotene and vitamins A, C, E, and B12. With continuous consumption, you can start to notice a healthier skin and coat. Your dog’s skin will look less red and irritated, and dry and brittle hair will become softer and moisturized.

    The only thing to keep in mind is that this supplement contains parmesan cheese. So, if your dog has dairy allergies or is lactose intolerant, it could get an upset stomach from it.

    Pros
    • Powder is easy to feed to dogs
    • Contains powerful blend of essential nutrients
    • No strong odors
    Cons
    • Not for dogs with dairy allergy or lactose intolerance

    7. Wonder Paws Skin & Coat Superhero Chews

    Wonder Paws Skin

    Type: Chew
    Flavor: Salmon
    Active Ingredients: Linoleic acid, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids

    The Wonder Paws Skin & Coat Superhero Chews are excellent chews that support the overall health of the skin and coat. Each chew contains omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids derived from salmon, flaxseed, and safflower oils. These ingredients help to reduce skin allergies, shedding, and hot spots. The formula is also designed to help support your dog’s joints, so it’s a great option for older dogs that are starting to experience mobility issues.

    The chews have a tasty salmon flavor that many dogs will enjoy.  They also have a nice and soft texture that’s easy for dogs to chew and swallow. However, the chews do contain a good amount of inactive ingredients and fillers, so they may not be the best choice for dogs that have sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

    Pros
    • Helps reduce irregular shedding, skin allergies, and hot spots
    • Supports joint health
    • Tasty salmon flavor
    Cons
    • Contains a lot of inactive and filler ingredients

    8. PointPet Allergy Plus Calming Seasonal Allergy Support Soft Chew for Dogs

    Type: Chew
    Flavor: Salmon
    Active Ingredients: Colostrum, bromelain, chamomile, quercetin dihydrate, ascorbic acid

    If your dog experiences significant itching and shedding due to seasonal allergies, these PointPet Allergy Plus Calming Smoked Salmon Flavored Chews may help alleviate these symptoms. The formula is designed to soothe the skin and coat, especially during seasonal allergy season. It contains ingredients that boost the immune system and support normal histamine levels. It also uses natural ingredients, like chamomile, organic passionflower, and valerian root, to produce a calming effect. Boosting skin and coat health and lowering stress can ultimately reduce hair loss and shedding in dogs.

    Unfortunately, these supplements are a bit lacking in flavor. The chews have a salmon flavor to encourage dogs to eat them. However, they also contain a good amount of apple cider vinegar, which many dogs don’t find palatable. So, there’s a good chance that your dog will resist eating this supplement, especially if it has a history of being picky.

    Pros
    • Boosts immune system and supports normal histamine levels
    • Helps reduce stress
    • Soothes skin and coat
    Cons
    • Not very palatable for dogs

    9. Zesty Paws Salmon Bites Bacon Flavored Soft Chews Supplement for Dogs

    Type: Chew
    Flavor: Bacon
    Active Ingredients: Schizochytrium sp. Algae, kelp, salmon oil, vitamin C, Vitamin E

    Zesty Paws is a reputable pet wellness brand, and its Salmon Bites Soft Chews provide wholesome protection and support for your dog’s overall skin health. The chews are designed to moisturize the skin and coat, which strengthens hair and reduces excessive shedding. They also contain antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, to help reduce oxidative stress. These all work together so that your dog can experience a boost in both skin and coat health and immune system health.

    While Zesty Paws consistently produces supplements that benefit many dogs, these chews do have a lot of inactive ingredients and extra flavoring. So, if your dog is known to have a sensitive stomach or digestive issues, these chews may not be the best option because they contain a lot of ingredients.

    Pros
    • Formula strengthens hair to reduce excess shedding
    • Contains antioxidants to boost immune system
    • Moisturizes skin and coat
    Cons
    • Contains a lot of inactive ingredients

    10. Pet Vitamin Co Shed-Free Krill Oil Soft Chews

    Pet Vitamin Co Shed

    Type: Chew
    Flavor: Cheese
    Active Ingredients: Krill oil concentrate, astaxanthin, zinc oxide, linoleic acid, whole ground flaxseed powder

    These supplements created by Pet Vitamin Co Are safe for both cats and dogs to eat, so they’re a great option for multi-pet households. They contain krill oil, which is a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Each chew has a concentrated amount of formula, so you can see quick results.

    When your pet consistently eats these supplements, you’ll notice improved skin health and less inflammation and itchy skin. Your pet’s coat will also be shinier and stronger, which helps reduce shedding. You may also notice new cellular growth and recovery in bald spots.

    The supplements have a tasty cheese flavor, which seems to be more popular with dogs than with cats. So, if you happen to also have a cat, it’s likely that your cat will not enjoy eating these chews while your dog is enthusiastic about them. The cheese flavor is also synthetic, and the chews contain other inactive ingredients, so they’re not the cleanest options.

    Pros
    • Safe for dogs and cats
    • Reduces skin inflammation and itchiness
    • Promotes cellular growth to restore dog’s coat
    Cons
    • More popular with dogs than with cats
    • Uses synthetic flavors and has a lot of inactive ingredients

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    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Supplements to Stop Dog Shedding

    Supplements made to address shedding in dogs have a wide variety of formulas. However, most of them use similar active ingredients. Here are some key ingredients to look for when shopping for dog shedding supplements.

    Biotin

    Biotin, or vitamin B7, plays an important role in helping enzymes break down substances in the body, including carbohydrates and fats. It’s naturally found in some foods, including eggs, milk, and bananas. Biotin deficiencies can lead to skin rashes around the face and thinning hair. So, it’s common for dog skin and coat supplements to contain either synthetic or natural sources of biotin.

    Golden retriever dog walking outdoor
    Image Credit: Lunja, Shutterstock

    Essential Fatty Acids

    Essential fatty acids are extremely effective in nourishing the skin and coat and maintaining moisture. They can be found in all sorts of oily foods. Most dog food supplements will use fish oil, krill oil, or algal oil to incorporate essential fatty acids into their formulas.

    Omega-3 fatty acids help to provide the proteins and nutrients that are needed for hair follicles to grow. They can also help reduce inflammation that inhibits hair growth. Omega-6 fatty acids also help to stimulate hair growth. A common type of omega-6 fatty acid that you’ll find in many dog food supplements is linoleic acid.

    Vitamin A

    Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for hair growth. It also helps skin glands produce sebum, which is a natural oil that keeps both the skin and hair moisturized. Natural sources of vitamin A include leafy green vegetables, red bell pepper, fish oils, eggs, and beef liver.

    Smiling Golden Retriever
    Image Credit: MISS_SUMMER, Pixabay

    Zinc

    Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in cell growth, building proteins, and repairing tissue damage. It’s also involved in supporting the immune system. Therefore, it’s commonly used in dog shedding supplements, particularly supplements that also address allergy symptoms. Natural foods that contain a good amount of zinc are red meats, shellfish, eggs, and whole grains.

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    Conclusion

    Nutri-Vet Shed Defense Seafood & Fish Flavored Soft Chews is the best supplement in our reviews because its powerful formula strengthens the skin and coat to prevent excessive breakage and shedding. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Vet’s Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat Chewable Tablets is the best value and contains natural ingredients. For a premium option, try PetAg Linatone Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Cats and Dogs.

    While it’s impossible for dogs to completely stop shedding, adding a supplement to your dog’s diet can help minimize the amount of shedding. These supplements also come with other benefits, like alleviating itchy skin and producing softer coats.


    Featured Image Credit: Ben Pitasky, Unsplash

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