Dealing with dog shedding can be frustrating for pet owners, especially when it seems endless. While regular grooming and proper diet help, sometimes they aren’t enough to control excessive fur loss. That’s where the best supplement to stop dog shedding comes in, nourishing the coat and reducing shedding naturally.

A healthy coat reflects your dog’s overall well-being. Excessive shedding may indicate nutritional gaps, skin conditions, or stress. With the right supplements, you can support your pet’s coat health from the inside out. This guide will explore the causes of shedding and highlight top supplements to stop dog shedding. Let’s get started.

Why Do Dogs Shed?

Shedding is a natural process that allows dogs to remove old or damaged hair. Some breeds shed more than others due to genetics. Seasonal changes, especially spring and fall, often trigger heavier shedding in dogs. Shedding also helps regulate body temperature, especially in double-coated breeds. 

However, excessive shedding may point to underlying issues like allergies, poor nutrition, or stress. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or lactation, can also increase shedding in female dogs. It’s important to understand normal shedding patterns for your dog’s breed to identify when shedding becomes a cause for concern.

Can Supplements Help With Dog Shedding?

Yes, supplements can help reduce dog shedding by addressing nutritional deficiencies and improving coat health. Essential fatty acids like omega-3s promote hydrated skin and reduce inflammation, which decreases shedding. 

Vitamins such as biotin and vitamin E strengthen hair and prevent breakage, contributing to a healthier coat. Zinc supports skin barrier function, reducing dryness that can lead to excess hair loss. 

While supplements can be effective, they work best when combined with a balanced diet and proper grooming. Always consult a veterinarian to ensure supplements suit your dog’s specific needs and don’t replace necessary medical care for underlying conditions.

How to Choose the Right Supplement to Stop Dog Shedding

Choosing the right supplement for your dog requires considering their specific needs and health conditions.

1. Identify the Cause of Shedding

Identifying the underlying cause of shedding is imperative when selecting a supplement. Is your dog shedding due to a poor diet, dry skin, seasonal changes, or an underlying medical condition? Determining this will help you pick a supplement that directly addresses the issue and promotes long-term coat and skin health.

2. Look for Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, are essential for maintaining a healthy coat. They hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and improve hair strength, which helps minimize shedding. Look for high-quality supplements containing omega-3s, like EPA and DHA, to provide the maximum benefits for your dog’s overall coat health.

3. Include Biotin and Zinc

Biotin strengthens hair follicles and promotes new hair growth, making it a key ingredient in many shedding supplements. Zinc works to prevent dry, flaky skin by supporting the skin’s natural barrier. Together, they create a powerful duo that reduces shedding while improving your dog’s skin and coat condition.

4. Choose Vet-Approved Products

Not all supplements on the market are safe or effective. Selecting a veterinarian-approved supplement ensures that the product meets safety standards and contains beneficial ingredients. Avoid products with unnecessary fillers, artificial flavors, or potentially harmful additives. Vet approval gives you peace of mind about the quality of the supplement.

5. Match the Supplement to Your Dog’s Needs

Consider your dog’s unique characteristics when choosing a supplement. Factors like age, size, breed, and specific health concerns can impact the effectiveness of a supplement. Tailoring the supplement to your pet ensures it provides the desired results without causing any unintended side effects.

6. Consult a Veterinarian

Always seek advice from a veterinarian before adding a new supplement to your dog’s routine. A vet can evaluate your dog’s health, recommend the right product, and determine the correct dosage. This step ensures the supplement is effective and aligns with your dog’s unique needs.

Types of Supplements to Stop Dog Shedding

You’ll find three main types of supplements to stop dog shedding: pills, powders, and chews. Each of these formats offers the same healthy ingredients but caters to different preferences.

1. Pills

Pill supplements are one of the most common forms for dogs. These typically contain concentrated amounts of essential nutrients like omega-3s, biotin, and vitamins to improve skin and coat health. They can be a bit challenging to give, especially for picky eaters, but they are often highly effective.

2. Powders

Powdered supplements are usually mixed into your dog’s food, making them easy to administer. They often contain similar ingredients to pills and are an excellent option for dogs who refuse to take pills. Powders can be great for picky eaters since they blend easily with meals.

3. Chews

Chews are a tasty alternative for dogs that dislike pills or powders. They often come in flavors that appeal to dogs, like chicken or liver, making them a favorite choice for easy supplementation. Plus, they contain the same beneficial ingredients like omega-3s and biotin for coat health.

Best Supplement to Stop Dog Shedding

The following are some of the well-known supplements that stop dogs from shedding.

1. Shed-X Liquid Dog Supplement – Helps Control Excessive Shedding

Shed-X is a nutrient-rich, liquid supplement designed to control excessive shedding in dogs, especially non-seasonal shedding. Formulated by an Animal Nutrition Ph.D., this supplement combines high-quality Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids from anchovy and sardine oils to promote skin health and support a glossy coat. The natural chicken flavor makes it easy to mix into your dog’s food, and the convenient liquid form ensures smooth integration into your dog’s diet. It’s an affordable and effective way to address shedding while nourishing your pet’s skin and fur.

Pros

• Helps control non-seasonal or excessive shedding
• Rich in Omega 3 & 6 from high-quality sources
• Tasty chicken flavor that dogs love
• Scientifically formulated by animal nutrition experts

Cons

• May require consistent use to see visible results

2. Vet’s Best Healthy Coat Shed & Itch Relief Dog Supplements

Vet’s Best Healthy Coat Shed & Itch Relief Supplements offer relief from itching and excessive shedding, promoting a healthy coat for your dog. Formulated by veterinarians, these chewable tablets combine natural ingredients like MSM, yellow dock root, quercetin, and omega fatty acids to support skin health and reduce shedding. The balanced remedy not only helps with shedding but also soothes itchy skin, offering an all-natural alternative to manage these common pet issues. Plus, the NASC Seal of Approval assures you of the quality and safety of the product.

Pros

• Reduces shedding and relieves itching
• Veterinarian-formulated with natural ingredients
• Tasty chewable tablets that dogs enjoy
• NASC Seal of Approval for Quality Assurance

Cons

• May take a few weeks to see noticeable results

3. Omega 3 Fish Oil for Dogs – Skin & Coat Supplement

Coco and Luna’s Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement provides essential fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and vibrant skin. These soft chews not only reduce shedding but also support joint, cardiovascular, and immune health, thanks to the powerful Omega 3 sourced from fish oil and algae. Designed to soothe irritation and scratching, this supplement is a natural solution for managing excessive shedding and maintaining a lustrous, shiny coat. With veterinarian-formulated ingredients free from harmful additives, it’s an ideal way to ensure your dog’s overall health and wellness.

Pros

• Supports skin and coat health while reducing shedding
• Enriched with Omega 3 for joint, heart, and immune health
• Natural ingredients, free from harmful additives
• Soft, tasty chews that dogs enjoy

Cons

• May take some time before shedding significantly decreases

4. Nutri-Vet Fish Oil Supplements for Dogs – Skin and Coat

Nutri-Vet Fish Oil Supplements are a great way to support your dog’s skin and coat health. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, each softgel contains 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA to nourish the skin and reduce shedding. This fish oil formula also helps with dry skin, itching, and dandruff while promoting a shiny, healthy coat. 

Veterinarian-formulated and made in the USA with premium, globally sourced ingredients, these supplements offer a high-quality, trusted solution for your dog’s health. The added benefit of antioxidants ensures a well-rounded support system for your furry friend.

Pros

• Contains Omega-3 fatty acids to boost skin and coat health
• Helps reduce shedding, dry skin, and dandruff
• Veterinarian-formulated for guaranteed quality
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

Cons

• Softgels might be challenging for some dogs to ingest

5. Omega 3 for Dogs – Dog Anti-Shedding Supplement

This Omega 3 for Dogs supplement combines flaxseed oil, Alaskan salmon oil, and essential nutrients like DHA, EPA, biotin, and zinc to help your dog achieve a healthier, shinier coat while reducing shedding. It targets skin issues such as dryness, hot spots, and excessive itchiness, providing relief from seasonal or occasional allergies. In addition to promoting coat health, it supports your dog’s joint, heart, and immune functions. The soft, chicken-flavored chews make it a great option for picky eaters while providing all-natural ingredients free from GMOs and artificial additives.

Pros

• Contains Omega 3, 6, and 9 for skin, coat, and overall health
• Helps reduce shedding, itching, and skin irritations
• Supports joint, heart, and immune health
• Made with 100% natural ingredients, no GMOs or additives

Cons

• May require consistent use for noticeable results

6. Omega 3 Fish Oil for Dogs – Dog Fish Oil Supplement for Shedding

Plano Paws Wild Caught Omega 3 Fish Oil for Dogs is a premium supplement made with pure anchovies, herring, mackerel, and sardines sourced from the clean waters off the coast of Iceland. This human-grade liquid fish oil is molecularly distilled to eliminate toxins and heavy metals, offering safe and effective support for skin, coat, joint, heart, and immune health. 

The pump dispenser makes it easy to add the oil to your dog’s food, ensuring your dog gets the Omega 3s they need. This sustainably sourced fish oil also helps with allergy relief, reduced itching, and improved coat health.

Pros

• Wild-caught, premium fish oil for optimal quality
• Promotes healthy skin, coat, and reduced shedding
• Safe and effective with no harmful toxins or heavy metals
• Easy-to-use liquid form with pump dispenser

Cons

• Liquid form may not be suitable for all dogs

Read More: 14 Best Hunting Dogs That Don’t Shed

Final Words

Choosing the best supplement to stop dog shedding depends on your dog’s specific needs and preferences. Omega-3-rich supplements are great for skin and coat health. Other ingredients can help with itching, allergies, and dry skin. 

Always opt for high-quality, veterinarian-approved products to ensure your dog’s safety. With regular use, these supplements can reduce shedding and promote a shiny coat. Ultimately, they improve your dog’s comfort and overall well-being.