Shedding is common with some dog breeds, but if you experience more shedding than usual or hair coming out in clumps, leaving behind bald patches, that’s a sign that something is amiss. Whether your dog is suffering from a skin allergy that’s increasing itchiness or an underlying condition causing hair loss, it’s important to consult with your vet.

There are many potential causes of hair loss. Depending on the cause, diet can help to control the symptoms. Here are our picks and reviews for the best dog foods for hair loss, but you should always discuss dietary changes with your vet.

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

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The 8 Best Dog Foods for Hair Loss

1. The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe Fresh Food Subscription – Best Overall

The Farmer’s Dog beef recipe is the best overall dog food for hair loss. Made with high-quality beef instead of chicken, which is a common source of skin allergies in dogs, this recipe boasts the second-highest protein content and includes fish oil, a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids for joint and skin health. All recipes are formulated by a team of veterinary specialists board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

Though beef is our pick, the company also offers pork, chicken, and turkey, and each recipe is formulated for your specific dog’s size, age, and activity level. It’s only available through a subscription, however, and it can get expensive.

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2. American Journey Active Life Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

American Journey Active Life Formula is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. This value-packed recipe offers complete and balanced nutrition with deboned salmon as the first ingredient and nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs get plenty of nutrients and antioxidants for a healthy immune system and skin and coat health.

This formula is made without wheat, soy, poultry byproducts, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives. There are also easy-to-digest grain sources like brown rice and barley. Some reviewers noted a stark difference in skin and coat health, but some objected to the high sodium content.

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3. Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is another good dog food for hair loss. Crafted with smoke-flavored, roasted, and fresh meats and fish combined with ancient grains, this recipe offers the protein your dog needs along with superfoods and fatty acids for skin and coat health. It also contains K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics for overall health and wellness.

All Taste of the Wild foods are made in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources. There’s no chicken in the recipe, which is a common source of allergies in dogs. The food is also free from wheat, fillers, and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Some reviewers experienced quality control issues.

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4. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Puppy Food

Purina Pro Plan Development Sensitive Skin & Stomach Puppy Food offers a good start for puppies that may be prone to skin issues. Real salmon is the primary ingredient, followed by rice for good digestion. The recipe contains live probiotics to support immune and digestive health, as well as vitamin A and sunflower oil for a healthy coat and skin.

Like other Purina recipes, this puppy food is made in the US in Purina-owned facilities and free from wheat, soy, or artificial flavors and colors. Reviewers saw good results with their pups, but some wouldn’t eat the food. It’s also a little bit pricey.

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5. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Select Adult Classic Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Entrée Canned Dog Food offers pretty good nutrition and ingredients. The recipe contains salmon loaded with DHA, an omega fatty acid that promotes cognitive development and ingredients to reduce skin-irritating food allergies. The omega fatty acids also promote healthy skin and coats to reduce skin sensitivities and prevent hair loss.

All Purina Pro Plan foods are made in Purina-owned USA facilities and made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Some dogs did well with this formula, but others didn’t enjoy eating it. The food is also a little pricey.

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6. Zignature Select Cuts Dry Dog Food

Zignature Select Cuts Trout & Salmon Formula Dry Dog Formula features real trout from Idaho and oats and millet from the Midwestern US and Canada. Trout and salmon are the first ingredients and a source of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. There are also no common allergens, like chicken, eggs, tapioca, potatoes, wheat, or soy.

All Zignature foods are made in the US and sourced from trusted farmers and growers in the US and Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or France. Though some reviewers had a good response, many noted that Zignature seemed to have changed the recipe recently and their dogs no longer wanted the food. It’s also quite expensive.

• Also Read: Zignature Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons

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7. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a good option for dogs that have food-related skin sensitivities. Wild-caught salmon is the first ingredient, followed by whole-food fruits and vegetables like peas, lentils, pumpkin, blueberry, and papaya. It also has K9 Strain Proprietary probiotics for digestive support.

Formulated for all life stages, this recipe is nutrient-rich and designed to support skin and coat health. There’s no wheat or artificial flavors or colors to limit allergens. Diamond foods are made in the US with quality ingredients from domestic and global sources. Some reviewers struggled to get their dogs to eat this food, however.

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8. Blackwood 5000 Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food

Blackwood 5000 Sensitive Skin & Stomach formula offers easy-to-digest ingredients, including all-natural catfish protein for skin and coat health. Probiotics are also included to help with digestion. The rest of the formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult maintenance.

Each recipe is cooked in small batches in the US. Ingredients are sourced from in the US as much as possible, but some come from Canada, New Zealand, or other trusted suppliers in other countries. Reviewers saw relief of their dogs’ skin issues, but some mentioned that the food gave their dogs bad gas. The price has also been increasing, leading some to switch foods.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Foods for Hair Loss

Dogs shed naturally, but they shouldn’t shed to the point of noticeable bald spots or clumps of hair on the floor.

If you see excessive hair loss, it’s important to determine the cause.

When to See a Vet

If you’re not sure what’s causing the hair loss in your dog, it’s important to make an appointment with your vet. Diet alone can’t reverse hair loss, and you need to know what the cause is to address it effectively.

Conclusion

Hair loss in dogs can be concerning. It could be caused by something simple, or it could indicate an underlying condition. Only your vet can help you determine the appropriate treatment, but dog foods designed for skin and coat health can be beneficial while you address the cause. Our top pick is The Farmer’s Dog beef recipe for its fish oil and absence of chicken products.

For a good budget option, we’ve chosen American Journey Active Life Formula for its salmon and fish meal ingredients. All in all, many of the dog foods on our list offer quality ingredients and good value. We hope this article helps you find the perfect food for your dog.

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