We can love our dogs while admitting that we don’t love every aspect of pet ownership. Dealing with pet fur is an annoying part of owning dogs and cats, but it’s something that comes with the territory. Unfortunately, excessive shedding can affect the quality of your life when you’re constantly eating airborne hair or have to follow behind your dog with a vacuum to pick up all its fur. Thankfully, there are things you can do to address your pet’s shedding problem.

A high-quality supplement made with the right blend of ingredients can promote healthier skin, a softer coat, and reduce shedding. Keep reading to find our reviews of the ten best supplements to help with dog shedding so you can put down the vacuum and stop eating pet hair all day.

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The 10 Best Dog Supplements to Help With Shed Control

1. Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement – Best Overall

The Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs is the best overall supplement to help with dog shedding. This all-ages supplement is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. In addition, fatty acids support your dog in other ways, including providing energy, promoting healthy growth and development, and aiding in vitamin absorption.

This supplement is backed by science and formulated by veterinarians who know what your dog needs. It is a liquid, so the best way to offer it to your pup is by mixing it into its food. It is also available in soft chew and soft gel forms if you prefer.

The bottle is not the best quality, so you may experience leakage if you don’t store it properly.

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2. Nutri-Vet Shed Defense Soft Chews Skin & Coat Supplement – Best Value

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll need a supplement that won’t break the bank. The best supplement to help with dog shedding for the money is the Nutri-Vet Shed Defense Seafood & Fish Flavored Soft Chews Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs. These soft chews have a tasty hickory-smoked flavor that most dogs love. They contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from real salmon to help your pup maintain healthy skin and coat. In addition, the chews have been formulated specifically to help dogs maintain normal shedding patterns.

One soft chew is recommended for every 20 pounds of body weight. The company also suggests that the best results come from long-term consistent use.

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3. Zesty Paws Omega Bites Skin & Coat Supplement – Premium Choice

Sometimes you just want the best that money can buy for your pet. If this is the case for you, check out our premium choice, Zesty Paws Omega Bites Chicken Flavored Soft Chews Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs. These tasty soft chews provide dogs with a dose of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E to further support skin and overall health. Not only can it help with shedding prevention, but the fatty acids can also make your dog’s coat longer, fluffier, and softer. They are made with AlaskOmega Fish Oil, a sustainably sourced oil from real wild Alaska pollock in the Bering Sea.

The chews have a strong scent that may be a turn-off for some picky pooches.

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4. Nulo Omega 3-6-9 Fish Oil for Dogs & Puppies – Best for Puppies

If you have a puppy with a shedding problem, you need to find a supplement that’ll be safe for it to take. The Nulo Omega 3-6-9 Fish Oil for Dogs and Puppies is the best option on the market for adults, puppies,  and nursing dogs. This liquid supplement features omega-3, omega-6 fatty and omega-9 acids to support your dog’s skin and coat health. The formula also contains linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 for cell and immune function and growth. Not only does this product help your dog cut back on shedding, but it can also provide skin relief, so it won’t scratch as much.

This supplement is designed for intermittent or supplemental feeding and is easy to mix with your dog’s favorite food. In addition, the convenient easy pump top makes portioning out your dog’s serving a breeze.

The company has made sure the product contains no soy, wheat, corn, artificial preservatives or GMO’s.

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5. Nature’s Farmacy Dogzymes Ultimate Dog Supplement

Nature’s Farmacy Dogzymes Ultimate Dog Supplement is a powerful product containing omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids to promote better skin and coat health. The omega-3 fatty acid comes from sustainably sourced algal oil instead of fish oils, preventing that overpowering fishy smell that other supplements may have. This formula also contains other vitamins, like vitamins A, C, E, and B-12, to support overall health.

This supplement comes in a powder form, so you must mix it into a liquid or your dog’s wet food. It is available in one-pound containers or eight-ounce jars.

This supplement has a tasty flavor but is strongly scented, which may be a turn-off for some dogs. It also contains Parmesan cheese which is not suitable for dogs with dairy allergies or intolerance.

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6. Chew + Heal Omega Skin + Coat Dog Supplement

The Chew + Heal Omega Skin + Coat Dog Supplement is a tasty soft chew designed to improve your dog’s coat appearance and help with skin allergies. These easy-to-serve chews can be used for dogs with coat issues like brittle hair, stinkiness, loose hair, or greasiness. It can address your pup’s shedding problems while providing prebiotics and probiotics to support its gut health.

This supplement contains calcium, biotin, and zinc to promote cell growth and regulate skin function. It can work quickly, giving your pup a shinier and softer coat in no time.

This supplement contains brewer’s yeast, a relatively common allergen for dogs and cats.

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7. Native Pet Omega 3 Fish Oil Skin & Coat Health Dog Supplement

The Native Pet Omega 3 Fish Oil Skin & Coat Health Dog Supplement is designed to help alleviate itching and scratching from environmental factors. It is made with wild-caught pollock and salmon oil and formulated with omega fatty acids to support your dog’s overall skin and coat health. The formula also contains biotin to promote cell formulation and metabolic health.

This powerful supplement is especially useful for dogs with dry, dull, or coarse coats, making it a fantastic option for pet owners whose animals have coat issues beyond shedding.

While it’s not greasy, this product does have a strong scent and may make your dog’s breath stinky. 

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8. Finn Skin & Coat Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Dog Supplement

The Finn Skin & Coat Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Dog Supplement is a vet-endorsed product formulated with Alaskan salmon to address your pet’s itchy and dry skin. It provides EPA and DHA fatty acids to support your pup’s brain, heart, and joint health. This formula provides the key minerals your pup needs, like zinc for a beautiful coat and biotin for shedding maintenance.

The soft chews are just that—soft and chewy—so they’re easy for your pet to eat. Since they have a tasty bacon, cheese, and beef liver flavor, most dogs seem to have no problem eating their supplements.

This supplement is on the higher end pricewise. However, like many of the other options in our buying guide, they have a strong scent which can be a turn-off for picky dogs.

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

Shed-X Dermaplex Shed Control Nutritional Supplement for Dogs is a fast-acting nutritional supplement that can reduce or even eliminate seasonal and non-seasonal shedding. This powerful formula may also improve your dog’s coat and skin health to help it look and feel its best.

The formula is antioxidant-rich, consisting of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, flaxseed oils, and wheat germ oil. Together, these ingredients can lubricate the skin and coat, reducing scaliness and itchiness. It also contains zinc to promote better coat quality while strengthening the immune system.

This formula is a little greasy, which can be a turn-off to pups if you put it on top of their food. It may also cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.

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10. Vet’s Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat Chewable Tablets Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs

Vet’s Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat Chewable Tablets Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs is a natural product that addresses excessive shedding while providing itch relief. It comes in a chewable tablet form which may make it more difficult for some dogs to take, though it doesn’t have the strong scent as other supplements on our list.

This supplement was formulated by veterinarians using a unique blend of ingredients like MSM and quercetin. MSM is a naturally occurring supplement that is often used as an anti-inflammatory. Quercetin is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that can reduce allergic reactions.

The tablets are fragile, so you may have a crummy mess on your hands if you need to split them in half. Also, this supplement made itching worse in some dogs.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Dog Supplements for Shed Control

Ingredients

The ingredient list on the supplements in question is the most important thing to look at when searching for the best supplement to help with dog shedding.

Omega Fatty Acids

The most beneficial ingredients are essential fatty acids.

Omega-3 is an EFA that dogs and humans need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. It’s a healthy fat that our bodies can’t produce on our own, so it needs to come from an outside source.

There are three types of omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

ALA is an effective nutritive antioxidant for dogs. Unfortunately, it isn’t as readily available to dogs as it is a “parent fatty acid,” which means it has to be converted into active EPA and DHA before your pup can utilize it. ALA can fight free radicals and help the body use other antioxidants more efficiently.

EPA and DHA are powerful fats that provide a host of benefits for dogs. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, EPA and DHA are anti-inflammatory agents beneficial for inflammatory diseases, skin allergies, and arthritis. They can also protect your dog’s skin and coat while keeping them healthy.

Omega-6 fatty acids are another essential part of your dog’s diet. They are involved in cell membrane structure and cell function. Another bonus of providing your pup with a supplement rich in omega-6 is that it can boost skin and coat health.

Zinc

Zinc is another important mineral that plays a key role in many metabolic processes in dogs.

Studies suggest that zinc is suitable for supplementation as it could enhance the hair characteristics of adult dogs while improving their immune status. In addition, the coat of dogs receiving a zinc supplement is often smoother and less fragmented.

Another study shows that adding zinc to a dog’s diet improves coat gloss and scale and may have less transepidermal water loss (TWEL). An increase in TWEL may be to blame for certain skin diseases.

Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast is a dietary supplement rich in B vitamins and antioxidants. It can promote healthier skin, coat, eyes, and liver in both animals and humans. Brewer’s yeast is also high in minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium to promote better cell and organ function.

PetMD reports that brewer’s yeast may repel fleas and ticks, further promoting healthier coat and skin health in dogs.

Product Form

The form your supplement comes in is another important factor to consider.

Not all dogs will enjoy taking supplements in all formats. For example, your dog might be resistant to the liquid type as it is often recommended to add it to their food. Adding an oily supplement to your pup’s food will change both its texture and taste.

Soft chews are a great option for some dogs, especially those that are food-motivated. Manufacturers know how to tweak the taste of chews, so they are more like a treat than a supplement.

Why Do Dogs Shed, Anyway?

A dog’s fur has two important jobs: controlling body temperature and protecting the skin from the sun and other environmental agents. When the hair stops growing, it will naturally shed itself.

How much and how often your dog sheds depend on several factors, including its health, breed, and season.

Though shedding is natural, some dogs may experience hair loss due to poor health or stress. If you believe your dog is losing its hair, we recommend making an appointment with your vet to rule out any potential health issues.

When Should I Be Worried About My Dog’s Shedding?

Some dog breeds shed excessively; there’s just no way around it. Pay close attention to your pup’s shifts in its shedding patterns, so you know when to expect its big sheds. Knowing the seasonal changes in your dog’s shedding can also alert you when something is amiss with its hair loss.

Hair loss that goes beyond what’s normal for your pup can be attributed to health problems like

Conclusion

For the best overall supplement to help with dog shedding Nutramax Welactin provides a rich source of omega-3s in a highly effective formulation. The best value option is Nutri-Vet Shed Defense, thanks to its wallet-friendly price point, the blend of omega fatty acids, and shedding-focused formulation. If cost is not an issue, check out our premium choice, Zesty Paws Omega Bites Chicken Flavored Soft Chews Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs. If you have a shedding puppy, consider Nulo Omega 3-6-9 Fish Oil for Dogs & Puppies.

We hope our reviews have helped shed (pun intended) some light on your options for controlling your dog’s shedding. Remember to stay consistent with whatever supplement you choose, as you will have the best results from long-term use and consistency.

See also:

• Do British Shorthair Cats Shed a Lot?
• Do Corgis Shed More Than Other Breeds?

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Featured Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock