10 Best Dog Supplements to Help With Shed Control in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

7 Best Dog Supplements for Shed Control in 2024
Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but excessive shedding can be frustrating for pet owners tired of constantly vacuuming up hair. The right supplement with ingredients that target skin and coat health can help reduce shedding and keep your dog‘s coat looking its best. We‘ve rounded up the top 7 dog supplements for shed control in 2024, focusing on high-quality, veterinarian-backed products. But first, let‘s look at what causes shedding and the key ingredients to look for in a supplement.

Why Do Dogs Shed?
A dog‘s fur serves the important functions of regulating body temperature and protecting the skin from the sun and elements. Fur grows in cycles, and the hair will shed out naturally at the end of the growth phase to make room for new hair. The amount and frequency of shedding varies based on factors like:

Breed – Some breeds like huskies, german shepherds and labs are heavier shedders
Season – Many dogs shed more in the spring and fall as their coats change for the weather
Health – Health issues, poor nutrition and stress can cause excessive shedding
Grooming – Regular brushing distributes skin oils and removes loose hair

While some shedding is normal and healthy, excessive hair loss, bald spots, or shedding accompanied by skin irritation is cause for concern. Potential medical causes of excessive shedding include allergies, parasites, infections, hormonal imbalances, kidney or liver disease, anxiety and even cancer. If you notice your dog is losing more hair than usual, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.

Key Ingredients for Reducing Shedding
High-quality dog supplements for shed control will include ingredients that have been scientifically shown to improve skin and coat health. Look for the following on the label:

Omega Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin and coat in dogs. They are involved in skin cell membrane structure and function. Omega-3s EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin allergies and irritation. These healthy fats also add moisture, shine and softness to the coat. Good sources of omega fatty acids include fish oil, flaxseed oil, and hemp oil.

Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that plays a key role in skin and coat health. It is involved in cell replication, healing, and protein synthesis. Studies show that supplementing zinc can improve coat gloss and smoothness in dogs. It also boosts the immune system to help dogs deal with allergies and heal skin infections faster.

Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin that is important for cellular growth and fatty acid metabolism. It helps strengthen hair and can speed up growth. Biotin also improves the skin‘s hydration and elasticity. It is often added to dog supplements for skin and coat health.

Vitamins A, C and E
Vitamins A, C and E are antioxidants that protect the skin and coat from damage. Vitamin A assists in cell growth and repair. Vitamin C is a co-factor in collagen synthesis, which gives skin its structure and strength. Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory benefits and helps maintain the skin‘s natural moisture barrier. Together, these nutrients keep the coat thick, smooth and lustrous.

Our Top 7 Picks

Zesty Paws Omega 3 Alaskan Fish Oil
Zesty Paws Omega 3 Alaskan Fish Oil is a liquid supplement that features a blend of omega-3 fatty acids from Wild Alaskan Pollock. It contains the optimal ratio of EPA and DHA to support skin health and reduce shedding. This product is made in the USA from sustainably sourced fish oil.

Key Features:

Provides 1000mg total omega fatty acids per serving
Includes biotin for coat thickness and strength
Easy to administer liquid pump bottles in 16oz and 32oz sizes
90% of reviewers rate the product 4 stars or higher

Pros:

Noticeable decrease in shedding
Improves dry skin and itchiness
Promotes shiny, soft coat
Dogs like the taste

Cons:

Slow results, takes 4-8 weeks of use
Some dogs experience digestive issues
Strong fishy smell

Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Softgels
Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Softgels provide a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to support healthy skin and coat. The softgels are easier to administer than liquid and less messy. This product is veterinarian recommended and safe for dogs of all life stages.

Key Features:

Provides 300mg total omega-3 fatty acids per softgel
Cold extraction process preserves the quality of the oils
Highly palatable vanilla flavor
Can be given whole or punctured and squeezed onto food

Pros:

Effective for reducing shedding
Relieves itchiness and flakiness
Improves overall coat condition
No fishy smell or taste

Cons:

On the expensive side
Must be given with food to avoid stomach upset
Large capsules can be hard to administer to small dogs

PetHonesty 10-in-1 Multivitamin
PetHonesty 10-in-1 Multivitamin is a comprehensive supplement that targets shedding along with other aspects of dog health. It contains omega fatty acids, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, C and E for skin and coat support. Other ingredients address joint health, digestion, immunity, and heart health.

Key Features:

Contains AlaskOmega, a sustainably sourced fish oil
Includes probiotics and pumpkin for digestive health
10 health benefits in one chew
Delicious chicken flavor dogs love

Pros:

Reduces shedding and improves coat shine
Helps relieve itching and hot spots
More cost effective than buying separate supplements
Easy to administer soft chew

Cons:

Results can take several weeks
Contains 8 calories per chew, not ideal for overweight dogs
Some reports of digestive issues and diarrhea

Shed-X Dermaplex Shed Control
Shed-X Dermaplex is a liquid supplement specifically formulated to reduce shedding in dogs. It works from the inside out to address the root causes of excessive shedding. The advanced formula includes omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support skin and coat health.

Key Features:

Provides 1800mg omega-3, 450mg omega-6 per teaspoon
Includes zinc and biotin for hair strength and growth
Formulated with vitamin E and flaxseed oil
Concentrated formula, 32oz bottle lasts 2-4 months

Pros:

Starts working in 2-3 weeks
Significantly reduces shedding
Improves coat softness and shine
Relieves itching and scratching

Cons:

Relatively expensive compared to other options
Bottle tends to leak if not stored upright
Strong herbal scent some dogs dislike

Premium Care Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement
Premium Care Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement is a veterinarian formulated blend of omega fatty acids and essential vitamins. This bacon flavored supplement comes with a no-hassle money back guarantee if you don‘t see results. It can be mixed into food or given directly by mouth.

Key Features:

Provides 425mg EPA and 325mg per serving
Includes zinc, biotin and vitamin E for coat health
Tasty bacon flavor dogs enjoy
Made in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Pros:

Helps control heavy shedding
Leaves coat shiny and healthy
Alleviates itchiness and dry skin
Works quickly, noticeable results in 2-4 weeks

Cons:

Thin liquid consistency can be messy
Bottle is not very durable
May cause temporary GI upset when starting

VetClassics Omega Caps ES
VetClassics Omega Caps ES are fish oil softgels that provide a concentrated dose of omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. The "ES" stands for extra strength, with 2-3 times the EPA and DHA of other fish oil supplements. The softgels also contain vitamin E as a natural preservative.

Key Features:

Provides 570mg EPA and 430mg DHA per softgel
Molecularly distilled for purity and safety
Natural tocopherols for freshness
60 softgels per bottle

Pros:

High potency formula reduces shedding effectively
Improves dry, flaky skin
Softens and adds shine to coat
Fish oil is sourced from anchovies, sardines, mackerel

Cons:

Large softgels may be difficult for some dogs to swallow
Requires refrigeration after opening
May cause temporary gas or loose stool

Finn Skin & Coat Supplement
Finn Skin & Coat Supplement is a chewable tablet that combines omega fatty acids with antioxidants and nutrients for a healthy skin and coat. It also features MSM and glucosamine for joint support and quercetin for itch relief. Each batch is tested for purity, safety and potency.

Key Features:

Provides a blend of omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids
Contains zinc, biotin, vitamins A and C
Includes anti-itch and joint health ingredients
Liver flavored chewable tablets, 120 per bottle

Pros:

Effective for controlling seasonal and year-round shedding
Helps relieve allergies and dry, itchy skin
Promotes a fuller, shinier coat
Chewable tablets are easy to administer

Cons:

On the expensive side at over $1 per tablet
Can take up to 3 months for full results
Some dogs refuse the chewable tablets

Choosing the Best Supplement for Your Dog
With so many choices on the market, how do you pick the best dog shedding supplement for your furry friend? Consider your dog‘s individual needs and preferences, including:

Current coat condition – Is the coat dull or brittle? Is there excessive shedding, flakiness or itching?
Overall health – Does your dog have allergies, joint problems or other health concerns in addition to shedding?
Taste preferences – Does your dog prefer liquid, soft chews or chewable tablets? Will fishy flavors be tolerated?
Administration – Will it be easy for you to give your dog the supplement consistently?
Budget – High quality shedding supplements can get pricey, especially for larger dogs. Look at the cost per serving.

Consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations. Remember, supplements can help improve shedding but they are not a replacement for a healthy diet, regular grooming and veterinary care. Excessive shedding can be a sign of an underlying health problem, so don‘t hesitate to get your dog checked out if shedding suddenly increases or hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms. With the right combination of tools and supplements, you can keep your dog‘s skin and coat healthy and shedding under control.