The 14 Best Natural Dog Shampoos

Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best Natural Dog Shampoos

Now that you’re familiar with various natural shampoo alternatives for your dog, here are some things to think about before making your final decision.

Is your dog suffering from skin problems?

Your shampoo selection will be influenced by whether you want a shampoo for everyday washing or to treat a skin problem your dog is having. Many of the shampoos on our list include characteristics that are beneficial to dogs that suffer from itchy, dry skin or allergies. Of course, they may be used on dogs with normal skin, but you may not feel the need to pay more for a premium shampoo in such instance.

Remember that flaky skin or other symptoms in your dog might be caused by a number of different diseases. Before attempting to heal your dog only by washing, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog does not require drugs or prescription shampoos.

Do you have any dogs?

Natural dog shampoos are generally more expensive than the usual selection. If you have multiple dogs, especially large ones, that need to be bathed on a regular basis, you’ll undoubtedly go through a lot of shampoo. Some of the items on our list come in gallon amounts, but the majority do not. If you’re on a tight budget, choose one of the value-size products to keep all of your dogs clean.

What are your top priorities, aside from natural ingredients?

You can see by looking at the selections on our list that not all natural dog shampoos are made equal. To assist you in making your selection, consider your priorities beyond natural elements. Do you want a cruelty-free, vegan shampoo? Is it important whether your option is certified organic? Are you searching for a company that values sustainability and environmentally responsible manufacturing?

Do you enjoy the smell?

In certain circumstances, choosing a shampoo may come down to a preference for one smell over another. All of the shampoos on our list have a smell, but some are stronger than others. Although not every shampoo leaves your dog with a long-lasting aroma, you will be able to smell the product throughout the bathing procedure and potentially for some time afterwards. If you know you can’t take the fragrance of patchouli, for example, you shouldn’t buy the Kin+Kind Charcoal shampoo.

A Word of Warning

While all of these natural dog shampoo solutions are suitable for dogs, some of them include essential oils that are harmful to dogs. While producers claim that the formulae only include a very little quantity in order to reap the advantages without the dangerous side effects, it is still worth conducting your research and checking with your veterinarian. Be extra cautious if you have a cat in the house who enjoys snuggling with your dog. Please never use dog-specific products on cats since their tolerances and metabolic pathways differ from those of dogs.

Conclusion

Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe delivers efficient cleansing and moisturizing in a cruelty-free, vegan product for the best overall natural dog shampoo. Ark Naturals Neem Protect, our top value option, provides itch relief and moisturizing with a unique, all-natural ingredient. When deciding which option is best for you, keep in mind that there is no standard definition of what constitutes “natural shampoo.”

Do your homework and study the labels to see whether a shampoo fits your definition of natural. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes these reviews assisted you in determining the best natural dog shampoo alternatives available to you and your dog.

Reviews

Best Overall: Shampoo with Oatmeal and Aloe from Earthbath

• There are two sizes available: 16 oz and 1 gal.
• Vanilla and almond scent
• Moisturizing properties of shampoo

Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe shampoo is our pick for the finest overall natural dog shampoo. This shampoo is suitable for pups as early as 6 weeks old and is perfect for relaxing and mending dry, irritated skin.

As you bathe your dog, the natural oatmeal and aloe hydrate and nurture his coat. It also helps to reduce the desire to itch when the bath is over. Earthbath is vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable.

The aroma of this product split users, and many found it didn’t last on their dog anyhow. Others experienced leaky bottles upon transportation as well.

Overall, consumers give this product high marks, with many praising the natural ingredients and the suppleness of their dog’s fur after washing.

Pros

• Vegan and animal-free
• Skin is healed and moisturized.
• Reduces the desire to itch

Cons

• The fragrance is not for everyone.
• Some issues with leakage during shipping

 

Best Value: Neem Protect Shampoo by Ark Naturals

• Sizes available: 8 oz.
• Fresh autumn rain scent
• Shampoo benefits: cleansing, relaxing

Ark Naturals Neem Protect Shampoo is our pick for the finest natural dog shampoo for the money. This vet-recommended shampoo is made with Neem oil, which is obtained from trees native to India. It is eco-friendly, mild, and will not affect your dog’s natural skin oils.

This shampoo also contains coconut oil, which adds hydration. It relieves irritation caused by bug bites or dry skin. Ark Naturals, on the other hand, may only be used on dogs beyond the age of 12 weeks.

Many consumers reported that the aroma of this shampoo was overpowering. This shampoo may cause allergic reactions in dogs and humans. It is also only available in one (smaller) bottle size.

Pros

• Two natural moisturizers are included.
• It relieves irritated skin.
• Natural skin oils will not be disturbed.

Cons

• Aromatic scent
• Only for dogs over the age of 12 weeks
• There is just one size available.

 

Premium Choice: Natural Hyponic Therapy Volumizing Shampoo for Allergies

• There are two sizes available: 9 oz and 50.7 oz.
• Scent: Floral
• Hypoallergenic and volumizing shampoo

Consider Hyponic Natural Hypoallergenic Volumizing Shampoo if you don’t mind paying a bit extra on your dog’s shampoo. Hyponic is cruelty-free and perfect for dogs with sensitive skin, and it goes the additional mile by only utilizing substances approved by a non-profit environmental group.

This shampoo lathers well and leaves your dog’s coat silky and full. Because of its capacity to provide a little more “fluff” to the coat, this shampoo is a suitable choice for breeds like Poodles and Doodles.

This shampoo is devoid of sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and artificial colors, making it suitable for dogs of all ages. Despite being hypoallergenic, this shampoo contains scent, which may be a concern for extra-sensitive pets and people.

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Formula for increasing volume
• All ages of dogs are safe.

Cons

• Expensive
• It is not fragrance-free.

 

Best for Puppies: Shampoo & Conditioner Buddy Wash Lavender and Mint

• There are two sizes available: 16 oz and 1 gal.
• Lavender and mint scent
• Deodorizing and conditioning shampoo

Buddy Wash is made with cosmetic-grade chemicals and contains natural herbs such as sage, green tea, chamomile, and rosemary. This product contains a shampoo and conditioner in one, so your dog’s coat will be clean and velvety after their wash.

Buddy Wash is alcohol-free and deodorizes with a natural wheat protein component, making it suitable for dogs of all ages. It also has aloe vera in it for added healing power.

The aroma of this shampoo was too strong for some people. Most people liked the rich, creamy texture of Buddy Wash, and it provided a wonderful lather that washed cleanly.

It also doesn’t take much shampoo to create a lather, therefore one bottle of this shampoo will last a long time.

Pros

• Combination of shampoo and conditioner
• Well lathers and rinses
• The bottle has a lengthy shelf life.

Cons

• Strong odor

 

4-Legger Lemongrass and Aloe Hypoallergenic Shampoo

• Sizes available: 16 oz.
• Scent: Lemongrass
• Hypoallergenic and soothing shampoo

4-Legger Organic is more than just a natural shampoo; it’s also biodegradable, vegan, gluten-free, and manufactured with non-GMO, sustainable ingredients.

This shampoo is ideal for people who are committed to living an eco-friendly, organic lifestyle. This shampoo is concentrated yet has a fluid texture that might be difficult to lather efficiently because it has no natural thickeners.

Lemongrass contains natural antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, making this shampoo suitable for dogs with skin problems.

When applied often, some owners complained that 4-Legger seemed to dry up their dog’s skin, while others noted that it seemed to alleviate their dog’s itching.

This shampoo’s aroma doesn’t appear to remain long, which some owners didn’t mind!

Pros

• Non-GMO, sustainable ingredients are used.
• Concentrated
• Antifungal and antibacterial qualities found in nature

Cons

• Some dogs’ skin may get dry.
• It may be difficult to do so afterwards.
• The fragrance does not stay after a bath.

 

Botanivet Manuka Honey Certified Organic Shampoo

• Sizes available: 16 oz.
• Scent: Berry
• Moisturizing and itch relief shampoo

This fully natural and organic shampoo, developed by veterinary dermatologists, is perfect for dogs with allergies or dry skin. Botanivet is USDA-certified organic and chemical- and detergent-free. It contains honey to promote natural skin and wound healing, as well as a variety of natural oils to moisturize.

Even the berry flavor is derived from a blend of natural scents. This is not a cheap shampoo, but it will appeal to dog owners who are ready to pay a little more for the piece of mind that comes with using certified organic goods.

The majority of customers said this shampoo moisturized and soothed itching nicely. Some people complained that it left their dog’s coat oily and didn’t entirely rinse away.

Pros

• Designed by veterinary dermatologists
• Organic certification
• Natural wound and skin healing substances are included.

Cons

• Expensive
• It is possible that a greasy residue will remain on the coat.

 

Organic 5-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo by Pro Pet Works

• There are two sizes available: 17 oz and 128 oz.
• Scent: Fruity
• Moisturizing and itch relief shampoo

Pro Pet Works Organic is one of the most affordable natural shampoos on our list, with huge bottles available at a reasonable price. 

Users praise the shampoo’s soothing and moisturizing characteristics, as well as the suppleness of their dog’s coat. Pro Pet Works is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as calming aloe vera and hydrating almond oil.

Pro Pet Works is great for multi-pet families since it is cruelty-free and contains no animal by-products. This shampoo detangles fur while also reducing shedding.

Some people were put off by the shampoo’s powerful aroma. Others reported quality difficulties with inconsistency between orders.

Pros

• Option that is inexpensive
• Antioxidants and fatty acids are present for skin health.
• Ideal for homes with many pets.

Cons

• Aromatic scent
• Some inconsistencies in quality

 

Natural Dog Shampoo with Charcoal by Kin+Kind

• Sizes available: 12 oz.
• Scent: Patchouli
• Shampoo functions include cleansing and odor control.

Kin+Kind shampoo is made with activated charcoal and is ideal for giving your dog a natural thorough clean. The charcoal functions as a natural color brightener, enhancing your dog’s appearance.

Kin+Kind also contains natural moisturizers such as glycerin, olive oil, and coconut oil, which give itch alleviation and soothing properties.

Activated charcoal also acts as an odor control agent, eliminating even the most tenacious odors like skunk spray. The shampoo is perfumed with essential oils and has an earthy, patchouli aroma.

Patchouli has a distinct aroma that not everyone like. This shampoo also doesn’t lather effectively, which can make bath time a little more difficult.

Pros

• Natural coat whitening agent
• deep cleaning and odor control

Cons

• Patchouli fragrance is not for everyone.
• The shampoo does not lather very effectively.

 

Pet Shampoo by Vermont Soap Organics

• There are two sizes available: 16 oz and 64 oz.
• Scent: Rosemary
• Moisturizing properties of shampoo

Vermont Soap Organics Pet Shampoo is certified organic and has a variety of natural moisturizing ingredients such as olive, coconut, and jojoba oil.

This shampoo is designed for dogs with delicate skin, and it includes no alcohol, sulfates, or harsh chemicals. The shampoo is plant-based, smells like rosemary, and has odor control thanks to the use of baking soda.

Users say this shampoo lathers and rinses nicely, however it may struggle to clean thick or double-coated dogs completely. The bottles also don’t appear to last very long, especially when bathing large dogs, which might be due to the watery nature.

This shampoo is somewhat more expensive than others on our list, but many consumers didn’t seem to mind because they were confident in the product’s safety.

Pros

• Organic certification
• Designed for sensitive skin
• Plant-based

Cons

• On heavy coats, it is less effective.
• The bottle does not last very long.