Looking for the best shampoo for your dog but can’t seem to find it? Have you seen several oatmeal-type shampoos but aren’t sure if they work? Fortunately, we’ve done the groundwork for you. We’ve put together this complete list of the finest oatmeal shampoos for dogs. Bathing your dog is an essential element of any decent grooming program. It aids in the removal of obnoxious canine odours and the removal of excess oils and debris from the dog’s coat.
Washing your dog is also an excellent time for you to check for skin disorders and parasites. In this handy guide, we examine why various sorts of shampoos are helpful and the benefits. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to the best oatmeal dog shampoos, which examines pricing, ingredients, and other factors.
So let’s get started by looking at our best oatmeal shampoos for dogs “at a glance,” followed by a comprehensive buyer’s guide and all the details you should consider before selecting the next shampoo to bathe your doggie!
Choosing the Best Oatmeal Dog Shampoo: A Buyer's Guide
The first point to note about dog shampoos is that they are not all equal. Ideally, you should select an all-natural or hypoallergenic shampoo that is 100 per cent natural. It should be explicitly designed for use on dogs. These products are gentle on your dog’s skin and excellent for conditioning your pet’s coat.
Human shampoo components are too vital for a dog’s sensitive skin and might cause irritation and allergic reactions. But why is this the case?
Shampoos are designed to have a neutral pH level. The natural skin pH values of dogs and humans differ. That is, using human shampoo on a dog will alter the delicate pH balance of the dog’s skin, producing irritation, dehydration, and, eventually, dandruff and scurf. Oatmeal is a common ingredient in many dog shampoos. So, what’s the big deal about oatmeal, and how might using an oatmeal shampoo benefit your dog?
Oatmeal has been shown to alleviate itchy skin, but it also has many additional advantages. But this isn’t the same kind of oats you’ll find in your cereal! We’re talking “colloidal” oatmeal.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal, which was instead “under-the-radar” until the last decade, has become renowned in many skincare products. It is made by grinding pure oatmeal and then suspending it in a liquid. This method of preparing oatmeal allows the component to be more quickly absorbed by the skin than in its natural form.
People have been using colloidal oatmeal as a skin soother for millennia. This is due to the presence of phenols and avenanthramides. Both of these compounds can alleviate skin itching and irritation. They can also help to keep the skin’s sensitive pH levels in check. Colloidal oatmeal includes various compounds that have been shown to have skin-beneficial characteristics, including:
- Antifungal chemicals derived from avencin.
- Saponins, which aid in skin cleansing.
- Flavonoids are compounds that aid in absorbing ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays.
- Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory vitamin.
- Phenols and starches help in skin hydration.
Oats include fibre and cellulose, which combine to form a skin-softening emollient. It is particularly efficient in treating the redness and irritation caused by skin disorders such as rosacea and eczema. When the skin is calmed, the irritation that comes with these disorders is usually reduced as well.
Your dog will benefit significantly from oatmeal shampoo. The benefits include relaxing and hydrating itchy skin and alleviating the symptoms of ailments such as dry skin, hot spots, tick and flea infestations. It also softens and shines your dog’s coat.
When selecting the ideal formula, look for vitamin E and aloe, as well as oatmeal, on the product label. Make sure it’s labelled as safe for pets with allergies or sensitive skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
Certain ingredients can be found in many shampoos. This includes some canine-specific products that you don’t want your dog to come into contact with. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s an excellent starting point for identifying the things you don’t want to put on your dog’s skin.
Fragrances: Natural fragrances are acceptable in dog shampoos. Just make sure they are non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Check the product labels to ensure that any scent in the shampoo is naturally generated. Synthetic fragrances are frequently too strong for the skin of the dog.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Methylchloroisothiazolinone is an antifungal and preservative substance found in some dog shampoos, although it has been banned in Canada and Japan. Why was the substance banned? Methylchloroisothiazolinone is a carcinogen that has also been linked to organ toxicity.
Colourings: Stay away from brightly coloured dog shampoos. These items may contain synthetic and potentially hazardous dyes. You can locate dog shampoos that can improve the colour of your dog’s natural coat without harming his health.
Mineral Oils: Mineral oil may sound natural, but it is actually a byproduct of gasoline production from crude oil. Mineral oil has the effect of closing the skin’s pores, preventing it from “breathing”, and producing a potentially dangerous buildup of toxins.
Cocomide DEA/MEA: Cocomide is obtained from the coconut plant, as the name implies. Unfortunately, in order to produce cocamide DEA, natural coconut is chemically processed to the point where it becomes a somewhat carcinogenic substance. Cocomide DEA has also been connected to thyroid gland disturbance.
Scented vs Non-Scented
Even though your dog stinks, there are times when it’s best to put a non-scented dog shampoo on him. Dogs with allergies or skin sensitivities, for example, are usually better suited to a non-scented shampoo. If your dog has normal skin, using a scented shampoo offers several advantages, including:
Relaxing effect: Dog shampoos scented with herbal extracts and natural essential oils not only smell nice, but they can also provide calming benefits to your dog. Lavender is very effective in calming your pet down during bath time.
Getting Rid of Stink: Anyone who has a dog is familiar with a doggy stink! Doggy odour develops when natural oils build up in the dog’s coat, and bacteria begin to increase. A scented wash not only removes stench from your dog’s hair but also refreshes it, making the fur lustrous and healthy.
Pest Repellants: Depending on the aroma, some scented shampoos can work as pest repellants. Lemongrass and rosemary scents, for example, not only smell good, but they can help keep mosquitoes away from your dog and you when you’re out for a walk during mosquito season.
Top Picks for Best Oatmeal Dog Shampoos
1. Rocco & Roxie Dog Shampoo for All Dogs & Puppies
We make Rocco & Roxie Dog Shampoos, a soothing and hydrating blend of high-quality ingredients for dogs with itchy, flaky skin. This is the best colloidal oatmeal shampoo for dogs. Olive Oil and Oat Extract are also well-known for their ability to calm itchy skin. Shea Butter, which is highly nutritious, is used to infuse moisture into the hair. Rosemary Extract is used to stimulate hair follicles and repair dry skin gently. And Aloe Vera for soothing inflammation and caring for sensitive skin.
Of course, as with all Rocco & Roxie products, there are no “bad guys” like formaldehyde or paraben on our ingredient list. There will be no masking of artificial colours or dyes. What about mineral oil, phthalates, and isopropyl alcohol? Never. We just care about what is best for your dog!
CLEANSES AND CALMS. Our rich natural solution is the bath time equivalent of a calming belly rub for dogs with dry, itchy, or irritated skin. This soothing, moisturizing combination thoroughly washes inflamed skin while restoring his coat’s natural oils.
It contains NATURE’S BEST INGREDIENTS. Super-calming oat extract is blended with olive oil for suppleness; rich shea butter for incomparable moisture; aloe vera soothes irritation; and mild chamomile.
This shampoo is SAFE, EFFECTIVE, and NATURAL. There are no masking dyes. There are no drying alcohols. There are no parabens that can disrupt a dog’s endocrine system. That’s what Rocco & Roxie is all about: all of the good and none of the bad.
PROS
- It is made with aloe vera extract, which smoothes the cuticle surface, seals in the skin, and coats moisture.
- This product has no parabens, which can disrupt a dog’s endocrine system.
- The shampooing and rinsing process is simple.
CONS
- This shampoo’s intense scent is NOT suited to taking outdoor baths; it smells very floral and WILL attract bees and wasps.
- Expensive
- Not durable packaging
2. PetAg Fresh 'n Clean Oatmeal 'n Baking Soda Dog Shampoo
With PetAg Fresh ‘N Clean Oatmeal ‘N Baking Soda Dog Shampoo, you can keep your pup’s coat clean and revitalized while also nourishing dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. This high-quality solution combines the skin-calming properties of colloidal oatmeal with the odour-controlling properties of baking soda to decrease doggie odours while also soothing your pup’s skin.
It’s perfect for dogs with sensitive skin because it’s made with purified water and gentle, naturally-derived cleansers, as well as soothing aloe vera. This is the best type of aloe and oatmeal shampoo for dogs. All you have to do is work into a luscious lather to transform your bath time into spa time and enjoy the energizing, long-lasting smell of the tropics.
This shampoo has several key advantages, including, Natural colloidal oatmeal in high-quality shampoo heals dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Deodorizing baking soda and a fragrant tropic smell gently and naturally manage dog odours. This is an excellent solution for dogs with sensitive skin because it contains naturally derived cleansers and soothing aloe vera. For weeks, your dog will smell fresh and clean because of the pleasant, long-lasting fragrance.
Pros
- Excellent shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin
- Controls doggy odours gently and naturally
- Great value for money
Cons
- The smell of this shampoo is overpowering.
- Not durable packaging.
3. Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
Are you looking for a best rated medicated oatmeal shampoo for dogs? This medicinal shampoo from Arava Natural is chemical-free, relying instead on a non-toxic composition infused with Dead Sea minerals to achieve its results. This product comes in a convenient two-pack that has received positive reviews.
The aroma has been described as “pleasantly herbal.” Some dog owners reported an allergic reaction to the chemicals after using the product, even though many dogs’ skin problems improved after using it.
If a pet’s reaction to a new product becomes adverse, pet parents should seek veterinary attention as soon as the problem becomes evident.
Pros
- Botanical oils and extracts with antifungal and antibacterial activities are included.
- Cleans and moisturizes a dog’s coat gently.
- PH-balanced with a faint essential oil smell
Cons
- This has a slightly unpleasant medical herbal aroma to it.
4. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo & Conditioner Pet Grooming Set
Earthbath manufactures a wide variety of dog shampoos in a variety of smells. This product contains oatmeal and aloe for a gentle, effective washing effect that will not irritate your dog’s skin.
All Earthbath products are manufactured using an all-natural, biodegradable composition. Earthbath shampoos include no harsh ingredients, and Earthbath products contain no soap or soap compounds. This is significant because, while soap may effectively remove dirt from your dog’s coat, it also removes natural oils. Earthbath shampoos are known as the best oatmeal soap free shampoo for dogs.
Earthbath shampoos are fragranced with naturally occurring scents that are gentle on your dog’s skin.
The shampoo contains natural moisturizing elements that promote a lustrous, bright coat while also keeping your dog’s skin soft and healthy.
We like this shampoo because many professional dog groomers use Earthbath shampoos. After all, the company’s products are consistently high in quality and perform well. Earthbath shampoos are available in 12 distinct formulas, including one intended just for pups.
Pros
● Shampoo that is reasonably priced.
● It is available in bulk or smaller quantities.
● The product is completely biodegradable.
● Free of parabens and phosphates.
● Aloe vera infusion made from organic ingredients.
● The aroma is vanilla almond.
● Skin is soothed, and odours are neutralized.
Cons
● The container packaging isn’t durable.
● It contains cleansers derived from coconut, which should not be used on dogs that are allergic to coconut.
5. John Paul Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Botanicals and plant extracts are used to make John Paul Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. It not only cleans your dog’s fur and leaves it soft, but it can also aid to eliminate irritation and flakiness.
Despite being from a well-known maker of human hair products, John Paul Pet Sensitive Skin Formula Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is the most delicate oatmeal dog shampoo for the money due to its low cost and exceptional performance. It lathers nicely and rinses swiftly, and it leaves your dog’s coat looking and feeling fantastic.
However, because almond oil is used as a natural aroma, you won’t get the fresh, clean dog smell that many people want. Because it contains no harsh chemicals, this shampoo is the best colloidal oatmeal shampoo for dogs with allergies. This shampoo is excellent for use on sensitive skin and dogs who experience irritation after shampooing and cleaning.
Pros
● Ingredients derived from nature
● Excellent for sensitive skin.
● Itching is reduced, and irritated skin is soothed.
● Cheap
● Lather thoroughly.
Cons
● It does not provide a clean dog odour.
Wrapping up
Always use a canine-specific shampoo while bathing your dog. Human shampoo is not suitable for use on dogs since it is too harsh on the sensitive skin of a puppy. In a pinch, you could bathe your dog with super-mild baby shampoo. However, the best solution is to use professional dog shampoo. There are shampoo formulas for adult dogs, pups, and dogs with skin diseases or parasite infestation concerns.
Select a dog shampoo that does not contain harsh chemicals, artificial colours, or synthetic fragrances. Look for items that are all-natural, cruelty-free, and, if possible, created from organic components. A concentrated shampoo recipe will last considerably longer than a less expensive, more dilute one, saving you money in the long run.
A dog should be bathed at least once every three months. Unless your veterinarian advises you otherwise, you should not bathe your dog more than once every two weeks. We recommend the best colloidal oatmeal shampoo for most dogs, especially those with sensitive skin.