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Greetings, fellow dog parents! Many dog owners don’t realize that conventional dog shampoos contain some pretty unhealthy ingredients, both for your pup and the environment. Luckily, we can make doggy bath time more eco-friendly and non-toxic by selecting an organic dog shampoo instead.
All-natural and organic dog shampoos are formulated without the harmful sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances typically found in conventional shampoos. Just like in human skincare products, these chemicals can irritate and dry out your dog’s delicate skin. Instead, natural shampoos harness the power of gentle, botanical ingredients to ensure a happier and gentler bath-time for your pup.
Read on for our top organic dog shampoo picks, starting with a quick look at the ingredients that you do (and don’t) want on your dog’s skin.
Ingredients to Avoid In Dog Shampoo
When it comes to avoiding certain ingredients in conventional dog shampoos, it’s a good idea to steer clear of the following ingredients:
- Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES): These harsh surfactants can strip away natural oils in your dog’s skin, leading to dryness and itchiness.
- Parabens: You should also keep an eye out for parabens, which are preservatives that have been associated with potential health risks in both both humans and animals.
- Artificial fragrances: Often listed as “perfume” or “fragrance,” artificial fragrances are better off avoided too, as they may cause skin irritation and allergies.
- DEA (Diethanolamine): DEA is a potential concern in shampoos as it can react with other ingredients to form harmful compounds called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines have been associated with adverse health effects, including potential carcinogenic properties.
What Ingredients to Look for in Organic Dog Shampoo
As for doggie-approved ingredients to seek out in an organic dog shampoo, look for gentle cleansers such as coconut-based surfactants, which can effectively remove dirt and grime without compromising the natural oils in your pup’s skin.
Natural moisturizers like aloe vera, oatmeal, and shea butter provide hydration and soothing relief for dry or sensitive skin.
Finally, botanical extracts such as chamomile, lavender, and calendula offer calming benefits—and most importantly, they help our canine friends smell great after a bath!
11 Best Natural and Organic Dog Shampoos
Here are our favorite natural and organic dog shampoo brands to get your fluffy friend nice and clean after a long stint at the dog park.
1. 4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo
- USDA Certified Organic
4-Legger is specializes in USDA-certified organic grooming products for pets. Their main focus is on their organic dog shampoo line, which is formulated using non-toxic ingredients like organic essential oils, aloe vera, and botanical extracts. These shampoos are made to cleanse, moisturize, and promote a healthy coat and skin for pets.
4-Legger’s shampoos are notably free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals commonly found in other dog shampoos.The formula of their dog shampoo includes soothing aloe vera and lemongrass essential oil, which are known for their benefits in providing itch relief and moisturizing sensitive skin.
4-Legger’s shampoo is a great choice if your dog has any skin sensitivities or allergies.
2. Vermont Soap Organics Pet Shampoo
- USDA Certified Organic
Vermont Soap offers a certified organic shampoo designed for pets with sensitive doggy skin. Their shampoo is made with organic olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, along with organic aloe vera, essential oils, and natural rosemary extract. These ingredients work together to moisturize and nourish dogs’ skin, promoting a healthier fur coat.
You won’t find any chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, or phosphates in Vermont Soap’s aloe vera dog shampoo. The plant-based formulation is also free from petroleum or animal by-products. This organic dog shampoo is made locally in Vermont.
3. Balance Botanical Organic Shampoo for Dogs
- USDA Certified Organic
Balance organic dog shampoo promises that each ingredient used in their shampoo is sourced and processed safely within the United States, and the product is certified USDA Organic.
Balance’s organic dog shampoos include aloe vera juice, saponified olive and cocoa oils, and a blend of botanical oils. They also use cedarwood, which promotes hair growth and dry scalp and inflammatory skin conditions in dogs. Cedarwood also acts as a natural deodorizer for stinky pups.
4. Black Sheep Organics Dog Shampoo
5. DERMagic Dog Shampoo Bars
If you prefer washing Fido with a shampoo bar, this one, which is made in the Pacific Northwest, is worth checking out. This bar is made from organic ingredients, including coconut, olive, castor, sunflower, jojoba, and rice bran oils.
It also features Vitamin E and organic aloe vera for skin health. I love that for every 10 shampoo bars, this company will plant a new tree.
6. Dr. Harvey’s Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
Dr. Harvey’s chemical-free natural dog shampoo is made with essential oils and extracts that soothe and moisturize dry, itchy skin, while promoting a shiny and healthy coat.
Like the other shampoos on this list, Dr. Harvey’s shampoo is also free from synthetic ingredients, preservatives, sulfates, and parabens. This hypoallergenic shampoo is safe for dogs with sensitivities and allergies.
7. Earthbath Natural Dog Shampoo
Earthbath dog shampoo is a popular brand among dog owners known for its high-quality grooming products. Their shampoos are formulated to provide effective and gentle cleaning while maintaining the natural balance of a dog’s skin and coat.
Earthbath dog shampoos are made with carefully selected natural ingredients and are free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial dyes that you don’t want on your dog’s skin. They use natural cleansers derived from coconut, aloe vera, and oatmeal, which help clean your pup’s fur while soothing and moisturizing their skin.
You can choose from different scents, including oatmeal and aloe, tea tree and aloe (though be careful not to use tea tree products near your pup’s eyes, as it can sting!), and mango tango.
8. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Shampoo
Burt’s Bees, known for their human skincare products and organic baby clothing, also offers this line of natural dog shampoos. These shampoos are formulated with a gentle approach, combining natural ingredients such as oatmeal, buttermilk, honey, and chamomile to soothe and condition your beloved furry friend’s skin, helping achieve a soft and shiny coat.
Burt’s Bees dog shampoos are pH balanced and don’t contain any sulfates, colorants, or artificial fragrances.
9. Honest Paws 2 in 1 Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
The Honest Company makes some great non-toxic face washes and other products, and now they also have a line designed just for pets. Honest Paws Skin and Coat 5-in-1 Dog Wash offers many different benefits in a single wash. It cleans, deodorizes, conditions, and detangles the coat, while also moisturizing dogs’ skin.
The formula effectively cleans and conditions the coat without the use of harmful synthetic chemicals commonly found in other dog shampoos. This shampoo has oats, coconut oil, and aloe to help your pup achieve a shiny coat. It’s dye-free and does not contain MEA, DEA, sulfates, or parabens.
10. Only Natural Dog Shampoo
Only Natural Pet Shampoo for Dogs is another US-made gentle shampoo which contains jojoba oil and colloidal oatmeal to add shine and softness to your pup’s coat as you wash it. Its formula is designed to be tear-free, and is free from sulfates, parabens, phosphates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and perfumes.
This shampoo comes in a green tea and mandarin orange scent. It’s made with 100% natural plant-based ingredients and essential oils. The brand prioritizes sustainability; their products are non-GMO, 100% carbon neutral, and sustainably sourced.
11. Cloud Star Buddy Wash Lavender & Mint 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo/Conditioner
Cloud Star Buddy Wash is a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that cleans and moisturizes your dog’s coat. Its all-natural formula includes lavender and mint, derived from herbs and essential oils that will make Fifi smell great after a long hike in the woods.
This natural dog shampoo is made in the USA. In addition to the lavender/mint scent, Cloud Star Buddy Wash offers other scent options, including green tea/bergamot and rosemary/mint.
Two Paws Up for Natural and Organic Dog Shampoo
You can pamper your favorite pups with a non-toxic bath-time routine by switching to an organic dog shampoo. Not only will you be avoiding potentially harmful ingredients that show up up in conventional soaps and shampoos for dogs, but you’ll also be treating your furry friends to a bath that nourishes their skin, enhances their coat’s shine, and leaves them smelling naturally delightful.
For more healthy options for man’s best friend, check out these organic dog treats and organic dog foods made with nutritious and wholesome ingredients.
