Gold retrievers are family-friendly dog breeds, loved because of their energetic and gentle charisma. They’re friendly to kids and elders alike and have pretty attractive canine coats. Sadly, golden retriever coats attract dirt and other elements that trigger nasty odors. To give your golden retriever’s skin a soft and shiny look and keep it smelling fresh, you want to wash it with a shampoo made for dogs with such a coat type. We assessed and reviewed the ten top-rated shampoos for golden retrievers, so identifying a product you love won’t be a hassle.
The Best Shampoos for Golden Retrievers: Buyer’s Guide
The golden retriever shampoo brands and product selections at your disposal are irrefutably bounteous. Finding the right shampoo to match your golden retriever’s unique skin and age won’t be a walk in the park. But when you understand the qualities that define a good shampoo for golden retrievers, it’ll be fun picking a shampoo you love.
Shampoo Type
Golden retriever shampoos come in formulas and ingredients targeting golden retriever dogs. For example, manufacturers create dog shampoos with the age and health state of the dog in mind. You’ll find formulas suitable for puppies and others for adult dogs. There are general-purpose formulas, some with all-natural ingredients, and others comprising some toxic elements. Likewise, some shampoos are made for golden retriever dogs infested by ticks and flea. The 2-in-1 shampoos are a blend of shampoo and moisturizer, so they’ll leave your dog’s skin clean and moisturized.
Ingredients
One feature that defines the quality and efficiency of a golden retriever shampoo is its ingredients. Shampoos with all-natural and safely-got ingredients are often more potent and safe. Dog shampoos with harsh phosphates and parabens are likely to irritate the dog’s skin or even damage its coat. Make sure you choose a shampoo formulated with ingredients that won’t trigger allergic reactions or harsh side effects.
Hydration and Odor Control Properties
Look for golden retriever shampoo with deodorizing properties to keep your dog’s skin smelling fresh and clean. Shampoos with naturally-sourced and potent ingredients such as almond oil, oatmeal, and Aloe Vera are highly recommended because they’ll help you keep your dog’s skin hydrated. These ingredients have potent moisturizing properties, meaning they will not only hydrate your dog’s skin but also keep it healthy and silky.
Healing Properties
When buying shampoo for your golden retriever, a vital consideration is its current skin condition. Golden retrievers suffer from atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition caused by excessive exposure to chemicals, allergens, mites, and grass. Some shampoos have formulas and ingredients to address typical dog skin conditions, so do your research before choosing.
Best Shampoos for Golden Retrievers: Review of Top 10 Shampoos
Find out more about the features of the top-ten shampoos for golden retrievers below to select a product matching the needs of your dog.
1. Burt’s Bees Oatmeal-Infused Shampoo
Bath your golden retriever with Burt’s Bees Oatmeal-infused shampoo to condition, smoothen and mollify its dry skin. It’s an all-nature general-purpose shampoo comprising naturally extracted beeswax, oatmeal, and honey. It won’t hurt your puppy’s sensitive skin or leave it dehydrated. The shampoo has a balanced pH, making it suitable for both adult and young golden retrievers.
It’s the formula for you if you’re allergic to toxic elements, and you wouldn’t want to bathe your dog with a shampoo containing colorants, fragrances, or harsh chemicals. Get your dog’s skin looking silky and nourished, regardless of its age. However, customers feel that the 4oz bottle is too small for the amount you’re paying. The formula doesn’t contain any deodorizers to freshen up the dog’s coat and skin smell.
Pros
- Superior moisturizing and soothing properties
- All-natural and safely extracted ingredients
- It contains no harsh chemicals or colorants
- It’s an all-purpose shampoo
Cons
- Substandard lather quality
- Packaged in a small 4oz bottle
- #1 PET GROOMING BRAND IN THE USA*- Join the millions of pet parents who can't get enough of Burt's Bees for Pets by using America's #1 pet grooming brand
- SOOTHES AND SOFTENS - Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo cleans, soothes, softens, and conditions your dog's dry skin and coat
2. Earthbath Aloe and Oatmeal-Infused Pet Shampoo
Extra-energetic and playful golden retrievers play with everything and anywhere. Instead of locking up your active golden retriever, why not buy the Earthbath pet shampoo? The Earthbath dog shampoo is sold as 2-in-1 formula comprising 16oz conditioner and 16oz shampoo. It’s a natural dog shampoo formulated to address the cleaning needs of dogs with itchy, sensitive, and dry skin. The high organic aloe Vera and colloidal oatmeal content enable the formula to combat skin irritation, re-moisturize dry skins, and promote healing.
After using Earthbath shampoo, be assured that your dog’s coat will be softened, and its smell will be fresh and fantastic. The shampoo is soft-free and contains no harsh chemicals that could hurt your dog’s skin. Some customers complained that the packaging boxes are pretty large, which allows the bottles to shake, causing content leakage.
Pros
- All-safe and chemical-free shampoo
- Perfect for puppies and adult dogs
- Promotes healing and skin moisturizing
- It smells fresh and lasts long
Cons
- The plastic seal is prone to leakage
3. Veterinary Formula Medicated Shampoo
Rated 4.5 after over 45,000 reviews, veterinary formula medicated shampoo is perfect for treating a dog’s skin scaling. The formula has superior antiseborrheic and antiparasitic properties and effectively relieves most parasitic and manages infections. Active ingredients in Veterinary Formula medicated shampoo include salicylic acid, micronized sulfur, and coal tar. It’s recommended for golden retrievers with red skin rashes, flaky skins, inflamed scalp, and bald spots.
The shampoo’s pH is balanced to suit the shampooing needs of golden retrievers aged over 12 weeks. While this medicated shampoo won’t clean ticks and fleas, it will treat your golden retriever of all bacterial and fungal skin infections. All the ingredients in this medicated dog shampoo are veteran-grade and free from parabens and soap.
Pros
- Perfect for itchy and flaky skins
- Comprises vet-grade and safe ingredients
- Medicated to treat dog skin conditions
- It contains oatmeal to ease skin moisturizing
Cons
- Not suitable for all dog skin types
- GENTLE SOOTHING – Helps promote a healthy skin and coat free of flaky, dry, or overly oily skin that may be caused by environmental stressors.
- FAST ACTING – Works fast with powerful ingredients that help shed dry skin and hydrate your pet's skin. Wash and soak on skin and coat for 10-15 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times weekly.
4. Pet Care 5-in-1 Shampoo
When buying a professional-grade shampoo for your golden retriever, you can’t go wrong with Pet Care 5-in-1 formula. It’s a highly potent conditioner and shampoo that addresses dog skin and coat issues such as bad smell and dryness. The shampoo is naturally derived from coconut oil and contains no harmful phosphate, parabens, or sulfate.
It forms a rich later really fast and does its magic in minutes. Bathing your golden retriever with this formula will leave it smelling fresh and clean. The formula works effectively to cleanse and condition your dog’s coat and skin. It works fine even for dogs with long and oversized coats. Some customers complained that the shampoo leaves some residues on the dog’s coat.
Pros
- Leaves your dog’s skin soft and condition
- It has a light but fantastic scent
- It’s made of all-natural coconut oil extract
- Works fine for long and oversized dog coats
Cons
- It leaves some residues
- Effective and Safe: Highest quality professional grade formula dog shampoo and conditioner in one. Leaves your dog smelling great with their coat in wonderful condition. Also this is the best dog shampoo for smelly dogs on the market !
- Effective and Safe: Highest quality professional grade formula dog shampoo and conditioner in one. Leaves your dog smelling great with their coat in wonderful condition. Also this is the best dog shampoo for smelly dogs on the market !
5. Cloud Star Buddy Wash
Are you looking for a shampoo that’s gentle on your golden retriever’s skin and has a good smell? Why not try Cloud Star Buddy Wash. Containing cosmetic-grade, alcohol-free ingredients, this shampoo is safe for frequent use on puppies and adult dogs. It’s a blend of ingredients such as chamomile, tea tree oil, Aloe Vera, and sage, essential for nourishing your golden retriever’s skin while cleansing dirt and grime particles. After bathing your dog with this shampoo, you’ll leave its coat shiny and smelling great.
You’ll need to note that this shampoo has traces of lavender and sage extracts, boasting superior anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, bathing your dog with it can health to soothe dry and itchy skin and heal it from inflammation and allergies.
Pros
- It cleanses and nourishes dog’s skin
- It treats allergies and inflammation
- The formula blends all-natural and safe ingredients
- The cosmetic-grade ingredients are alcohol-free
Cons
- It doesn’t work for all skin types
- Made from cosmetic-grade ingredients
- Coconut-based, alcohol free
6. PetAg Fresh ‘n Clean Shampoo
If your golden retriever has a wet-dog-like smell, consider PetAg Fresh ‘n clean shampoo. The formula comprises plant-derived cleansers and conditioning ingredients. The shampoo cleanses your Goldie’s coat of every grime and dirt, leaving the skin soothed and with a long-lasting floral fragrance. This shampoo comprises Aloe Vera leaf juice and vitamin E, essential ingredients that help keep your dog’s coat tangle-free after bathing.
The shampoo is formulated for dogs of all ages, including puppies and adult dogs. However, the smell is pretty potent for puppies aged below 12 weeks.
Pros
- Long-lasting floral fragrance
- Highly potent conditioning and cleansing properties
- Leaves your dog’s skin smooth and clean
- Your dog’s coat won’t tangle after bathing
Cons
- The fragrance is too potent for younger dogs
- SOAP-FREE DOG SHAMPOO - Fresh ’n Clean Scented Shampoo is a natural, soap-free, plant-based cleanser that gently washes away dirt and grime.
- LOCKS IN MOISTURE - With vitamin E and soothing aloe vera, this pH-balanced formula is designed specifically for dog’s sensitive skin. Plus, it locks in moisture for a soft, strong, manageable coat.
7. Paws & Pals 5-in-1 Shampoo
Paws & Pals’ 5-in-1 shampoo delivers a holistic shampooing experience, leaving your golden retriever’s coat and skin clean and rejuvenated. It’s a vegan and organic dog shampoo made of high-quality essential oils and other veterinary-grade ingredients. It’s the shampoo to use if your dog constantly has itchy and dry skin. Notably, this shampoo will detangle, moisturize, and condition your dog’s coat, minimizing odor.
The shampoo is made in the U.S using tea-free formula. It has oatmeal to aid in moisturizing and soothing skin itchiness. With this formula, you’ll always leave your dog’s skin and coat deodorized, softened, and clean after the bathing session. Sadly, the hydrolyzed protein content in the shampoo is relatively high, meaning it’s not suitable for allergic dogs with sensitive skins.
Pros
- It offers a holistic shampooing experience
- Comprises essential oils
- It does soothe dry and itchy dog skins
- It has superior moisturizing and detangling properties
Cons
- It may not work for dogs with extra-sensitive skins
- Proudly Made in USA - Vet formulated and manufactured in Los Angeles, CA USA without sacrificing vegan and organic principles or quality
- 6-in-1 Oatmeal Pet Shampoo & Conditioner - reduced shedding – anti itch, smelly odor control, moisturizes dry skin, conditions & detangles
8. TropiClean Oatmeal-infused Dog Shampoo
Are you searching for a medicated shampoo for your golden retriever? Consider the TropiClean oatmeal-infused shampoo. It is a powerful medicated shampoo comprising tea tree and oatmeal, essential ingredients that help clean your Goldie of all dirt particles. The shampoo is derived from natural ingredients, meaning it’s safe for daily use.
The shampoo blends Aloe Vera and papaya to keep your Goldie’s coat clean and smelling fresh after bathing. It also comprises natural salicylic acid, formulated to treat your dog’s skin with dandruff and flaking. Other natural and safe ingredients in the shampoo include vitamin E, tea tree oil, and yucca extract. It’s suitable for dogs of all ages and works best even for treating eczema and scaly bumps on your dog’s skin.
Pros
- Cleanses and refreshes your dog’s coat smell and look
- It nourishes and hydrates your dog’s skin
- It does have a rich lather
- It doesn’t contain soaps
Cons
- The product’s scent is undesirably light
- EFFECTIVE ITCH RELIEF – A dog itch relief shampoo that helps sooth dry, irritated skin and provides a comforting oatmeal and tea tree scent.
- MEDICATED FORMULA – Our tea tree dog shampoo is formulated with beta hydroxy, an anti-inflammatory agent, to help provide long lasting itch relief.
9. FURminator Deshedding Shampoo
Get your goldie to maintain a vigorous coat and skin when you bath it often with FURminator de-shedding shampoo. With this shampoo, you’ll no longer need to worry about your Golden retriever having excess shedding issues. The shampoo has vitamin E and omega 6/3 fatty acids, designed to soothe your dog’s skin. The shampoo has Aloe Vera, natural flower oils, blueberry, and cranberry extracts, essential ingredients that soothe the dog’s skin and coat while providing a lovely scene.
Manufactured safely in the USA, the shampoo contains no parabens or harmful ingredients that could trigger irritation and redness. Sadly, this formula requires using a furminator de-shedding tool.
Pros
- Reduces your Goldie’s shedding levels
- Boosts dog skin and coat health
- It comprises safe and natural ingredients
- Not suitable for goldie skin types
Cons
- The shampoo takes longer to lathe and produce results
- Packaging may vary. Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo
- Works to reduce shedding
10. Rocco & Roxie Dog Shampoo
Our final shampoo for Golden retrievers is the Rocco & Roxie deep-conditioning and dog coat restoration formula. The shampoo blends Argan oils essential for restoring Goldie’s coat luster, Granium extract for strengthening hair follicles, and chamomile for soothing and softening your dog’s skin. Vitamin A content in this shampoo is pretty high, so it produces enough antioxidants to keep your Goldie’s coat strong and healthy.
It’s a coconut-based formula; hence it can effectively cleanse your dog’s skin of dirt and grimes. The shampoo’s smell is honey-like, so bathing your dog with it will leave it with a lovely scent. Basically, this shampoo is highly revered because of its ability to alleviate and soothe sensitive dog skin.
Pros
- It has a lovely smell
- It keeps your dog’s skin feeling lovely after bathing
- It lathers and rinses pretty quickly
- It’s attractively packaged
Cons
- It may not work for susceptible skins
- Repairs & Replenishes - When it comes to dogs, nothing says “health” like a glossy, smooth coat. This luxurious blend penetrates deep down to wash away dirt, repair hair follicles, restore luster and make him oh-so-pettable.
- Nature’s Top Ingredients - Made with deep-conditioning Moroccan argan oil for super shine; nourishing vitamin A; geranium extract, which strengthens and regenerates skin cells; and gentle chamomile.
Conclusion
These are definitely the best shampoos for golden retrievers you can find in the market today. If what you want is a budget-friendly shampoo that can soothe and moisturize your dog’s coat and skin without triggering irritations, you should go for the Earthbath Oatmeal shampoo, while if you’re looking for the most versatile and effective shampoo for your Goldie, you should go for the Burt’s Bees Oatmeal-Infused shampoo.
