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Golden Retrievers are easily distinguishable from other breeds by their lustrous coats which range from shades of gold color to cream.
They have a double coat that is prone to year-round shedding but they shed more hair during two seasons in a year.
As a responsible pet parent, you must regularly groom your Goldie to cleanse and maintain their glossy coat appearance.
Despite being the same breed, every Golden is an individual, some have very long fur, some are hyperallergic and others have sensitive skins that require special attention.
Our team has researched and reviewed the best shampoos for Golden Retrievers in 2023 to give you the best option for bathing your double-coated canine.
Watch out for our recommendations on what you should look out for when shopping for the best shampoo for your Golden skin and fur.
Our Top Picks
- Removes bad odor
- Long-lasting scent
- Vitamin E for gentle cleaning and moisturizing
- Hydrates and keeps the hair soft
- Impressive de-shedding formula
- Highly concentrated
- Effectively manages excessive hair loss
- Softens and moisturizes the skin
- Removes flakiness & itchiness
- Plant-based ingredients
- It forms a rich lather
- Maintains coat's health
- Tearless and cruelty-free
- Cleans & conditions
- Doesn't interfere with the natural oils
- Forms a rich lather
Dog Shampoos for Golden Retrievers Reviews
1. PetAg Fresh ‘n’ Clean Scented Dog Shampoo – Best Overall
Type: Hydrating & Soothing
Active ingredients
- Aloe Vera
- Vitamin E
For dogs like Golden Retrievers, you need to look out for the best products that will gently cleanse their coats while maintaining a lustrous look.
Poor quality dog shampoo is always loaded with lots of harsh chemicals that are tough on your dog’s skin but with this product, you can be sure to keep your dog safe from such. It only contains safe and natural ingredients that are known to cleanse and soothe your dog’s skin & coat.
This product took up the best overall dog shampoo for Golden because of its unique blend of natural ingredients and vitamin E infusion that complements the dog’s skin.
It has a powerful cleansing property that soothes the dog’s skin and keeps it hydrated after bathing.
The other appealing aspect of this dog shampoo is the soap-free formulation which keeps the dog’s skin smooth without washing away the natural oils.
If your Golden Retriever has that strong doggy odor, you can control it by using this naturally scented shampoo. It is laced with a fresh floral fragrance that stays on the dog’s fur for up to 2 weeks after using it.
What we liked
- It removes the doggy odor while cleaning
- The classic fresh scent lasts for about 2 weeks after use
- It contains vitamin E for gentle cleaning and moisturizing
- The shampoo hydrates the dog and keeps the hair soft
What we didn’t like
- The floral scent might be unappealing for some users.
2. Nature’s Specialties Deshedding Dog Shampoo – Best de-shedding shampoo
Type: Deshedding Shampoo
Active ingredients
- Aloe Vera
- Deodorizing Enzymes
- Vitamins A, D, E
- Essential Oils
If you need to bathe your Golden Retriever during the high shedding season, then Nature’s de-shedding shampoo might be what you need.
This shampoo is specially formulated to take away the bulk undercoat at the source during bathing and it works best with de-shedding tools.
With the 16-ounce bottle, you can dilute it with 2 gallons of clean water before using it. You can then lather it directly on your dog’s coat while cleaning the whole body.
All the natural ingredients in this shampoo will work to clean your dog and support their skin and coat health.
It is enriched with aloe vera leaf extract that will cleanse and moisturize the dog’s skin. And the vitamins help to maintain the glossy look of the top coat.
What we liked
- It has an impressive de-shedding formula
- The shampoo is highly concentrated and can be diluted as desired.
- It helps to manage excessive hair loss during the high-shedding months.
- The natural ingredients help to soften and moisturize the skin during every wash.
What we didn’t like
- It might be abrasive on your dog’s skin when used in excess.
3. Pet Honesty Chlorhexidine Shampoo
Type: Antifungal, Antiseptic
Active ingredients
- Chlorhexidine
- Ketoconazole
If you have a Golden Retriever with seasonal allergies, you should try and bathe them with this chlorhexidine shampoo that contains antiseptic properties.
This shampoo is made with a veterinary formula that curbs your Golden Retriever from contracting skin conditions.
We were also impressed by the light cucumber melon scent that lingers on the dog’s coat after using this product.
Apart from the deodorizing formula, this product also packs essential oils that help to keep the dog’s skin revitalized and smooth.
The active formula in this shampoo is also crucial in controlling shedding and reducing hotspots, and itchiness, and prevents the formation of dandruff.
Using this shampoo has been made easy with the cap and pump that comes with the 16 oz bottle. 4 to 6 pumps of the shampoo are enough to groom your dog and for coat treatment.
What we liked
- It helps to prevent skin-related issues in Goldens.
- Promotes healthy skin.
- It brightens the dog’s coat after a bath with a shiny finish.
- It soothes itchiness, dry patches, and inflamed spots on the dog’s skin.
What we didn’t like
- The fragrance smells nice and fresh on the dog’s coat after a bath but only for a short time.
4. Golden Retriever Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe
Type: Hypoallergenic, smoothing
Active ingredients
- Oatmeal
- Aloe Vera
Healthy Breeds is one of those few brands that tailor-make pet products for specific breeds and they did not go wrong on this one.
It is good for dogs with sensitive skin, who require frequent baths and gentle scrubs to clean the coat and skin.
This soap-free shampoo has a mild oatmeal and aloe formula that helps to soothe and moisten your Goldie’s inflamed skin to promote quick recovery.
The hypoallergenic formula provides sufficient prevention from the allergies that might be caused by the topical fleas lodged in the dog’s undercoat.
After every wash, your Golden Retriever will be left smelling nice and fresh with a pina colada natural scent which is natural.
We found the fragrance to linger for quite a while on the dog’s hair hence providing good control for doggy odor.
The other outstanding feature of this shampoo is the perfect pH balance for a dog’s skin which provides the best care without affecting the acidity of your Golden’s skin.
What we liked
- It helps to control skin allergies and smoothen the coats.
- The product is infused with an impressive pica colada scent.
- It helps to moisten the dog’s skin and coat during baths.
- It lathers well and removes grime and dirt.
What we didn’t like
- The shampoo is too gentle to be used on muddy Golden Retrievers.
5. TropiClean Perfect Fur Dog Shampoo
Type: Conditioning & De-shedding
Active Ingredients
- Potato protein
- White tea extract
This conditioning dog shampoo combines several natural ingredients to help clean your Golden while also controlling hair fall during shedding.
Shedding control is achieved by picking up dead hair from the undercoat while scrubbing the dog gently with lathered hands.
The mild infusion of a sweet citrus scent leaves your dog soaked in a good smell after every bath at home.
The potato protein and white tea extract formula helps provide a gentle clean while hydrating the dog’s coat to keep the fur smoother.
What we liked
- It provides a gentle clean with deep conditioning to keep the fur slicker and smooth.
- The shampoo helps to manage hair fall during the high-shedding months.
- The natural citrus scent keeps the dog fresh and smelling nice days after being washed.
What we didn’t like
- It doesn’t form a rich lather to the expectation of most customers.
6. Honest Paws Dog Shampoo and Conditioner – Best for sensitive & itchy skin
Type: Cleansing & Conditioning
Active ingredients
- Oatmeal
- Aloe vera
- Plant-based surfactants
This 5-in-1 dog wash shampoo by Honest Paws works to enhance the light-colored coats in dogs so it can be a good option for Golden Retrievers.
It has an impressive formula that provides a non-irritating way of cleansing your dog’s skin from all the dirt acquired throughout the grooming cycle.
This is made possible by the mixture of naturally-sourced ingredients which Honest Paws says accounts for up to 98.25% of the formulation.
The plant-based formula works wonders by providing multiple functions which include moisturizing, conditioning, odor control, soothing, cleansing, and detangling the knotted fur.
We were amazed by how satisfying this shampoo lathers on the hands and provides a gentle scrub on the dog’s coat.
What we liked
- Cleanses the dog’s coat and provides conditioning to keep the fur shiny.
- Formulated with plant-based ingredients that can be tough on germs.
- It forms a rich lather that provides a gentle cleanse.
- Maintains the coat’s health by moistening and softening the dog’s fur.
What we didn’t like
- Might require frequent use to brighten the dog’s coat.
7. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
Type: Cleansing & Hypoallergenic
Active Ingredients
- Shear butter
- Honey
Burt’s Bees dog shampoo brand has been famed for its all-natural formulation which consists of some of nature’s finest products.
This trusted brand doesn’t infuse its products with any fragrance which makes them an ideal option for dog parents looking for scent-free products.
This shampoo is made with shea butter which can help to soothe dry patches on your dog and prevent immature hair loss.
On top of that, the working formula contains natural honey which smoothens the fur on your Golden and brightens the lustrous coat to appear shiny & fizzy.
The hypoallergenic formula is another feature that won’t go unnoticed. It helps to cleanse the dog’s coat without causing dry patches or itchiness.
It is also good for sensitive dogs since it provides itch relief for those who may have sensitive skin like Golden Retrievers.
What we liked
- It has an all-natural formula that is good for dogs with skin issues.
- It cleans and conditions the dog’s coat leaving the fur looking soft and shiny.
- The hypoallergenic formula is ideal for dogs who are prone to allergies.
What we didn’t like
- It doesn’t form a rich lather which may tempt users to use too much of it.
8. Golden Retriever Chamomile Soothing Dog Shampoo
Type: Soothing Shampoo
Active Ingredients
- Chamomile
- Cactus
- Calendula
- Fir needle oil
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Aloe vera
If you need to bond with your Golden Retriever while washing them down in the shower, then this shampoo will be a good option for you.
It is made with extracts of chamomile which help to clean and soothe the dog with a calming sensation that helps to build trust.
Apart from chamomile, this soap-free shampoo has been formulated with all-natural ingredients that help to cleanse your dog’s body gently without causing flaking and dryness.
It also provides conditioning which helps to keep the dog’s coat moistened and rejuvenates the skin to produce sufficient natural oils.
You will love to smell your dog after bathing them because of the orange and cucumber melon natural fragrance that gives them a nice smell after every bath.
Feel free to use this cleaning aid with topical flea control products to prepare your dog for treatment and keep their skin layer natural.
What we liked
- Chamomile helps the dog to relax and calm during bathing.
- Cleanses and conditions your dog’s skin and coat leaving a silky finish.
- It provides good odor control with the rich infusing of natural orange scent.
- The shampoo soothes your pets and provides gentle cleaning for sensitive skin.
- You can use this shampoo with topical treatment products.
What we didn’t like
- Does not provide a very rich lather if you have a long-furred Goldie.
9. PET CARE Sciences Dog Shampoo
Type: Cleaning
Active Ingredients
- Coconut oil
- Oatmeal
The organic-oil-based shampoo helps to repair the damaged skin on your Golden Retriever while reducing skin allergies.
This shampoo is based on coconut oil which also provides an effective method of cleansing your Goldie’s coat and conditioning the fur to leave a glossy finish.
When using this product, your dog’s skin may absorb the coconut oils which will help to nourish and strengthen the fur thanks to the natural proteins.
If you have challenges with doggy odor, you may consider getting this product because it is infused with a strong coconut scent that leaves your dog smelling nice and fresh.
The working formula of this shampoo makes use of 96% naturally derived ingredients that clean and soothe your dog’s skin without causing dry patches.
With the naturally sourced oatmeal, you can also be sure to moisturize your dog’s skin after every bath to keep them looking oily and healthy.
What we liked
- It nourishes the dog’s coat and provides the perfect conditioning.
- It has good odor control with the infused coconut scent.
- The shampoo can help in detangling tough knots and mats during the washing.
- The natural oatmeal helps in keeping your dog moist even after the bathe.
What we didn’t like
- Might not be appealing for dog parents who don’t like the coconut scent
Shampoos For Golden Retriever Puppies Reviews
10. PET CARE Sciences Puppy Shampoo
Type: Cleansing
Active ingredients
- Coconut oil
- Oats
- Aloe vera
If you have a Golden Retriever puppy, then you need to look for a high-grade puppy shampoo that will be gentle on their young skin and coat.
This particular unit from PET CARE is tearless and gentle on your puppy’s skin hence providing a soothing cleanse with skin conditioning.
The soothing effect is supported by the naturally sourced oats which help to nourish the growing skin and smoothen the upcoming coat.
The working formula is also infused with naturally obtained aloe vera solutions which freshen up the skin without taking a swipe on the natural oils.
If your Golden Retriever puppy has sensitive skin, then you can use this product gently on them to clean up the coat and support treatment without being itchy.
What we liked
- It is tearless and cruelty-free for a gentle groom on puppies.
- Provides a good cleanse with the conditioning of the coat.
- Freshens the puppy’s skin without interfering with the natural oils.
- It forms a rich lather with is smooth when bathing the pup.
What we didn’t like
- The infused coconut scent might be overpowered by a tough puppy odor.
11. Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo
Type: Smoothing
Active ingredients
- Cornflower
- Aloe vera
Wahl brand has been producing pet-care products for over 50 years now and they hardly go wrong with puppy products.
This particular tear-free shampoo has a well-balanced pH that will keep your dog’s skin safe during bathing to maintain oily skin.
With an all-natural infusion, you can be sure to clean your dog gently while protecting their delicate skin and coats. The cornflower infusion is mild on the puppy’s skin hence making it ideal for sensitive skin.
The smooth puppy formula forms a thick lather that slides over the coat with ease while removing the tough dirt and smoothening the coat.
This also means that you get to use a small volume of shampoo to clean your puppy without going to waste.
The rich lather is also easy to rinse off with clean water without leaving any shampoo residue behind that may dry and irritate your dog’s skin.
If your Golden puppy is prone to acquiring allergic reactions, you can use this product without worrying about initiating an allergic reaction.
What we liked
- It forms a thick lather that supports gentle cleaning on the puppy’s coat.
- Formulated with natural ingredients.
- Safe for sensitive skins
- Does not cause allergies
What we didn’t like
- Although it leaves your puppy smelling nice, the scent does not last for long
Conclusion
Looking for the best shampoo for Golden Retrievers is a positive step in providing regular care for your lovely pup.
The monthly showers for your Golden Retriever help keep their coats shiny and maintain good skin health.
All the products reviewed in this guide will certainly help in bathing your dog. We were particularly impressed by PetAg Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Dog Shampoo which is our best overall product.
On top of being formulated with soothing agents and moisturizers, this shampoo has vitamin E that helps to clean your dog and improves their hair health.
Make sure to choose the products that attend to your dog’s specific needs and remember not to use highly medicated shampoo without the green light from a qualified vet.
Justus is the lead author at Furs'n'Paws. He is not only a passionate animal lover but also an experienced pet writer and editor with several years of expertise in the field. With a keen understanding of animal behavior and a talent for interpreting the puzzling body movements of pets, he has developed a deep passion for sharing his insights and experience with his readers. Justus is experienced in researching and reviewing pet products, and putting together product reviews and buying guides. He is dedicated to helping pet owners provide the best for their furry companions. His wealth of knowledge and love for animals make him a trusted resource in the pet community.
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