Looking for the best shampoo for Golden Retrievers?
Perfect! You’ve come to the right place:
- Top 5 Shampoos for Golden Retrievers
- How to Pick the Right Shampoo for your Pet
- Different Types of Shampoos available for the Breed
And much more!

Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose the best Golden Retriever dog shampoos!
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Our Top Pick ![]() | Our Top Pick | TropiClean Paraben Free Dog Shampoo
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| View on Amazon |
Best Budget ![]() | Best Budget | Burt’s Bees 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
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| View on Amazon |
Best Natural ![]() | Best Natural | ProPet Works Natural Organic Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
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| View on Amazon |
Best Waterless ![]() | Best Waterless | Bodhi No-Rinse Vet-Approved Waterless Dog Shampoo
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| View on Amazon |
Best Flea & Tick ![]() | Best Flea & Tick | Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor for Dogs with Sensitive Skin
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| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On January 27, 2022
Our top pick in best shampoos for Golden Retrievers is TropiClean Paraben Free Deshedding Dog Shampoo.
I have personally used this for my Golden Retriever and have been extremely satisfied with the results.
It leaves my buddy smelling fresh and clean but most importantly, it makes grooming very easy.
TropiClean contains special ingredients like Omega essential fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the hair follicles to prevent unseasonal shedding.
Other ingredients like natural extracts of awapuhi, lime, blueberry, and aloe loosen up the dead hairs from your Golden’s undercoat.
This makes it very easy to groom your pet after the bath. The best part is that TropiClean is free from harmful ingredients like harsh soaps, dyes, and parabens.
This also makes it suitable for Goldens with sensitive skin as well.
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Our Top 5 Best Shampoos For Golden Retrievers
In a hurry? Check out our list of the top 5 Shampoos for Golden Retrievers. Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.
Read Also: >> How do you get rid of Golden Retriever odor?
What Are The Different Types of Shampoos For Golden Retrievers
There are several types of shampoos you can use for Golden Retrievers. These include:
Regular Shampoos
Use these when your dog does not have any specific skin issue and isn’t shedding. It can be scented or unscented.
Go for the unscented variety for pets with sensitive skin.
Deshedding Shampoos
A Golden Retriever will blow their coat around twice per year, so having a good de-shedding shampoo will be essential for this time.
De-shedding shampoos remove dead undercoat hair and also minimize unseasonal shedding to some extent.
They also contain omega essential fatty acids and other special ingredients that smoothen the dry hair by hydrating hair follicles.
Hypoallergenic Shampoos
Hypoallergenic shampoos contain natural and gentle ingredients that won’t strip your pet’s natural skin oils.
This type of shampoo is specifically used for pets with allergies as they are formulated without the ingredients that are commonly known to cause allergies.
Flea and Tick Shampoos
Flea and tick shampoos work great on removing the obvious (fleas and ticks) while avoiding any damage to your dog’s skin.
However, for puppies with fleas and ticks, you should wash them down with warm water and a mild detergent instead.
Medicated Shampoos
These are vet-formulated shampoos containing special medicinal ingredients and use active ingredients to alleviate skin conditions.
They could prevent or treat canine skin issues like eczema, ringworm, bacterial/fungal infections, etc.
Dry Shampoo/Waterless Shampoo
There isn’t a Golden Retriever that hates a bath, but if yours does, then this may be a good option for you.
Waterless shampoos are great for washing your dog without water but unfortunately do not lather up the same way.
Be mindful of this if choosing to go with shampoo of this type.

Read More: >> What are the best Grooming Tools for Golden Retrievers
What Should You Look For In A high-Quality Shampoo For Golden Retrievers?
According to experts (AKC), different dog breeds have different coats, which is why they need different shampoos suitable for their particular coat type.
Goldens are a double-coated dog breed having an undercoat that is thick, dense, and water-resisting.
To keep your dog’s coat looking this way, you should always look out for products that:
Natural and gentle (pH-Balanced)
A good dog shampoo should be ph-balanced for canine skin. It should also contain naturally derived and gentle ingredients.
It is best to avoid shampoos containing harsh chemicals ( detergents, soaps, parabens, sulfates, etc.) which tend to strip off the natural oils in your pet’s skin making it dry and itchy.
The AKC recommends shampoos made in the USA as they contain high-quality ingredients that won’t irritate your pet’s skin.
Suits your pet’s skin type and age
Puppies need different shampoos and it is best to opt for tear-free shampoos.
Your curious Golden pup will also lick everything, so you want a safe, non-toxic shampoo that won’t do any harm if they did.
If your pet has certain skin issues like eczema, allergies, or scabies, then you need a special shampoo with ingredients to heal those issues.
Our Reviews Of The Best Shampoos For Golden Retrievers
Pick #1: TropiClean Paraben Free Dog Shampoo
There are several features of TropiClean paraben-free shampoo that makes it our winning entry.
Firstly, it reduces shedding by exfoliating your Golden’s double coat and removing the dead and loose undercoat.
This helps make grooming a lot easier, especially during the shedding season. Secondly, it moisturizes and hydrates the coat to prevent further shedding.
It also nourishes the skin with omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids.
These enrich, hydrate, and heal your pet’s luxurious coat whilst creating a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Thirdly, its refreshing lime and coconut scent will leave your Golden smelling fresh and clean for weeks to come.
Pros
- Reduces shedding
- Leaves a long-lasting refreshing scent
- Lathers extremely well
Cons
- Packaging issues. The bottle is prone to leaking.
- Pricier compared to other top-rated shampoos for Golden retrievers.
Pick #2: Burt’s Bees 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
With Burt’s Bees dog shampoo and conditioner, you don’t have to buy a dog conditioner separately. Its gentle formula will also prevent your pup’s eyes from watering.
Burt’s Bees 2-in-1 tear-free shampoo is so gentle and safe that even vets recommend it for young dogs and dogs that are pregnant or nursing.
It’s also affordable at a price less than $10.
Pros
- Non-irritating, gentle
- Scent Free
- Affordable
Cons
- Watery - Does not lather well
Pick #3: ProPet Works Natural Organic Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
There are so many great features of this natural shampoo from ProPet Works; it is little wonder that it is one of the best-selling ones on top retailer sites:
First of all, it is a multi-tasking shampoo: it cleans, detangles, and deodorizes.
Its skin soothing ingredients are especially beneficial for pets having itchy or dry skin.
Secondly, it is enriched with several skin-enriching ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and aloe vera.
Thirdly, it is free from chemicals, parabens, and sulfates.
Pros
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin
- Cleans, deodorizes, desheds, and detangles for easy brushing
- Lathers well despite being sulfate-free
Cons
- Has a fruity (cherry) scent which some dogs and owners dislike.
Pick #4: Bodhi No-Rinse Vet-Approved Waterless Dog Shampoo
Keep your Golden Retriever smelling fresh and clean between baths with this waterless, no-rinse shampoo from Bodhi Pets.
It is hypoallergenic, free from detergents and alcohol, and smells fresh and clean.
Bodhi Pets Waterless shampoo has also won The Family Choice Award of Best Pet Shampoo in 2020 and 2021!
Pros
- Quickly and effectively cleans your Golden’s coat
- Leaves coat shiny and soft
- Suitable for sensitive skin, puppies, cats, and pregnant animals
Cons
- Fragrance does not last too long
Pick #5: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor for Dogs with Sensitive Skin
Fleas and ticks will be a thing of the past with this great shampoo from Adams Store.
Plus Shampoo with precor fights fleas and ticks, eliminates eggs and larvae, and also prevents them from coming back.
This great shampoo is also enriched with aloe vera, lanolin, and oatmeal and is safe for dogs with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Lasts long
- Great scent
- Easy to use - Lathers well
Cons
- Not safe for old, sick, pregnant dogs or puppies under 12 weeks of age
- Can cause skin irritation in humans - wear gloves while applying
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you bathe a Golden Retriever?
According to the AKC, double and thick-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers do not need too much bathing.
Over-bathing tends to strip off the natural oils and could leave your pet’s skin dry and itchy.
It is a good idea to only bathe your pet once a month or even once in two months.
But of course if youre dog gets extra messy on a particular day, then an immediate bath is justifiied.
Do Golden Retrivers need a conditioner?
If your dog’s coat is very dry, tangled, and matted, then a conditioner could help remove those tangles and make grooming easier.
Some dog shampoos are already enriched with detangling and conditioning ingredients that can help remove mats.
In such a case, a separate conditioner is not necessary.
Why does my Golden Retriever stink?
Golden Retrievers could stink if they have rolled in something smelly. Your pet could also have an ear infection or a yeast infection.
Sometimes, poor diet, inadequate grooming, underlying health issues, and impacted anal glands could also result in a stinky dog.
Our Top Pick: TropiClean Paraben Free Dog Shampoo
TropiClean deshedding dog shampoo is the trusted choice of thousands of Golden Retriever owners.
It exfoliates and moisturizes your pet’s skin and coat to make grooming a lot easier.

This shampoo can also reduce unseasonal shedding to a great extent and keep your Golden’s coat nourished, healthy, and moisturized.
TropiClean’s refreshing lime and coconut scent will keep your buddy cuddly fresh for weeks to come!
Here is a quick summary of TropiClean Shampoo’s benefits:
- Exfoliates and moisturizes to keep the coat healthy and minimize shedding
- Natural and chemical-free; free from paraben and dyes.
- Can be used on cats and dogs
- Suitable for sensitive dogs
Final Thoughts On Choosing Shampoo For Golden Retrievers
The best shampoos for Golden Retrievers are safe, natural, and free from chemicals. They moisturize, heal, nourish, and soothe the skin and coat.
You can choose from basic shampoos, waterless shampoos, special shampoos for flea and tick, de-shedding, etc.
If your pet has a specific skin condition or its coat is not shiny and healthy like it used to be, then please discuss the matter with your vet.