25 Best Shampoos for Golden Retrievers in the U.S.

The Golden Retriever is a very popular breed, not just in the United States but in many other countries as well. Considered America's dog, the golden retriever is the ultimate family dog. The breed is known for its smarts, gentleness, and playfulness. Plus, they love children. As a proud owner of a golden retriever in the U.S., you want nothing but what's best for your furry friend's well-being. And a vital part of your furry friend's overall well-being is keeping them clean.

To that end, choosing the right dog shampoo is important. With the right dog shampoo, your golden retriever’s long, silky, coat can literally look like liquid gold. However, with so many options for dog shampoos, finding what works best for your dog can be overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, I’ve listed the 25 best shampoos formulated exclusively for golden retrievers. These formulas include ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s skin and will keep their coat shiny and beautiful.

Without further ado, let's explore the best dog shampoos for golden retrievers.

Top 5 Organic Dog Shampoos for Golden Retrievers

Golden retrievers have thick coats and sensitive skin. As such, they're prone to skin issues, including allergies. As a breed with sensitive skin, the golden retriever needs to be washed with a chemical-free dog shampoo. In other words, an organic or natural dog shampoo. These shampoos offer a gentle alternative to traditional formulas. They typically contain organic ingredients that cleanse and moisturize your dog's skin. Organic dog shampoos give you peace of mind knowing that your precious dog isn't being exposed to synthetic chemicals.

Some of the best organic dog shampoos for golden retrievers include:

• 1. Pro Pet Works' Organic Dog Shampoo & Conditioner - Check Price At Amazon - It contains organic Aloe Vera Gel, Almond Oil, Oatmeal, and essential Vitamins (A, D, E, B12), making it perfect for dogs with sensitive skin. This all-natural formula is designed to clean, deodorize, condition, detangle, and moisturize your golden retriever's coat and skin.
• 2. 4-Legger's Organic Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This formula's ingredients, which include organic oils, lemongrass, and aloe vera, mean your golden retriever will have a naturally soft and shiny coat.
• 3. VERMONT SOAP's Organic Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - It derives from organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic aloe vera, and a combination of natural and organic essential oils to keep your golden retriever's skin moisturized and well-nourished. Also, this shampoo is formulated to keep your dog free of allergens.
• 4. Richard’s Organic Moisturizing Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This pH-balanced and gentle dog shampoo contains oatmeal, echinacea and sweet almond oil to moisturize, soothe, and cleanse your golden retriever's coat and skin.
• 5. Natural Dog Company's Oatmeal Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - It features, colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, manuka honey, coconut oil, and chamomile extract. The combination of these powerful natural ingredients ensures your golden retriever’s skin and coat are nurtured and healthy.

Do not forget to always check the organic dog shampoo's ingredients before purchasing it for your golden retriever. Some dog shampoos may be organic or all-natural and still, they can cause allergic reactions. By checking the ingredients label, you'll be able to figure out what works best for your golden retriever.

Top 5 Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoos for Golden Retrievers

If your golden retriever has a skin sensitivity or allergy condition, then a hypoallergenic dog shampoo is what you need to bathe them with. Hypoallergenic dog shampoos are an excellent option for minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritations. They contain natural ingredients to soothe and moisturize your dog's skin, leaving it feeling soft and healthy.

The term "hypoallergenic" means the formula is free of common irritants such as synthetic fragrances and dyes. This makes the product less likely to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs, such as golden retrievers. Hypoallergenic dog shampoos are gentle enough for puppies and are a good choice for your golden retriever if they have sensitive skin, allergies, or other skin conditions.

Here are the top hypoallergenic dog shampoos for golden retrievers with sensitive skin condition:

• 6. Vet Formula's Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - It is fragrance-free and contains no harsh ingredients, making it perfect for dogs with allergies and sensitive skin. The formula is pH-balanced and contains powerful ingredients such as Vitamin E, lactic acid, and allantoin to help soothe and condition.
• 7. Vet's Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - Formulated for dogs with sensitive skin, this shampoo contains plant-based ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to comfort sensitive skin and relieve your golden retriever’s allergies. Vet's Best tells us their shampoo can be used as often as necessary to remove allergens without drying out your dog’s skin.
• 8. The Coat Defense's Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - It's a safe, soothing, and gentle formula, meaning it contains no synthetic chemicals. Instead, it's made with beneficial ingredients like aloe vera to nourish dry, flaky skin and coat.
• 9. TropiClean's Coconut Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This soothing coconut dog shampoo is derived from natural ingredients such as mild aloe and vitamin E to provide gentle relief to dogs with sensitive skin. It is chemical-free and designed to work against seasonal allergies and irritations, and to leave your Goldie's coat feeling silky and soft.
• 10. Earthbath's Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo is fragrance- and chemical-free. Formulated specially for dogs with skin allergies and sensitivities, this shampoo is unscented and contains organic ingredients, such as plant-derived and coconut-based cleansers, organic aloe vera, and vitamin E.

As mentioned before, these shampoos contain fewer allergenic substances such as artificial fragrances, soap, and dyes, making them less likely to trigger allergic reactions in your golden retriever. Additionally, their mild, natural ingredients mean they'll moisturize your dog's skin and coat, leaving it soft and healthy-looking.

However, you should consider consulting with your vet prior to purchasing a hypoallergenic shampoo for your Goldie. This is especially important if your golden retriever has a severe skin condition.

Top 5 Deodorizing Dog Shampoos for Smelly Golden Retrievers

Like all dogs, golden retrievers can smell bad. This can be due to factors like skin conditions or ear infections. Your golden retriever may also smell bad due to the lingering odor they pick up during outdoor adventures. The Goldie's thick double coats can trap dirt and debris. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria and yeast, and without regular grooming, it can cause an unpleasant smell. Regularly bathing your Goldie with a deodorizing dog shampoo can help manage odor, leaving your furry friend smelling fresh and clean. 

Here are some of the best deodorizing dog shampoos for smelly golden retrievers:

• 11. Wahl's Odor Control Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This eucalyptus and spearmint-scented dog shampoo is pH-balanced and chemical-free, and is perfect for deep cleaning and deodorizing your dog’s coat while conditioning the skin.
• 12. TropiClean's  Aloe & Coconut Deodorizing Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - It is derived from natural ingredients and has a long-lasting scent of aloe and coconut. As such, it provides a deep cleanse, leaving the coat smelling nice and feeling silky.
• 13. Bubble Bros' Deodorizing Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This chemical-free and pH-balanced formula breaks through dirt and build-up and deodorizes the coat, leaving your pet smelling fresh and looking clean.
• 14. Arm & Hammer for Pets' Super Deodorizing Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This budget-friendly odor eliminator contains natural ingredients that will leave your golden retriever smelling fresh and clean. You and your furry friend will love this formula's kiwi blossom scent.
• 15. Hempz Petz's Deodorizing Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - Make sure your golden retriever always looks and smells their best with this gentle formula, which contains pineapple extract, honey melon extract, shea butter, and Hempz's signature miracle oil blend. It's chemical-free and formulated to cleanse, condition, deodorize, and nourish.

When shopping for a deodorizing shampoo for your Goldie, look for products made with organic or natural ingredients to avoid skin irritation and ensure a gentle cleansing experience. If your dog's smell persists, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

Top 5 De-Shedding Dog Shampoos for Golden Retrievers

Golden retrievers shed a lot, especially during their shedding seasons (spring and fall). While daily shedding is normal, you might notice excess shedding during these shedding seasons, which typically last three weeks or so. De-shedding dog shampoos are formulated to remove loose hair, build stronger hair follicles, and reduce excess shedding. 

Here are the top choices for de-shedding dog shampoos:

• 16. FURminator's De-Shedding Kit - Check Price At Amazon - This kit comes with a de-shedding shampoo, de-shedding conditioner, and de-shedding pray. The de-shedding shampoo and conditioner are formulated to reduce loose hair associated with excess shedding and promote healthy skin and coat. The spray, on the other hand, is formulated with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, calendula extract, and papaya leaf extract to keep your dog smelling nice and help reduce excess shedding.
• 17. TropiClean's Lime & Coconut De-Shedding Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This gentle formula contains natural ingredients such as coconut and vitamin E to help control unwanted shedding and smelly pet odor while exfoliating and moisturizing the skin.
• 18. The Girl With The Dogs' Natural De-Shedding Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This natural formula is said to be the best for shedding control. It is formulated with omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E to strengthen your golden retriever's hair roots and soothe their sensitive skin.
• 19. Shed-X Shed Control Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - It contains essential amino acids, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Vitamins A, D, and E, and antioxidants to gently clean, reduce shedding, promote healthy skin, and leave the coat clean, soft and shiny. It has a pleasant pomelo fragrance that will leave your golden retriever smelling amazing long after bath time is over.
• 20. The Coat Handler's De-Shedding Dog Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - Like most de-shedding dog shampoos, this formula contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and Vitamin E to help loosen undercoat and combat shedding by strengthening the hair follicle. Made with all-natural ingredients, this shampoo also soothes and nourishes sensitive dry skin.

By occasionally bathing your golden retriever with a de-shedding shampoo, you can cut down on the amount they shed without compromising their safety. Golden retrievers shed a lot and there are plenty of other breeds that shed just as much. 

You could bathe and brush your golden retriever every day (but please, don't do that) and still, you would find new dog hair popping up around your house every day. So, your goal should be to reduce the amount of hair your golden retriever sheds, not to stop your dog from shedding outright.

Top Puppy Shampoos for Golden Retriever Puppies

As with all puppies, golden retriever puppies' delicate skin requires a cruelty-free and tearless cleaning solution. Puppy-specific shampoos contain milder ingredients that won't irritate their soft, delicate skin. They're free of soap, dyes, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals, and are formulated to help nourish and protect puppies' sensitive skin.

Here are some of the best puppy shampoos for golden retriever puppies:

• 21. Arm & Hammer for Pets' Tearless Puppy Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This budget-friendly puppy shampoo contains natural ingredients such as coconut water and baking soda to gently clean and naturally help absorb bad odors, leaving your puppy smelling fresh.
• 22. Burt's Bees for Pets' Tearless Puppy Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This tearless puppy formula is pH-balanced and formulated to keep your puppy’s coat clean, soft, and healthy. It is free of sulfates, colorants, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals, making it an essential part of your puppy bathing supplies.
• 23. Earthbath's Ultra-Mild Wild Cherry Puppy Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This cruelty-free and pH-balanced puppy shampoo is formulated to clean and deodorize safely and thoroughly, leaving your puppy's coat shiny, soft, and smelling like wild cherry.
• 24. PET CARE Sciences' Tearless Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner - Check Price At Amazon - This cruelty-free and tear-free puppy formula helps soothe and protect your puppy's delicate skin.
• 25. BioSilk's  Tearless Puppy Shampoo - Check Price At Amazon - This gentle formula contains ingredients like Milk Protein, Aloe Vera, Honey, Chamomile, and Vitamin E to cleanse and moisturize your puppy's sensitive skin.

When selecting a puppy shampoo for your golden retriever puppy, look for tearless formulas with natural and mild ingredients to prevent discomfort and tears during bath time. You can start bathing your golden retriever puppy around two months of age. Adult dogs’ body temperature, according to Purina US, self-regulates. Young puppies, however, don’t have that ability yet. A puppy under two months of age might get overheated or too cold while being bathed.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Golden Retriever?

Regular baths will keep the golden retriever's thick, water-repellant double coat looking its best. You can bathe your golden retriever once a month or as often as necessary, depending on the environment in which the dog lives. Like all dogs, the golden retriever has natural oil in their coat. This oil keeps their fur soft and silky, preventing it from getting brittle or damaged. Bathing your golden retriever too often can strip away this oil, leading to dry or irritated skin.

Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Your Golden Retriever?

Yes, you can bathe your golden retriever using a baby shampoo, such as Johnson's Tear-Free Baby Shampoo. Baby shampoos typically exclude harsh and irritating ingredients, making them safe to use on dogs with sensitive skin. Also, baby shampoos are "tear-free," which means they won't damage your furry friend's eyes if a small amount is splashed into them inadvertently. But while it's safe to use baby shampoo on a dog, it's best to have dog shampoo on hand.