Beef
Chicken
Whitefish
Pork
Lamb
Turkey
Turducken
All Protein
Beef
Chicken
White Fish
Pork
Lamb
Turkey
Duck
All Products
Frozen Raw Pet Food
Freeze Dried Raw Pet Food
Frozen Prey Diet
Freeze Dried Protein Bites
Frozen Quest
Freeze Dried Quest
Eggs over Easy
Steve's Merch 
Ever head out the door only to realize your outfit is absolutely covered in dog hair? Shedding is just part of life with dogs, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it as your home décor. Instead of endlessly lint-rolling or vacuuming, start by looking at what’s fueling your pup from the inside out!
At Steve’s Real Food, we know that a healthy, balanced diet doesn’t just keep your dog energized—it shows up in their skin and coat, too. A shiny, soft coat is often the first sign of good nutrition, and the right food can make all the difference when it comes to managing shedding.
Why Do Dogs Shed?
Shedding is how dogs naturally get rid of old, damaged, or loose hair. Some shedding is totally normal (even healthy) because it makes room for new hair growth. How much your dog sheds depends on several factors:
- Breed – Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers are known for heavy seasonal shedding.
- Lifestyle – Dogs who spend more time outdoors often shed in cycles, while mostly indoor pups may shed lightly year-round.
- Health & Stress – Illness, anxiety, or skin issues can increase shedding.
- Nutrition – A poor-quality diet often leads to dry, brittle fur that falls out more easily.
So, if you’re wondering, “why do dogs shed so much?” know that it’s usually natural—but diet plays a bigger role than most people realize.
Do Dogs Shed More in the Summer?
You may have noticed fur tumbleweeds appearing around your house as soon as the weather warms up. Seasonal shedding is real, and many dogs shed more in spring and summer. Why? They’re ditching their thick winter undercoat to stay cool.
If your pup spends a lot of time indoors in air conditioning, they may shed a little less seasonally, but artificial heating and cooling can make shedding more constant throughout the year. That’s why managing shedding through diet and grooming is so important—it gives you more control no matter what season it is.
Can Nutrition Really Help Reduce Shedding?
Skin and Coat Health Starts with Diet
Hair is made almost entirely of protein—specifically keratin. That means when your dog’s diet is lacking high-quality, easily digestible protein, their coat is one of the first places you’ll notice it. Low-grade fillers or overly processed kibble can leave your dog’s hair brittle and prone to breakage. But protein isn’t the only important nutrient:
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help keep your dog’s skin hydrated and reduce dryness, one of the top causes of hair loss.
- Zinc supports healthy hair follicles and helps produce keratin.
- Vitamins A and E promote healthy skin and help prevent breakage.
Raw Feeding for a Healthier Coat
Here’s where raw feeding comes in. Raw diets like Steve’s Real Food use fresh, unprocessed meats and whole-food ingredients that naturally provide:
- High-quality protein to support healthy skin and shiny coat .
- Natural sources of essential fatty acids (like fish and flax) to help hydrate skin and reduce irritation.
- Bioavailable nutrients your dog’s body can actually absorb—no synthetic vitamins that pass right through.
- Moisture-rich meals, which support hydration from the inside out.
Grooming Still Matters
Even with the best nutrition, some shedding is unavoidable—it’s how your dog stays healthy. But there are easy ways to keep it from taking over your home:
- Brush daily (or at least several times a week). This removes loose fur before it lands on your couch and helps distribute natural oils.
- Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Over-bathing can strip oils and cause dryness, which leads to more shedding.
- Visit your vet if shedding seems extreme. Sudden shedding, bald patches, or red, itchy skin may signal an underlying medical issue.
Give Your Pup the Best—From the Inside Out
Shedding may be part of life with dogs, but a dull, dry coat doesn’t have to be. The secret to less hair on your clothes and more shine on your pup? Quality nutrition.
At Steve’s Real Food, our raw diets are designed to nourish from the inside out, supporting your dog’s skin and coat naturally while giving them the whole-food nutrition they need to thrive.
Ready to see the difference? Give your pet the best food possible. Find a store near you today using our Store Locator or order online from RawPetFood.com and make the switch today!
