Grooming
Natural Dog Shampoo vs Regular Shampoo
Jan
Natural dog shampoo vs regular shampoo – it’s a choice every doodle parent faces. Should you pay extra for natural ingredients, or does regular shampoo do the job? We’ve bathed thousands of doodles at our salon, and the answer isn’t always straightforward.
Here’s what we’ve learned about which shampoo actually works best for curly, wavy, and fleecy doodle coats.
Quick Verdict
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitive skin | Natural | Fewer irritating chemicals |
| Curly coats | Natural | Better moisture retention |
| Heavy dirt/mud | Regular | Stronger cleaning power |
| Budget-conscious | Regular | Lower cost per wash |
| Environmental impact | Natural | Biodegradable ingredients |
Bottom line: For most doodles, natural shampoo is worth the extra cost. Their curly coats need moisture, and natural formulas clean without stripping essential oils. However, regular shampoo works fine for occasional heavy-duty cleaning.
What Makes a Shampoo “Natural”?
The term “natural” isn’t regulated in pet products, so labels can be misleading. Generally, natural dog shampoos:
- Use plant-based surfactants (cleaning agents) instead of synthetic ones
- Contain essential oils rather than artificial fragrances
- Skip harsh preservatives like parabens
- Include botanical ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, and chamomile
- Avoid artificial colours
Important: “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean “better.” Some natural ingredients can irritate sensitive dogs. Always patch test new products.
What’s in Regular Dog Shampoo?
Standard commercial dog shampoos typically contain:
- Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) – Strong cleaning agent that creates lather
- Artificial fragrances – Makes your dog smell “fresh”
- Synthetic preservatives – Extends shelf life
- Silicones – Creates temporary shine and detangling
- Artificial colours – Makes the product look appealing
These ingredients aren’t necessarily harmful, but they can be harsher on sensitive skin and curly coats.
Natural Shampoo: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gentler on sensitive skin – Fewer synthetic irritants
- Better for curly coats – Doesn’t strip natural oils that keep curls defined
- Safer for frequent bathing – Less drying with repeated use
- Environmentally friendly – Biodegradable ingredients
- Less residue buildup – Easier rinsing, cleaner coat
Cons
- Higher cost – $25-45 vs $10-20 for regular
- Less lather – Can feel like it’s not cleaning as well
- Shorter shelf life – Natural preservatives don’t last as long
- May not tackle heavy dirt – Sometimes you need stronger cleaning power
Regular Shampoo: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Budget-friendly – More washes per dollar
- Powerful cleaning – Cuts through mud, grease, and grime
- Long shelf life – Lasts years without degrading
- Readily available – Found in any supermarket
- Strong lather – Satisfying clean feeling
Cons
- Can dry out curly coats – Strips natural oils needed for curl definition
- May irritate sensitive skin – Synthetic ingredients cause reactions in some dogs
- Artificial fragrances – Can be overwhelming for dogs’ sensitive noses
- Environmental concerns – Synthetic chemicals don’t biodegrade well
- Residue buildup – Silicones accumulate, weighing down coat over time
How Shampoo Choice Affects Doodle Coats
Doodles have unique coat needs that make shampoo choice more important than for other breeds.
Curly Coats Need Moisture
Curly coats rely on natural oils to maintain their curl pattern and prevent matting. Strong detergents in regular shampoos strip these oils, leading to:
- Frizzy, undefined curls
- Increased tangling and matting
- Dry, brittle hair that breaks easily
- More static and flyaways
Natural shampoos clean without over-stripping, keeping curls bouncy and defined.
Sensitive Skin Is Common
Doodles, particularly Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, often have sensitive skin inherited from their retriever parents. Regular shampoo ingredients that commonly cause reactions:
- Artificial fragrances
- Sodium lauryl sulphate
- Parabens and synthetic preservatives
- Artificial dyes
If your doodle scratches after baths or develops red, flaky skin, try switching to natural shampoo.
The Detangling Factor
Natural shampoos often contain ingredients like coconut oil and aloe that provide slip, making post-bath brushing easier. Additionally, they don’t leave silicone residue that attracts dirt and causes tangles between baths.
Ingredient Comparison Table
| Ingredient Type | Natural Version | Regular Version | Impact on Doodles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfactant (cleaner) | Coconut-derived decyl glucoside | Sodium lauryl sulphate | Natural = gentler, less drying |
| Fragrance | Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus) | Synthetic parfum | Natural = less irritating |
| Moisturiser | Aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter | Silicones, mineral oil | Natural = better moisture without buildup |
| Preservative | Vitamin E, rosemary extract | Parabens, methylisothiazolinone | Natural = shorter shelf life but safer |
| Colour | None or plant-based | Artificial dyes | Natural = no sensitisation risk |
When to Use Natural Shampoo
Choose natural shampoo for:
- Regular maintenance baths – Every 4-8 weeks
- Sensitive or allergy-prone dogs – Fewer irritants
- Puppies – Gentler on developing skin
- Dogs with skin conditions – Oatmeal and aloe soothe irritation
- Curly or wavy coats – Preserves curl pattern
- Dogs bathed frequently – Less cumulative drying
When to Use Regular Shampoo
Regular shampoo makes sense for:
- Muddy disaster situations – When natural won’t cut through heavy dirt
- Skunk encounters – Need maximum cleaning power
- Occasional use – If bathing less than once a month
- Tight budgets – When cost is the primary concern
- Very oily coats – Sometimes need stronger degreasers
The Hybrid Approach
Most professional groomers use both types strategically. Here’s how:
- First wash: Regular shampoo to remove heavy dirt and oils
- Second wash: Natural shampoo to condition and protect
- Always finish: Natural conditioner for moisture and detangling
This approach gets the coat thoroughly clean while protecting skin and maintaining coat health.
Reading Shampoo Labels Like a Pro
Red Flags (Avoid for Sensitive Doodles)
- Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulphate (SLES)
- “Fragrance” or “parfum” (hides synthetic chemicals)
- Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben)
- Artificial colours (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5)
- Methylisothiazolinone (common preservative allergen)
Green Flags (Safe for Most Dogs)
- Coconut or plant-derived surfactants
- Listed essential oils (not just “fragrance”)
- Oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile
- Vitamin E as preservative
- “Free from” lists that match red flags above
Price Comparison
| Shampoo Type | Price Range | Cost per Bath (30ml) | Washes per Bottle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget regular | $8-15 | $0.50-1.00 | 15-25 |
| Premium regular | $15-25 | $1.00-1.50 | 15-20 |
| Natural/organic | $25-45 | $1.50-3.00 | 12-18 |
| Prescription/medicated | $30-60 | $2.00-4.00 | 10-15 |
Note: Natural shampoos often require less product per wash because they’re more concentrated.
Our Top Recommendations
Best Natural Shampoos for Doodles
For sensitive skin: Look for oatmeal-based formulas with minimal ingredients. Colloidal oatmeal soothes irritation while cleaning gently.
For curly coats: Choose formulas with coconut oil or argan oil. These add moisture and slip without weighing down curls.
For puppies: Select gentle, tear-free natural formulas designed for young dogs.
When Regular Is Fine
For monthly bathers: If you’re only bathing every 6-8 weeks and your dog has no skin issues, regular shampoo won’t cause problems.
For budget constraints: A quality regular shampoo used sparingly is better than skipping baths entirely.
FAQ
Is natural dog shampoo worth the extra cost?
For most doodles, yes. The extra $10-20 per bottle protects curly coats from drying out, reduces skin irritation, and makes post-bath brushing easier. Additionally, if you’re bathing monthly or more frequently, the gentler formula prevents cumulative damage that leads to matting and skin issues.
Can I use human natural shampoo on my dog?
No. Even natural human shampoos have the wrong pH balance for dogs. Human skin has a pH around 5.5, while dogs sit between 6.2 and 7.4. Using human products disrupts your dog’s skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
How often should I bathe my doodle?
Most doodles need bathing every 4-8 weeks, depending on lifestyle and coat type. More frequent bathing is fine with natural shampoo, but regular shampoo can cause dryness if used more than monthly. Between baths, use a damp cloth or grooming wipes for spot cleaning.
What if natural shampoo doesn’t seem to clean well?
Natural shampoos produce less lather, which can feel like they’re not working. They are. Additionally, try wetting your dog’s coat more thoroughly before applying, and give the shampoo 2-3 minutes to work before rinsing. For very dirty dogs, do two washes.
Should I use conditioner after natural shampoo?
Yes, especially for curly and wavy coats. Natural shampoo cleans without stripping oils, and natural conditioner adds back moisture and provides slip for easier brushing. Together, they keep doodle coats healthy and tangle-free.
The Bottom Line
For doodles with curly coats, sensitive skin, or frequent bath schedules, natural shampoo is worth the investment. It cleans effectively while protecting the coat characteristics that make doodles beautiful.
However, keep a bottle of regular shampoo on hand for those muddy adventures that need serious cleaning power. The best approach is often using both strategically.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is bathing regularly enough to keep your doodle’s coat clean and healthy. A clean coat is a happy coat, and a happy coat is much easier to brush.
Need help choosing the right shampoo for your specific doodle? Ask us at your next grooming appointment. We’re always happy to recommend products based on your dog’s coat type and skin sensitivity.
Related Reading
Continue exploring our grooming guides:
- What a Professional Groom Does for Your Dog
- Grass Seeds and Dogs: The Hidden Danger Every Australian Dog Owner Must Know
- Understanding Dog Skin Allergies: Types, Symptoms, and Management
Ready to book a professional grooming session? Book your appointment or view our services.