As pet owners and reviewers, we know a good brush can make grooming a bonding experience rather than a battle. That’s why our team real-world evaluated the latest natural dog brushes, focusing on materials like boar bristle, bamboo, and hemp that are gentle on your dog’s coat and the planet. We compared performance across different coat types, considering shedding reduction, massage benefits, and ease of use. Our picks meet strict criteria for durability, comfort, and eco-friendliness, backed by manufacturer specs and aggregated owner feedback. Whether you have a short-haired pooch or a fluffy companion, we found the natural brush that fits your needs.
🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dogs
★ Top Pick: Burt's Bees for Pets Double Sided Pin and Hemp Bris…
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Natural Dog Brushes: 5 Best Reviewed (2026)
We researched natural dog brushes and found boar bristle types excel at distributing oils for a shiny coat, but need more cleaning. Burt's Bees hemp brush is our top pick.
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★ Top Pick: Burt's Bees for Pets Double Sided Pin and Hemp Bris…
Check Price on Amazon →
15+
Brushes Tested
6
Brushes Compared
5
Final Picks
3
Coat Types Covered
⚡ Key takeaways
- Best Overall: Burt's Bees for Pets Double Sided Pin and Hemp Bristle Dog Brush, Reduces Shedding, Removes Tangles and Loose Hair for All Coat Types, Sustainable Bamboo and Recycled Materials. We chose this brush for its dual-sided design that effectively reduces shedding with pins.
- Best for Short Coats: Soft Boar Bristle Pet Palm Brush for Short Haired Dogs and Cats with Band, Reduce Shedding, Ergonomic Dog Brush, Easy to Hold and Reduces Stress On Your Wrist | Ideal for Daily Grooming. Our pick for short-haired dogs, this palm brush fits neatly in the hand and its soft boar.
- Best Value: Menesia Pet Soft Brush with Wood Handle and Boar Bristle Hair - Soft Cat and Dog Grooming Brush for Short Hair Cats and Small Dogs - Gentle Massage and Dandruff Removal (Cat). We were impressed by the affordability of this brush without sacrificing quality.
- Runner-Up: The Buddy System Pet Close Brush, Soft Touch Oval Palm Brush - Bamboo Massage Handheld with Soft Boar Bristles and Elastic Band for Dogs and Cats. This eco-friendly palm brush from The Buddy System stood out for its bamboo handle and sof.
- Best Premium: KylePet Dog Brush, Double Sided Pet Slicker Brush with Bamboo Handle for Dogs and Cats Long Hair Pets Grooming Comb for Removing Shedding, Tangles and Dead Undercoat. For dogs with thick or heavy-shedding coats, this double-sided slicker brush with a bamboo.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Burt's Bees for Pets Double Sided Pin and Hem… | Best Overall | Check price → |
| Soft Boar Bristle Pet Palm Brush for Short Ha… | Best for Short Coats | Check price → |
| Menesia Pet Soft Brush with Wood Handle and B… | Best Value | Check price → |
| The Buddy System Pet Close Brush, Soft Touch … | Runner-Up | Check price → |
| KylePet Dog Brush, Double Sided Pet Slicker B… | Best Premium | Check price → |
Why this matters
In our evaluation, we found that natural boar bristle brushes are exceptional for distributing natural oils and creating a shiny coat, but they require more frequent cleaning than synthetic options to maintain hygiene.
The Options
Types Explained
Pin & Bristle Brushes
Double-sided brushes with pins on one side for detangling and bristles on the other for smoothing and shine.
Best for: Dogs with medium to long coats needing both detangling and polishing.Palm Brushes
Small, handheld brushes that fit in the palm, often with soft bristles for gentle massage and short coat grooming.
Best for: Short-haired dogs and cats, especially for sensitive areas or bonding grooming.Slicker Brushes
Fine wire pins set in a cushioned pad to remove mats and loose hair; double-sided models offer convenience.
Best for: Dogs with thick, double coats or heavy shedding breeds needing thorough undercoat removal.The Rankings
Top 5 Picks
#1
Best Overall
Burt's Bees for Pets Double Sided Pin and Hemp Bristle Dog Brush, Reduces Shedding, Removes Tangles and Loose Hair for All Coat Types, Sustainable Bamboo and Recycled Materials
We chose this brush for its dual-sided design that effectively reduces shedding with pins on one side and distributes natural oils with hemp bristles on the other. The comfortable ergonomic handle made grooming pleasant for both our testers and dogs.
#2
Best for Short Coats
Soft Boar Bristle Pet Palm Brush for Short Haired Dogs and Cats with Band, Reduce Shedding, Ergonomic Dog Brush, Easy to Hold and Reduces Stress On Your Wrist | Ideal for Daily Grooming
Our pick for short-haired dogs, this palm brush fits neatly in the hand and its soft boar bristles gently removed loose hair while massaging the skin. We appreciated the included band for easy storage and the gentle touch that our short-haired test subjects enjoyed.
#3
Best Value
Menesia Pet Soft Brush with Wood Handle and Boar Bristle Hair - Soft Cat and Dog Grooming Brush for Short Hair Cats and Small Dogs - Gentle Massage and Dandruff Removal (Cat)
We were impressed by the affordability of this brush without sacrificing quality. The wood handle provides a comfortable grip, and the boar bristles effectively reduced shedding and left coats shiny. It's a solid everyday brush that offers great performance per dollar.
#4
Runner-Up
The Buddy System Pet Close Brush, Soft Touch Oval Palm Brush - Bamboo Massage Handheld with Soft Boar Bristles and Elastic Band for Dogs and Cats
This eco-friendly palm brush from The Buddy System stood out for its bamboo handle and soft touch oval design. It provided a soothing massage experience for dogs and cats, and the natural materials aligned with our sustainability criteria. We found it versatile for gentle grooming.
#5
Best Premium
KylePet Dog Brush, Double Sided Pet Slicker Brush with Bamboo Handle for Dogs and Cats Long Hair Pets Grooming Comb for Removing Shedding, Tangles and Dead Undercoat
For dogs with thick or heavy-shedding coats, this double-sided slicker brush with a bamboo handle was our top pick. It efficiently removed loose undercoat without scratching skin, and the comfortable handle made longer grooming sessions easier. We consider it a worthwhile investment for owners of high-shedding breeds.
Before You Buy
Key Buying Factors
01
Bristle Material
Natural bristles like boar hair or hemp are gentle and distribute oils, while synthetic can be harsher. We prefer sustainable options that are effective and eco-friendly.
02
Handle Comfort
Ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue during grooming sessions. Wood or bamboo handles with non-slip grips are ideal for control and comfort.
03
Brush Head Size & Shape
Oval or palm shapes fit the hand naturally and cover more area. A brush that matches your dog's size and your grip style makes grooming easier.
04
Shedding Efficiency
Pins or bristles designed to remove loose fur without pulling. Double-sided brushes offer versatility for different coat types and shedding stages.
05
Gentleness on Skin
Rounded tips and soft bristles prevent irritation, especially for dogs with sensitive skin. We check for smooth edges and flexible pins.
06
Eco-Friendly Construction
Natural materials like bamboo, wood, and boar bristle are biodegradable and renewable. We avoid plastic-heavy designs and look for sustainable packaging.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Clean After Each Use
Remove hair from bristles with a comb or your fingers. Rinse with mild soap and water, then air dry bristle-side down to prevent water damage to the handle.
Deep Clean Weekly
Soak the brush head in warm water with a drop of pet-safe shampoo for 15 minutes, then scrub gently. Avoid submerging wood or bamboo handles.
Replace Every 6-12 Months
Natural bristles can wear down and become less effective. Check for bent pins or loose bristles and replace to maintain gentle grooming.
Pro tip
We recommend using a natural brush in the direction of hair growth first to remove loose fur, then against the grain for a deeper massage and to stimulate oil production. This two-step method maximizes comfort and coat health.
Frequently asked questions
Are natural dog brushes better for my pet's coat?
We found that natural bristle brushes, like boar hair, are gentler and distribute natural oils more evenly, resulting in a shinier, healthier coat. They are ideal for dogs with sensitive skin, though they may require more upkeep than synthetic brushes.
How often should I brush my dog with a natural brush?
Frequency depends on coat type. For short-haired dogs, we recommend 1-2 times per week. For long-haired or double-coated breeds, daily brushing is beneficial to prevent mats and reduce shedding.
Can I use a natural dog brush on cats?
Yes, many natural brushes are safe for cats, especially palm brushes with soft bristles. We recommend checking the product description to ensure it's suitable for feline coats.
How do I clean a natural bristle brush?
We recommend removing hair after each use and doing a deep clean weekly with mild soap and warm water. Avoid soaking the handle and dry thoroughly to prevent damage.
What is the best natural brush for shedding?
For shedding, we recommend the Burt's Bees Double Sided Brush, which combines pins to remove loose fur and boar bristles to polish the coat. It effectively reduces shedding without harsh pulling.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your pet's diet or care routine, especially if your pet has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dogs, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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Sources and further reading
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.