3 Recipes for Homemade Dog Toothpaste
Keeping a close eye on your dog's oral health is an important part of caring for a pet along with frequent exercise, coat brushing, and feeding. And while there are various doggy toothpastes to choose from, why not make it yourself? Not only will you save a buck by making your own, it also ensures you’ll know exactly what you're putting in your dog's mouth. This also means that you can tailor the ingredients to your pups specific needs and preferences, which can help make brush time easier for everyone. Interested? Read on to learn how to quickly make homemade toothpaste for your dog with our 3 easy to make dog toothpaste recipes.
Tips for Making Your Own Dog Toothpaste
Dog-Friendly Toothpaste Ingredients
When making your own toothpaste, it is important to achieve that perfect balance between yummy ingredients your dog will love while including a mild abrasive and herbal breath freshener that will leave their mouth feeling clean. Luckily, these ingredients are easy to find and affordable.
FOR TASTE: Many homemade recipes include broth or bouillon because dogs are drawn to the robust, meaty flavor. Coconut oil is another common ingredient that dogs tend to love which is key in maintaining a shiny, healthy coat.
MILD ABRASIVE: To achieve the mildly abrasive texture, it is suggested to use baking soda. Plus, baking soda acts as an odor neutralizer which is great for toothpaste. NOTE: Do not use any more than the amount suggested below, as baking soda in excess can upset your dog’s stomach and cause mild to severe illness.
BREATH FRESHENER: For odor control and breath freshness, use mint leaves or parsley for a more herbaceous path to clean teeth. Cinnamon is also a dog-safe breath freshener, although not all dogs enjoy the taste.
Can My Dog Have Human Toothpaste?
Human toothpaste contains a laundry list of ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Unlike humans, dogs don’t spit out their toothpaste. And while fluoride, foaming agents, and detergents are fine in minimal doses, your dog would swallow much higher than the recommended dose which can be deadly. Another dangerous ingredient found in human toothpaste is Xylitol, which is also a common ingredient in sugar-free treats & even some peanut butter. Xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs and can result in seizures and vomiting or diarrhea. In extreme cases, xylitol can cause liver failure and even death.
3 Recipes for Homemade Dog Toothpaste
OG ORIGINAL
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon water or broth
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients into a paste.
- Apply a small amount to a toothbrush specially made for dogs.
- Brush surfaces of teeth and inner cheeks thoroughly.
MINT FREEZE
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 cube of chicken or beef bullion
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 6–7 mint leaves
Instructions:
- Add ingredients into a food processor and pulse until fully combined.
- Toothpaste will keep for two weeks, stored in an airtight container in your fridge.
- Use a pea-sized amount for brushing.
CINNAMON DELIGHT
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a large bowl.
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Use a pea-sized amount for brushing.
Make the Dog Toothpaste Recipes Your Own
The beauty of these 3 dog toothpaste recipes is that they are simple, affordable, and foundational to making your own recipe. We encourage you to take this knowledge and get playful, testing different combinations and ratios of ingredients. Just start with the OG Original flavor and add other safe ingredients that you think your dog would enjoy. Mesh them together or even throw in a dash of peanut butter for fun! Perhaps make some homemade dog biscuits too so they can have a fun reward for having their teeth cleaned!
Make picking up supplies for your recipes more fun with our Dog Totes. Shop by breed to browse all our dog designs in one place.
Photo: @sigaxelandrogue
