The Best Dog Toothpaste - Easy Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipe! (2024)

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Believe it or not, the best dog toothpaste around contains just 5 ingredients and can be made in your own home in under 10 minutes!

The Best Dog Toothpaste - Easy Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipe! (1)

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The Best Dog Toothpaste – Easy Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipe

When was the last time you brushed your dog’s teeth? No, you heard me right, I said “dog.” The truth is that dental health is just as important in dogs as it is in humans. The good news is that while we have to pay high prices to have our teeth professionally cleaned twice a year, you can make the best dog toothpaste for next to nothing at home.

Not only can doggie dental issues cause bad breath, tooth loss, and infection…they can also cause chronic pain, and no one wants that for their furry family member! What’s worse is that your dog could be in pain right now and you might not know it.

According to veterinary dentist Tony Woodward, “Pets don’t show pain from dental disease. When they’re in pain I wish dogs would paw at their faces or stop eating, but they don’t. As a matter of fact, your dog can have a mouthful of abscessed teeth and still eat just fine.”

This homemade dog toothpaste will help fight bad breath, prevent gum disease, and give you the opportunity to more closely inspect your dog’s teeth, gums, and mouth.

This DIY dog toothpaste is filled with good-for-your-dog ingredients and that’s why I recommend dog toothpaste made at home (versus store-bought alternatives). Here’s a closer look at the ingredients in the best dog toothpaste around:

Baking soda – A gentle, non-toxic abrasive that will help get rid of plaque.

Coconut oil – An antimicrobial and antibacterial that can help keep your dog’s mouth in good health. Plus, many dogs like how this ingredient tastes. 🙂

Turmeric – The natural whitener in this homemade dog toothpaste.

Parsley and peppermint oil – Act as natural breath fresheners.

So, what are you waiting for? Make this, the best dog toothpaste, today!

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INGREDIENTS
2 T. coconut oil
2 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. turmeric
4 drops peppermint essential oil
1 tsp. fresh parsley*

*The use of fresh parsley really does make this the best dog toothpaste around but if necessary, you can substitute dried parsley

DIRECTIONS
1. Finely chop parsley.

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2. Add coconut oil, baking soda, turmeric, peppermint essential oil, and diced parsley to a bowl.

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3. Mix well until all ingredients are completely combined.

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4. Store homemade dog toothpaste in an airtight glass container in the fridge.
Note: This DIY dog toothpaste will be good for 4-6 weeks.

TO USE

1. Apply a small amount of the best dog toothpaste to a dog toothbrush or washcloth.

2. Slip your dog underneath your arm and hold him at your side.

3. Slip the toothbrush or washcloth past their lips and brush in a gentle circular motion to remove plaque.

Use this homemade dog toothpaste at least 3 times a week.

TIPS

This may be the best dog toothpaste around but that doesn’t mean your dog will love it…at least initially. Here are some tips to help you get your dog to appreciate this homemade dog toothpaste as much as you do! 🙂

Start early!
It would be ideal to start using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste on your pooch when he’s a puppy. However, if you have an adult or even senior dog on your hands, it is never too late to get started!

Set the mood.
I recommend dog toothpaste be used only when your dog is calm and relaxed. When he’s in desperate need of a long walk or a game of fetch is not the right time to subject him to this strange human oral hygiene habit!

Keep the mood calm by keeping your cool with your furry friend. If he’s squirming and you are yelling, nothing productive is going to happen! Try speaking in soothing tones.

Be prepared.
Have anything you might need (including your dog toothbrush and toothpaste) right there within reaching distance. Part of being prepared is picking the right toothbrush to use with this homemade dog toothpaste. I recommend a soft bristled brush or a special finger toothbrushor even a simple washcloth.

It’s not all or nothing!
Do not have an all or nothing attitude when using this DIY dog toothpaste. Even if you only manage to brush a few teeth at a time each day, that’s a win! Especially in the beginning, you can’t expect your dog to let you do a full dental cleaning each and every day.

Provide motivation.
To encourage our little ones to brush their teeth we purchase tasty toothpaste, musical toothbrushes, and much more. Don’t you think your fur baby might need a little motivation?

Start by giving your dog a small treat each time you get the dog toothbrush and toothpaste out. Soon your dog will start associating these tools with yummy snacks and come running! (Note: When I say “small,” I mean small. Go for a tiny piece of cheese or lunch meat the size of your pinky nail or maybe just a piece of dry kibble if that excites your dog.)

In the beginning, consider rewarding your dog for simply letting you manipulate his mouth or letting you touch the toothbrush (without toothpaste) to his teeth. Move slowly and before long you AND your dog will think this is the best dog toothpaste ever!

While this is definitely the best dog toothpaste around, it isn’t the only awesome pet product you can make at home! Here are some of my other favorite homemade pet products:

  • Dog shampoo
  • Flea shampoo

Want more DIY tips, tricks, and hacks? Follow Freebie Finding Mom’s DIY Fun Pinterest board.

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Easy Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

How often do you brush your dog’s teeth? Just like humans our furry family member’s need their teeth brushed too. This homemade toothpaste is the best dog toothpaste because not only is it easy and inexpensive to make, but it is effective at cleaning your dog’s teeth and freshening his breath too. Take a few minutes and grab these five ingredients to make this homemade dog toothpaste today.

Materials

  • 2 T. coconut oil
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • ½ tsp. turmeric
  • 4 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 1 tsp. fresh parsley*

Instructions

  1. Finely chop parsley.
  2. Add coconut oil, baking soda, turmeric, peppermint essential oil, and diced parsley to a bowl.
  3. Mix well until all ingredients are completely combined.
  4. Store homemade dog toothpaste in an airtight glass container in the fridge. Note: This DIY dog toothpaste will be good for 4-6 weeks.

Notes

To use:

1. Apply a small amount of the best dog toothpaste to a dog toothbrush or washcloth.
2. Slip your dog underneath your arm and hold him at your side.
3. Slip the toothbrush or washcloth past their lips and brush in a gentle circular motion to remove plaque.

Use this homemade dog toothpaste at least 3 times a week.

*The use of fresh parsley really does make this the best dog toothpaste around but if necessary, you can substitute dried parsley

The Best Dog Toothpaste - Easy Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What is the best homemade toothpaste for dogs? ›

It's like a superhero for your dog's teeth, fighting off bad bacteria and freshening breath all at once.” In a small bowl or cup, mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda. Stir until a paste forms. Apply paste to toothbrush or gauze and clean gums and teeth gently.

Can I brush my dog's teeth with coconut oil and baking soda? ›

While you can use just coconut oil to brush your dog's teeth, the baking soda will give the coconut oil some grit to help remove plaque. Simply add the ingredients into your food processor, blend, and that's it. Store it in an airtight glass container in a temperature controlled environment.

Is baking soda safe for dog toothpaste? ›

Can You Use Baking Soda and Water to Brush Your Dog's Teeth? Yes, but be careful to use a very small amount of baking soda so that it doesn't upset your dog's stomach. If you are worried the baking soda will be too much for your dog, you can always buy a commercial dog toothpaste.

Is coconut oil better than dog toothpaste? ›

While pure (or “virgin”) coconut oil should be healthy for dogs in small doses, other ingredients in the “natural” toothpaste recipes may not be healthy for dogs or other pets. Many health and nutrition experts now consider coconut oil a “superfood” that has health benefits for the entire body as well as the teeth.

What ingredients should I avoid in dog toothpaste? ›

Here are some ingredients that shouldn't be on your pet toothpaste label:
  • Fluoride. This key ingredient in many human toothpastes can be toxic to pets if swallowed.
  • Xylitol. An artificial sweetener, xylitol is sometimes used in human toothpaste formulas. ...
  • Baking soda.
Jan 27, 2023

Does coconut oil remove plaque from dog's teeth? ›

Coconut oil

First of all, it can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi due to lauric acids. Some studies have shown that coconut oil can reduce gingivitis, a heavy inflammation of the gums. The regular use of coconut oil when you brush dog's teeth can minimise plaque buildup and combat many gum diseases.

Can I brush my dog's teeth with hydrogen peroxide? ›

It is not recommended to brush your pet's teeth with peroxide, it can be extremely damaging. In addition, peroxide used in humans is usually spit out- but our pets will swallow it, further damaging the gullet and stomach, and possibly causing vomiting.

What natural products can I use to brush my dog's teeth? ›

Baking soda is a great product to use to eliminate bacteria and clean problem areas on your dog's teeth. Making a baking soda toothpaste for your small dog is very simple and easy to do. Brushing your dog's teeth is important for his overall health.

What is safe to brush dogs teeth with? ›

By the time they're 3 years old, most dogs have some signs of gum disease. Use a toothpaste specifically made for dogs and a soft-bristled dog toothbrush. Unlike human toothpaste, dog toothpaste doesn't have to be spit out. It's designed to be licked or swallowed.

How can I get plaque off my dog's teeth at home? ›

The best way to remove plaque is to simply brush your dog's teeth daily with a dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Brushing your pooch's teeth every now and then won't get rid of a buildup of plaque, but regular brushing will help keep their teeth and mouths healthy.

How do you make baking soda paste for dogs? ›

What to do: Make a thick paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water. Apply to all the itchy areas and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off completely. If your pup's itch isn't limited to a few areas, it might be better to add a cup of baking soda to his bath instead for all-over itch relief.

What ingredient is best for dog toothpaste? ›

Using natural ingredients like coconut oil and baking soda can help combat tartar buildup and freshen your dog's breath, all while ensuring that they're getting a safe and healthy product. Plus, making toothpaste at home can be a fun and bonding experience for you and your pooch.

Do I have to rinse coconut oil off my dog? ›

To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If they still feel greasy or oily to the touch, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse.

What is the number one vet recommended dog toothpaste? ›

Our pick for the best overall dog toothpaste is Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste. It effectively reduces buildup and freshens breath with or without the use of a dog toothbrush. It also has the seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council. If you prefer an enzymatic dog toothpaste, Virbac C.E.T.

What can I use instead of toothpaste for my dog? ›

Using natural ingredients like coconut oil and baking soda can help combat tartar buildup and freshen your dog's breath, all while ensuring that they're getting a safe and healthy product. Plus, making toothpaste at home can be a fun and bonding experience for you and your pooch.

What toothpaste for dogs do vets recommend? ›

The Veterinary Oral Health Council approves Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste. The toothpaste contains an ingredient called Calprox, which is proven to safely prevent plaque, fight bacteria, and improve bad breath. This dog toothpaste is meant to be used two to three times per week and requires no toothbrush.

Can I brush my dog's teeth with peroxide? ›

Hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh for the gums and can cause nausea if swallowed. Perhaps the most important point to consider is that this simple preventive can become part of a daily routine and, when followed by a treat, becomes something a dog or cat enjoys.

References

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