Last Updated on February 8, 2023 by ellen
If you’ve been looking for a homemade dog toothpaste your dog will let you brush his teeth with, this is it. Try this easy recipe today.
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Table of Contents
Homemade Dog Toothpaste
One of the most challenging parts of brushing your dog’s teeth is getting him to cooperate with you. Check out the best way to clean dog’s teeth.
If you haven’t had any luck using store-bought dog toothpaste, why not try this easy homemade dog toothpaste instead. It has only a few simple ingredients. And, it’s one that your dog should tolerate better than other types.
I highly recommend you use this with this water additive. They work well together to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.
What can I brush my dog’s teeth with instead of toothpaste?
If you don’t want to use a dog toothpaste from the store, you can make a homemade dog toothpaste. But, never use regular toothpaste intended for people.
Almost all of them contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs. Plus, while people know to spit out toothpaste when they brush, dogs don’t. And, they should not ingest the ingredients in traditional toothpaste.
You can find lots of kinds of dog toothpaste at Chewy.com.
Can you use baking soda and water to brush your dog’s teeth?
Yes, you absolutely can. But, the problem with this method is that your dog probably won’t like the taste of plain baking soda and water. Thankfully, this homemade dog toothpaste recipe is one that they should tolerate much better.
Can I brush my dog’s teeth with coconut oil?
Yes, coconut oil can be used to brush your dog’s teeth (and yours). The lauric acid in coconut oil kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath. Simply run on coconut oil with a soft cloth or a dog toothbrush.
How can I remove heavy tartar from my dog’s teeth?
If your dog has built-up tartar, he may need a trip to the veterinarian’s office for a dental cleaning. But, you can keep tartar from forming and reduce existing tartar with this homemade dog toothpaste recipe.
How can I freshen my dog’s breath naturally?
In between using this homemade dog toothpaste, you can freshen your dog’s breath by feeding them carrots and adding parsley to their current dog food. It’s also important they get enough water. And, you can also use coconut oil as I mentioned above.
What do I need to brush my dog’s teeth?
Basically, you need dog toothpaste and a brush or a soft piece of cloth. This dog toothbrush set has a variety of sizes for small to large dogs. If you want a DIY dog toothbrush, you can simply use one made for people. Just do NOT use human toothpaste for dogs. You can also find dog toothpaste on Amazon.
How long will homemade dog toothpaste last?
There are no preservatives in this recipe. Please store this in the refrigerator in a container with a lid and use it within three weeks.
How to make homemade dog toothpaste
To make this recipe, you will need a food processor to blend the ingredients together well. You will also need a container with a lid to store it.
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon beef bone broth
- 6-8 large mint leaves
- Airtight container
Homemade dog toothpaste directions
Add all the ingredients to a food processor and set to puree. Pulse 5-6 times until mint leaves are broken up and contents are well blended.
Spoon mixture into an airtight container. Use a dime-size amount to brush your dog’s teeth. Toothpaste will keep fresh for up to 3 weeks.
How often should I use this?
If your dog will tolerate it, you can brush his teeth every day just like you do yours. If not try at least a few times a week. You can also use dental chews in between to help keep his teeth in good shape.
Related reading
Homemade Dog Toothpaste Your Dog Will Like
If you’ve been looking for a homemade dog toothpaste your dog will let you brush his teeth with, this is it.
Materials
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon beef bone broth
- 6-8 large mint leaves
- Airtight container
Tools
- food processor
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor and set to puree.
- Pulse 5-6 times until mint leaves are broken up and contents are well blended.
- Spoon mixture into an airtight container. Use a dime-size amount to brush your dog’s teeth.
Notes
Toothpaste will keep fresh for up to 3 weeks.
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.
Hi Ellen 🙂 Thanks for sharing this recipe – I’ve read (probably far too much) on good/bad for dogs, and try to err on the side of paranoia..lol. I have a 13 yr old mini poodle – he has a grade 5 heart murmur and seizures that occur rarely – maybe once a month or less. I live in a very small town, and have little to no trust in the local vet. The next closest vet is a minimum of 30 minutes away…and if that isn’t enough…he is incredibly high strung and hates riding in the car, ugh! I’ve read that baking soda isn’t very good for dogs – and those who say that also say it’s ok if you “rinse” out his mouth after brushing. Seriously, how can one person rinse out a dog’s mouth? Is baking soda an issue? He is my first dog ever, and I feel awful that I wasn’t even aware of the whole tooth-brushing. Every time I took him to the vet, they said “no tarter, looks great”…until last week when they said he needs cleaning/polishing, two extractions and surgical removal of two (what they’ve alway called hot spots, but suddenly and out of nowhere – with no testing other than a literally quick glance – not even a touch) “cancers”. I’m so overwhelmed, so just trying to deal with one issue at a time. Thanks for your help – I know it isn’t easy offering opinions based on “she said”, so no worries there :).
From what I have seen, using a tiny amount of this toothpaste should be completely fine. But, it’s always hard to know for sure. Definitely speak to your vet if you have concerns.
Hi Ellen, I actually have another question. I made up some of your dog toothpaste yesterday and it was pretty liquidy after I used my blender in a bottle to blend. I placed in fridge overnight to thicken up and this morning it is hardened to the point that it’s too stiff. Any suggestions? I do not own a food processor. Thank you!
Hi Nancy – Thanks for trying my recipe! Coconut oil is liquid at about 76F. So, if it is warm in your home, it will be more liquid. If you put it in the refrigerator, it will be very solid. Try to find an area in your home that is cooler but not cold. You do not need a food processor for this – just a warm but not too warm area. I hope this helps.