Good dental health means caring for your dog’s teeth and gums, and that includes brushing. Here’s how to make a safe and effective doggy toothpaste using common natural ingredients.

Maintaining your dog’s oral health is a priority, since dental disease can have a profoundly negative effect on his overall well-being. Implementing a dental care regimen for your dog should include regular brushing. This article teaches you how to make your own safe, simple, and effective doggy toothpaste.

GETTING STARTED

The goal of making your own dog toothpaste is to create a mixture that has a pleasant texture and ingredients your canine buddy enjoys. For example, mint is popular, but you want to make sure your dog enjoys this flavor before using it.

INGREDIENTS TO USE

The advantage of making your dog’s toothpaste from scratch is that you can use simple natural ingredients that may already be in your kitchen or are easy to acquire. These ingredients are commonly used to reduce bacteria and fight bad breath:

• Mint (fresh)
• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• Coconut oil
• Parsley (fresh or dried)
• Honey

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

Along with xylitol (see sidebar on next page), steer clear of the following ingredients, even if you think your dog might enjoy the taste:

• Sugary foods
• Salty foods
• Fruits with pits or seeds
• Onions and chives

3 DIY VET-APPROVED TOOTHPASTE RECIPES

For each recipe, combine the ingredients and mix well to form a smooth consistency. These toothpastes can be stored in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Homemade Toothpaste

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 drop of peppermint essential oil (optional)*

—From The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer, by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker with Kristin Loberg (Collins, 2021).

*Use only the highest quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils — they’ll cost more, but cheap brands aren’t pure, and often contain harmful additives that can be toxic to your dog.

The goal…is to create a mixture that has a pleasant texture and ingredients your canine buddy enjoys.

 

Minty Dog Toothpaste

• 1⁄4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons baking soda • 6 or 7 mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon homemade or sodium-free broth

Fantastic Fangs with Turmeric

• 1 cup room temperature or softened coconut oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
• Pinch of dried or fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 teaspoon organic kelp flakes

— From Veterinarians.org.

By making your own doggy toothpaste, you have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what goes into it. It’s economical and natural, and helps freshen your dog’s breath. Best of all, it helps keep his teeth and gums healthy, reducing the risk of dental disease.