6 Safe Homemade Dog Toothpaste

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM

Dogs can suffer from dental problems, like plaque and tartar buildup, that lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum infection. Brushing your dog’s teeth is one way to help maintain his oral health.

But if you are worried about the safety of store-bought dog toothpaste, you can make your own using safe and natural ingredients.

Here are 6 homemade dog toothpaste recipes that will freshen up your dog’s breath and protect him from periodontal diseases.

Why Do Dogs Need?

Dogs need toothpaste to prevent periodontal disease and maintain their overall health. Nearly 90% of canines develop periodontal disease by the age of 2 years, which can lead to a variety of health problems.

Toothpaste can help get rid of the plaque and tartar accumulating on their teeth, keep their breath fresh, and prevent periodontal diseases from occurring. It’s important to find the right canine toothpaste and present it gradually to your dog.

Brushing their teeth daily can also help prevent bacteria in the mouth from entering the bloodstream and harming your pet’s organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Training your dog to accept tooth brushing while they are still a puppy is ideal.

Periodontal illness is one of the most well-known clinical conditions in grown-up dogs. To prevent periodontal disease and maintain your dog’s health, cleaning your little guy’s teeth is very important. Although many dogs dislike it at first, finding the right canine toothpaste, presenting it gradually, and brushing every day, can help with the process.

It is ideal to train your dog to acknowledge tooth brushing while he is as still a puppy.

What’s the Safest Toothpaste for Dogs?

Homemade toothpaste is the safest toothpaste for dogs. That is because all-natural ingredients are used when making it.

Unlike commercial dog toothpaste, it does not contain artificial flavorings, dyes, and preservatives that can harm your furry pal’s health.

So instead of running to the pet store to buy toothpaste for Fido, simply make it at home!

6 Recipes for Homemade Dog Toothpaste

1. Two-Ingredient Homemade Dog Toothpaste

“What can I use if I don’t have dog toothpaste?” is a frequently asked question by many dog owners. If you find yourself without dog toothpaste, you can create a homemade alternative using green tea and parsley. Green tea can help reduce the proliferation of oral bacteria, while parsley neutralizes bad odors.

Here are the ingredients and instructions to make your own homemade dog toothpaste:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of caffeine-free green tea
• 3 tablespoons of dried parsley flakes

Instructions:

1. Mix both ingredients in a food processor until they form a thick paste.
2. Place the mixture in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This will make the toothpaste last for up to 5 days.

Notes:

• When making this homemade toothpaste, use curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum) instead of Cymopterus watsonii. The latter contains high concentrations of furanocoumarin, which can trigger photosensitivity in dogs.
• Opt for caffeine-free green tea as much as possible, so your dog does not ingest small amounts of caffeine every time you brush their teeth.
• Keep in mind that decaffeinated green teas contain traces of caffeine and are not the same as caffeine-free green tea.

2. Homemade Dog Toothpaste with Coconut Oil

What is a good homemade toothpaste for dogs? Using coconut oil to create a DIY dog toothpaste for teeth cleaning works great in keeping your dog’s breath fresh.

It also has antimicrobial properties that can ward off teeth-decaying bacteria.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic coconut oil
• 3 tablespoon baking soda
• ⅛ tablespoon fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and then puree.
2. Pulse up to 6 times. Make sure that the fresh parsley is properly blended together with the rest of the ingredients.
3. Store this homemade dog toothpaste in an airtight container to make it last for up to 3 weeks.

Note:

• Coconut oil can become solid. To bring back its soft consistency, put the coconut oil inside a jar and place it in warm water.

3. Homemade Dog Toothpaste with Turmeric

Another question commonly asked by pet parents is: “What can I brush my dog’s teeth with instead of toothpaste?” Try out the DIY turmeric dog toothpaste.

Turmeric possesses powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. They help eliminate harmful bacteria in your dog’s   and freshen up your pup’s breath.

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ⅛ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Put all the ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Combine them thoroughly using a spoon.
3. Put the paste in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator between uses. This homemade dog toothpaste can last up to 5 days.

4. Beef Bouillon-Flavored Homemade Dog Toothpaste

Is your dog averse to tooth brushing? Why not incorporate flavors your dog loves in the DIY toothpaste to encourage him to go through the whole toothbrushing process?

Since most dogs enjoy meaty flavors, we came up with this beef-bouillon homemade dog toothpaste recipe. It also contains mint leaves, which neutralize bad breath.

Ingredients:

• 1 powder packet beef bouillon
• 2 teaspoons water
• 6 chopped mint leaves
• 6 tablespoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, completely dissolve the beef bouillon powder in water.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until everything is well incorporated.
3. This homemade toothpaste for dogs can last up to 3 days if stored in a resealable container.

Note:

• If beef bouillon powder is not available, its cube form will do. Break it down into powder before mixing it with water for easier dissolution.

5. Peanut Butter-Flavored Homemade Dog Toothpaste

Many dogs cannot say no to the delicious taste of peanut butter. If tooth brushing your dog is difficult, this DIY dog toothpaste will turn this into an enjoyable activity for him.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon unsweetened, all-natural peanut butter
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon water

Instructions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
2. Store and refrigerate any leftovers after using. This homemade dog toothpaste has a shelf-life of 5 days.

Note:

• Some peanut butter contains xylitol, which is highly toxic for dogs. Before purchasing peanut butter, check its label to make sure it is xylitol-free.

6. Homemade Dog Toothpaste with Essential Oils

Several essential oils are good for your dog’s dental health. One of them is myrrh essential oil. Its antimicrobial properties can remedy many dental ailments in dogs, such as swollen gums and bad breath.

Ingredients:

• 6 drops myrrh essential oil
• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

Instructions:

1. Mix coconut oil and baking soda in a small bowl until properly combined.
2. Carefully pour 6 drops of myrrh essential oil into the mixture.
3. Thoroughly stir the mixture using a spoon for 1 minute.
4. Transfer the homemade dog toothpaste to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

Do Not Skip Regular Vet Dental Cleanings

Brushing your dog’s teeth daily can only do so much to keep tartar and plaque from building up. Thus, be sure to schedule annual professional teeth cleaning so his chompers get thoroughly cleaned.

Your pet will be anesthetized to prevent him from feeling pain and keep him docile during the entire procedure. The vet will proceed with cleaning above and below your dog’s gumline.

Once done, a polishing paste will be administered to his teeth to even out any scratches on the enamel caused by the dental cleaning.

It will be followed by a fluoride treatment, which increases the durability of your dog’s teeth and prevents plaque formation. The vet will also conduct a dental X-ray on your dog to check if he has any unaddressed teeth problems.

How Else Can I Keep My Dog’s Teeth Clean?

Besides daily tooth brushing and yearly dental cleaning, here are other things you can do to avoid plaque and tartar from collecting on your dog’s teeth:

1. Give your dog dental treats at times when you do not have time for brushing his teeth. They are specifically formulated to keep his teeth clean and promote fresh breath.
2. Let your dog play with dental toys. They are designed in a way that scrapes off plaque from the teeth when chewed.
3. Feed your dog canine-friendly crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots. They are natural tartar and plaque removers.

FAQS About Homemade Dog Toothpaste

1. How to Make Homemade Dog Toothpaste?

Making homemade dog toothpaste is relatively easy. All you have to do is choose and combine dog-safe ingredients with dental protective qualities.

As mentioned in our DIY dog toothpaste recipes, baking soda, turmeric, mint leaves, and myrrh essential oil are great options.

2. Can I Use Human Toothpaste on My Dog?

You cannot use human toothpaste on your dog. Human toothpaste often contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Xylitol ingestion can cause hypoglycemia and potential liver damage in dogs.

3. Can You Brush a Dog’s Teeth with Baking Soda?

You can use baking soda to brush your dog’s teeth since its abrasiveness can effectively remove tartar buildup from the gum line. Baking soda also has antibacterial properties that help suppress the growth of harmful microbes in your dog’s mouth.

While small amounts of baking soda usually won’t cause any health problems for dogs. It’s important to note that large amounts of baking soda can be toxic to dogs, so it’s important to never go over the recommended amounts.

4. What Can I Brush My Dog’s Teeth with at Home?

Children’s toothbrushes are a safe substitute when no dog toothbrushes are available at home.

They have soft brushes so they will not hurt your dog’s mouth and gums. Other alternatives are soft cloth or simply your finger.

Just apply a pea-size amount of the homemade dog toothpaste on the alternative toothbrush and start brushing your dog’s teeth.

Use gentle rubbing motions as harsh movements can hurt or put your dog in distress.

Summary

Homemade dog toothpaste is a safe and natural alternative to commercial toothpaste for canines. It is made with natural ingredients and free from harmful additives, unlike commercial toothpaste. Another great natural teeth cleaner for your pup is jerky. Check out our article 5 Homemade Healthy Jerky for Dogs to learn how to make it at home.

It’s important to note that a dog’s mouth contains lots of bacteria, so if possible, wear gloves while brushing your dog’s teeth. After you finish brushing, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.