Homemade Dog Toothpaste: Tasty And Effective Recipes To Try At Home

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

To make tooth brushing a pleasant activity, praise your dog throughout the whole session. Reassure your puppy if he’s nervous, or give him a calming remedy thirty minutes before starting. 

Simple Step-By-Step Instructions for Dog Tooth Brushing:

1. Choose a time of day when your dog is content.
2. Brush their teeth in a space that is quiet and free of distractions.
3. Position your dog with their face looking away from you.
4. You can introduce the sensation of tooth brushing by using a soft cloth around your finger and “brushing” their outside teeth. Focus on that gum line.
5. Start slow. If your dog can only handle a little bit of brushing, stop and try again tomorrow. Slowly, your pet will get used to the process, and eventually, you’ll be able to reach each chomper. 
6. When your puppy is comfortable with the cloth rubbing, let them taste some toothpaste. Only use a pea-sized amount at a time.
7. Once your dog is comfortable with the cloth brushing, introduce a dog toothbrush or a finger brush.
8. Gently move your dog’s pout out of the way and brush their teeth in a circular motion. The canines and molars need the most attention as they are hotspots for periodontal disease.
9. Don’t worry about the insides of the teeth unless your pet is very cooperative. The dog’s tongue moves plaque away from these areas. The outside teeth surfaces need the most attention. 
10. Keep it up! Don’t forgo this vital health routine.

Top Teeth Brushing Tips:

• The early introduction of a toothbrush will establish a habit and make brushing easier later, so start when your dog is a puppy.
• Wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after brushing your dog’s teeth. A canine mouth has a lot of bacteria in it.
• Use a different toothbrush for each of your pets. Label them, so you don’t forget whose is whose – no one wants to share a toothbrush. Ew!
• Clean your dog’s toothbrush after every use. A simple way to disinfect it is to place it in boiling water for a few minutes. Sore it upright to dry (like you would your own).

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?

Taking care of your pet means adding healthy habits to your routine. This can mean taking your doggo for a walk, combing their coat, clipping their nails, and brushing their teeth. Just as humans need to brush their pearly whites twice a day for good oral hygiene, your dog’s teeth also need regular brushing. 

Experts have suggested that you brush your furbaby’s teeth just as often as you brush your own. Yes, we know that seems like a lot when your pup would rather chew on a toy! If twice a day seems like a tall order, try aiming for once a day, or at least two to three times a week. Aim for 30 seconds on each side. On your “day off,” you can get your dog some dental chews.

Dog-Friendly Toothpaste Ingredients

Add a pinch of this, that, and a whole lot of love. Making dog-friendly toothpaste for your dog means that you can use natural ingredients that are safe, non-toxic, and effective on your pet’s pearly whites. No one will judge you for using store-bought dog toothpaste, but making homemade dog toothpaste will combat stinky dog breath while having added perks for your dog. 

Ideally, you want toothpaste that tastes good and is useful in scrubbing teeth clean. Here are our favorite ingredients for DIY doggie toothpaste.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can have many uses and is a wonderful addition to your dog’s life. When it comes to using coconut oil in tooth brushing, you’ll be happy to know that the oil has antimicrobial properties that effectively remove harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the mouth. Coconut oil can reduce plaque buildup, fight gum disease and prevent tooth decay.

If you already add coconut to your dog’s diet for its many other beneficial properties, then your dog will be familiar with the taste, making teeth cleaning an effortless event.

Chicken or Beef Broth

Low-sodium chicken, beef, or vegetable broth will be a flavorsome addition to your dog’s homemade toothpaste. You can buy bone broth specially made for dogs, or you can make homemade broth. Making a homemade broth is worth the effort as it can last for a long time once frozen.

Freeze your broth into ice cube trays and use them for your meals or your dog’s toothpaste. A beef bouillon cube may seem like a good cheat option, but store-bought options are often too salty or contain onion powder, which is toxic for pets.

Peanut Butter

Is your dog a peanut butter lover? Peanut butter is a great flavorant for DIY dog toothpaste. It may be the secret ingredient that helps your dog realize that brushing can be fun and delicious. Make sure you use peanut butter that is xylitol free or get a tub of CBD peanut butter to take advantage of the additional perks.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a high alkaline content, which makes it a good abrasive ingredient. Not only will it prevent plaque formation, but it’s an excellent deodorizer. Small amounts will be okay for your dog, but larger quantities can be toxic for your pet, so be sure to use tiny amounts for your dog’s dental care. If you’ve ever tasted baking soda, you’ll know it’s not very pleasant. Use a tasty broth to mask the flavor.

Turmeric 

Add some turmeric to your homemade dog toothpaste for flavor and antibacterial benefits. Turmeric contains antioxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. However, it can be a little messy and stain surfaces, so maybe consider brushing your dog’s teeth outside if you decide to use canine toothpaste recipes that contain this golden powder.

Mint Leaves

Fresh minty kisses are possible! Mint leaves are a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. These properties help curb bacteria’s growth in your dog’s muzzle, which will help prevent infections. The advantages don’t end there.

Mint leaves also contain potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus, which will strengthen bone density in your dog’s jaw and teeth. On days when you’re too busy to brush your dog’s teeth, offer them a leaf or two from your garden. 

Gardener’s tip: Place your mint plant under a dripping tap – mint loves to have wet feet!

Cinnamon 

Cinnamon does wonders for bad breath; it also breaks up food particles in your dog’s teeth. Add it to your homemade dog toothpaste, or sprinkle it on your dog’s food.

Cinnamon improves brain function, so teaching your old dog a new trick will be easier and more effective when they get a whiff of their spicy toothpaste. Cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but owners should use the spice moderately.

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• Formulated to target tartar build-up, leaving your dog's teeth and gums clean, breath fresh, and kiss-friendly
• Tasteless when diluted, which makes it perfect for fussy pups

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Why Can’t Dogs Have Human Toothpaste?

Humans have learned to spit while we brush and have mastered this over the years. While most dog breeds are pretty smart, asking your dog to spit and rinse may be beyond their skill set.

Human toothpaste contains harmful ingredients, such as fluoride, foaming agents, xylitol, and detergents that dogs should not ingest. Swallowing our minty fresh teeth products can cause gastrointestinal issues, including dog diarrhea, runny stools, and dog vomiting.

5 Recipes for Homemade Dog Toothpaste

Do you love making concoctions in the kitchen? Does caring for your pooch bring you joy? Then why not try some dog toothpaste recipes? These recipes are easy to make, save some dollars, and are perfect for your dog’s gnashers.

Grab a mixing bowl or food processor, and make homemade dog toothpaste within minutes. Store these recipes in an airtight container in your fridge so that the toothpaste lasts all week. 

1. Brilliant Breath Booster

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water or homemade broth.

Mix your ingredients into a paste and apply a small amount to your dog’s toothbrush. Combining baking soda and water is a good basic recipe for homemade dog toothpaste. Make it better and amp up the flavor by using broth instead of water and some of the ingredients listed above.

2. Minty Dog Toothpaste

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

Pulse the ingredients together in a food processor and store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. 

3. Spicy and Spectacular Toothpaste

• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon chicken or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch of ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• ½ cup coconut oil

Combine the broth and water, adding the baking soda and flavorings. Melt your coconut oil slightly, and then combine all the ingredients. 

4. Fantastic Fangs with Turmeric

• 1 cup room temperature or softened coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• A pinch of dried or fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon organic kelp flakes

Combine your ingredients in a food processor for a smooth consistency. The addition of kelp in this recipe adds another antibacterial element. 

5. Meaty Toothpaste for Magnificent Molars

• 1/2 teaspoon meaty sodium-free broth
• 1/2 teaspoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

This homemade dog toothpaste recipe is free of coconut oil. Dogs will love the peanut butter and meaty combination. 

Maintaining Your Dog’s Dental Health

The best thing you can do for your dog’s dental health is to brush their teeth regularly. Over and above your efforts, dogs should visit a dental professional once a year. Regular dental checkups with your pet’s dentist are a preventative measure to avoid gum inflammation, pathologic jaw fractures, kidney and liver disease, heart disease, and resistance to eating.

Vet bills can mount up when dealing with these serious issues. By maintaining your dog’s dental health, you can avoid astronomical costs. 

Symptoms of Periodontal Diseases 

Dogs love to smother their owners with kisses. But when your dog’s breath is stinky, then you may want to keep them at arm’s length. Unfortunately, bad breath can be a sign of periodontal disease. Other symptoms to look out for include:

• Broken or loose teeth
• Putrid breath
• Painful and bleeding mouth
• Refusal or disinterest to eat and drink
• Drooling
• Red or bleeding gums
• Plaque
• Thick saliva
• Only chewing on one side.
• Facial inflammation
• Dermatitis around the mouth.

Dog Toothpaste, Give It A Try!

Are you convinced? We hope you’re excited about whipping up your DIY doggy toothpaste and trying it out on your pooch. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth is an essential part of being a dog parent.

You’ll be preventing your dog from experiencing common gum and tooth pain. But best of all, brushing your dog’s teeth can be a fun and bonding activity that you both love. And their breath will smell fresh and clean next time they come and give you a slobbery kiss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good homemade toothpaste for dogs?

Ideally, you want toothpaste that tastes good and is effective in scrubbing teeth clean. You can make your own by using ingredients from your pantry. Baking soda, peanut butter, coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, mint, or parsley are great ingredients to use when creating the perfect homemade dog toothpaste. 

Can you use baking soda and water to brush your dog’s teeth?

Combining baking soda and water is a good basic recipe for homemade dog toothpaste. Make it better and amp up the flavor for your pet by using broth instead of water and some of the ingredients listed above.

How can I clean my dog’s teeth naturally?

Making dog-friendly toothpaste for your dog means that you can use natural ingredients that are safe, non-toxic, and effective on your pet’s pearly whites. Baking soda, homemade broth, coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, mint, or kelp are great natural ingredients to use when creating the perfect organic homemade dog toothpaste. 

Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?

No! Our toothpaste contains harmful ingredients, such as fluoride, foaming agents, and detergents that dogs should not ingest. Your dog cannot spit out its toothpaste as humans do. Swallowing our toothpaste can cause gastrointestinal issues. Human toothpaste can sometimes contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic for pets and can cause death.