Safe Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipes: DIY Dental Care

Why Make Homemade Dog Toothpaste?

Commercial dog toothpastes work well, but homemade options offer benefits:

• Control ingredients - Know exactly what goes in
• Save money - Costs a fraction of store-bought
• Customize flavors - Make it appealing for picky dogs
• Avoid allergens - Perfect for sensitive dogs
• Emergency backup - When you run out of commercial paste

Essential Ingredients

Safe Base Ingredients

Coconut Oil

• Antibacterial properties
• Dogs love the taste
• Helps clean teeth naturally
• Safe if swallowed

Baking Soda (use sparingly)

• Mild abrasive for cleaning
• Neutralizes odors
• Use only small amounts
• Not for daily use

Bone Broth

• Adds appealing flavor
• Contains minerals
• Low sodium variety only
• Makes paste more palatable

Flavor Boosters

• Unsalted peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
• Chicken or beef broth (low sodium)
• Parsley (freshens breath)
• Mint leaves (fresh breath)
• Cinnamon (small amounts)

Recipes

Recipe 1: Simple Coconut Oil Paste

Best for: Beginners, picky dogs

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soften coconut oil (not liquid)
2. Mix in baking soda thoroughly
3. Add parsley if using
4. Store in small jar
5. Use within 2 weeks

Consistency: Soft paste when warm

Recipe 2: Peanut Butter Flavor

Best for: Dogs who need motivation

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (NO XYLITOL)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced

Instructions:

1. Ensure peanut butter is xylitol-free
2. Mix coconut oil and peanut butter
3. Add baking soda and parsley
4. Blend until smooth
5. Refrigerate

Warning: Check peanut butter label - xylitol is deadly to dogs!

Recipe 3: Meat Lover's Paste

Best for: Very picky dogs

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium beef or chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon turmeric (optional, anti-inflammatory)

Instructions:

1. Warm coconut oil slightly
2. Mix in broth
3. Add baking soda and turmeric
4. Stir well
5. Store refrigerated

Note: This recipe is messier but very appealing to dogs.

Recipe 4: Fresh Breath Formula

Best for: Dogs with bad breath

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Chop herbs very finely
2. Mix into softened coconut oil
3. Add baking soda
4. Blend thoroughly
5. Use fresh within 1 week

Ingredients to NEVER Use

Toxic to Dogs

Potentially Harmful

• Salt - Too much causes problems
• Artificial sweeteners - Risk of xylitol
• Strong spices - Can irritate gums
• Citrus - Too acidic for teeth

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper Storage

• Use clean, airtight containers
• Refrigerate meat-based recipes
• Coconut oil-based can stay at room temperature
• Use clean spoon each time
• Don't double-dip

How Long They Last

When in doubt, make fresh batches.

How to Use Homemade Toothpaste

Application

1. Put small amount on finger or brush
2. Lift dog's lip
3. Apply to outer tooth surfaces
4. Use circular motions
5. Focus on gumline
6. Work around mouth

Frequency

• Daily is ideal
• At least 3x per week
• Alternate with commercial paste if desired

Amount Needed

Tips for Success

Making It Appealing

• Let dog taste first before brushing
• Start with their favorite flavor
• Warm slightly for stronger scent
• Mix with a tiny treat crumb initially

Troubleshooting

Dog won't try it:

• Try different flavor base
• Let them lick from your finger first
• Mix with favorite treat flavor

Paste too hard:

• Warm slightly before use
• Add more coconut oil
• Store in warmer location

Paste too runny:

• Refrigerate briefly
• Add more baking soda
• Use less liquid ingredients

Homemade vs Commercial: Comparison

Best approach: Use homemade as supplement to commercial enzymatic toothpaste.

When to Use Commercial Instead

Homemade is great, but commercial may be better when:

• Dog has existing dental disease
• You want enzymatic cleaning action
• Dog needs prescription dental products
• Convenience is priority
• Long-term storage needed

Safety Reminders

Before Starting

• Check all ingredients for dog safety
• Verify peanut butter has NO xylitol
• Use food-grade ingredients only
• Consult vet if dog has health issues

During Use

• Watch for allergic reactions
• Stop if gums become irritated
• Don't force if dog resists
• Supervise entire process

Signs to Stop

• Redness or swelling
• Dog refusing repeatedly
• Vomiting after use
• Excessive drooling

Check Your Dog's Teeth First

Before starting any dental routine, know where you're starting from.

Get Free AI Dental Assessment →

Upload a photo to see your dog's current dental health status.

Making It a Habit

Weekly Prep

• Make fresh batch Sunday
• Store properly
• Set reminder for brushing
• Keep supplies together

Building Routine

• Same time each day
• After evening walk works well
• Pair with existing habit
• End with praise/treat

Quick Reference Card

Safe Ingredients: ✓ Coconut oil ✓ Baking soda (small amounts) ✓ Parsley ✓ Fresh mint ✓ Low-sodium broth ✓ Xylitol-free peanut butter

Never Use: ✗ Xylitol ✗ Human toothpaste ✗ Essential oils ✗ Salt ✗ Garlic/onion

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Homemade toothpaste is a supplement to regular dental care, not a replacement for professional cleanings. Consult your veterinarian for dogs with existing dental problems.