Homemade Dog Toothpaste Any Pet Owner Can Make (5 Easy Recipes)

Quick Summary

• One popular homemade dog toothpaste recipe combines 1 cube of beef or chicken bouillon, 6 mint leaves, 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil, and 4 tablespoons baking soda.
• Never use human toothpaste on dogs as these likely contain ingredients toxic to dogs.
• A good homemade dog toothpaste must have ingredients that clean teeth, get rid of odors, and taste good.

Maintaining my dogs’ dental hygiene is very important for me. There are pet dental products everywhere but when I run out of them, I can easily make a homemade dog toothpaste from beef or chicken bouillon, mint leaves, coconut oil, and baking soda. I love this recipe because it’s so simple and my dogs seem to always get excited about brushing.

If your dog’s teeth are not brushed regularly, he could begin developing cavities and gum disease such as periodontal disease. Toothbrushing is essential, but many owners are not sure what type of toothpaste their dog needs. 

Thankfully, you do not need to buy fancy or expensive toothpaste to take care of your dog’s teeth. In fact, you can make your own homemade dog toothpaste recipe at home, from some ingredients you likely already have. I’ve laid out five different recipes for you to try.

Important Information About Dog Toothpaste

Toothpaste is just as important for your dog as it is for you. A good dog toothpaste should contain ingredients that clean, get rid of odors, and taste good. While the “taste good” part is not essential, your dog is likely not going to behave as well while you are brushing his teeth if the toothpaste tastes horrible. 

Whether you decide to purchase toothpaste at the store or from your vet, or you decide to make it yourself, it is essential you brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Brushing removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria, which can wreak havoc on the health of your dog’s smile. Here’s an extended guide on Grooming Your Pet By Yourself.

Do Not Use Human Toothpaste for Your Dog!

If you run out of dog toothpaste, it may be tempting to use a bit of your own, but this is something you should absolutely avoid [1]. Many human toothpaste brands contain an ingredient that is toxic to dogs. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can cause low blood sugar and possible liver damage in dogs. 

Human toothpaste also contains Fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that is good for human teeth, but it can be toxic to dogs. Fluoride can make your precious dog very ill, so it is best to avoid human toothpaste at all costs!

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?

To keep your dog’s teeth free of plaque, it is important to brush his teeth twice a day. Brushing your dog’s teeth will prevent him from developing cavities, dog tooth abscesses, and oral infections. 

In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth twice a day, he should also be examined by the vet often. A tooth exam will reveal any issues that may be present before they cause major concerns with your dog’s oral health. 

Dog Toothpaste Is Simple to Make

Making your own dog toothpaste could not be easier. You only need a few simple ingredients and a little time. Best of all, making these dog toothpaste recipes will save you a lot of money over expensive dog toothpaste brands you purchase from the vet. If you are concerned about unnatural chemical ingredients and a high cost, consider some of the recipes listed below. Soon, you will have the perfect healthy toothpaste for your dog. 

5 Amazingly Healthy & Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipes

Before I delve into these amazing dog toothpaste recipes, I want to strongly caution you regarding the ingredients. When making homemade dog toothpaste, always check the ingredients. For instance, some peanut butter brands use Xylitol as a sweetener. Know what you are adding to the toothpaste before you add it to your toothpaste mixture. Now, let’s jump into these recipes that are so beneficial for your dog’s oral health. 

1. Modern Dog Magazine Toothpaste for Pooches

If you’ve ever read Modern Dog Magazine, you know it is often full of helpful information that can help you take care of your dog and keep him healthy and happy. I wanted to list this recipe first because it is one of my favorites and a big favorite of my dog. Because it has a beefy flavor, your dog will absolutely love getting his teeth brushed!

Ingredients:

• 1 cube of beef or chicken bouillon 
• 6 mint leaves
• 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
• 4 tablespoons baking soda

Instructions

To prepare this yummy DIY dog toothpaste recipe, you will simply need to put all the above ingredients in a blender. Give it a few pulses until the paste is blended well. If you do not have a blender, you can blend the ingredients by hand, though it will require a little elbow grease. 

What I Like Best About This Dog Toothpaste

• This recipe is inexpensive and makes a lot of dog toothpaste.
• This doggie toothpaste has a shelf life of at least two weeks. You may be able to keep it fresher longer by storing it in the fridge. 
• Your dog will love the beefy flavor, making it easier to brush his teeth. 
• The addition of mint helps to keep your furry friend’s doggie breath under control. 

Why This Toothpaste May Not Be Ideal for All

• Not everyone has fresh mint on hand. 
• The addition of coconut oil can make this a messy toothpaste. 

2. Cinnamon & Sea Salt Doggie Toothpaste

This is an interesting dog toothpaste that will really get your dog’s teeth shiny and clean. This toothpaste is gritty which helps to break up that stubborn tartar on your dog’s teeth. 

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of real cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt
• 6 mint leaves or sprigs of parsley (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon of beef or chicken broth or bouillon powder. (optional for flavor)

Instructions

If you plan on adding mint or parsley, blend them in a food processor or use a mortar and pestle to break them up before making this doggie toothpaste. All you will need to do next is to blend all the above ingredients until they form a smooth paste. Allow the paste to sit for at least one hour before using it on your dog’s teeth. Make sure to store this toothpaste in the fridge. It should keep for at least two to three weeks. 

What I Like Best About This Pooch Toothpaste 

• This recipe is very easy to customize.
• The addition of fine sea salt provides a grittiness that will clean the tartar buildup from your dog’s teeth. 
• The cinnamon in this toothpaste freshens your dog’s breath and will give him an interesting taste to enjoy. 

Reasons This Dog Toothpaste May Not Be Right For Everyone

• If you use parsley or mint, it could stain some surfaces so be careful. 
• The coconut oil can make a bit of a greasy mess. 

3. Organic Homemade Dog Toothpaste

I really like this recipe because there have been times I did not have any coconut oil on hand. This recipe does not require any oil, so it may be easier to make and creates less mess. 

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of water
• 1/2 teaspoons of organic sea salt
• 1 cube of organic chicken or beef bouillon. 
• 1 teaspoon of organic dried or fresh parsley

Instructions

For this recipe, you simply need a bowl and a spoon. Mix the ingredients together until a smooth paste is made. Keep the paste in the fridge in an airtight container to keep it fresh. 

What I Like Best About This Pooch Toothpaste 

• This recipe has really simple ingredients. You can even use dried parsley.
• Without the oil, this doggie toothpaste makes much less mess.
• The addition of salt really helps clean your dog’s teeth. 

Why This Toothpaste May Not Be for Everyone

• With the addition of salt, the texture may annoy some dogs. 
• Because the toothpaste does not contain oil, you may find it more difficult to spread on your dog’s teeth. 

4. Healthy Turmeric Toothpaste for Dogs

This is a truly amazing doggie toothpaste, but it contains some ingredients many people will not have at home. If you plan to make this version, you may need to make a run to the grocery store first. 

Ingredients:

• 1/8 teaspoon of dried or fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon dried kelp
• 1 cup coconut oil

Instructions

You can combine the above ingredients with a spoon, but I find it makes a much smoother paste if you blend it in a blender. This is another dog toothpaste recipe that belongs in the fridge. You may want to bring the mixture to room temperature before applying it to your dog’s teeth. 

What I Like Best About This Pooch Toothpaste 

• Turmeric is highly beneficial for your dog’s health in many ways. 
• This dog toothpaste is a bit gritty, which is going to offer better cleaning.
• The addition of kelp adds beneficial minerals and antioxidant power. 

Why This Dog Toothpaste Recipe May Not Be the Right One For You

• Kelp can be difficult to find, and most people don’t have this ingredient at home. 
• This recipe makes a lot of doggie toothpaste. It may make much more than you need. 
• There are no flavorings that will make your pooch happy. He may not like the taste of turmeric.

5. Simple Minty Dog Toothpaste

If you are looking for a really simple dog toothpaste with very few ingredients, this is the one. This paste only has three ingredients, and you most likely have them available at home. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried or fresh mint (ground or finely minced)

Instructions

Combine all the above ingredients until everything is mixed thoroughly and smooth. You can use this dog toothpaste right away. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

What I Like Best About This Pooch Toothpaste 

• I really like the consistency of this paste. It spreads so easily on your dog’s teeth. 
• This recipe makes a small amount of dog toothpaste, so you do not have to worry about it going bad before you finish it up. 
• The mint in this paste will make your dog’s breath smell fresh. 

Reasons This Dog Toothpaste May Not Be the Best Choice for All

• Your dog may not like the flavor of this paste. 

FAQ About DIY Doggie Toothpaste

The above recipes should get you started on making some of the healthiest toothpaste options for brushing your dog’s teeth. The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about homemade dog toothpaste. Allow the below answers to help you better understand how to care for your dog’s teeth. 

1. What is a good homemade toothpaste for dogs?

A few simple ingredients are all you need to care for your dog’s teeth [2]. Any of the recipes above can be used regularly for your dog’s oral health. If you are looking for a simple recipe that does not make too much, try number five. 

2. What can I brush my dog’s teeth with at home?

When brushing your dog’s teeth, you have a few options available. Finger brushes are popular among vets. They slip over the finger, can easily be worked around a dog’s mouth, and contain silicone nubs that gently clean your dog’s teeth. You can also purchase an actual dog toothbrush. Many pet parents also use a small child’s toothbrush to brush their dog’s teeth. 

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

You can use baking soda and a little water to brush your dog’s teeth, but you should only use a very small amount. If your dog swallows too much baking soda, it could cause stomach upset. It is better to use the above recipes or purchase a doggie toothpaste from your pet supply store. 

4. How can I get plaque off my dog’s teeth naturally?

Plaque buildup occurs when food particles are left on your dog’s teeth. If you brush your dog’s teeth twice a day, plaque is less likely to build upon his teeth. If your dog seems to have chronic issues with plaque, you may want to try one of the toothpaste recipes above that has a gritty texture. Salt seems to be very helpful at removing plaque. 

Get Started Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Do not be afraid to brush your dog’s teeth. If your dog likes the flavor of the toothpaste, you should not have any trouble getting him to remain calm. Use gentle motions and a soft brush. Soon, your dog’s teeth will be healthier than ever before.