Homemade dog toothpaste is a simple, natural option for pet parents who want more control over what goes into their dog’s daily dental care. It allows you to choose dog-safe ingredients and build a gentle brushing routine that works for both you and your dog.
Why Many Pet Parents Start with Homemade Dog Toothpaste
One of the main reasons people choose homemade dog toothpaste is ingredient awareness. Dogs don’t rinse and spit — they swallow toothpaste. That makes ingredient choice especially important.
With a homemade approach, you can:
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Avoid fluoride and foaming agents found in human toothpaste
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Keep ingredients minimal and easy to understand
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Adjust texture and quantity based on your dog’s comfort
For dogs that are new to brushing, homemade dog toothpaste often feels like a more approachable starting point.
Simple Ingredients Commonly Used in Homemade Dog Toothpaste
Most homemade dog toothpaste recipes rely on just a few basic ingredients:
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Coconut oil, often used as the base because it’s gentle, naturally antibacterial, and easy to work with
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Baking soda, used sparingly to help clean the surface of the teeth and neutralize odor
Important note: Human toothpaste is not safe for dogs. Ingredients like fluoride and artificial sweeteners should always be avoided.
How to Make Homemade Dog Toothpaste (Step-by-Step)
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon coconut oil
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½–1 teaspoon baking soda
Tools
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A small bowl and spoon
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A clean container with a lid
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A dog toothbrush or finger brush
Step 1: Soften the Coconut Oil
If the coconut oil is solid, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it becomes soft and easy to mix. Avoid microwaving, as overheating can affect the texture.
Step 2: Mix in the Baking Soda
Start with ½ teaspoon of baking soda and mix slowly until smooth. The goal is a soft paste that sticks to the brush without being too dry or too runny.
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Too thick? Add a little more coconut oil
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Too thin? Add a small pinch of baking soda
Step 3: Store the Toothpaste
Transfer the mixture into a clean container and close the lid.
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Store at room temperature for short-term use
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Refrigerate if your home is warm or if you want to extend freshness
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Always use a clean spoon when scooping toothpaste
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
If your dog is new to brushing, keep things relaxed and low-pressure:
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Let your dog smell or lick a tiny amount from your finger
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Gently lift the lip — there’s no need to open the mouth fully
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Focus on brushing the outer surfaces of the teeth, especially the back molars
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Use small circular motions along the gum line
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Aim for 30–60 seconds per session
Consistency matters more than brushing perfectly every tooth.
How Often Should You Brush?
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Ideal: Once a day
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Realistic: 3–4 times per week
A routine you can maintain consistently is far more effective than occasional long brushing sessions.
From Homemade Dog Toothpaste to a More Consistent Routine
Homemade dog toothpaste is often where people begin — and it played an important role in shaping how we think about dental care as well.
As we experimented with DIY recipes, we noticed a few common challenges: keeping the texture consistent, making the toothpaste gentle enough for daily use, and choosing ingredients that were effective while still safe for dogs who naturally swallow toothpaste.
Those experiences influenced how we approached our own formula at Black Sheep Organics. We stayed close to the same principles behind homemade dog toothpaste — simplicity, gentle ingredients, and dog safety — while focusing on balance and consistency for everyday brushing.
The formula is built around a small number of carefully chosen ingredients. Calcium carbonate is used as a mild, natural abrasive to help clean plaque without being harsh on teeth, while vegetable glycerin keeps the toothpaste smooth and moist with a subtle sweetness dogs tend to tolerate well. Certified organic coconut oil, used in a saponified form, provides gentle cleansing and helps soothe the gums. To finish, a highly diluted amount of peppermint essential oil is added to give a light, naturally fresh scent, rather than an artificial flavor.
Final Thoughts
Homemade dog toothpaste is a simple and approachable way to support your dog’s dental health. It encourages ingredient awareness, helps build brushing habits, and makes oral care feel less intimidating.
Whether you choose to stick with a fully homemade approach or adapt your routine over time, consistency is what matters most. A few minutes of gentle care, done regularly, can make a real difference in your dog’s long-term comfort and health.
