Dental disease is a serious issue that can cause a myriad of health issues. If you are not giving raw meaty bones or chews on a regular basis and your dog is not eating a biologically appropriate diet (raw diet), it is more likely that not that your dog will develop dental disease sooner or later if you are not brushing your dog’s teeth.
I have included some very interesting DIY toothpaste recipes that are non-toxic for dogs. The links for the ingredients lead to the finest organic products. Remember that when you buy many of these items, you will have enough to make more than just one batch of toothpaste. I have provided very detailed instructions so you will be able to brush like a pro.
For each recipe, the last step is to apply the toothpaste using a implement like a Child’s Toothbrush, Plastic Finger Brush, Cotton Finger Brush (or cotton fabric wrapped around your index finger).
What are the Symptoms of Dental Disease?
- Bad Breath
- Visible Plaque & Tartar
- Dropping Food From Mouth
- Tilting Head One Side While Chewing
- Loose Teeth
- Loss of Teeth
- Unwillingness to Eat
- Unwillingness to Chew on Toys or Hard Objects
- Crying Out in Pain
- Shying Away From Touch
Charcoal Clay Toothpaste
Ingredients
- 1/8 teaspoon of Activated Charcoal Powder
- 2 teaspoons of Bentonite Clay (you’ll use 1 tsp or less of this by itself alone after you clean the teeth with the recipe here). Bentonite clay can be used for DIY beauty as well!
- 1/8 teaspoon human grade Bone Meal (containing calcium, phosphorus & magnesium – NO vitamin D)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup filtered slightly warm water
- Brush teeth!
Instructions
- Mix 1 teaspoon of dry clay with the other dry ingredients
- Wrap the cloth around your finger
- Slightly dampen the cloth in the water
- Tap your finger into the charcoal
- With your other index finger, open you dog’s jowl so that you can see the teeth
- Try to rub the cloth across each tooth in circular motions on the top and bottom paying VERY CLOSE ATTENTION to those back molars
- Make sure you keep wetting the cloth and adding charcoal to it. Clean the cloth as needed
- With a clean piece of cloth, again dampen it in the water and tap your finger into the bentonite clay
- Follow the same directions as above
- Take a clean piece of cloth and simply dampen it and run the warm water across all the teeth
- Dampen your index finger or a fresh cloth and tap it into the bentonite clay making sure you have on a generous amount
- Blot the clay all around the top and bottom gum lines where the teeth and gums meet so that you can actually see the clay there
DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOG TO DRINK WATER RIGHT AFTER. You want the clay to absorb the bacteria within the gums.
Remineralizing Toothpaste
This is a remineralizing toothpaste that’s easy to make for your dog. It’ll strengthen his teeth and help prevent or repair any cavities.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Eggshellent (I know this brand is expensive, but it is an EXCELLENT product and the shells are ground into a powder so no sharp edges) or you can use Calcium Magnesium Tablets (ground up)
- 1-3 Tbs Hempseed Oil
- 1 Tbs baking soda
- 1 Drop of Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions
- Using eggshells, give them a quick rinse and bake in the oven at 400ºF for 15-20 minutes
- Grind up the eggshells or tablets until powdery fine (you can use a coffee grinder for the eggshells and a food processor for the tablets)
- Mix the ingredients in a small bowl adding the oil until it is the smooth consistency that you like. You might need more with the calcium magnesium tablets.
- Store in a small jar and use a small spoon to scoop it out of the jar to use
- Brush teeth!
Hempseed Superfood Toothpaste
Ingredients
- 1 cup of unrefined virgin Hempseed Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric Root Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of Kelp
- 1/8 tablespoon of dried Parsley
Instructions
- Place one cup of hempseed oil into a jar. If it is not soft and pliable, partially immerse the jar into hot water to soften it
- Add the turmeric, kelp and parsley flakes
- Mix thoroughly, store in fridge between uses.
- Brush teeth!
Rub the teeth gently and massage the gums lightly. Make sure this toothpaste is slightly warm (Do not microwave or cook this toothpaste in any way, as that will kill enzymes and nutrients. To soften it, simply place.
Here is the simplest recipe – only 2 ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 part baking soda
- 1 part unrefined Hempseed Oil
Instructions
- Put ingredients into a small jar, shake it.
Please let me know how it goes!
***If you prefer to buy a toothpaste, I recommend trying DentaSure
Here’s a video which demonstrates every detail about how to brush teeth and why kibble is so bad for your teeth (despite what conventional vets claim):
Please check out my other articles about dental care:
Why Brush Fido’s Teeth?
The Biggest Craze in Natural Dog Chews
Pet Products – Toothbrushes
Sources:
“Dog Dental Care: DIY All Natural Teeth & Gum Paste for Dogs.” Your Old Dog, Your Old Dog, 11 Jan. 2019, yourolddog.com/dog-dental-care/. “Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipe.” K9 Instinct – Dog Nutritionist in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. K9 Instinct Blog! Dog Nutrition Consultations Online!, 23 Oct. 2014, www.k9instinct.com/blog/homemade-dog-toothpaste-recipe. Jordan, Patricia. “10 Tips To Help Prevent And Treat Dental Disease In Dogs.” Dogs Naturally Magazine, Dogs Naturally Magazine, 30 Nov. 2018, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/10-tips-to-help-prevent-and-treat-dental-disease-in-dogs/. Morgan, Judy. “Why It’s Important To Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean.” Dogs Naturally Magazine, Dogs Naturally Magazine, 30 Nov. 2018, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/why-its-important-to-keep-your-dogs-teeth-clean/. So Happy.” Flickr, Paperladyinvites, www.flickr.com/photos/paperladyinvites/3180264063/in/photolist-8xbNou-8xbNfu-8xbNib-8x8Mnt-8xbNcL-8xbNkj-5R2FH2-5R6ZhN-5JJqcH-5R6Z8m-5R2FMK-5JNEQy-5JJqox-5JNFcd-5JNEZd. |
2 thoughts on “4 Unique Natural Homemade Toothpaste Recipes”
Peppermint oil is considered toxic for pets by the ASPCA.
I love your content but I really frustrated that I tried this and learned it is considered unsafe for dogs after the fact.
Hi Jenni-
Thanks so much for visiting my website and for your question.
As with most things, too much of anything is bad. When the proper amount added and balanced into an essential oil blend or any recipe that is fine. It needs to be properly balanced using a small amount. A carrier fluid is the most important part as it waters down the oil. When prepared properly and used appropriately it is fine to use on dogs. Also, please use sparingly.
As far as tick and flea products go, as with many things, too much can be toxic. Essential oils are a healthy option to avoid toxic chemicals in conventional products that have ingredients that the FDA specified as pesticides. Most of the active chemicals are neurotoxins which kill pests by disrupting their nervous system. Those chemicals can cause seizures and many are carcinogenic.
Thanks again for writing.
Warmly,
Janie
Be careful with essential oils and cats because they can be too strong for cats to inhale.