5 Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Toothpaste (and What to Use Instead)
When it comes to your dog’s health, what you brush their teeth with matters just as much as how often you do it.
Many commercial dog toothpastes are packed with unnecessary and even harmful ingredients that can quietly cause health issues over time.
If you’re committed to giving your dog the best, natural care possible, here are five (plus a bonus!) common toothpaste ingredients you’ll want to avoid and what to choose instead.
1. Artificial Sweeteners (Especially Xylitol)
Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute in human products, but for dogs, it’s extremely toxic.
Even small amounts can trigger a dangerous drop in blood sugar and lead to liver failure.
Some dog toothpaste brands sneak in artificial sweeteners to improve flavor, but they come with huge risks.
Better alternative:
Choose a toothpaste flavoured naturally with safe, dog-approved ingredients not artificial chemicals.
2. Fluoride
Fluoride may be celebrated in human dental care, but dogs should never ingest it.
Unlike us, dogs can’t spit out toothpaste, and ingesting fluoride over time can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and neurological issues.
Better alternative:
Stick with fluoride free, edible formulas designed specifically for safe swallowing, like DoggyTeeth.
3. Artificial Flavors and Colors
Bright colors and strong artificial flavours might make a toothpaste look appealing to humans, but they’re completely unnecessary for dogs and are often made from synthetic chemicals that have been linked to allergies and behavioural problems.
The Better Alternative:
Look for toothpastes that get their flavor and color naturally from food-based ingredients, like parsley for freshness or apple for natural sweetness.
4. Alcohol Based Ingredients
Alcohol is sometimes added to dental products as a preservative or to create a “fresh” feeling, but it’s highly irritating to a dog’s sensitive gums and digestive system.
Over time, it can cause dry mouth, inflammation, and gastrointestinal upset.
Better alternative:
Select gentle, alcohol-free toothpastes that moisturize and soothe instead of drying out your dog’s mouth.
5. Harsh Preservatives (like BHA, BHT)
To extend shelf life, some dog toothpastes use chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT, which have been linked to serious health concerns such as endocrine disruption and even cancer in lab studies.
Better alternative:
Go for naturally preserved products, often using vitamin E (tocopherol) to maintain freshness without the toxic load.
Bonus: Foaming Agents Like SLS and SLES
Many commercial toothpastes even those designated for dogs can contain foaming agents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
These ingredients create that “foamy” texture we associate with cleaning, but dogs don’t need foam for an effective clean — and these chemicals can irritate your dog’s mouth, cause red, inflamed gums, and upset their stomach when swallowed.
Since dogs inevitably ingest their toothpaste, avoiding harsh foaming agents is a must for their comfort and health.
Better alternative:
Choose a smooth, creamy, natural non-foaming formula like DoggyTeeth that works with your dog’s natural biology, not against it.
How DoggyTeeth Solves These Problems Naturally
At DoggyTeeth, we believe dog dental care should be simple, natural, and safe.
That’s why our formula is free from all the harmful ingredients above and instead uses a carefully balanced blend of:
- Grass-fed beef tallow for nourishing texture
- Coconut oil for cleaning
- Parsley, Kelp, Neem & Olive Leaf for natural breath freshening
- Vitamin E for gentle preservation
- Zero artificial sweeteners, colours, or harsh chemicals
It’s a toothpaste dogs love the taste of, making brushing easy, fun, and safe even for senior dogs or picky pups!
The Bottom Line
Your dog’s dental care should support their whole body health not compromise it.
By knowing what to avoid and what to choose instead, you can help your dog enjoy fresh breath, strong teeth, and a healthy mouth naturally.
Try the DoggyTeeth system of brushing before meals and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to train yourself and your dog to a successful bonding brushing practice. Learn more here.
Switch to DoggyTeeth today and see the difference clean, pure ingredients make. Your dog will love the flavour and you’ll love how easy it is to brush with the irresistible taste of tallow.