Dog Shampoo Bar Recipe

[Tom Mrosko]

First I am very new to the art and i plan on testing a recipe and need some help if possible. I want to make a shampoo bar for my dog. He is Brittany who is very active outdoors. I am looking for basic receipt suggestion for a lathery (something that makes a lot of Rich lather), smells good that the fragrance will last a long time.
I was thinking of using Casteroil and eathee Need oil or Tamanu.
And the following essential oils: eucalyptus (for bugs/flees), Ceder Oil, and Frankincense. What do you think and any suggestions are more then welcome.

 

[shunt2011]

There are several threads on the forum on this topic if you do a search. The only concern is the high PH of handmade soap. Once in awhile is okay per some. I don’t use it on my dogs though.

Also, research the EO you plan to use. Some are dangerous for animals

 

[Tom Mrosko]

Thank you I'm doing the search now.

 

[KiwiMoose]

Hi Tom,
I’m a total newbie, so it’s a bit like the blind leading the blind here, but I’ve done a lot of research and just turned out some lovely doggie soap bars from their Molds.
I used cedar wood, rosemary, bergamot and May Chang EOs. I used bother castor oil and neem oil as part of the main recipe ( used too much castor oil though, so don’t make that mistake). Dogs’ skin is a higher pH than humans, so in theory should be able to tolerate soap better than us, however as all dog owners know, we would still want to take care not to ‘over’ wash them.
We only wash ours about once every three to four weeks, unless they roll in something stinky.

 

[Relle]

Here is a forum link to read -
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/horse-and-dog-shampoo-bars.15623/

 

[Candybee]

I make a dog soap that has been very successful for me. It took at least 2 yrs in the development and research to get it just right. I almost gave up because there are a lot of ingredients that are not dog friendly and studying EOs for the soap was not as easy as it sounds. But I finally came up with a recipe that was very conditioning and healing for the fur and skin while being perfect for sensitive skinned, itchy skin, and small breeds as well as all breeds.

I won't divulge my recipe but I will say do your homework and make sure your ingredients are truly safe for dogs. Start out with a soap that is super mild and gentle and tweak it from there. Its not just the additives and EOs you have to research, but the right combination of oils/butters that work well on a dog's sensitive skin. Once you figure out the oils that are best to use on a dog, tweak the recipe through a soap calculator and pay close attention to the fatty acid values and profiles. Getting these right is just as important as the ingredients you use. You want an extra conditioning soap that is not only ultra mild and gentle but will rinse clean and not leave residue on a dog's skin.

 

[Tom Mrosko]

Hi Tom,
I’m a total newbie, so it’s a bit like the blind leading the blind here, but I’ve done a lot of research and just turned out some lovely doggie soap bars from their Molds.
I used cedar wood, rosemary, bergamot and May Chang EOs. I used bother castor oil and neem oil as part of the main recipe ( used too much castor oil though, so don’t make that mistake). Dogs’ skin is a higher pH than humans, so in theory should be able to tolerate soap better than us, however as all dog owners know, we would still want to take care not to ‘over’ wash them.
We only wash ours about once every three to four weeks, unless they roll in something stinky.

Hi Tom,

This is a huge help! Thanks for your suggestions, and insight. My boy is outside alot and very active so he unfortunately stinks, lol. Thanks again.

I make a dog soap that has been very successful for me. It took at least 2 yrs in the development and research to get it just right. I almost gave up because there are a lot of ingredients that are not dog friendly and studying EOs for the soap was not as easy as it sounds. But I finally came up with a recipe that was very conditioning and healing for the fur and skin while being perfect for sensitive skinned, itchy skin, and small breeds as well as all breeds.

I won't divulge my recipe but I will say do your homework and make sure your ingredients are truly safe for dogs. Start out with a soap that is super mild and gentle and tweak it from there. Its not just the additives and EOs you have to research, but the right combination of oils/butters that work well on a dog's sensitive skin. Once you figure out the oils that are best to use on a dog, tweak the recipe through a soap calculator and pay close attention to the fatty acid values and profiles. Getting these right is just as important as the ingredients you use. You want an extra conditioning soap that is not only ultra mild and gentle but will rinse clean and not leave residue on a dog's skin.

Great advice. I appreciate your help especially with "starting with a mild soap". Good luck with yours.

Here is a forum link to read -
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/horse-and-dog-shampoo-bars.15623/

Thanks! This narrowed my searching and is a great place to start. I truly appreciate it!

 

[SoapAddict415]

It's been a while since I made my dog soap, it was a big batch and I no longer have my dog. Commercial shampoos made by fur-baby itch terribly. I remember that I used apple cider vinegar to reduce the ph, tea tree EO, coconut oil, castor oil, palm oil and EVOO infused with licorice root, neem, rosemary and mint leaves. I researched what herbs, oils and EOs would be doggy safe, good for her skin and good for repelling insects. Other than the neem leaves, I can't recall what the other herbs contributed but my Mattie loved her soap and it left her coat soft and shiny. If you decide to infuse an oil, first research, research, research!

 

[Tom Mrosko]

Thanks, I appreciate your advise.

 

[cappykat]

I make a dog soap that has been very successful for me. It took at least 2 yrs in the development and research to get it just right. I almost gave up because there are a lot of ingredients that are not dog friendly and studying EOs for the soap was not as easy as it sounds. But I finally came up with a recipe that was very conditioning and healing for the fur and skin while being perfect for sensitive skinned, itchy skin, and small breeds as well as all breeds.

I won't divulge my recipe but I will say do your homework and make sure your ingredients are truly safe for dogs. Start out with a soap that is super mild and gentle and tweak it from there. Its not just the additives and EOs you have to research, but the right combination of oils/butters that work well on a dog's sensitive skin. Once you figure out the oils that are best to use on a dog, tweak the recipe through a soap calculator and pay close attention to the fatty acid values and profiles. Getting these right is just as important as the ingredients you use. You want an extra conditioning soap that is not only ultra mild and gentle but will rinse clean and not leave residue on a dog's skin.

 

[cappykat]

I made the following dog soap recipe (32oz of oil). I did my research and found this recipe online. I researched safe essential oils for dogs and found conflicting information. I did seem to get a consensus on Cedarwood essential oil. I plan to sell this so would like input from other soapers. It called for Tallow, Cocoa butter or Kokum butter but I substituted Shea. I read your post and hoped you wouldn't mind looking at what I've made and give me some input. Thank you.

Coconut Oil - 22.50%
Shea Butter - 15%
Olive Oil - 45%
Neem Seed Oil - 2.50%
Castor Oil - 15%

Fatty Acid Profile
Lauric - 11
Myristic - 4
Palmitic - 9
Stearic - 11
Ricinoleic - 14
Oleic - 40
Linoleic - 7
Linolenic - 0

Soap Bar Quality
Hardness - 35
Cleansing - 15
Conditioning - 61
Bubbly - 29
Creamy - 34
Iodine 60
INS - 146

I added 2.5 tsp of sodium lactate, 2 Tbsp collodial oatmeal, and 1% (.32oz) of Cedarwood EO.