How to Make Dog Shampoo to Sell
Interested in turning your love for pets into a small business? Making and selling dog shampoo is a great place to start. It’s low-cost, in high demand, and perfect for pet lovers who want to offer natural alternatives to store-bought products.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from safe ingredients and simple recipes to packaging, pricing, and selling your dog shampoo successfully.
Can You Legally Make and Sell Dog Shampoo?
Yes, you can legally make and sell dog shampoo—but you need to follow certain rules for safety and labeling. Since dog shampoo is not considered a drug, it’s usually regulated as a cosmetic product for animals. Still, laws vary by country and state, so research your local regulations before launching.
Here’s what you should check:
- Business license or seller’s permit
- Labeling requirements (ingredient list, net weight, contact info)
- Safe storage and hygiene standards
- No false medical claims
Start small, stay compliant, and you’ll grow with confidence.
Essential Ingredients for DIY Dog Shampoo
When creating shampoo for dogs, your ingredients must be gentle, non-toxic, and pH-balanced for canine skin (which is more alkaline than human skin).
Basic ingredients include:
- Liquid Castile soap: A gentle, plant-based cleanser
- Distilled water: To dilute and make the formula milder
- Oatmeal or aloe vera: For soothing itchy skin
- Coconut oil or olive oil: Adds moisture and shine
- Apple cider vinegar: Natural deodorizer and anti-fungal
- Essential oils (dog-safe only): For fragrance and added benefits
Dog-safe essential oils: Lavender, chamomile, cedarwood
Essential oils to avoid: Tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, clove, and citrus oils (they can be toxic to dogs)
Simple Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipe
This recipe is safe, effective, and easy to scale for small batches.
Oatmeal Dog Shampoo (Sensitive Skin)
- 1 cup of ground oatmeal (finely blended)
- 1 cup of warm distilled water
- 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the ground oatmeal and water until fully dissolved.
- Add the Castile soap and coconut oil. Stir until blended.
- Drop in the lavender oil and stir again.
- Pour the mixture into a clean bottle with a secure lid.
Shelf life: About 2–3 weeks when stored in a cool, dry place. Add a natural preservative like vitamin E or rosemary extract to extend shelf life.
How to Package Your Dog Shampoo
Packaging matters—it attracts buyers and protects your product.
Tips for effective packaging:
- Use BPA-free plastic or amber glass bottles to protect ingredients from light and heat.
- Label clearly: Include ingredients, volume (e.g., 8 oz), directions, and your contact details.
- Design a clean logo and color scheme to make your brand stand out.
Consider offering different versions: one for dry skin, one for odor control, and a puppy-safe formula. This increases your appeal to different dog owners.
Pricing Your Dog Shampoo for Sale
Most handmade dog shampoos sell between $10 to $18 per bottle depending on the ingredients and bottle size. Make sure your pricing covers costs while staying competitive.
How to set a price:
- Calculate your cost per bottle (ingredients + packaging + label)
- Add your labor cost and a profit margin (typically 30–50%)
- Compare prices from similar brands or local markets
As your business grows, consider offering bundle discounts or subscription deals to keep customers coming back.
Where Can You Sell Your Dog Shampoo?
You don’t need a storefront to succeed. Many pet product businesses start online or in their local community.
Best places to sell:
- Etsy or Shopify: Perfect for handmade and small-batch products
- Local pet stores: Pitch your products on consignment or wholesale
- Farmers’ markets or craft fairs: Meet customers face-to-face and build brand trust
- Social media: Share videos, before-and-after photos, and customer reviews
Don’t forget to offer free samples or create “starter kits” for first-time customers. Personal touches go a long way.
Tips to Make Your Dog Shampoo Brand Stand Out
- Tell your story: Share why you started and what makes your formula unique
- Offer 100% natural or organic versions for eco-conscious buyers
- Include customer testimonials and before-and-after results
- Create instructional videos on how to use your shampoo for best results
Education builds trust. The more people understand what’s in your product and why it’s safe, the more confident they’ll feel about buying it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using essential oils that are unsafe for dogs
- Skipping shelf-life testing or preservatives
- Neglecting legal labeling requirements
- Overpricing or underpricing your product
- Not testing on different coat types or skin conditions
Test your product thoroughly on your own dog or with willing pet parents before launching to the public. Keep track of feedback and adjust as needed.
Want to Expand Your Pet Product Line?
Once you’ve mastered dog shampoo, you can expand into other care items like paw balm, deodorizing sprays, or natural flea repellents. Click here to explore more pet care tips and ideas that can help grow your small business.
Conclusion
Making dog shampoo to sell is a smart and rewarding business move. With the right ingredients, safe practices, and a solid plan, you can create a trusted brand that pet owners love.
Start small, stay consistent, and always put the dog’s health first. Explore more expert guides here to keep building your knowledge and turning your passion into profit.
