organic pet shampoo

How We Created the Best Natural Pet Shampoo

Dog shampoo formulations shouldn't include questionable ingredients. Discover the R&D behind our cruelty-free, human-grade, 99% natural formula! 

Written by Tenley Haraldson. Reviewed by Sean Busch.


When it comes to pet shampoo formulations, there are plenty that contain questionable ingredients – ingredients that aren't healthy for pets or the environment. We researched competitor products, took note of thousands of customer reviews, and got our crack team of biochemists on the case.

The result? The best natural dog shampoo anywhere. Guaranteed.

sulfate free dog shampoo

Why Is Our Natural Pet Shampoo So Great?

While this is definitely a cat- and rabbit safe shampoo, dogs are obviously bathed more often. That’s why we focused on creating a dog shampoo formulation for Fido's sensitive skin.

In addition to nourishing skin, Puracy Pet Shampoo is a biochemist-developed formula that zaps odors and leaves coats extra shiny.

1. Human-Grade Formula

formulations for sulfate free pet shampoo

Most conventional pet shampoo formulations have a limited amount of emollients, meaning that moisture isn't reintroduced back into the skin. While your pet’s skin and coat might initially look and feel soft, that doesn't last long.

Our animals deserve the same quality, plant-based ingredients used in our Puracy human products – but with a few pet-specific additions. For longer-lasting smoothness and shine, we've included raw biotin, oatmeal, and aloe for hair, skin, and nail health.

2. 99% Natural Formula

pet shampoo formulations

Synthetic surfactants (like sodium lauryl sulfate and phosphates) allow shampoos to foam up well and rinse clean. But these are alkaline substances that can cause skin irritation, dryness, and redness. They can also disrupt skin pH levels.

Though Puracy Pet Shampoo is tough on grime and odors, its natural formula is incredibly gentle on sensitive areas. That means you don’t have to worry if your pet licks suds or gets them in their eyes.

Just like our human-based cleansers, you’ll never find the following in our Natural Pet Shampoo:

  • Sulfates
  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Dimethicone
  • Phosphates
  • Petroleum-based products
  • Silicones
  • Formaldehyde/formaldehyde releasers
  • Dyes
  • Synthetic fragrances (Puracy only uses essential oils)

3. 100% Human Testing

dog shampoo on human hair

We'd never, ever consider using prototypes on our pets: Puracy is 100% cruelty-free. After tweaking various formulas with PhD chemists, staff volunteers (including our own founders) tested this product on themselves to ensure a human grade dog shampoo.

4. One-Step Cleaning

sulfate free dog shampoo

Getting your pet in the bathtub could be a tough process. That's why our pet shampoo formulation's directions are simple: wash and rinse.

This 2-in-1 pet shampoo and conditioner deodorizes with sodium zinc polyitaconate (a zinc-based odor eliminator). That means that this shampoo eradicates “dog smells'' instead of temporarily covering them up with artificial fragrances.

5. pH Balanced Dog Shampoo Formula

ph balanced dog shampoo

Human shampoo really isn't designed for your four-legged friend. In fact, the pH of human skin is around 5.5 – but dog skin is around 7. Therefore, a pH-balanced pet shampoo can go a long way towards better moisture retention, reduced scaling, and improved barrier function.

How to Use Puracy Natural Pet Shampoo

natural dog shampoo

To wash your dog (or cat, if you’re feeling extra-brave):

  • Using warm water, thoroughly rinse your dog from top-to-bottom.
  • Apply the shampoo directly to their coat and massage thoroughly.
natural pet shampoo
  • If you need additional suds, add more water – not additional shampoo.
  • Water + shampoo + agitation = foam.
  • Thoroughly rinse the shampoo out.
best natural dog shampoo

Pro Tip: Many dogs get nervous from the noise and pressure of a handheld shower nozzle. During every bath time, use a large, plastic cup.

From Our Family to Yours

Whether your dog needs a bath after a day at the lake – or from rolling around in what you hope is mud – Puracy Pet Shampoo is designed for shiny, healthy coats.

Puracy dog shampoo

Our pets are beloved members of the family. So no matter if your dog needs a bath after a day at the lake – or from rolling around in what you hope is mud – Puracy Pet Shampoo is designed for shiny, healthy coats.