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July 07, 2017 13 min read
Unless your dog has allergies or itchy skin, you may not see a dramatic change in the health of your dog's skin and coat from one bath to the next. If you consider your dog's exposure to toxic ingredients over the long term it DOES add up - directly impacting the long term health of your dog.
When you know the potential risks of ingredients and how they can affect the health of your dog, you can make informed buying decisions to avoid products that aren't safe for you or your fur family!
We've made it easy by giving you a safety symbol, a natural or synthetic symbol and a description.
UPDATE: The pet shampoo ingredient database has grown so big that we've created a stand-alone site for it! Please visit https://www.petshampooingredientdatabase.com
We've kept the original database below. You'll find a lot more ingredients in the new database!
Safety | Natural or Synthetic? | Ingredient & Description |
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Aloe Vera Packed with polysaccharides and flavonoids with high antioxidant activities and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe helps to improve the flow of blood to damaged areas, improving collagen formation while keeping the dry skin moist and protected. We use aloe in all of our organic dog shampoo formulations! Learn more |
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Artificial Colors
Artificial colors are synthetic dyes generally produced from petroleum. While the dyes may be FDA-approved for use in cosmetics, they do have linkages to organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) and are known to bioaccumulate (can build up in the system). If that doesn't convince you to avoid it, FD&C and D&C colors are bituminous coal derivatives that are continuously tested on animals due to their carcinogenic properties. Learn more |
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Allantoin A nitrogen rich compound that promotes the healing of skin. It is synthetic or derived from the urine of animals or plants (like Comfrey). You'll need to verify the source of this ingredient given the high number of synthetics. |
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ALES or ALS See Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (below) |
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Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate A synthetic foaming agent that has links to organ system toxicity. |
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Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES or ALS) A synthetic surfactant (cleaning and foaming agent) that contains PEG (polyethylene glycol). May be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. |
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Babassuamidopropyl betaine
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Balsam Fir Essential Oil (Abies balsamea) As with all essential oils, using a high grade essential oil that has been naturally extracted is imperative for the health and safety of your pet! |
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Benzyl benzoate |
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Beeswax - Organic Organic beeswax is superior to non-organic beeswax as the bees that produce the wax have a forage zone free of synthetic chemicals and GMO crops. It is truly exceptional! Safe and non-toxic. Learn more |
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Botanical Extracts Take for example a cherry botanical extract - it may be extracted into parabens or it may be extracted into glycerine and water. Since there is no way to know, we've added it as a caution but noted they are likely natural. Note: If it is mixed with a synthetic, the safety of the ingredient can dramatically change. |
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Calendula Calendula is excellent for cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and dry itchy skin! It increases the flow of blood and oxygen to that area to accelerate the healing process. It is good stuff! Learn more |
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Castile Soap Castile soap is the most gentle all natural cleaning solution available on the market. It is made with saponified oils! |
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Carbomer This ingredient is used to create a gel like consistency - increase viscosity. Generally thought of as safe but may cause minor skin irritation. |
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Cedarwood Essential Oil Cedarwood is a natural pest repellent with natural properties to improve the appearance of your dog's skin. Learn more |
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Cetearyl Isononanoate An ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and a branched chain nonanoicacid used as a skin and hair conditioner. Used at less than 12% in a formulation it is less likely to cause skin irritation. We gave it a neutral rating as we don't know the concentration and more research is needed on this ingredient for long term impacts. |
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Cetyl Alcohol May be used in a number of applications - from fragrance to boosting foam or a thickener. It has links to organ system toxicity and is not friendly to the environment (ecotoxicology). Can have a plant or animal origin. |
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Chlorhexidine gluconate An antimicrobial preservative known to cause skin and eye irritation and allergen. |
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Citric acid As a note, your dog's skin is better served by a more alkaline pH and you being careful around their eyes. Also, some dogs may have skin sensitivity to citric acid although rare. |
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Cocamide DEA A foaming agent that has links to organ system toxicity and contamination concerns. |
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Cocamide MEA A foam producer that started as a coconut and has been chemically altered into a moderate cancer causer, hormone and thyroid disruptor and an organ toxin. |
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Cocamidopropyl betaine A synthetic surfactant associated with irritation & allergic contact dermatitis. Reactions could be due to the ingredient itself or impurities. Nitrosamines (a common contaminant) are known to cause cancer. |
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Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine A a plant derived synthetic hair conditioning agent and foam booster. It is a relatively new ingredient that may have links to skin allergies but appears with the limited data available to be relatively safe. |
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Coco-glucoside Is a synthetic used as a foaming, cleansing, conditioning, and thickening agent. It made from reaction of coconut oil fatty alcohols and fruit sugar (glucose). While synthetic is it considered safe with minimal links to allergies. Learn more |
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Coconut Glucose See coco-glucoside (above) |
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Coconut Oil Not all coconut oil is the same. 4-Legger uses USDA certified organic coconut oil - a natural cleaner to improve your dog's skin. |
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Decyl Glucoside |
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Dimethicone A silicon based ingredient that helps to provide skin conditioning. It is linked to organ system toxicity and is not planet friendly (ecotoxicology). |
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Disodium EDTA Used to help control viscosity. It is not a bad ingredient but it does enhance skin absorption. |
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DMDM Hydantoin Used as a preservative that slowly releases small amounts of antimicrobial formaldehyde over time. Many dogs have or can develop formaldehyde allergies/sensitivities. It also may cause skin or eye irritation. Formaldehyde is linked to cancer. |
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Doazolidinyl urea An antimicrobial preservative that works by forming formaldehyde. Many dogs have or can develop formaldehyde allergies/sensitivities. Formaldehyde is linked to cancer. |
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Tetrasodium EDTA Used to help control viscosity, tetrasodium EDTA has links to organ system toxicity and enhances enhance skin absorption. |
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Ethylhexylgl Glycerin |
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Eucalyptus Essential Oil Naturally helps increase the flow of blood to the skin with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic, antiviral and deodorizing properties. Learn more |
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Formaldehyde A known cancer causing preservative that is also linked with allergies and skin sensitivities. Slow releasing formaldehyde preservatives include Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, and Quaternium-15. |
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Fragrance Most have links to organ system toxicity and are not friendly to the planet (ecotoxicology). |
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Vegetable Glycerine A by-product of the process of saponification, it is a natural humectant. |
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Glyceryl sterate Used as a skin conditioner and thickener to retain moisture and hydration. |
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Guar Gum Made from guar beans it acts as a natural conditioner and humectant (holds on to moisture)! Learn more |
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Hemp Oil A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that works to improve your dog's skin. |
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Imidazolindinyl urea Used as a preservative that slowly releases small amounts of antimicrobial formaldehyde over time. Many dogs have or can develop formaldehyde allergies/sensitivities. It also may cause skin or eye irritation. Formaldehyde is linked to cancer. |
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Isopropyl alcohol A mild antiseptic, cleaner and disinfectant that is VERY drying to your dog's skin causing irritation to your dog's skin. It can affect your dog's nervous system and cause organ system toxicity. Many "dry" dog shampoos may use alcohol to quickly "dry" your dog. Yikes! |
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Jojoba Oil Has natural antibacterials and helps to rejuvenate and restore dry skin while the anti-inflammatories reduce swelling and redness associated with skin conditions. |
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Lavender Essential Oil A true gift from nature, lavender is an analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, insecticide, rubefacient, stimulant, tonic, deodorant, and more! |
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Lemongrass Essential Oil Not only does it smell amazing and "clean" it works to improve your dog's skin, is a natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, and mosquito repellent! |
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Lauramide DEA A foam booster with links to organ system toxicity and contamination concerns by nitrosamines - with links to cancer. |
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Laurel Glucoside A sugar and lipid based surfactant (cleaner) and conditioner and emulsifier. This ingredient has few dermatological issues and is safer than other synthetics. It has also been subject to recent animal safety testing. |
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Methylchloroisothiazolinone A preservative linked to allergies and skin irritation. It is not planet friendly (ecotoxicology). There is some evidence that may link it to cancer. Learn more |
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Methylisothiazolinone A preservative with links to neurotoxicity, skin irritation, and allergies. Learn more |
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Methylparaben A preservative linked to endocrine disruption (think thyroid issues). |
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MEA - Monoethanolamine A pH adjuster that has links to organ system toxicity and skin irritation. |
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MEA Lauryl Sulfate (Monoethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate) A cleaning agent (surfactant) with strong possibilities of contamination by ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane with links to cancer. |
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Mineral Oil Mineral oil is derived from petroleum used in fragrances and for conditioning of skin products. It blocks pores and does not let the skin breathe. It has links to organ system toxicity. |
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Oatmeal (Oat Milk) A natural anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and moisturizing characteristics that can soothe, smooth, and nourish your dog's skin and coat. |
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Olive Oil Rich in vitamins, minerals, natural fatty acids, and antioxidants to nourish, rejuvenate, and guard your dog's skin. |
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Panthenol |
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Paraben Parabens are a class of preservatives or fragrances that are not planet friendly (ecotoxic) with strong ties to hormone (endocrine system) disruption. Learn more |
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Peppermint Essential Oil Works to balance the sebum on your dog's skin and coat while increasing the blood flow to the skin to heal and provide protection against bacteria and viruses. |
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Petroleum Jelly Note: There are many different brands of petroleum jelly with a vast spectrum of ingredient purity. While we'd not use it on ourselves or our dogs, if you are going to use it, make sure you buy a reputable name brand. |
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Phenoxyethanol It is also is a sensitizer meaning your dog can develop an allergic reaction to it after using it for some time with no problems. |
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Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate A synthetic combination of 4 glycerine molecules into 1 large molecule that makes it more moisturizing, added to a fatty acid under alkaline conditions - that joins the 2 chemicals into one new molecule. It is generally regarded as a safe and effective moisturizer - certainly safer than the alternatives like polyethylene glycol (PEG) and triethanolamine (TEA). It is also approved to be used in ECOCERT certified organic products. |
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Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Works to hold on to moisture but has some links to organ system toxicity. Concerns with contamination by ethylene dioxide and 1,4-dioxane (both linked to cancer) from the manufacturing process. |
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Polysorbate A surfactant and emulsifier that may have contamination concerns by ethylene dioxide and 1,4-dioxane (both linked to cancer) from the manufacturing process. Has possible linkages to organ system toxicity. |
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Potassium cocoate Saponified coconut oil! Safe and non-toxic! |
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Potassium olivate Saponified olive oil! Safe and non-toxic! |
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Potassium jojobate |
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Proprietary Blend of Moisturizers or Conditioners Don't fall for this marketing trick. If they aren't willing to tell you what is actually in the product you can rest assured it is ingredients you don't want on your dog! |
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Propylene Glycol Used as a skin conditioner that can retain moisture but has links to skin irritation, organ system toxicity and can increase the skin's absorption. |
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Propyl Paraben A preservative that can mimic estrogen and likely act as a hormone system disruptor (endocrine system). Also, not planet friendly. |
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Quaternium-15 Used as a preservative that slowly releases small amounts of antimicrobial formaldehyde over time. Many dogs have or can develop formaldehyde allergies/sensitivities. It also may cause skin or eye irritation. Formaldehyde is linked to cancer. |
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Rosemary Rich in nutrients, rosemary, a known anti-inflammatory will improve circulation, aid in moisturizing dry skin, boost healing, and increase the natural shine and hydrated appearance of your dog's coat. |
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Saint John's Wort A natural anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiseptic, astringent, antimicrobial and antioxidant that improves the health of your dog's skin. |
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Saponified Organic Oils Oils that have been converted to soap and glycerine - the highest grade of soap available! It is safe, non-toxic, mild, and gentle! |
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Sea Salt Exactly what it wounds like - salt from the sea, ocean, or salt water lake that has been dehydrated. |
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Shea Butter A vegetable oil obtained from the tree Butyrospermum parkii used for skin conditioning. |
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Sodium Bicarbonate Baking soda is a salt used for deodorizing, pH adjusting, oral care, and more. |
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Sodium cocoate Saponified coconut oil. Safe and non-toxic! |
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Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate |
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Sodium olivate Saponified olive oil. Safe and non-toxic! |
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Sodium jojobate Saponified jojoba oil. Safe and non-toxic! |
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Sodium palmate Saponified palm oil. Safe and non-toxic! |
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Sodium c-14-16 Olefin Sulfonate The name may be misleading, but sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is not a sulfate. Sulfonate is related to but not the same as sulfates. In a sulfonate the sulfur is linked direct to a carbon atom where as a sulfate is linked directly to the carbon chain via an oxygen atom. They do however have similar qualities when it comes to propensity of being irritating to the skin. It also has links to organ system toxicity. |
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Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate A synthetic antimicrobial preservative with strong links to skin and eye irritation as well as allergies. Under certain conditions can release formaldehyde. Learn more |
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Surfactant Blend Derived from Natural Ingredients (Coconut Base) Manufacturers use this statement when they don't want to tell you the actual ingredients making it confusing for the consumer. |
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Sodium benzoate A preservative (antimicrobial) that has some links to endocrine disruption. It is not planet friendly. |
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate A synthetic cleaner that is not friendly to our planet (ecotoxic). It can be derived from petroleum base or plants. It has links to skin irritation. As a household cleaner it would cause little concern; but, when wouldn't want it on my dog's skin! |
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Sodium Laureth Sulfate A synthetic cleaner and known skin irritant that has links to organ system toxicity and contamination concerns by ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane which both have links to cancer. |
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Sodium coco sulfate Coconut oil is mixed with sulphuric acid and then neutralized with an alkali. Is less irritating that sodium lauryl sulfate because it is a larger sized molecular and less able to penetrate the skin. Considered a detergent. |
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Stearic Acid A naturally occurring fatty acid that is usually derived from rendered fat of farm and domestic animals. |
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TEA-lauryl sulfate (Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulfate) A cleaning and foaming agent that has contamination concerns by ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane - both linked to cancer. |
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Texapon K 12 Another name for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a synthetic cleaner and known skin irritant that has links to organ system toxicity and contamination concerns by ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane which both have links to cancer. |
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Titanium Dioxide Naturally occurring mineral that is mined and processed / purified. Absorbs, reflects, or scatters light (including ultraviolet radiation from the sun). Was commonly used in sunscreens but there is a strong movement to ban it as it is toxic to fish etc. It is thought to be safe when 99+% pure. We don't like it because it is ecotoxic. |
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Triethanolamine Used as a cleaner and a pH adjuster. Known to have links to organ system toxicity and a skin allergen. Has the possibility of containing nitrosamines which are linked to cancer. |
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Vitamin E (Plant Based High Grade Tocopherol) Natural = d alpha-tocopherol |
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Xanthan Gum Xanthan gum is considered a synthetic made from fermentation and is on the accepted list of ingredients for use in USDA Organic products. |
Did we miss an ingredient you want our opinion on? We're happy to add it! Use the form, below, to let us know!
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Safety Legend:
Natural or Synthetic Legend:
4-Legger's mission is to develop truly safe and non-toxic pet products and to educate pet parents about ingredients so they can make informed decisions to avoid products with potentially negative health side effects. We are committed to giving every dog a healthy bath in the memory of our beloved Henry Clay who passed away from cancer on the day our founder, Melissa, was diagnosed with breast cancer.