Is Burt's Bees Dog Shampoo Good?

The Short Answer

Burt's Bees Dog Shampoo is acceptable, but it’s not the crunchy gold standard its label suggests.

If you need a shampoo you can grab at the grocery store for under $10, this is likely your safest bet. It is free of sulfates (SLS), parabens, and harsh colorants, making it infinitely better than old-school chemical brands.

However, if your dog has highly sensitive skin or you are looking for a strictly non-toxic product, this falls short. The "99.7% Natural" claim relies on a loose definition of "natural." The formula uses synthetic surfactants (cleaning agents) and preservatives that have triggered allergic reactions in some dogs. It gets the job done safely for most pups, but it’s not the purest option available.

Why This Matters

Your dog’s skin is 3x thinner than yours. It is highly absorbent and sensitive to chemical irritants.

Burt's Bees positions itself as the safe, natural hero of the pet aisle. While they get the pH balance right (dogs need a pH of ~7.5, while humans are ~5.5), their ingredient list reveals a reliance on processed synthetics.

This matters because "greenwashing" in the pet industry is rampant. A class-action lawsuit filed in 2021 highlighted that ingredients like Coco-Betaine—while derived from coconut—undergo significant chemical processing that renders them synthetic. For a dog with contact dermatitis, the difference between "coconut-derived" and "actual coconut oil" is the difference between a clean coat and a vet visit. Dog Shampoo Ingredients To Avoid

What's Actually In It

Burt's Bees formulas are generally simple, but "simple" doesn't always mean "pure." Here is the breakdown of their most popular Oatmeal Shampoo:

• Colloidal Oatmeal & Honey — The Good Stuff. These are genuine, soothing ingredients that help calm itchy skin.
• Coco-Betaine — The Cleaner. A surfactant derived from coconut oil but processed with dimethylaminopropylamine. It’s a known skin irritant for some animals and humans.
• Coco-Glucoside — The Foaming Agent. A gentler surfactant than sulfates, but still processed. This is why the shampoo doesn't lather as thickly as traditional options.
• Phenoxyethanol — The Preservative. Used to stop mold growth. While safer than formaldehyde-releasers, it is a known allergen and skin irritant in higher concentrations.
• Glycerin — The Moisturizer. Generally safe and helps retain moisture in the skin.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• pH Balanced — Specifically formulated for canine skin alkalinity. Is Human Shampoo Okay For Dogs
• No Sulfates — Does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which strips natural oils.
• Tearless Claims — Their puppy formulas are generally mild on the eyes.

Red Flags:

• "Natural" Fragrance — Even natural fragrances can hide hundreds of constituent chemicals. If your dog sneezes after a bath, this is the culprit. Is Fragrance In Dog Shampoo Bad
• Weak Lather — Because it lacks harsh sulfates, it doesn't foam well. Many owners over-use the product trying to get bubbles, which makes it harder to rinse out completely. Residue causes itchiness.

The Best Options

If you aren't sold on Burt's Bees, here is how it stacks up against the competition.

The Bottom Line

1. Use it for normal skin. If your dog has a healthy coat and no history of allergies, Burt's Bees is a perfectly safe, affordable choice.

2. Rinse twice. The mild surfactants can cling to fur. Rinse until the water runs completely clear to prevent "soap itch."

3. Upgrade for allergies. If your dog is scratching, skip this and move to a USDA Organic option like 4-Legger or a simple castile soap diluted properly.

FAQ

Is Burt's Bees safe for puppies?

Yes, specifically the Tearless Puppy formula. It is pH-balanced and gentle. However, always keep suds out of their eyes, regardless of "tearless" claims.

Does Burt's Bees kill fleas?

No. It will simply wash them off. It does not contain pesticides or essential oils strong enough to repel pests. If you need flea control, look for specific treatments, not just grooming shampoo. Safest Flea Treatment

Who makes Burt's Bees for dogs?

It is not made by Clorox (who owns the human brand). It is licensed to a company called Fetch for Pets, which manufactures the products. This is common in the pet industry but means the supply chain is different from the human lip balm you know.

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