We’ve been taught to chase the wrong kind of clean.
Foam equals clean. Fragrance equals care. Bottles that shine. Coats that shimmer. But your dog doesn’t need any of that. They need ingredients that work with their biology, not against it.

Their skin is thinner than yours. Their nose is stronger. Their tolerance for synthetic scent and chemical filler? Non-existent.
And yet, most dog shampoos are still built for us — not for them.
Here are the 8 biggest offenders hiding in plain sight.  The stuff that smells nice, lathers well, and should never touch a dog.

1. Synthetic Fragrance

“Fragrance” on an ingredient list often means a cocktail of unlisted chemicals, some of which can trigger irritation or allergic reactions. For a dog with a powerful sense of smell, synthetic scents aren’t pleasant — they’re overwhelming.
Watch for: Fragrance, parfum, or anything that doesn’t name the source.

2. Harsh Sulfates

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are used to create foamy lather, but they can strip natural oils, disrupt the skin barrier, and cause itchiness or dryness.
Better options: Look for gentler surfactants derived from plants, like Lauryl Glucoside.

3. Parabens and Preservatives That Interfere with Hormones

Parabens (like methylparaben and propylparaben) are preservatives linked to hormone disruption. Formaldehyde-releasing agents are also sometimes used — long-term exposure to these compounds has been flagged as a health concern in both people and pets.

Also avoid: DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15.

4. Hidden Carcinogens in Foaming Agents

Cocamide DEA and MEA are foam boosters made from modified coconut oil, but they’ve been listed as possible carcinogens. While they’re still legal in many products, they’re best left out.

5. Alcohols That Dry the Skin

Alcohol-based solvents like isopropyl alcohol or ethanol can damage the outer skin layer, leaving your dog dry, flaky, or irritated — especially with repeated use.

6. Antifreeze Ingredients

Propylene Glycol is used in shampoos to retain moisture, but it’s also found in antifreeze. While low levels may be legal, it’s not something we’d choose to put on a dog’s skin.

7. Artificial Colours and Dyes

Colour adds nothing except shelf appeal. FD&C dyes (like Blue 1 or Yellow 5) may cause allergic reactions and serve no real purpose for your dog.

8. “Natural” Ingredients That Aren’t Dog-Safe

Some ingredients may sound nice — tea tree oil, citrus extracts, certain essential oils — but they can be toxic or irritating to dogs if not properly diluted or used in excess.

So what does dog care done differently look like?

Products made for your dog, not for you. Short, honest ingredient lists. Nothing extra.No fake scents. No toxic oils. No parabens. No SLS/SLES. No silicones. No human ego. Just a stripped-back formula that works with your dog’s nature, not against it.
At mud™, we believe care should follow instinct. Skin-kind. Scent-neutral. Nothing that doesn’t belong.

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