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What Makes a Dog Shampoo ‘Vegan’ – And Why It Matters

What Makes a Dog Shampoo ‘Vegan’ – And Why It Matters

You care about what goes on your dog’s skin and that means caring about what’s in the bottle.

With more pet parents choosing sustainable and ethical products, you might have found yourself asking: “Is my dog’s shampoo actually vegan? And does it even matter?"

Short answer: yes, it does and we’re here to explain why.

What Does “Vegan” Dog Shampoo Actually Mean?

When we say a dog shampoo is vegan, we mean it’s made without any animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals. That’s not always as obvious as you might think.

Common non-vegan ingredients found in pet shampoos include:

  • Lanolin – derived from sheep’s wool

  • Collagen – often sourced from animals

  • Beeswax or honey – frequently used in balms

  • Silk proteins or keratin – sourced from insects or animals

A truly vegan dog shampoo avoids these in favour of plant-based, cruelty-free alternatives.

Why Does It Matter?

1. It’s kinder to animals

Ironically, many pet products aren’t animal-friendly at all. Choosing vegan ensures your dog isn’t cleaned with ingredients taken from or tested on other animals.

2. It’s better for sensitive skin

Many vegan formulas, like ours, skip the harsh chemicals that can cause irritation, such as SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate), parabens, or artificial dyes. Your dog’s skin will thank you.

3. It’s good for the planet

Vegan formulas tend to be more eco-conscious, reducing the environmental impact of animal farming. Plus, Animology bottles are 100% recyclable - just another way we reduce waste.

Vegan, Cruelty-Free & SLES-Free

At Animology, we’ve been setting new standards in pet care since day one. That means:

✅ 100% Vegan-friendly
✅ 100% Cruelty-Free
✅ Free from SLES, parabens, and artificial colours
✅ Bottled in 100% recyclable packaging

Even though the dog grooming industry isn’t strictly regulated, we go beyond expectations because your dog deserves the same quality you'd expect from your own shampoo.

LS
Lucy Skidmore
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