Episode 25

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Published on:

5th Jan 2026

25: Read the Label, Not the Hype - The Real Science Behind Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste with Dr. Rob Karlinsey

What happens when a best-selling pet oral care product is examined ingredient by ingredient instead of through marketing claims?

In this episode of Dental Formulator’s Playbook, Dr. Rob and Tami take a close, evidence-based look at Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste, a product with tens of thousands of reviews and strong consumer trust. The discussion focuses on formulation transparency, ingredient safety, and whether the product’s claims align with canine oral biology and real formulation science.

Dr. Rob breaks down each ingredient, including enzymes, glycerin, aloe, and neem oil, and explains why popularity and sales volume are not substitutes for safety data or biological relevance. Special attention is given to the quiet removal of neem oil from marketing language while it remains in the ingredient list, raising concerns about transparency rather than reformulation.

This episode encourages pet owners to read labels carefully, question buzzwords like “enzymatic” and “natural,” and prioritize evidence-based formulations over trends.

🔍 Highlights

  1. Why dogs and cats do not develop dental caries like humans
  2. The difference between human and veterinary oral care needs
  3. What glucose oxidase enzymes actually do and why they may not benefit pets
  4. Concerns around neem oil remaining in the formula despite removal from marketing claims
  5. Potential gastrointestinal risks associated with neem oil and aloe
  6. How glycerin-heavy, water-free formulations affect brushing performance
  7. Why “safe to swallow” claims deserve extra scrutiny
  8. The risks of equating high sales and positive reviews with product safety
  9. How misleading marketing language can obscure formulation reality
  10. The importance of ingredient transparency in veterinary oral care

💡 Key Takeaways

  1. Dogs do not get cavities, so caries-focused enzymes offer limited benefit
  2. Ingredient transparency matters more than marketing language
  3. Neem oil is a potent antimicrobial not intended for ingestion
  4. Removing claims without removing ingredients reduces consumer trust
  5. “Natural” does not automatically mean safe for pets
  6. Sales volume and reviews are not safety indicators
  7. Evidence-based formulation should guide pet oral care decisions

📲 Connect with Dr. Rob (Robert L. Karlinsey, PhD)

🌐 Website: customdentalformulations.com

📄 Research Profile: Robert Karlinsey on ResearchGate

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About the Podcast

Dental Formulator's Playbook
The Dental Formulator’s Playbook is where science meets strategy in the world of oral health innovation. Hosted by Dr. Rob Karlinsey, a seasoned dental researcher and independent formulator, this podcast is your behind-the-scenes pass to what really goes into creating cutting-edge dental products.

Whether you're a dentist, a dental brand, or just someone curious about how toothpaste, rinses, and other oral care products are developed, you'll find practical insights and real-world takeaways in every episode. Dr. Karlinsey keeps it straightforward and engaging—no fluff, just clear, thoughtful explanations based on years of experience in the lab and the industry.

This show is all about helping dental professionals and product developers think differently, make better decisions, and stay ahead of the curve. If you care about science, results, and doing things the right way, you're in the right place.

About your host

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Robert Karlinsey

Dr. Robert L. Karlinsey is a scientist and formulator with almost 20 years’ experience in dental research. He earned a BS in Physics (University of Scranton) and PhD in Chemical Physics (Indiana University), with postdoctoral work in physical chemistry (Indiana University). As a visiting assistant research professor at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, his research led to an impactful encounter with Dr. George Stookey, and shortly thereafter, the formation of Indiana Nanotech, LLC (now known as Custom Dental Formulations, LLC), of which he spearheaded all research and small-scale manufacturing efforts. Dr. Karlinsey is the inventor of Nanotech’s functionalized tricalcium phosphate systems, which continue to help generate over $100MM in global product sales for a major dental manufacturer. As Principal Investigator, his work has received significant funding through Federal (National Institutes of Health), State (Indiana and Texas), and industry grants and contracts. His research in patented calcium phosphate technologies continue to help generate over $100MM in global product sales. Previously, Dr. Karlinsey has served as Chief Scientific Officer at Therametric Technologies, Inc, and adjunct professor of chemistry at the University of Indianapolis.

Dr. Karlinsey addresses clients’ needs in preventive and cosmetic dentistry, including fluoride- and fluoride-free remineralization, antiplaque/gum health, whitening systems, and more. He is actively involved in clinical and laboratory research designs and performance-backed, customized oral care formulation solutions. And, whenever possible, he favors natural, nature-derived, and/or sustainably sourced ingredients