How much does a good dog shampoo really cost? (actual cost per wash)

A €5 shampoo and a €25 shampoo: which one is really cheaper? The answer depends on one number: the cost per wash. And it's rarely the one you think.

How to calculate the true cost per wash

To calculate the true cost of a shampoo, you need to divide the price by the number of washes it allows.

A 250 mL highly concentrated bottle (diluted 1:10) can provide 25 washes. A 500 mL low-concentration bottle to be used neat can provide 10.

Concrete examples

  • Supermarket shampoo 500 mL at €4 — neat use: approx. 12 washes — €0.33/wash
  • "Premium" shampoo 250 mL at €18 — concentrated 1:5: approx. 25 washes — €0.72/wash
  • Gust Care 1 L — diluted 1:5: approx. 40 washes — approx. €0.50/wash

Why dilute your shampoo?

Most professional shampoos are designed to be diluted before application. This allows for more even distribution on the coat, better penetration, and easier rinsing. Our 1 L shampoo can be diluted in a pump bottle 1:5 for approximately 40 washes on a medium-sized dog.

What we don't calculate but matters

A cheap shampoo that irritates your dog's skin means a vet consultation at €60 plus a dermatological cream at €25. The true cost of a bad shampoo is that.

See our 1 L format → | 500 mL format →

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