Why Apple Cider Vinegar
Because it’s amazing! It really is. It has a multitude of benefits, but for now let’s just discuss the topical applications. The main reason we at Project Sudz love and use apple cider vinegar (ACV) in our shampoos is to help itchy pets. ACV has natural anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, which help relieve "hot spots" and fungal infections. We use organic unfiltered ACV combined with a vinegar "mother," a substance which helps harness the beneficial and healthy bacteria. I know you may be thinking, "Bacteria?! Gross, that sounds like something I don't want on my skin?" Well, our skin and our pet's skin (and gut) are filled with bacteria, a microbiome or normal flora. It's like a community of good bacteria that works together to keep us safe and healthy. ACV helps us keep the good bacteria and prevent the bad bacteria, thereby decreasing itchiness and infections.
Ok, so you’ve heard why we love ACV for our itchy pets; now, what about our stinky ones? There is an old wives tale that when dogs get "skunked," you should use tomato juice to remove the smell. Where did that tale come from? To remove odors, the last thing that comes to mind is tomatoes. So why would one use them, and why should they work? After asking myself these questions, I decided to do some research. As it turns out, it’s actually the vinegar in the tomato juice that’s doing the work! Again, we come to the importance of ACV in our products and shampoos. Still looking for another reason to love it? ACV also softens the water and helps our soaps lather. Hard water will leave hair brittle and dry, and sometimes also leave a film. ACV breaks down hard water minerals leaving your pet clean and soft. Hence, we've removed the itch and now made our pet smell nice and feel soft, but these are just some of the great benefits of ACV. We also use many other natural and organic ingredients we would be happy to talk about.