Just as you want to keep your pet’s fur clean and fresh with the right dog shampoo, you also want to maintain their teeth using the best toothpaste for dogs.
Poor oral health can lead to serious dental issues over time, including periodontitis and gingivitis.
Perhaps the biggest step to improving your dog’s dental health is buying the right products.
We’ve done extensive research on the best dog toothpaste to help you make the right decision.
Best Toothpaste for Dogs: Brief Reviews
1. Vet’s Best Dog Enzymatic Toothpaste
Vet’s Best is a well-known manufacturer of pet care products and has been in the industry for more than 30 years.
In our quest to find which toothpaste to use on our dogs, we came across this brand’s Dog Enzymatic Toothpaste.
It stands out because it contains natural ingredients that provide quality protection for dogs’ teeth.
Review
The Vet’s Best Dog Enzymatic Toothpaste comes in a gel form, much like regular toothpaste.
With the help of the included toothbrush, this chemical-free toothpaste will freshen up your dog’s breath and gently remove plaque and tartar buildup.
The soothing combination of aloe vera, neem oil, and grapefruit extract makes this formula highly effective.
It also contains baking soda, a popular natural cleaner that works well for dogs. It is very effective in whitening teeth and eliminating bacteria.
Meanwhile, aloe vera is proven to reduce plaque. It also has a few side effects compared to prescription mouthwash.
In addition, neem oil is touted for its antibacterial properties. Not only does it help remove many pathogens in the oral cavity, but it also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
By the way, this dental kit comes with a triple-headed toothbrush, which means the bristles are positioned to form around each tooth.
This design promotes effective cleaning at every angle.
You can apply the toothpaste using either your finger or the toothbrush. The good thing about this is that a small amount goes a long way.
Moreover, the Vet’s Best toothpaste has a mild taste, making it suitable for most dogs, even those who haven’t had their teeth brushed for a long time.
Also, it doesn’t have any scent, so it is more pleasant for your pooch.
To enjoy all of its amazing benefits, use the Vet’s Best toothpaste several times a week.
This product is safe to swallow, so no rinsing is necessary. Even so, you want to give your pet fresh, clean water after each brushing session.
For breath control, apply a dab of toothpaste directly to your dog’s tongue to freshen his breath.
Pros:
- Mild taste
- No scent
- Easy to use
- Comes with a toothbrush
Con:
- The toothbrush isn’t stiff enough to remove stubborn stains and plaque
2. Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
Virbac is a trusted brand that specializes in animal health. It offers everything from medicines and supplements to oral health products.
The Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste is a vet-recommended product specifically formulated using the Clean Every Tooth (CET) enzyme system.
Review
This Virbac enzymatic toothpaste is clinically proven to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
It boasts natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, helping reduce the spread of disease-causing bacteria in your dog’s mouth.
As a result, you will find that it also helps eliminate mouth odors.
The CET enzyme is formulated for both dogs and cats. It is safe for daily use and doesn’t contain foaming ingredients.
That said, this Virbac toothpaste is best used with a soft-bristled toothbrush, which you will have to buy separately. You can apply it daily or as directed by your veterinarian.
When used regularly, you’d be surprised at how effective the product is in cleaning and whitening dogs’ teeth.
The main ingredients of the Virbac Enzymatic toothpaste are sorbitol, glucose oxidase, and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous.
Unlike other toothpaste, it doesn’t contain foaming agents or ingredients like fluoride that can potentially harm your dog.
As such, it’s okay for your pooch to swallow it.
In addition, this product has undergone clinical testing that shows it provides great antibacterial action.
The numerous enzymes in the toothpaste help freshen your dog’s breath and reduce the amount of plaque buildup.
If your dog isn’t fond of having its teeth brushed, the Virbac toothpaste might be a life-saver, thanks to its beef flavor.
Aside from beef, this toothpaste also comes in other flavors like seafood, malt, and vanilla-mint. The flavors are something that most dogs will like, even cats.
For households with cats, this means you won’t have to buy a different toothpaste for them, helping you save money in the long run.
In about six weeks of continued use, you can expect to see a difference in your pet’s oral health.
The toothpaste comes in a 70-gram tube, which you can use for several months as you only need a small amount per brushing.
That said, if you find its smell unpleasant or weird, you might be better off with a pet toothpaste with no flavor or scent.
Pros:
- For dogs and cats
- Effective in removing tartar
- Can be swallowed
Con:
- Beefy smell
3. Petrodex Dental Care Kit for Dogs
The Petrodex toothpaste comes in an easy-to-use kit and is ideal for all breeds and sizes of dogs.
It includes a double-headed toothbrush and a finger brush that you slip onto your finger for convenient brushing.
Review
The Petrodex Dental Care Kit for Dogs comes with a specifically formulated toothpaste that effectively reduces plaque and tartar.
It is peanut-flavored and contains natural abrasives to safely clean teeth.
Like the other toothpaste featured here, the Petrodex toothpaste doesn’t foam up, so there’s no need to rinse your dog’s mouth after brushing.
Depending on your preference and your dog’s, you can use the toothbrush or finger brush
Both have soft bristles, so you can guarantee your dog will have a pleasant experience each time. This also makes it ideal for both grownup dogs and puppies.
The toothbrush is dishwasher-safe, so it’s very convenient and easy to keep clean.
To brush your dog’s teeth, apply a small amount onto the toothbrush. Then, brush your dog’s teeth and gums in a back-and-forth motion.
Wondering how it removes tartar?
This is thanks to its very effective formula containing sorbitol, purified water, sodium copper chlorophyllin, eucalyptus oil, parsley seed oil, hydrated silica, and glycerin.
What we like about it is that you will see results almost immediately, particularly in freshening up your dog’s breath and whitening his teeth.
After a few weeks of continued use, this toothpaste will soften and loosen tartar buildup. You can then easily scrape off the tartar using the finger brush.
Pros:
- Ideal for big dogs and pups
- Comes with a toothbrush
- Lasts long
Con:
- Unpleasant smell
4. Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste
Like Virbac, Ark Naturals has many years of experience manufacturing pet wellness products.
It’s a well-loved brand by millions of pet parents because it uses natural ingredients. Plus, its products are designed to be convenient to use.
Such is the case of the Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste.
Designed for larger breeds, this brushless toothpaste abrasively cleans teeth and helps reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Review
If your dog doesn’t like having its teeth brushed and you’ve tried numerous times using different products, the Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste might be what you need.
It comes as a dental chew that offers the same results as brushing. You will find that it is highly effective in polishing teeth and eliminating stains.
Moreover, the chew contains natural ingredients, such as cinnamon, vanilla, clove, and alfalfa, that work wonders in removing bad breath-causing bacteria.
Many fur parents will love that it doesn’t contain soy, wheat, and corn, as well as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Since the toothpaste is starch-free, it is less likely to give your dog allergies. That said, it is very safe to use, even on the most sensitive dogs.
Like all good, natural dental treats, your dog will love the Ark Natural Brushless Toothpaste. It looks like candied licorice with a soft, lighter-colored center.
Inside the chew is a toothpaste center that kills bacteria and eliminates tartar and plaque buildup.
Another thing to love about this product is that it contains chlorophyll, which is important in treating and preventing bad breath.
For the best results, we recommend giving your pet two brushless chews daily. One bag contains 14 sticks, which would last about a week if given at least twice a day.
This toothpaste is recommended for large breed dogs 12 weeks or older. The only downside is it’s quite expensive compared to traditional tube toothpaste.
Lastly, this product is made in the U.S.A., so you can be confident it is made with high-quality ingredients and free from contamination.
Pros:
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Good for dogs with sensitive tummies
- No brushing required
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- For big dogs only
5. Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Kit for Dogs
Arm & Hammer is a well-known brand all over the world because its cleaning products are not only effective but also affordable.
It’s most popular for its baking soda, which is also the main ingredient of this enzymatic toothpaste for dogs.
Review
Tartar is among the leading causes of bad breath and yellowing teeth in dogs, which is why this is what the Arm & Hammer dog dental kit is made to combat.
The best part is that it’s able to reduce tartar buildup gently. With this toothpaste, your dog can have whiter teeth, fresher breath, and a brighter smile.
Because it’s not as harsh as other dog toothpaste formulas, it also helps promote healthier gums.
On top of baking soda, a known effective cleaner, this toothpaste also contains other natural ingredients.
It even has a tasty beef flavor that will make your dog want to have his teeth brushed.
If you’re ever worried about having a difficult time using it on your dog, you don’t have to be.
The kit includes a dual-sided toothbrush and a finger brush, so you should have no problems keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.
Whether you have a small or large dog breed, you’ll find the toothbrush useful. Use the small toothbrush head if you have a small dog or the bigger one for larger pups.
If your dog doesn’t enjoy getting his teeth brushed, you can use the finger brush to have more control.
You can make brushing an enjoyable experience for your pup by having him lick a pea-sized amount first.
Once he’s comfortable, put a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush or finger brush and start cleaning your dog’s teeth.
Pros:
- Gentle, safe, and effective
- Made with natural ingredients
- Comes in a complete kit
Con:
- Some may not like the beefy smell
Buyer’s Guide
One of the most important steps in caring for your dog’s dental health is brushing their teeth at least twice a week. Doing this lowers the likelihood of plaque and tartar buildup.
However, before going out to buy your dog his toothpaste, make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for.
Here are some guidelines when choosing the best dog toothpaste for your beloved pet:
Is it dog-friendly?
It is estimated that two out of three dogs over the age of three have oral health problems, from periodontal disease to gum inflammation and infection.
Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis, typically caused by plaque, and often progresses to cavities. When left untreated, it can lead to painful tooth loss.
It’s recommended to brush your pet’s teeth at least two times a week.
Most dogs will find brushing enjoyable once they get used to it, especially if you use the right toothpaste.
What flavor does your dog like?
The flavor is very important in selecting dog toothpaste.
Most dogs don’t prefer an overbearing minty taste. Meanwhile, choosing a flavor like beef or bacon can keep their breath smelling undesirable.
Most dogs like these flavors, though, so they are likely to enjoy getting their teeth brushed.
One way to check if your dog will like the toothpaste is by letting him sniff at the product first.
Then, give him a treat if he licks at the toothpaste. This will make your pet feel reassured that he did something good.
You might need to experiment with different flavors to know which toothpaste your dog will like best.
Consider buying a small tube first so that you don’t end up spending too much on a toothpaste your dog doesn’t like.
What are its ingredients?
Look for toothpaste made with safe ingredients. If possible, go organic. You will also want to avoid products that contain artificial sweeteners and alcohol.
Never use toothpaste intended for humans on your dog. Such products contain fluoride, which can harm your pet’s stomach.
Moreover, some human toothpaste has high levels of sodium and other ingredients that can make your pet ill.
Plus, your dog might find the foam in the toothpaste unpleasant, making him not want to get his teeth cleaned anymore.
Which Is the Best Dog Toothpaste?
These toothpaste products are excellent choices because they contain safe ingredients proven to kill bacteria, remove tartar, and freshen up breath.
Of the five, we think the best toothpaste for dogs is the Vet’s Best Dog Enzymatic Toothpaste.
It cleans and whitens teeth quickly and effectively, and the addition of aloe vera gives your pup’s teeth an extra shield from bacteria.
It also comes complete with a toothbrush, so you’ll have everything you need to clean your dog’s teeth.
If your pooch doesn’t like its teeth being brushed, we recommend using the Ark Natural Brushless Toothpaste instead.
It comes in the form of a chewable treat, cleaning tartar buildup and bacteria while your dog enjoys it.
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