It’s easy to overlook dental health when it comes to your pets. But keeping your pup’s teeth clean impacts their overall health and wellness. An effective toothpaste removes plaque buildup that, if left unchecked, can cause several dental problems for your pup. To help you find the best toothpaste for your dog, our team of experts tested some of the top options on the market using criteria including ingredients, smell, consistency, and more.
How we picked these products
We scoured the internet for the most popular dog toothpaste on the market and avoided any toothpaste with questionable or potentially toxic ingredients. Our experts then chose a “top pick,” or the product that ranked the highest in all of our criteria.
Sometimes once we review a product, we don’t want to recommend it to pet parents. Some popular products didn’t make our list, and we think it’s important for pet parents to know why.
Our top pick: Petsmile
Our gel pick: Oratene
Best flavor toothpaste: Virbac
Tough on plaque: Vet’s Best
Best for finger brushing: Vet Solutions
Best organic dog toothpaste: Radius
Best dog dental care finger wipes: Vetradent
Best dog dental flakes: Clenza-a-Dent
How we picked our dog toothpaste recommendations
As pet parents, we all want to provide the best for our furry family members — and that includes regular dental care. With a multitude of pet dental products on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
When selecting a toothpaste for your dog, there are a few key factors to consider:
- VOHC seal of approval. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) (Trusted Source) reviews and evaluates pet health items, including dental care products intended to combat plaque and tartar. Products with this seal have met VOHC’s rigorous standards, so it’s a good sign of quality and effectiveness.
- Veterinarian approval. As Dr. Irish points out, the most effective kinds of toothpaste will be the ones that are veterinary-approved or have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Approval. These are backed by clinical trials and the opinions of medical professionals.
- Safe ingredients. Avoid toothpastes that contain xylitol or fluoride (Trusted Source) , which can be harmful to dogs if swallowed.
- Appealing flavors. Since you’ll be asking your dog to tolerate brushing, flavors that they find appealing can make the process easier for both of you.
How to choose the perfect dog toothbrush
There are two main types of dog toothbrushes – handled brushes and finger brushes. Keep in mind that using a brush is always recommended, even when using a brushless paste. The act of brushing is what removes tartar buildup.
- Finger brushes. These are small brushes that fit over your finger. The ability to come into direct contact with your pup’s teeth allows for greater control.
- Long-handled brushes. Long-handled brushes come in a few varieties and can make it easier to reach your dog’s back teeth, especially if you have a large dog. Double-ended toothbrushes can help reach incisors and molars, and double-headed toothbrushes can clean both sides of your dog’s teeth at the same time.
We recommend trying different types of brushes to find what works best for you and your canine. The size and breed of your dog matters less than their personal preferences.
Keep in mind that you will need to reach the back of your dog’s jaw as you brush. You may want to opt for a soft-bristled doggie toothbrush that will give your dog an efficient and gentle tooth-brushing experience. Since human toothbrushes are shaped for our mouths, we don’t recommend using one on your dog.
Other dog dental products to try
You can give your dog dental chews in addition to daily brushing. Many options taste like a treat, so your pup will have no idea they’re eating something that’s cleaning the plaque off their teeth.
Dental water additives are liquids that can be added to your dog’s water to clean and freshen their mouth. These are not replacements for daily toothbrushing but help fight plaque and reduce tartar. Many dental water additives have ingredients like zinc chloride, citric acid, and sodium citrate that fight bad breath and prevent bacterial buildup.
Products to avoid
Never use human toothpaste on your dog — leave Arm & Hammer and Colgate to the humans. Fluoride is a common ingredient in human toothpaste that’s extremely dangerous for dogs.
Human options also often contain a harmful ingredient called xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. If consumed, your pet will need to be taken to the vet straight away for help. Xylitol can cause severe drops in blood sugar, which can result in seizures, lethargy, and liver failure.
Many popular toothpaste brands have been recommended by others out there. However, after reviewing, we decided not to include them on our list. Here’s why.
- Petrodex Natural Toothpaste. After reviewing the product ingredients, Dr. Irish recommended we remove this toothpaste from our list because it contains eucalyptus oil, which can be toxic to dogs.
- Burt’s Bees Toothpaste. Since this product contains both peppermint and eucalyptus oils, Dr. Irish recommended we remove it from our list.
- TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Oral Care Dog Gel. Dr. Irish feels the before and after photos for this toothpaste are misleading. A topical gel simply can’t dissolve hardened tartar or calculus.
- RADIUS Dog Toothbrush Kit. This toothpaste includes both peppermint and clove oils, both of which can be toxic to dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Which toothpaste is best for dog teeth?
There are several high-quality dog toothpastes on the market, but two stand out due to their effectiveness and rave reviews from pet owners. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste is known for its excellent cleaning abilities and breath-freshening qualities, and it comes in a variety of flavors that dogs love. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste is another top pick, earning high marks from users and being named Amazon’s choice for pet toothpaste.
What toothpaste is approved by veterinarians for dogs?
Veterinarians often recommend products that have been proven to be effective and safe for pets. Two such products are Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste and Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste. Both these toothpastes are known for their plaque-fighting abilities and are often recommended by professionals in the field.
What should I avoid in dog toothpaste?
When selecting a toothpaste for your dog, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients that can be harmful to your pet. Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, is toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Also, human toothpaste often contains fluoride, which can be harmful if swallowed by dogs.
Do dogs need special toothpaste?
Yes, dogs do require special toothpaste. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be harmful if ingested by dogs. Dog toothpaste is formulated to be safe for dogs to swallow and often comes in flavors that are appealing to them.
How do you get tartar off a dog’s teeth?
You’ll see the best results from regular brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste. That’s key for removing tartar from your dog’s teeth. There are toothpastes specifically designed to remove tartar effectively. Additionally, professional cleanings by a veterinarian can help remove any stubborn tartar that brushing alone can’t handle.
Can I make dog toothpaste at home?
DIY dog toothpaste is an easy way and affordable to keep your pup’s teeth clean without any extra trips to the pet store. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian about ingredient safety before trying your hand at making homemade dog toothpaste.
