Did you know that by age three, most dogs already show signs of dental disease? That fuzzy, stinky buildup on your furry friend’s teeth is more than just a bad smell; it can cause serious health problems down the road. Brushing your dog’s teeth is crucial for their overall health, but the toothpaste aisle can feel like a minefield. Should you pick chicken flavor or beef? Are enzymes better than fluoride? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose the safest and most effective paste for your beloved pet.
Navigating the labels and ingredients can be confusing and frustrating. You want something that works well without upsetting your dog’s stomach or tasting like chemicals. Fortunately, we have done the hard digging for you! This guide cuts through the marketing jargon and breaks down exactly what you need to look for in dog toothpaste.
Keep reading to discover the must-have ingredients, the flavors dogs actually love, and how to ensure you are picking a product that keeps those pearly whites healthy and breath fresh. Let’s dive in and make your next pet store trip a breeze!
Top Dog Toothpaste Recommendations
- FOR DOGS AND CATS: Enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system for dogs and cats to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth. Poultry flavor pets love
- 100% SAFE: Includes no foaming agents, so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- VET RECOMMENDED: Virbac is the #1 Recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals; Made in the USA
- USE WITH A TOOTHBRUSH: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as the C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush. Apply daily or as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may give you specific directions; follow this professional advice closely
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Virbac is committed to your experience of great satisfaction with our products. Let us help with your questions and we would love to hear your comments at 1-844-484-7222
- For dogs and cats: Enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system for dogs and cats to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth with Vanilla Mint flavor pets love
- Safe for daily use: Includes no foaming agents so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- Vet recommended: Virbac is the top recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals and made in the USA
- Use with a toothbrush: Use a soft bristled toothbrush such as the CET Dual Ended Toothbrush, apply daily or as directed by your veterinarian, your veterinarian may give you specific directions follow this professional advice closely
- SOOTHING AND EFFECTIVE: Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dental Gel is a veterinarian-formulated blend with aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes to calm your dog’s gums while efficiently removing plaque and tartar buildup.
- CLEANS & FRESHENS BREATH: Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste Gel gently cleans teeth and gums while fighting plaque and tartar. This soothing formula with aloe, enzymes, and neem oil freshens breath and supports oral health between vet dental visits.
- PART OF A HEALTHY ORAL REGIMEN: Use Enzymatic Dental Gel daily to help maintain your dog’s oral health by reducing plaque & tartar buildup, supporting healthy gums, keeping breath fresh—an easy addition between veterinary cleanings for cleaner dog teeth.
- NATURAL FLAVORS YOUR DOG LOVES: Made with natural flavors dogs enjoy, this enzymatic gel not only whitens teeth & freshens breath while it makes dental care a positive experience; Keep your dog’s mouth feeling clean & healthy with every tasty application.
- SAME TRUSTED FORMULA, NEW PACKAGE: Vet’s Best dental gel now comes in a convenient squeeze tube for easy, precise application. Enjoy the same veterinarian-formulated, trusted ingredients that make daily oral care simple and effective for you and your dog.
- DID YOU KNOW AROUND 80% OF DOGS OVER 3 HAVE DENTAL DISEASE? Dental disease causes pain and discomfort daily, but pets are pros at hiding it. Regular teeth cleaning for dogs by brushing your dog's teeth reduces plaque and tartar that cause dental disease
- BAKING SODA ENHANCED DOG TOOTHPASTE - Made with the signature Arm and Hammer baking soda ingredient to deodorize bad doggie breath
- WITH ADDED CALCIUM – This toothpaste for dogs is formulated with added calcium - an essential building block for strong tooth enamel.
- ENZYMATIC, TARTAR CONTROL FORMULA - This toothpaste for dogs helps control tartar effectively as part of an optimal dog dental care routine.
- NON-TOXIC AND FLUORIDE FREE - Arm & Hammer dog toothpaste is non-toxic, fluoride-free, and contain no dyes, making it perfect for everything from puppy dog supplies through senior dog dental care supplies.
- 4-in-1 DENTAL DOG CHEW: Contains (1) 18 oz bag of Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste for Large Breed dogs. Designed to help fight plaque and tartar with a unique texture and ridges to clean along the gumline. Chewing level is medium to hard.
- HELPS FIGHT PLAQUE AND TARTAR: Our unique textured dental chew helps reduce plaque and tartar with a chewy toothpaste center that helps polish teeth. Daily chewing and aromatic spices help freshen breath.
- BRUSH UP TO TWO TIMES A DAY: For best results, we recommend a tooth-brushing regimen of up to two Brushless Toothpaste dental chews per day. For even longer lasting effectiveness, try combining with Ark Naturals Brushless Plaque Zapper.
- DENTAL CARE FOR LARGE BREED DOGS: Your dog will think it's a treat! Our dental chew is specifically formulated for large breed dogs, 12 weeks and older, between the weight of 40 - 80 pounds.
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED IN THE USA: Our recipe is formulated to provide the most effective results. We never use corn, soy, wheat, or artificial ingredients.
- DID YOU KNOW AROUND 80% OF DOGS OVER 3 HAVE DENTAL DISEASE? Dental disease causes pain and discomfort daily, but pets are pros at hiding it. Regular teeth cleaning for dogs by brushing your dog's teeth reduces plaque and tartar that cause dental disease
- BAKING SODA ENHANCED PUPPY TOOTHPASTE - This puppy toothpaste for small dogs and pups is made with the signature Arm & Hammer baking soda ingredient to deodorize bad doggie breath
- WITH ADDED CALCIUM – This toothpaste for dogs is formulated with added calcium - an essential building block for strong tooth enamel.
- ENZYMATIC, TARTAR CONTROL FORMULA - This toothpaste for dogs helps control tartar effectively as part of an optimal dog dental care routine.
- NON-TOXIC AND FLUORIDE FREE - Arm & Hammer dog toothpaste is non-toxic, fluoride-free, and contain no dyes, making it perfect for everything from puppy dog supplies through senior dog dental care supplies.
- Perfect Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dental Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental treats for dogs that clean teeth and freshen breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies teeth cleaning dog treats into your daily dog dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: This dog dental chew offers clinically proven dog dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend’s oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for a dog between 5-15 lbs., these Greenies dog treats have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
- For dogs and cats: Enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system for dogs and cats to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth with Beef flavor pets love
- Safe for daily use: Includes no foaming agents so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- Vet recommended: Virbac is the top recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals and made in the USA
- Use with a toothbrush: Use a soft bristled toothbrush such as the CET Dual Ended Toothbrush, apply daily or as directed by your veterinarian, your veterinarian may give you specific directions follow this professional advice closely
The Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Toothpaste
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is vital for their overall health. Just like humans, dogs can get plaque and tartar buildup, leading to bad breath and serious dental disease. Choosing the right dog toothpaste makes this necessary chore much easier. This guide helps you pick the perfect paste for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
1. Flavor Appeal
The number one feature is flavor. If your dog hates the taste, brushing will be a battle. Look for appealing, dog-safe flavors like poultry, beef, or peanut butter. A good flavor encourages your dog to cooperate.
2. Enzymatic Action
The best dog toothpastes are enzymatic. These special ingredients use enzymes to break down plaque and tartar even after you finish brushing. This provides an extra layer of cleaning power.
3. Abrasiveness Level
Dog toothpaste should be mildly abrasive. This means it needs a texture that helps scrub the surface of the teeth without damaging the enamel. Too gritty, and you might hurt their gums. Too smooth, and it won’t clean effectively.
4. Fluoride-Free Formula
Dogs swallow toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste. Human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is toxic to dogs when ingested regularly. Always ensure the product is specifically labeled as safe for dogs and fluoride-free.
Important Ingredients and Materials
Safe Cleaning Agents
Good dog toothpaste relies on safe, natural cleaning agents. Look for ingredients like:
- Enzymes (like glucose oxidase)
- Mild abrasives (like hydrated silica)
- Xylitol-free sweetening agents (Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs)
What to Avoid
Quality is reduced significantly by harmful additives. Avoid pastes that contain:
- Artificial colors or strong dyes.
- Added sugars or high amounts of artificial sweeteners (especially Xylitol).
- Harsh detergents or foaming agents.
Factors That Influence Quality
The quality of dog toothpaste directly impacts its effectiveness and safety. High-quality pastes often feature veterinary approval or endorsements. These products undergo testing to ensure they work as advertised and remain gentle on the dog’s mouth.
Conversely, low-quality pastes might just taste good but lack real cleaning power. If a paste foams excessively or leaves a strange residue, its quality is likely poor. Always check the ingredient list; simple, recognizable ingredients usually signal better quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best user experience involves easy application and acceptance by your pet. Some pastes come with a pump, while others are in a simple tube. Consider which dispenser works best for your routine.
Use cases vary. For puppies, you might start with a finger brush and a very palatable paste to get them used to the process. For older dogs with existing tartar, you will need a strong enzymatic paste used twice daily. If your dog refuses brushing entirely, look for “no-brush” gels or water additives, though these are less effective than manual brushing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Toothpaste
Q: Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?
A: No, you absolutely should not use human toothpaste. It contains fluoride and detergents that are harmful if swallowed, which dogs always do.
Q: How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
A: Ideally, you should brush daily. If daily brushing is not possible, aim for at least three times a week to see real benefits in plaque reduction.
Q: Does the flavor really matter?
A: Yes, the flavor matters a lot. A flavor your dog enjoys makes the process quicker and less stressful for both of you.
Q: What is the difference between toothpaste and gel?
A: Toothpaste is generally thicker and better for manual scrubbing with a brush. Gels are often thinner and are sometimes used as leave-in treatments or applied with a finger brush.
Q: How long does a tube of dog toothpaste usually last?
A: This depends on the size of the tube and how often you brush. For a medium-sized dog brushed daily, a standard 4oz tube often lasts about one to two months.
Q: Are there any side effects if my dog swallows a little toothpaste?
A: If you use dog-specific toothpaste, swallowing a small amount is generally safe. However, excessive ingestion might cause mild stomach upset or diarrhea.
Q: What age should I start brushing my dog’s teeth?
A: You can start introducing brushing as early as three or four months old. Start slowly with just the taste, then introduce the brush gently.
Q: Does dog toothpaste help with bad breath?
A: Yes, it helps significantly. Bad breath is often caused by bacteria and plaque; cleaning these away with the right toothpaste removes the source of the odor.
Q: Should I look for tartar control specifically?
A: If your dog is prone to tartar buildup, look for pastes labeled “Tartar Control” or those with strong enzymatic formulas, as these actively work to inhibit crystal formation.
Q: Where should I store my dog’s toothpaste?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, just like human toothpaste. Keep it out of reach of your dog so they do not chew the tube open.