Brushing your dog’s teeth is a crucial part of your canine’s oral hygiene routine.
The right toothpaste or gel can effectively scrub away plaque and bacteria and keep your dog’s bad breath at bay!
Plus, it can prevent most dental issues such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss.
Here are the 7 top-rated dog toothpastes we’ve reviewed in 2023 that can keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.
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List of Best Toothpastes for Dogs in 2023
1. Our Top Pick - Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
Popular dog toothpaste that can reliably remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup
Features:
- Removes and prevents plaque
- Unique dual-enzyme system
- Contains no foaming agents
- Safe for daily use
- Made in the US
- Available in beef, poultry, seafood, malt, and vanilla mint dog-friendly flavor
The Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste is one of the most trusted and commonly recommended toothpastes for dogs by veterinary professionals, so you can rest assured that it is safe and effective.
It contains the CET dual-enzyme system, specially formulated to provide natural antibacterial action, reduce plaque, and aid in preventing tartar formation, ultimately keeping your furry friend’s teeth clean and breath fresh.
This toothpaste doesn’t contain foaming agents, which means it is safe for your dog to swallow. Additionally, it is made in the US and comes in five different flavors, including beef, poultry, seafood, malt, and vanilla mint, so you can easily find one that your pup loves.
2. Best Value - Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste Poultry Flavor
An enzymatic toothpaste for dogs that offers good value for money
Features:
- Non-rinsing formula
- Polishes teeth and freshen breath
- Palatable poultry flavor
Comes in a generous 6.2-ounce tube for less than $10, the Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste Poultry Flavor offers an excellent value for money.
Though it is twice as cheap as most toothpastes on the market, it is just as effective, and you will be surprised by its performance. With patented enzymes to help reduce tartar and plaque buildup, fight bad breath, and improve your fido’s oral health. It is also non-foaming and doesn’t require rinsing, making it a lot easier and mess-free.
It has a delicious poultry flavor, which most owners reported that their dogs love and look forward to their tooth brushing routine!
3. Best Overall - Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Oral Care Kit for Dogs & Cats
All-in-one dental care kit for pets
Features:
- Poultry-flavored enzyme solution
- Reduces plaque and eliminates bad breath
- Triple enzyme formula
- Non-foaming
- No rinsing required
- Includes a finger brush
- Made in the US
- NASC Quality Seal
Want an all-in-one solution? Look no further than the Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Oral Care Kit for Dogs & Cats. This kit comes with an appealing poultry-flavored dog toothpaste and a finger brush, a complete set to let you clean your dog’s teeth and massage their gums.
The toothpaste features a triple enzyme formula that is highly effective at removing food particles and plaque and combating bacterial growth in your dog’s mouth. It is also non-foaming, no rinsing required, and is safe to swallow.
What’s more, it has an NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) Quality Seal, meaning this brand is committed to following the highest quality standards.
It has a delicious poultry flavor, which most owners reported that their dogs love and look forward to their tooth brushing routine!
4. Best for Bad Breath - Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dental Care Gel
Veterinarian-formulated dog toothpaste made in the US to clean and eliminate bad breath
Features:
- Freshens breath
- Whitens teeth
- Soothes gums
- Controls plaque and tartar
- Includes a triple-headed toothbrush
- Made in the US
Does your dog have bad breath and yellowish-brown tartar along the gum line? Consider the Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dental Care Gel.
It is a veterinarian-formulated dog toothpaste made with a mix of enzymes, aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, and minimal baking soda, designed to effectively clean away plaque and leave your dog’s breath smelling better. Not only that, but it can also brighten and whiten your dog’s teeth and soothe irritated gums.
Additionally, it includes a triple-headed toothbrush, which can clean from all angles and make brushing more convenient and quicker.
5. Best for Tartar Control - Arm & Hammer Dog Dental Care Toothpaste for Dogs
An excellent choice for tartar control and prevention of periodontal disease
Features:
- Reduce tartar buildup
- Ward off gum disease
- Natural ingredients
- Mint scent
- Beef flavor
The Arm & Hammer Dog Dental Care Toothpaste for Dogs is another top-rated dog toothpaste that you can consider, especially for preventing tartar buildup.
It is formulated with natural ingredients to effectively fight and prevent tartar and plaque from forming in your canine’s mouth, ultimately reducing the risk of periodontal disease. It is also infused with a safe amount of baking soda to whiten and brighten your dog’s teeth.
This enzymatic gel comes in a 2.5-ounce tube and is beef-flavored, with a pleasant mint scent to combat bad breath.
6. Best All-Natural - Kissable All-Natural Dog Dental Kit
All-natural toothpaste for dogs with toothbrush and finger brush
Features:
- Promote healthy gums
- All-natural ingredients
- No rinsing required
- Vanilla flavor
- Includes a three-sided toothbrush and a finger brush
Prefer to use a doggy toothpaste made with all-natural ingredients? Check out the Kissable All-Natural Dog Dental Kit that comes with a finger brush and a three-sided toothbrush to provide a superior clean.
It contains tea tree oil, a natural remedy known to have antiseptic and antifungal properties to diminish plaque, kill off bacteria, and relieve bleeding gums. Not only that, but it also has vanilla and stevia to naturally improve the taste and entice your four-legged friend without raising their blood sugar level.
Since it uses all-natural ingredients, it is safe for your pup to swallow, and there’s no need to rinse after brushing.
7. Best for Puppies - RADIUS USDA Organic Canine Pet Toothpaste
Organic, non-toxic toothpaste designed to gently clean puppies’ teeth
Features:
- Fight plaque and tartar
- Keep breath fresh
- Organic and food-grade ingredients
- No harmful chemicals
- Cinnamon flavor
- USDA certified
- Made in the US
Do you have a puppy? If so, you would probably want to consider the RADIUS USDA Organic Canine Pet Toothpaste.
It is utterly organic, with a unique blend of coconut oil, sweet potato, and cinnamon to gently whiten teeth, remove bacteria, and reduce the risk of tooth decay. This organic dog toothpaste contains no harmful chemicals such as xylitol, pesticides, GMOs, glutens, fluoride, synthetics, or any other nasty ingredients.
It is also a USDA Certified Organic dental gel, so you can rest assured that it is safe for your puppy!
Why Should You Buy Toothpaste for Dogs ?
Proper dental care can keep your furry friend safe from a wide variety of dental issues, which is why you should buy toothpaste for them.
Not only can dog toothpaste help eliminate your dog’s stinky breath, but most importantly, it can facilitate the removal of lodged food particles between your dog’s teeth. Together with a toothbrush, it can effectively wash away debris and stains, ultimately inhibiting bacterial growth and preventing plaque and tartar accumulation.
So what exactly are plaque and tartar? Why is removing them vital, and how can they affect your dog’s health?
Well, plaque forms when food particles and bacteria accumulate along your dog’s gum line and combine with their saliva. If left unattended, it will harden into a crusty deposit known as tartar, leading to tooth discoloration and a mild form of gum infection called gingivitis. And if left untreated, it will progress to a more severe condition known as periodontal disease, which can destroy your dog’s jawbone and cause tooth loss.
Sadly, it doesn’t just stop there. The bacteria can enter your fido’s bloodstream and travel to the internal organs and cause liver, heart, and kidney problems.
Best Dog Toothpaste Buyer’s Guide : What to Consider?
When it comes to buying toothpaste for your pooch, there are a few things you need to consider. Here are some of them.
1. Dog-friendly Formula
One of the most important things you need to look into is the formula. Ensure that the toothpaste you choose is specially formulated for dogs and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals to prevent it from causing any unwanted problems.
2. Enzymes
Most dog toothpastes on the market today contain enzymes, either glucose oxidase or both glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase, which are antibacterial and used to generate hydrogen peroxide to combat plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth. Dog toothpastes that have enzymes are usually called enzymatic toothpaste and tend to be more effective.
3. Foaming Agents
You will also need to check if the dog toothpaste you are getting contains the famous foaming agent, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), used in human toothpaste. The reason is that it is toxic to dogs and can upset their tummy.
4. Flavor
Also, dog toothpaste comes in many different flavors, such as poultry, beef, seafood, and vanilla mint. And you would want to pick those that are appealing and palatable to your furkid so that they are happy and willing to have their teeth brushed!
Dog Toothpaste Alternatives : Dental Sprays vs. Dental Wipes vs. Dental Chews and Treats
Does your dog hate having their teeth brushed? If so, here are some other options you can consider.
Dog Dental Sprays
Dog dental spray is incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is lift your dog’s lip and spray directly onto your dog’s teeth and gums. Works by reacting with your dog’s saliva to create an enzyme to inhibit bacterial growth.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Effective at preventing stinky breath
Cons
- May not get rid of existing plaque and tartar
- Can’t clean as much as regular brushing
Dog Dental Wipes
Dog dental wipe works very similarly to toothbrushes, in which you will have to rub it against your dog’s teeth to get plaque off.
Pros
- Mess-free
- Helps to reduce plaque buildup between brushings
Cons
- Can be a bit expensive if used daily
- May be hard to get stubborn plaque off
Dog Dental Chews and Treats
Pros
- Can neutralize your dog’s bad breath and reduce plaque and tartar
- Provides mental stimulation and prevent boredom
- You can use it as a training tool to reward good behavior and encourage your canine to chew the right things
- They are treats, meaning your pup will surely love it
Cons
- Expensive
- They can be high in calories
Toothpaste for Dogs FAQ
Can I clean my dog’s teeth with human toothpaste?
The answer is no. You can’t brush your dog’s teeth with human toothpaste. That is because most human toothpastes contain ingredients like the foaming agent sodium lauryl sulfate and artificial sweetener xylitol, which are toxic to dogs and can potentially damage their liver.
How frequently should I brush my dog’s teeth?
It is no secret that dogs lick everything they see, which essentially means they will pick up germs and bacteria when outdoors. So, you would want to clean your dog’s teeth every day! In fact, that’s what most veterinarians recommend.
Is brushing my dog’s teeth really necessary?
Yes, it is. Brushing your dog’s teeth can eliminate smelly breath and inhibit plaque and tartar formation, and as a result, prevent many dental issues such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a concerning condition that can lead to threatening heart, liver, and kidney problems.
