Top 10 Best Dog Toothpaste Choices for a Healthy Doggo
Five dogs and their moms bring you comprehensive reviews of the 10 best dog toothpaste options to make your dog’s pearly whites healthy and sparkly.
When it comes to the best dog toothpaste, the choice is not easy. Dog toothpaste has to comply with a specific set of rules and specifications. And, of course, to be effective.
Imagine if you never brushed your teeth! Years of wolfing down peanut butter sandwiches, sodas and milkshakes, pizza, burgers, fries, and maybe more elegant fare, never scrubbed away. YUCK!
Although your dog’s diet isn’t as varied, dry or wet dog food, once mixed with saliva and bacteria, forms plaque. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that you can brush away. In only 48 hours, however, plaque hardens into tartar which you cannot so easily remove. Redness or inflammation (gingivitis) soon appears at the gum line, and it can destroy tissue and the bony sockets that hold teeth in place.
Over time, pockets of infection will separate the teeth from the gum (periodontitis), and send bacteria into your dog’s bloodstream. Therefore, tartar control is an essential characteristic to look for when shopping for the best dog toothpaste.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 98% of dogs with bad breath suffer from gum disease, and 80% of them develop it before they are three-years-old. Dental problems are painful and can become costly to treat, but left untreated, they can also shorten your pet’s life! By brushing your dog’s teeth, at least every other day, you can help him live a longer, healthier life.
Dog Bad Breath: Main Causes & How to Get Rid of It - If you've ever wondered how to get rid of dog’s bad breath, you're in the right place. In this article, we look at dog bad breath causes, treatment, prevention, and more.
To help you do just that, my best buddy, Haiku, and four canine pals set out to determine what is the best dog toothpaste. I have researched how to maintain your dog’s pearly whites, focused on toothpaste ingredients, and looked at reviews other pet parents have done. We bring you the ten best dog toothpastes for a fresh doggo breath.
Our Top 3 Picks
Before I reveal our findings surrounding the best natural dog toothpaste, the best toothpaste for a kissable dog, and the best dog toothbrush and toothpaste we tested, a few notes about ingredients.
Never, ever use human toothpaste on your dog! Human toothpaste contains detergent. That’s why we spit it out, but your dog will swallow it. Additionally, there are three more reasons not to use human toothpaste on your dog:
- Ingested fluoride is toxic to dogs, and it can be found in some pet toothpastes as well, so read the labels! If your dog ingests a lot at once, it can result in drooling, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, fecal and/or urinary incontinence, and weakness or seizures. Chronic toxicity (exposure over time — days, months, years) presents as discoloration or mottling of the teeth and oddly enough, intermittent limping. Tell your veterinarian at once if your dog ingests fluoride!
- Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) is what makes toothpaste, detergent, shampoos, and other products foam. It can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, so paws off!
- Xylitol is a type of artificial sweetener. It is very toxic to dogs. It can cause a surge of insulin to be produced in your dog’s body, followed by a sudden drop in blood sugar. Xylitol can be fatal to dogs, and can also cause irreversible liver damage.
According to an RSPCA representative, interviewed by the media,
Not only will pets be less likely to tolerate the foaming and the minty flavor of human toothpaste but there is also a risk to their health from swallowing human toothpaste. ‘While there is a potential risk to pets from the ongoing swallowing of fluoride…the inclusion of the artificial sweetener xylitol in toothpastes is a more serious concern as this is much more toxic and products containing this ingredient should not be given to dogs.
None of the best dog toothpaste brands reviewed contain these three ingredients. There are other ingredients however that you may wonder about in toothpaste safe for dogs, so here is more info to answer your questions.
- Sorbitol is not harmful or toxic to dogs. Not sugar, but rather, sugar alcohol, which occurs naturally in fruits (i.e., prunes and peaches). Bacteria feed on sugar and then multiply, but bacteria can not digest sugar alcohols, so they do not cause tooth decay. Some actually prevent cavities. It’s important to remember that not only bacteria can’t digest sorbitol, but dogs also can’t either, so it comes right back out. Some dogs do experience a laxative effect, so keep an eye on your pooch.
- Stevia sweetens without raising your dog’s glycemic index.
- Baking soda, although dangerous in large quantities (i.e., one tsp. per pound of dog’s body weight), in tiny amounts, its abrasive action may aid in removing plaque. Pay attention to your unique dog. Baking soda contains alkaline, and it reacts with moisture and heat in your dog’s stomach. This can potentially lead to electrolyte abnormalities, muscle spasms, and even congestive heart failure. Also, baking soda does not taste good. Unless the toothpaste contains other additives, your pooch may not cooperate in letting you brush his teeth.
- Enzymes, particularly glucose oxidase, are antibacterial. They dissolve plaque before it can harden into tartar. They do not need to be rinsed from your dog’s mouth as the dog can swallow them safely.
- Tea tree oil is extracted from the Melaleuca plant. It contains both antibacterial and antifungal properties. While it is true that tea tree oil can be toxic to dogs, in minimal quantities, it can also be extremely beneficial. Talk with your vet and make sure any toothpaste containing tea tree oil contains only minute amounts.
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste
- Oxyfresh Pet Toothpaste/Gel for Pets
- Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste for Cats & Dogs
- Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Dental Solutions for Dogs
- Kissable All Natural Toothpaste for Dogs
- Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Pet Toothpaste
- Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs
- ProSense Dental Solutions for Dogs
- Ortz Posh Wag Pet Toothpaste Kit with High Calorie Booster
10. Ortz Posh Wag Pet Toothpaste Kit with High Calorie Booster
- Comes with a two-sided long, curved handle toothbrush
- Mention of a high-calorie booster, but no details as to what it is, how many calories, etc.
- Finger brush not flexible
- No noticeable freshness
- Expensive
Forty-five pounds at four ½-years old, Kalani is a “jump into your arms,” “hurdle over things” typical Border Collie. Kalani reviewed the Ortz Posh Wag toothpaste which came with two toothbrushes, and according to her, tasted okay.
The finger toothbrush, however, wasn’t flexible enough to brush her mouth smoothly, and Kalani’s mom had concerns about the mention of a “high-calorie booster” on the label. We found no other details as to what it is, how many calories it has, or what the benefits are ☹
Ingredients:
- Propylene Glycol
- Tetrasodium pyrophosphate decahydrate
- Sodium Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
- Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
- Saccharin
- Sorbitol
- Hydrated Silica
- Stone Powder
- Calcium Hydrogen Phospate
- Essential Oil
- Deionized Water
9. ProSense Dental Solutions for Dogs
- Economical
- Ideal long-handled toothbrush
- Smooth application
- Low-quality finger brush
- No noticeable changes
Rescued from a backyard breeder who sold her in a grocery store parking lot, Kalani is always looking for attention. She rolls in bed and pushes her nose under her mom’s hand so that she’ll give her a rub.
Kalani was pleased to try out the ProSense Dental Kit for Dogs since it came with some extras — dual-head and finger toothbrushes to suit dogs of all sizes. It brushed on smoothly but made no noticeable difference in this young girl’s already clean and healthy teeth.
Ingredients:
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Sorbitol
- Water
- Glycerin
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
- Carrageenan
- Natural and Artificial Mint Flavor
- Potassium Sorbate
- Glucose Oxidase
- Lysozyme
8. Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs
- Great flavor
- Enzymes break down plaque
- Medium price
- No noticeable difference or freshness of breath
Abby, who is a real “talker,” taste-tested the Sentry Petrodex veterinary strength toothpaste, and showed lots of interest, which in doggie language means “Tastes great!”
Although the enzymes work to break down plaque and fight bad dog breath, Abby was glad it didn’t foam as that can be icky in a dog’s mouth.
Since it is a dog toothpaste, it doesn’t require rinsing. Plus, the ingredients magically combine to create hydrogen peroxide which gave Abby’s mouth an all-over clean feel.
Ingredients:
- Sorbitol
- Dicalcium Phosphate
- Water
- Hydrated Silica
- Glycerin
- Poultry Digest
- Dextrose
- Xanthan Gum
- Acidified Calcium Sulfate
- Disodium Phosphate Duohydrate
- Potassium Sorbate
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Benzoate
- Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract
7. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Pet Toothpaste
- Semi-sweet peanut flavor
- Smooth and easy to apply
- Comes with a toothbrush
- Low price
- Beware if the dog or anyone in the family has peanut allergies
- Breath smells like peanuts
Joyful Kiele, who always looks like she is smiling, tried out the Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Toothpaste. This dog toothpaste contains chlorophyll, a natural, safe detoxifier commonly found in plants. Combined with Denta-C (Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin), it made Kiele’s teeth whiter and her gums stronger, which can make her an all-around healthier dog.
Ingredients:
- Sorbitol
- Hydrated Silica
- Glycerin
- Water
- Ascorbic Acid Phosphate
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
- Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Titanium Dioxide
- Natural Allergen Free Peanut Flavor
- Cellulose Gum
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
- Sodium Benzoate
- Potassium Sorbate
- Denta-C (Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin).
6. Kissable All Natural Toothpaste for Dogs
- Polishing agent to smooth out grooves
- Breath smells great
- Ingredients reduce tartar buildup and heal sore gums
- Medium price
- Not a taste favorite
I was excited about the KissAble All Natural Toothpaste for Dogs with the freshness of mint and cucumber, but…my best buddy Haiku was not so enthralled with the flavor. He did tolerate the brushing (he’s such a good boy), and I felt good about the 100% all-natural ingredients, but it was not a taste pleaser.
I was particularly happy to notice Kaolin, as whenever I’ve had Haiku’s teeth professionally cleaned, I’ve been told that the polishing process is as necessary as the cleaning. That’s because it prevents plaque from sticking to grooves by smoothing them out.
This is the first toothpaste I’ve come across that uses Stevia. Stevia is known to sweeten without raising the glycemic index, so if you have a diabetic dog, this might be of interest to you.
Personally, though, I find Stevia a little bitter, and it’s just possible that Haiku did too. His teeth did look clean, and his breath was definitely cucumber fresh, which made me smile. However, I do realize cucumber fresh may not be a dog thing!
Ingredients:
- Water
- Sorbitol
- Hydrated Silica
- Glycerin
- Kaolin
- Tetra Potassium Pyrophosphate
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
- Xanthan Gum
- Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
- Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
- Stevia
- Tea Tree Oil
- Natural Vanilla
5. Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Dental Solutions for Dogs
- Long-handled and flexible finger toothbrushes included
- Tastes good
- Medium price
- The stinky beef flavor doesn’t freshen breath
- No noticeable change (but sometimes we can’t see what is happening in depth)
Infused with baking soda that dissolves deep in the crevices on the tooth’s surface, the Arm & Hammer Tartar Control toothpaste is designed to remove and prevent plaque buildup.
Eleven-years young Alexis, who was found roaming the streets of Los Angeles as a pup, must have gotten her scrappiness from her time on the run. In a flash, Alexis grabbed the natural dog toothpaste tube and began to consume it, but fortunately, her mom was there to save the day. Can we infer from this that Alexis thinks the paste tastes grrreat?
The long toothbrush that came with this natural dog toothpaste was a plus for getting into Alexis’ larger mouth, but there was no discernible difference to her teeth after the first brushing.
Ingredients:
- Sorbitol
- Water
- Hydrated Silica
- Calcium Carbonate
- Polysorbate 20
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
- Cellulose Gum
- Sodium Chloride
- Flavor
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Zinc Gluconate
- Proteases
- Thymol
4. Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- Freshens breath
- Dogs love the taste
- Brightens & whitens teeth
- Easy application; no scrubbing necessary
- Economical
- No food or water ½ hour before and after for best results
Seven-year-old Abby was up to the task to test out Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste. Abby is an adventurous soul and a survivor, sporting an 18” long scar from overcoming Bloat surgery!
Her mom found this gel applies smoothly, and Abby enjoyed the flavor. The directions say it can be applied directly to the tongue to freshen breath. The enzymes work without scrubbing, so if you don’t have a brush, it can be applied directly to the teeth with a finger!
Ingredients:
- Glycerin
- Aloe
- Pectin
- Neem oil
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- Papain
- Natural flavors
3. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste for Cats & Dogs
- Poultry flavor tastes GRReat!
- Non-foaming, so not unpleasant in the mouth
- Enzymes began breaking down plaque after just one brushing
- Not unpleasant, but breath smells like chicken bouillon after brushing; us humans prefer minty scents but that’s just not a dog’s world!
- Pricey, but you get what you pay for ☺
At 169 months old (that’s just over 14 years), Haiku (Chow-Akita mix) is still active but enjoys nothing more than eating dog cookies. His favorite are homemade pumpkin treats, and I feel good knowing everything that is baked into them (including LOVE).
Healthy or not, particles still build up on his teeth. Keeping his diet healthy, I also know the importance of doing the same for his teeth and gums. I was amazed at the difference just one brushing with the Vetoquinol Enzadent Toothpaste made.
The enzymes got rid of debris and broke down plaque, leaving Haiku’s teeth white. My boy digs the poultry flavor, so brushing with Enzadent is super easy!
Ingredients:
- Sorbitol
- Glycerin
- Silica
- Calcium Pyrophosphate
- Calcium Carbonate
- Poultry Extract
- Purified Water
- Cellulose Gum
- Sodium Benzoate
- Calcium Lactate
- Potassium Thiocyanate
- Zinc Gluconate
- Vitamin E
- Glucose Oxidase
- Lactoperoxidase
- Lactoferrin
- Lysozyme
2. Oxyfresh Pet Toothpaste/Gel for Pets
- Cleans teeth
- Reduces plaque & tartar
- Promotes healing by neutralizing bacteria & hydrating tissue
- Easy to apply; no brushing needed
- Good flavor
- No noticeable change or freshness of breath
- Expensive
Gentle giant Alexis’ personality matches her name, which means “protector of mankind” in Greek! All 90 lbs. of her always want to be by her mom’s side. Alexis has also been an excellent foster mom to nearly 70 puppies over the last five years.
Alexis taste-tested the Oxyfresh Pet Tooth Gel and enjoyed it immensely. Her mom said it spread easily across her teeth and gums to work its magic.
Ingredients:
- Water (Aqua)
- Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan)
- Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide (Oxygene®)
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
- Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract
- Methylparaben
- Propylparaben
1. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste
- Tastes good and comes in 5 flavors
- Inhibits the formation of plaque & bad dog breath
- No foaming agents, safe to swallow
- Medium price
- Can’t think of any
Two-and-a-half-year old Kiele was the predominant taste tester, but her entire pack participated in licking up the Virbac CE.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste. It appears Virbac gets 16 paws up for the taste!
Since Kiele wakes her mom up every morning, laying down her 70 lbs. of furriness and licking mom’s face, she must use the best dog toothpaste that will inhibit the formation of plaque and keep Kiele’s mouth kissing fresh! Virbac fits the bill.
It was hard, however, to confirm, but it looks like C.E.T. stands for “Clean Every Tooth.”
Ingredients:
- Sorbitol
- Dicalcium phosphate anhydrous
- Purified water
- Hydrated silica
- Glycerin
- Dextrose
- Xanthan gum
- Vanillin
- Titanium dioxide
- Sodium benzoate
- Methyl salicylate
- Potassium thiocyanate
- Glucose oxidase (aspergillus niger)
- Lactoperoxidase
Before we end this article, let’s discuss some things about dog oral health, answer some frequently asked questions about dog toothpaste and dental care, and offer you some tips on the best practices for dogs’ teeth care!
First, let’s see what Doctor Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kernel Club has to say on how to brush your dog’s teeth!
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Best Dog Toothpaste and Dogs’ Dental Care: FAQs
Let’s see a few important questions related to the best dog toothpaste choices, dental care practices, and other issues of concern!
Is it really necessary to brush a dog’s teeth?
Yes, it is. Despite common and conventional wisdom that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s, dogs do develop cavities and gingivitis, together with the plaque and other dental issues. Tartar buildup is more concerning than just yellow teeth or bad breath. Just as in humans, these buildups can lead to more threatening health problems, like heart, liver, or kidney infections and diseases.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Specialists recommend you brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week – if not more often. They also say that a visit for a dental cleaning to the vet’s office is the best practice if you want to keep your doggo’s breath fresh and state of health optimal. A professional dental cleaning session once a year may prevent plenty of health issues in your favorite furry family member.
What is the best toothbrush to use for my dog?
No matter the brand you pick, make sure your dog toothbrush feature brushes that are at a 45-degree angle, as they help you clean below the gumline.
When should I start brushing my dog’s teeth?
Just as it goes with humans, you should start brushing a dog’s teeth when it is just a puppy. Older dogs can, eventually, become more and more comfortable with the tooth cleaning routine, but it is better to stars as early as possible if you are a new dog parent.
How do I lower the dog’s anxiety when brushing its teeth?
The first thing to do about teeth brushing is to choose the best time for the procedure. Your dog should be in a “sitting still” mood (after a period of exercise). To make the experience less frustrating for both of you, start slowly and quit if your dog shows signs of agitation or anxiety.
Slowly and progressively increase the time spent with the brushing. Even if you do not reach all the teeth the first time, have patience and ease the dog through the procedure. Each time will be better.
Do not forget to reward your dog with its favorite dog treat after a job well done.
Are dental chews good for dogs and can they replace brushing with dog toothpaste?
Dental chew bones and toys are effective in a dog’s dental care and maintenance to some extent. However, imagine your only dental care as a human was limited to chewing mint gum and using mouth wash. No matter how efficient chewing gum and mouth rinses are, they cannot help you achieve the same benefits of daily teeth brushing can do.
The same goes for dogs. While there are true-and-tested dog dental chews to use regularly, make sure you brush your dog’s teeth as the vet recommends.
Best Dog Toothpaste: Final Thoughts
More than 45 million dogs in the U.S. have some degree of periodontitis (aka gum disease), and this condition is preventable. Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy can contribute to his overall wellness.
When purchasing the best dog toothpaste and toothbrush for your best friend, look for dog-friendly ingredients, enzymes that dissolve plaque, and products that promote tartar control. A brand that leaves your pal’s mouth kissing fresh is a plus for those close moments spent together!
As you brush, go a speed that is comfortable for your dog, maybe just a few teeth the first few times. Make sure the brushes aren’t scratching the gums, and notice if your dog is enjoying the flavor. If he is, it will make the task that much simpler! Be gentle and make this together time a pleasant experience.
You may have to try a few flavors or brands to find the best dog toothpaste for your pooch, but patience and perseverance can make a difference in your dog’s health and in the quality time you spend together.
Hopefully, this review of the ten best dog toothpaste varieties for a fresh doggo breath will give you a grrreat start to finding a product that will keep your dog clean and healthy from the inside out.
