What Is The Best Dog Toothpaste? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide

A dog’s mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria and tooth decay. When you are met with loving licks that leave a stench and visible build-up of plaque on their teeth, the requirement for dental pet supplies becomes definite.
Dogs and cats need a product that is very different from human toothpaste. Your dog’s teeth have to be brushed regularly to eliminate bad breath and maintain oral hygiene. Using dog toothpaste to keep their teeth brushed as a regular task can help in solving this issue.
It is advised to brush your dog’s teeth using the best dog toothpaste recommendations that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, as well as a yellow biofilm. They are also equipped with features that protect your pooch from any form of gum disease and oral concerns.
There are various dog toothpastes of different tube sizes, with the option of kits that have brushes and lots of positive reviews from pet parents and breeders.
Contents
- Top 8 Best Dog Toothpaste
- 1. Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
- 2. Sergeant’s Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste
- 3. Vetoquinol Care Enzymatic Toothpaste, Poultry-Flavored
- 4. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Natural Toothpaste
- 5. Vet’s Best Nature’s Health Care Enzymatic Toothpaste, With Neem Oil
- 6. TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Brushing Gel
- 7. Pro-Sense Whitening Dental Solutions, With Coconut Oil
- 8. Oratene Toothpaste Gel
- Important Features To Consider
- Tips When Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
We already did all the research for you. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the best toothpaste for dogs, here are our top choices.
PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Non-foaming and no fluoride
- Removal and control of plaque and tartar
- Available in poultry, beef, malt, seafood, and vanilla-mint flavor
- Improves dog’s breath
- Natural ingredients such as enzymes
- Palatable poultry flavor option
- Decreases plaque build-up
- Fights gum diseases
- Dental care with natural ingredients
- Can use a brush with soft bristles or finger brush
- Eliminates harmful bacterial growth in your dog’s mouth
- Triple enzyme formula for maximum effects
- Boost in canine dental health and hygiene
- Tempting chicken flavor for cats and dogs
- Ideal for daily brushing
Top 8 Best Dog Toothpaste
1. Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
The Virbac CET brand has been providing the best range of enzymatic toothpaste for 30 years. It is one of the leads in the dog dental health sector, with its creamy enzyme formula being the key selling point.
The formation of plaque is inhibited by the natural antibacterial action provided by the enzymes present in this toothpaste. It carries out a deep-clean by breaking down tartar and keeping your pup’s gums and teeth healthy and fresh. Deposits in the mouth are dissolved by a natural chemical reaction triggered by the toothpaste, which can help in lowering tartar formation.
It is safe for your pup to swallow this toothpaste since it is a non-frothing formula with low traces of chemicals and agents. With five flavors like seafood, poultry, malt, and vanilla-mint you get to choose the best one according to your dog’s taste preferences.
PROS
- Freshens up your dog’s bad breath
- Used for dogs and cats
- Wide range of flavor options like beef and chicken
- Also available in the form of dog chews
CONS
- Episodes of over-consumption may be dangerous
2. Sergeant’s Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste
One of the most popular and low-cost commercial dog toothpaste, the Sergeant’s Petrodex enzymatic brand, provides oral hygiene through patented enzymes. The toothpaste’s signature blend is derived from Aspergillus niger that includes glucose oxidase and alpha-galactosidase.
It works by getting rid of the sensitive microbial matter, especially bacteria, from the canine oral cavity, leading to a reduction in the formation of plaque and tartar. Bad breath can be prevented entirely by its daily use, or at least 2 to 3 times a week.
Increasing the frequency of brushing would not have any ill-effects on your dog. Instead, users might see existing plaque starting to break down much faster. Since the toothpaste does not froth, it is ideal for fidgety dogs.
PROS
- Poultry flavor liked by the majority of dogs
- One of the best natural dog toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide
- A complete solution for teeth and gums
- Free of additives
CONS
- Some dogs might not like the taste
3. Vetoquinol Care Enzymatic Toothpaste, Poultry-Flavored
Both cats and dogs have seen a commendable response to the use of Vetoquinol care enzymatic toothpaste, making it an ideal, cost-effective, and one of the best dog toothpaste for removing tartar at multi-pet homes. The triple enzyme mix can help to clean your pet’s mouth actively, and it can be safely swallowed without any rinsing required.
Daily use of the toothpaste will aid in combating breath and lurking microbial activity in the crevices of teeth. Your dog would have a lower risk of tooth decay and mouth illnesses since the toothpaste heals and treats the gums, where 2/3rds of the teeth are hidden away, making it hard to recognize teeth issues.
Established in 1933, Vetoquinol products promise optimal health benefits, with the toothpaste assuring polished teeth, utterly devoid of plaque and tartar.
PROS
- Doggie toothbrush and finger brush included in different size packs
- The maximum removal of food particles
- Improves your dog’s breath
- Delicious chicken flavor
CONS
- Some puppies can face stomach upset
- The routine needs to be set for the best results
4. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Natural Toothpaste
Nylabone Advanced Oral care natural toothpaste is accessible on a budget while being one of the best dog toothpastes containing natural ingredients. Brushing your dog’s teeth is vital so that the thin film of tartar building up on their teeth is removed, saving the gums and the tooth roots from infections.
This toothpaste comes in an exciting peanut butter flavor that is sure to alert your dog’s nose. Users will find it easy to set a routine with a paste that their pup will love, thus reducing plaque and tartar quickly and effectively.
The paste features the use of a compound called Denta C, which guarantees that the toothpaste is safe while giving the best results for your dog’s mouth and bad breath issue.
PROS
- Fights tooth loss due to tartar
- Cost-effective price
- Protection from gum diseases like gingivitis
- Edible and safe to swallow
CONS
- Peanut flavor may trigger an allergy in the pet or pet parents
- Course consistency
5. Vet’s Best Nature’s Health Care Enzymatic Toothpaste, With Neem Oil
Vet’s best nature’s health care enzymatic kit comes with a toothpaste and a specially designed toothbrush. This soothing and effective oral health option boasts of vegetarian ingredients that are free of chemicals and agents.
Aloe, baking soda, neem oil, enzymes, and grapefruit seed extract ensure protection against infections, foul dog breath, and plaque buildup. The gel paste also contains pyrophosphates (free of fluoride), dubbed as the ‘tartar control agent’ by the veterinary oral health council.
A tiny bit of the gel used on a daily basis will help to do away with bacteria issues and ensure fresh breath for your dog. Pet parents can start by placing small amounts on there dog’s tongue so that the experience of the taste is slowly improved.
PROS
- Natural ingredients, free of preservatives
- No foaming agents
- Helps achieved healthy pink-colored dog gums
- One of the best enzymatic dog toothpastes enriched with baking soda
CONS
- Toothbrush design may be disappointing for some dog owners
- No taste specification mentioned
6. TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Brushing Gel
At its price, TropiClean teeth brushing gel is among the best toothpaste for removing tartar. A veterinarian approved choice, the gel paste comes with a toothbrush and a finger brush for your dog’s mouth.
Its top features include the ability to fight plaque, bad breath, and whiten teeth. Research shows that it is the right choice if your dog is squirmish and hesitant to brushing teeth, as placing two drops of the gel in their mouth should be enough. However, for the optimal health of your dog’s teeth, finger-brushing is recommended.
The flavor is not affected by the green tea extract used in the ingredients. The formula is 100% safe for all breeds and ages.
PROS
- Value for people on a tight budget
- Soothes minor gum irritation
- Best among puppy toothpaste brands
- Minty dog breath after regular use
CONS
- Toothbrushes are not durable
- Exact flavor types are not mentioned
7. Pro-Sense Whitening Dental Solutions, With Coconut Oil
The Pro-Sense Whitening Dental Solutions is a dental kit that includes toothpaste, a manual toothbrush, and a finger brush. These dog dental products will allow the vet and pet owner to brush with fingers or a soft dog toothbrush on a daily basis.
This toothpaste option is safe for all pets and dog breeds, with its bacteria-fighting enzymes. Tartar build-up, gum disease, plaque formation, and food debris left deep in the mouth and teeth of canines are kept at bay using this paste. Only a small amount is needed for help with tartar control since the saliva will do the rest.
The mint flavor would be perfect for problems with foul scented doggy kisses. The 3.2-ounce tube is quite affordable for most dog owners due to the low price tag.
PROS
- Suitable for puppies with yellowing teeth
- Best choice for adolescent dogs
- Go-to whitening paste for veterinarians
- Beneficial for dental well-being of many pet types
CONS
- Toothbrush not suitable for small dogs
- Neutral reviews for taste
8. Oratene Toothpaste Gel
The Oratene brand is the best toothpaste for dogs with problems of dryness, gum inflammation, and redness. The enzyme-rich properties ensure a soothing effect in your pets’ mouths. Natural ingredients in this product include aloe vera, which can help in taking course action against bacteria.
The non-foaming rinsing makes it easy to remove plaque build-up in puppies, although they would prefer a better-flavored dog toothpaste. You can brush your dog’s teeth daily with this toothpaste, as it does not contain alcohol or similar substances. Always remember, the alcohol content is mainly responsible for a dry feeling after brushing your cat or dog’s teeth.
Look for information regarding allergies and illness warnings, as Oratane is one of the brands having varying ph formulas.
PROS
- Non-drying toothpaste
- Relieve, protects, and soothes
- Usable for all age groups
- Free of chemicals like xylitol
CONS
- No usage warning for dogs with IBD
- A broken or exposed tube will congeal gel quickly
Important Features To Consider
Ingredient List
Toothpaste for dogs is made with ingredients that are starkly different from the ones used in human toothpaste. The main difference between these two products is based on the fact that humans have the means to spit out the toothpaste after brushing with it. Even if it contains harmful compounds in small amounts, they are mostly eliminated without letting large amounts enter our bodies.
However, dogs do not have this ability. Your dog may be the most peaceful pooch, but he will never be able to rinse and spit the toothpaste out. Hence the ingredients in their pastes need to be completely edible, if not natural. Another reason for their unique formula and features is that many products safe for your consumption may be fatal for your pup.
The best dental care option for pooches is enzymatic dog toothpastes that contain enzymes like lactoperoxidase, among other natural ingredients such as vanilla, beef flavors, and tea tree oil.
They can also contain artificial substances, including glucose oxidase, baking soda, hydrated silica, kaolin, and proprietor Calprox. These products should be free of foaming agents, xylitol, artificial flavors, and other chemical compounds.
Taste
A chemical called stevia is added to toothpaste for humans. Though it gives the product its almost-sweet flavor since we will inevitably taste it while brushing, it isn’t an important aspect. Dog toothpaste, on the other hand, has to give heavy emphasis on its taste. To brush your dog’s teeth, she needs to be attracted to it first.
It cannot have bland or experimental flavors like human toothpastes. These products, enriched with an enzyme system and other compounds that help keep teeth clean and remove plaque, should also have tastes that your dog will love. Dogs would naturally be more attracted to a product with beef flavor.
The best dog toothpastes in the market would boast exciting tastes for your puppies, such as a poultry flavor. Usually, no scent is added so that your dog’s sense of smell and taste are not disturbed. Extracts like vanilla, ginger, or cucumber mint may be included only to freshen up their breath.
Canine Use
A dog’s tongue and teeth would come into contact with many things. They lick their fur to keep themselves clean, muck around with their snouts in soil, and play with almost any entertaining object with their mouths.
Anything offered to eat at home would be gladly accepted by them, including raw meat, vegetables, and bones. Sometimes they might also scavenge around trash for the fun of it.
All of this makes your dog’s mouth a breeding ground for microbial activity. An infected and inflamed chomper would raise the danger of a disease in their blood, and other such reasons to rush to the vet. Brushing your dog’s teeth with a specially formulated toothpaste becomes exceptionally crucial for preventing a problem like this.
Never choose a human toothpaste for your pooch. Always talk with your pet healthcare provider and go through the reviews of dog dental hygiene products before selecting the best. There might be a period of trial-and-error until your puppies develop a preference. Look out for foods that they love, and make a list of flavors they positively respond to.
A dog toothpaste would have many features to help reduce plaque and show excellent results for your pup’s stinky breath. However, not all dogs would let their owners brush their teeth; in fact, they might turn aggressive.
In such cases, you should immediately stop any attempts of using a dental kit with your pooch and consult a team of vets or utilize their services to get dental work down.
Tips When Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth can get tricky, especially since it is a habit that may or may not need training according to how squirmish your dog is. These toothpaste recommendations would mean nothing if your pup does not allow you to brush his teeth. Here are some tips to ensure string white teeth in the long run:
- Stinky breath in dogs can become permanent if not treated from a young age. Plaque and tartar can also build up and harden over time, making it more challenging to eliminate as he grows older.
- If your pup likes some specific flavors, use the same set of dog toothpaste throughout his life so that the habit is not broken. Do not introduce new products abruptly.
- Start with a small amount. Smear it on the teeth so that your dog can spread it around with his tongue. Train to get his teeth brushed two to three times a week so that the habit can be formed.
- Focus on the inside surfaces of the mouth, the openings, and the backside of your dog’s teeth. These places hardly receive any cleaning action, thus are more susceptible to bacteria damage. [1]
- Toothbrushes for dogs must be small, slim, soft-bristled, and manual. Finger brushing could also work, depending on the users’ brand. Tiny strokes and brushes across the teeth and gums should be enough.
- Your dog does not want to have his teeth brushed for an extended period. Be quick with the process. Choose a period when they are calm, relaxed, and possibly sleepy.
- Research all the information, control features, and warnings before buying the toothpaste.
- Keep in mind to check with your vet first, and then the reviews. Experts could quickly point out the most suitable toothpaste for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use for my dog’s teeth if I don’t have dog toothpaste?
If you don’t have dog toothpaste at home you could make a DIY dog toothpaste substitute at home. The recipe should primarily contain baking soda, salt, tea tree oil, some safe form of a natural fragrant product like parsley or vanilla. You could add beef or vegetable broth for flavoring. Consult your vet for the perfect dog toothpaste alternative.
Human toothpaste has a sweetener, amongst other harmful items. It should never be substituted as an oral care product for dogs. Dog owners can give their pets dental dog chews or dry treats that have ridges, maintaining healthy and clean teeth. Remember, an absence of toothpaste for dogs can increase the chances of periodontal disease.
How can I clean my dog’s teeth naturally?
Oral hygiene can be guaranteed with the use of natural products alongside toothpaste for dogs. If your dog refuses training for a toothbrush and pet toothpaste, you could consider veterinarian options like natural dental sprays. These act in the same way as breath fresheners for humans.
Other choices include dental chews and treats that would provide abrasive action to reduce plaque and keep the teeth clean. Some dogs might be extremely sensitive to complex compounds, so using coconut oil and grapefruit seed extracts as natural dental cleansers may help.
Watch what your dog eats, because too many fatty treats could result in quick tooth damage. Always provide plenty of healthy and lean meat, which helps in keeping the teeth rigid and clean. Dry food and bones offer a great chewing device that keeps the tongue and teeth active and hygienic.
What happens if I do not brush my dog’s teeth?
If you are not brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, there would be an increase of many risks. These include gum disease and swelling, tooth loss, cavities. The bacteria cultivating in crevices of teeth can cause pain in the mouth. It can enter the bloodstream, damaging organs and messing with digestion.
Pet owners can avoid various inflammation illnesses and even liver failure if they follow all the instructions given by the dentist for their dog and brush with the correct dog toothpaste daily, or at least 2 to 3 times a week. No other product would have the effectiveness and power of a properly prescribed dog toothpaste.
Conclusion
Pet parents should know that all domesticated animals need dental hygiene included in pet care. Toothbrushing with the best toothpastes for dogs would promise healthy gums, fresh breath, no plaque, and teeth free from stains. From our view, this is definitely Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste.
But you can also look through the mentioned reviews before deciding the ideal flavor and type for your pooch. Dog ownership also calls for the opinions of a veterinarian, so that the toothpaste you choose gives your pet shiny teeth, along with some minty doggie kisses for you!

Editor's Choice
Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
- Non-foaming and no fluoride
- Removal and control of plaque and tartar
- Available in poultry, beef, malt, seafood, and vanilla-mint flavor
- Improves dog’s breath
- Natural ingredients such as enzymes