Proper dental care is key to helping maintain your dog's oral and overall health. Along with professional veterinary cleanings, daily toothbrushing is one of the best ways to periodontal disease, which can lead to gum deterioration, tooth loss, and other problems. Of course, brushing your dog's teeth isn't always easy. To make the process smoother and more comfortable for both you and your dog, it helps to use one of the best dog toothpaste suited to your needs.
We consulted four experts in veterinary dentistry about what makes the best dog toothpaste, and evaluated which are pet-safe and most effective. Our top pick is Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste. It's the only dog toothpaste that carries the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance and comes in three tasty flavors.
Keep in mind that professional cleanings at the veterinarian's office are the gold standard for dog dental care. Between cleanings, vets recommend daily toothbrushing to slow and prevent plaque buildup. The best dog dental chews may also help remove plaque. Before starting any dental care routine, make sure to consult with your vet who can help you choose the best dog toothpaste and toothbrush.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best dog toothpaste
Best overall: Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste - See at Chewy
Best enzymatic: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste - See at Chewy
Best for bad breath: Arm & Hammer Fresh Breath Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs - See at Chewy
Best toothpaste and toothbrush kit: Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit - See at Chewy
Best organic: Radius Organic Pet Dental Gel - See at Chewy
Best overall
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste is a VOHC-accepted toothpaste that comes in three delicious flavors.
What we like
What we don't like
Our top pick for the overall best dog toothpaste is Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste, which is VOHC-accepted for removing plaque and controlling tartar. With three enticing flavors, it's an effective option that may make toothbrushing more appealing to your dog.
This toothpaste uses a formula called Calprox, which works to dissolve plaque buildup. Plaque is the buildup of bacteria, food debris, saliva, and dead cells that accumulate on teeth and, over time, it mineralizes into a substance called tartar that can only be completely removed by a professional dental cleaning.
Plaque buildup leads to gingivitis and inflammation of the soft tissues around the teeth, says Dr. Nadine Fiani, a board-certified veterinary dentist and associate clinical professor of dentistry and oral surgery at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She emphasizes that if it is not addressed, you'll see bleeding gums and later periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss and even bone damage in extreme cases. These are reasons brushing your dog's teeth regularly is critical in preventing dental disease. "The gold standard is brushing at least once daily for it to be of any real effect," Fiani says.
Keep in mind that, unlike many dog toothpastes, Petsmile toothpaste doesn't contain antibacterial enzymes, which may also reduce plaque buildup. However, it is the only pet toothpaste on the market that carries the VOHC Seal of Acceptance, meaning the manufacturer submitted it for independent clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness.
Best enzymatic
Virbac C.E.T. contains bacteria-busting enzymes to help reduce plaque buildup on a dog’s teeth.
What we like
What we don't like
In addition to keeping bacteria at bay, our pick for the best dog toothpaste containing enzymes, Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste, is available in five flavors. That increases the odds that one will please a picky dog that may be reluctant to have his teeth brushed.
Many dog toothpastes contain enzymes, usually glucose oxidase, which have antibacterial properties that may help decrease plaque buildup when used for daily brushing, says Dr. Maria Soltero-Rivera, a board-certified veterinary dentist and assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine. Virbac C.E.T. contains two enzymes, glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase, to help keep harmful bacteria in your dog's mouth from building up
Enzymatic toothpaste may also help reduce bacteria in dogs with dry mouths, says Dr. Stephanie Goldschmidt, a board-certified veterinary dentist and assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. A dog's saliva already has some antibacterial enzymes that can help tackle bacteria in the mouth, but for dogs who don't produce much saliva, an enzymatic toothpaste may help them control bacteria more effectively when used for regular brushing.
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste is also safe for cats, making it a good option for multi-pet households. However, it is on the more expensive side compared to other enzymatic toothpastes.
Best for bad breath
This budget-friendly toothpaste contains an odor-neutralizing enzyme that may reduce foul breath.
What we like
What we don't like
Arm & Hammer Fresh Breath Enzymatic Toothpaste is the best dog toothpaste for tackling bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath in canines can be a sign of dental disease and is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar in the mouth, so it's important to see a veterinarian for professional dental cleanings.
While regular brushing can't fix a smelly mouth, it may help prevent smells from taking root. This toothpaste contains zinc gluconate, an enzyme that can help deodorize your dog's bad breath when used with daily toothbrushing. It also contains the antibacterial enzyme glucose oxidase, which may prevent bad breath by breaking down bacteria in the mouth.
Keep in mind that while an enzymatic toothpaste can provide bacteria-busting benefits, it won't be truly effective unless it is used in conjunction with the mechanical action of brushing, says Dr. Brenda Mulherin, a board-certified veterinary dentist and clinical professor at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Best toothpaste and brush
This dental kit has everything you need to start a toothbrushing routine with your dog.
What we like
What we don't like
The Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit includes a tube of the best dog toothpaste containing enzymes as well as a dual-ended toothbrush and a finger brush to give you options for applying it. The dishwasher-safe finger brush is ideal for introducing your dog to a brushing routine, and the toothbrush has two different-sized heads for small and large surfaces.
While Fiani says that a child's toothbrush is a good choice for brushing, a dual-ended or finger toothbrush may make the process easier for you. Soltero-Rivera adds that although the perfect brush will depend on your pet's preferences, the toothbrush should have soft nylon bristles regardless of the style.
This kit only comes with poultry-flavored toothpaste, so it may not be a good option for dogs with other strong flavor preferences. You can, however, purchase the dual-ended toothbrush separately.
Best organic
This certified organic dog toothpaste is flavored with real sweet potato and cinnamon.
What we like
What we don't like
Radius Organic Pet Dental Gel is the best dog toothpaste for people who prioritize organic products or want a plant-based toothpaste for their dog. The dental gel carries a USDA Organic seal, which means that at least 95% of its ingredients are certified organic. Certified organic ingredients must be grown in soil free of fertilizers and pesticides, among other guidelines.
Goldschmidt says organic toothpaste may be a smart option for pet owners who prefer to purchase products with organic ingredients, but it isn't any more effective than nonorganic toothpaste. Like all the best dog toothpastes, it is only effective when combined with daily brushing.
Radius Dental Gel has a unique cinnamon sweet potato flavor that may not appeal to all dogs. It also lacks bacteria-fighting enzymes.
What to look for in a dog toothpaste
The experts we spoke with say there are a few key things to consider when shopping for dog toothpaste.
Safe to swallow: The best dog toothpastes are formulated specifically for pets. Because dogs can't spit out toothpaste like humans can, their toothpaste must be safe to swallow, which is standard in pet toothpaste formulations. Because ingredients common in human toothpaste, like xylitol and fluoride, are toxic to dogs, you should always read the ingredient list on the package closely and avoid any products containing these ingredients.
Available flavors: The right toothpaste can make regular brushing a positive experience for your dog, and appealing flavors may help them cooperate with the process.
Enzymatic toothpaste: Soltero-Rivera says enzymatic toothpaste may slow plaque accumulation. Common enzymes used in dog toothpaste include glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase.
VOHC Seal of Acceptance: Products carrying the VOHC seal undergo intensive review to ensure their effectiveness. The VOHC is a council of veterinary dentists and dental scientists who independently review dental products for cats and dogs based on established guidelines. To obtain the VOHC Seal of Acceptance, a brand must submit an application and research on a product. The VOHC then reviews the submission to ensure the product meets its criteria for effectiveness. While VOHC acceptance is nice to see, Soltero-Rivera and Mulherin say that toothpastes that don't carry the seal aren't necessarily ineffective. It's possible the brands haven't applied for acceptance.
Safety for cats: If you have both cats and dogs in your household, it may be more convenient and affordable to use the same toothpaste with all of your pets.
How we selected the best dog toothpastes
Our recommendations for the best dog toothpaste are based on product research and guidance from veterinarians, as well as the selection criteria detailed in the "what to look for" section above. Each toothpaste was evaluated according to its safety, ingredients, and available flavors. VOHC acceptance, cost, and safety for cats were also considerations.
The experts in this guide are all diplomates of the American Veterinary Dental College, the certifying organization for veterinary dentists in North America and a sponsor of the VOHC. Sources include Dr. Nadine Fiani, an associate clinical professor in the section of dentistry and oral surgery at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Stephanie Goldschmidt, an assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Brenda Mulherin, a clinical professor at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Maria Soltero-Rivera, an assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dog toothpaste FAQs
What toothpaste is best for dogs?
The best dog toothpaste is one that is pet-safe. It's important to avoid products that contain fluoride and xylitol, ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Some dog toothpastes contain antibacterial enzymes that can help reduce plaque buildup, and using a toothpaste with an appealing flavor may make the process of tooth brushing more agreeable. However, the act of brushing — with or without toothpaste — is the most important component of at-home dental care. Brushing removes plaque, a biofilm that, if left to accumulate, can mineralize into tartar. "The only thing that breaks down a biofilm is pure mechanical disruption," Fiani says. Brushing early on, ideally when your dog is a puppy, is best to form the habit of at-home dental care. Pet toothpaste is also safe for dogs of all ages, so there's no need to purchase one formulated for puppies specifically.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is basically an inflammation of the periodontal tissues that attach the teeth to the jaw, Mulherin says. Over time, the buildup of bacteria in a dog's mouth can lead to plaque and tartar, and without intervention, inflammation known as gingivitis. If plaque and tartar are not removed through daily brushing and professional cleanings, the bacteria will damage the periodontal tissues significantly, causing gum recession and, eventually, tooth loss. Periodontal disease is detrimental to your pet's health, often creating long-term consequences like internal organ damage and bone loss that persist far beyond the presence of plaque and tartar in the mouth.
What do vets recommend for brushing dogs' teeth?
Veterinarians recommend using a toothbrush to clean your dog's teeth at home. The best toothbrush is one your dog is most comfortable with. For smaller pets, Fiani recommends brushing with a children's toothbrush. While the right brush will depend on the size of your dog, you should only use a brush with soft nylon bristles, as these are the most effective for removing plaque, Soltero-Rivera says. Toothpaste can be used as positive reinforcement, either as a small treat before or after brushing. However, veterinarians say it is not necessary for good dental care.
How do you remove plaque from a dog's teeth?
The best way to remove plaque is with regular professional dental cleanings at your vet's office, says Fiani. The next step is home care, which includes daily brushing to keep plaque at bay, but it's only useful if you do it consistently.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
