| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste |
| Best Natural/Organic | RADIUS USDA Organic Dog Toothpaste |
| Best for Puppies | Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste |
| Best Vet-Formulated | Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste |
| Best Easy-To-Use | Oxyfresh Premium Dog Toothpaste |
Good dental hygiene is not something that only humans need to be concerned about. Your dog needs to have their teeth brushed regularly as well — with toothpaste! And that’s not just because you dislike smelling bad breath whenever they kiss you. It should be part of their regular grooming and care because it is crucial to ensuring their good health.
One of the most common disorders that dogs get is periodontal disease. Your pooch can experience gingivitis — swollen gums, which can be painful — and even lose their teeth.
Obviously, you need to be proactive in preventing dental diseases from occurring in your dog. Proper dental care is key. Of course, brushing your pet’s teeth isn’t going to be easy. You need to make sure that it’s going to be a pleasant experience. You also need to make sure you choose a toothpaste that is specially formulated for dogs and has all the necessary ingredients to fight plaque and bacteria while keeping your dog’s teeth stain-free.
However, choosing the right toothpaste for your dog isn’t easy either, with so many different options available. That’s why we’ve selected five products that are worth checking out. So without further ado, here’s a rundown of our top picks for dog toothpaste.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Reduces plaque and is formulated to prevent the formation of future plaque
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Poultry flavored
- Designed to be swallowed without harming your pup like some other kinds of toothpaste
- Brightens teeth
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Natural ingredients, Xylitol free to prevent tartar and plaque build-up
- Coconut oil, sweet potato, and cinnamon ingredients
- Safe gel keeps breath fresh
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Chicken flavored paste soothes enflamed gums and fights bad breath
- Contains natural herbs and other ingredients safe for puppies and dogs
- Reduces tartar build-up and plaque
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Veterinarian formulated soothing with aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes
- Grape flavored paste fights bad breath, tartar and plaque
- Made in the USA
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Easy application to pet's gums, or used with toothbrush
- Chemical-free and artificial flavor-free--tasteless formula
- Breaks down plaque and tartar
- Works faster than enzyme toothpaste
Top Picks: The Best Dog Toothpaste Available Today
#1 Best Overall: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog Toothpaste
Our selection as the best overall dog toothpaste is Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog Toothpaste.
Virbac has been working on helping pet owners and veterinarians keep their animals in good health for more than 50 years. Therefore, it’s not really surprising that they were able to produce our number one choice toothpaste which is safe for dogs while ensuring good dental health.
The C.E.T. enzymatic toothpaste does not contain any foaming agents or ingredients like fluoride that are harmful to your pooch, so there’s no need to worry about making your dog spit because swallowing this toothpaste is absolutely fine. More importantly, it has undergone clinical testing which showed that it does deliver some serious antibacterial action. The numerous enzymes in the toothpaste will keep your dog’s breath smelling fresh while reducing the amount of plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth.
You don’t even need to worry about your pet not liking the taste as this C.E.T. dog toothpaste comes in a tasty poultry flavor that your pet will enjoy. Not only will your dog’s teeth be noticeably cleaner, but you’ll find your pooch eagerly waiting for you when it’s time to brush their teeth.
Although there are some great plus points to this toothpaste, some consumers reported that their toothpaste went “bad” rather quickly. This means you should only buy what you need instead of stocking up on it.
Pros and Cons of the Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog Toothpaste
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reduces plaque and is formulated to prevent the formation of future plaque. | Some users reported that the toothpaste went off quickly. |
| This toothpaste does not contain fluoride or foaming agents, meaning that it is perfectly safe for dogs to swallow. |
- Reduces plaque and is formulated to prevent the formation of future plaque
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Poultry flavored
- Designed to be swallowed without harming your pup like some other kinds of toothpaste
- Brightens teeth
2. Best Natural/Organic Product: RADIUS USDA Organic Dog Toothpaste
Some pet parents prefer to go all natural, and that’s why we’ve selected Radius USDA Organic Dog Toothpaste as the best natural product.
This all-natural dog toothpaste is made of food-grade ingredients such as coconut oil, sweet potato, and cinnamon. It doesn’t contain any GMOs, pesticides, xylitol, fluoride, glutens, or any other harmful ingredients. In fact, it’s USDA certified organic. The coconut oil is a natural whitener, while its antibacterial properties help reduce the amount of bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Also, in case you’re curious, this toothpaste does not contain and rosemary or green tea extract which can be harmful to dogs.
The only drawback to this toothpaste is that it does contain stevia. Although it is not toxic to dogs, consuming too much of it can cause diarrhea in your pup as well as other gastrointestinal issues.
Pros and Cons of the RADIUS USDA Organic Dog Toothpaste
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Containing coconut oil, sweet potato, and cinnamon, this toothpaste is made from completely natural ingredients. It is free from GMO’s, pesticides, fluoride, xylitol, and glutens. | This toothpaste contains stevia which can cause diarrhea when consumed in large quantities. |
| Coconut oil is a natural whitener and contains antibacterial properties. | |
| This toothpaste is certified as USDA organic. |
- Natural ingredients, Xylitol free to prevent tartar and plaque build-up
- Coconut oil, sweet potato, and cinnamon ingredients
- Safe gel keeps breath fresh
3. Best Puppy Dental Care: Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
Your pup should learn the importance of dental hygiene early on, and what better way to ensure they have good oral health than a toothpaste that’s safe for puppies? That’s why we chose Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste as the best for puppies.
This toothpaste is made from natural ingredients such as baking soda which has powerful cleansing action. It also contains enzymes which reduce tartar buildup while eliminating bad breath.
One of the best things about Arm & Hammer is that they offer three different products to suit the varying dental needs of dogs. One promotes gum health in adult dogs and puppies. This particular toothpaste includes healing herbs which can help soothe inflamed or sensitive gums. These herbs include calendula, aloe vera, flax seed oil, and goldenseal.
Another type is formulated specifically for tartar control, while another is designed for fresh breath. Of course, all of these are effective in helping to maintain good oral health. Each type of toothpaste has a different flavor, but the healthy gum toothpaste is a tasty poultry flavor. This toothpaste doesn’t cost a lot (unlike some others on the market) which is great for your wallet too.
Some users reported that their dogs didn’t like the taste, which made cleaning their dogs’ teeth with the products difficult.
Pros and Cons of the Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This product contains natural herbs which soothe inflamed or sensitive gums. | Some dogs don’t like the taste, which makes cleaning their teeth a chore. |
| The natural ingredients have a powerful cleansing action which reduces tartar build up. |
- Chicken flavored paste soothes enflamed gums and fights bad breath
- Contains natural herbs and other ingredients safe for puppies and dogs
- Reduces tartar build-up and plaque
4. Best Vet-Formulated: Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
Products formulated and supported by vets are always popular, which is why we’ve chosen Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste as the best vet-formulated toothpaste.
This dog toothpaste is a vet-formulated toothpaste that is made from carefully selected natural ingredients such as aloe, neem oil, baking soda, and grapefruit seed extract. These ingredients have antibacterial and antifungal properties that not only keep your dog’s breath fresh, but also promotes healthy gums and teeth. Additionally, this enzymatic toothpaste doesn’t require the use of a toothbrush. You can use your finger or finger brush and still get the same positive effects.
One last thing we want to say about this doggy toothpaste is that it’s very affordable. In fact, aside from being the best vet-formulated toothpaste for dogs on our list, we also consider this the best budget option. More importantly, it comes in a 3.5 ounce tube that is bigger than is typically offered on the market.
Some buyers stated that the product doesn’t clean as well as other dog toothpastes and that it doesn’t adhere to the toothbrush well.
Pros and Cons of the Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This toothpaste is vet-formulated with carefully selected natural ingredients. | Some users say that it doesn’t clean as effectively as other brands. |
| The antibacterial and antifungal properties promote healthy gums and teeth while also keeping breath fresh. | It may not adhere to your dog’s toothbrush well. |
| This enzymatic toothpaste can be used without a toothbrush. | |
| The 3.5 ounce tube is good value for money. |
- Veterinarian formulated soothing with aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes
- Grape flavored paste fights bad breath, tartar and plaque
- Made in the USA
5. Most Easy-to-Use Product: Oxyfresh Premium Dog Toothpaste
We have selected Oxyfresh Premium Dog Toothpaste for pet parents who need an easier method of brushing their pet’s teeth.
This premium toothpaste by Oxyfresh doesn’t need to be applied with a toothbrush to get to work on your dog’s teeth. Of course, you can still use a toothbrush if your pet will allow it, but this toothpaste is a great idea for those fussy pups that don’t like it. So, now you can neutralize bad breath and control plaque and tartar by simply applying the product along the gumline with your finger.
Another great thing about this toothpaste is that it is completely chemical-free and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, giving you complete peace of mind while using it on your beloved pet.
Some dogs dislike the scent of this product, which some pet parent’s describe as being “medicinal.”
Pros and Cons of the Oxyfresh Premium Dog Toothpaste
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This unique toothpaste is easy to apply with just a finger. | Some dogs don’t like the smell of this toothpaste. |
| It controls plaque and tartar while neutralizing bad breath. | |
| The ingredients are chemical-free and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. |
- Easy application to pet's gums, or used with toothbrush
- Chemical-free and artificial flavor-free--tasteless formula
- Breaks down plaque and tartar
- Works faster than enzyme toothpaste
Our Criteria: What to Look for in Dog Toothpaste
For those of us with dogs our pet’s health and happiness is always our top priority. While we spend hours grooming and caring for our dogs it’s important not to forget about their teeth, as their dental hygiene is just a crucial to their happiness as anything else.
Some dogs love having their teeth brushed while others downright hate it, and it’s important to consider the individual needs of your pet when choosing which toothpaste to use. Factors to consider include things such as whether you need something that is super easy to use so that you can introduce toothpaste to your pup for the first time, or whether you prefer something that is formulated by vets. Perhaps you want to consider a toothpaste that is made entirely from natural ingredients so that you know exactly what your dog is consuming.
Dog Toothpaste: Summary
We know that you only want what’s best for your pet, and the last thing you want to be worrying about is whether your dog is developing periodontal disease, or wondering why their breath smells so bad. That’s why you need to select a toothpaste that is powerful enough to keep your dog’s teeth in top condition, and we hope that this product review will help you make that perfect choice.
Up Next
- Best Ear Drops for Dogs — At-home grooming day would be incomplete without a healthy ear cleaning regimen.
- Best Durable Dog Toys — If your dog is a relentless chewer, you may need another level of durable toy.
- Best Soft Foods for Senior Dogs — Older dogs with dental/periodontal issues sometimes need food that’s easier to eat.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste |
| Best Natural/Organic | RADIUS USDA Organic Dog Toothpaste |
| Best for Puppies | Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste |
| Best Vet-Formulated | Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste |
| Best Easy-To-Use | Oxyfresh Premium Dog Toothpaste |
Check Out Our Top Picks for Best Dog Toothpaste FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can you brush dog teeth with human toothpaste?
No, you can’t. Most human toothpastes contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol which is toxic to dogs. This ingredient can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop and even potentially harm their liver. Human toothpaste also contains fluoride which is also bad for our fur babies. Dog toothpaste, on the other hand, is specially formulated to be safe for our pups. More importantly, it can be swallowed. After all, you can’t exactly teach your dog how to spit.
How should I brush my dog’s teeth?
If you want to incorporate dental hygiene into your dog’s regular routine, you need to make sure that the entire experience is pleasant for them. Below are some steps you need to take to ensure the best results for your pup.
- Choose a quiet place where your dog won’t get distracted while you’re brushing their teeth.
- If you have a small dog, hold them securely in your lap. Their head should be facing away from you. For a large dog, you will need to sit on a chair and let your dog sit between your legs while you hold their head in a comfortable position.
- Use your finger or a soft cloth to gently rub the outer surface of your dog’s teeth in a back-and-forth motion. You don’t need to rub all of their teeth during the first few times. You need to make sure they are comfortable with the process before going for the whole mouth. Quit if they get agitated. It might take a few weeks for your dog to get acclimated.
- Once they seem comfortable with the process, let your dog sample the toothpaste from your finger. You can reward your pet with a treat to make this a more positive experience.
- Introduce the toothbrush once they’re used to the toothpaste. Let them them the toothbrush until they’re used to it.
- Once acclimatized, start cleaning their teeth with the toothbrush and toothpaste using small, circular motions. Talk to your dog throughout the process. Perform the cleaning in short intervals, constantly praising and petting them in between.
It shouldn’t take you more than a minute to brush your pet’s teeth – approximately 30 seconds for each side.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Vets recommend that you brush your doggo’s teeth at least three times a week. This helps remove any plaque while preventing tartar buildup. However, it is in your dog’s best interests to brush their teeth twice a day. It’s best to make this part of their routine while they are young. It may take longer to get your old pooch to get used to brushing if you haven’t done it before, but avoiding the cost of periodontal disease will make it worth your while.
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