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Just like us, one of the most important things for your dog's mouth and overall health is regular toothbrushing. Sarah Machell, DVM, a trusted veterinarian, says that a dog's mouth is a portal into its body, and proper dental hygiene practices are crucial to its physical well-being. She also says that one of the best ways to help your dog avoid pain and infection is by keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
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The Best Dog Toothpaste We've Tried
So, how can you help keep your dog's mouth and gums healthy and clean? The first step is choosing the right toothpaste. There are plenty of options, from enzyme-based formulas to foaming toothpaste that doesn't require brushing—read on for our top picks for the best dog toothpaste.
Looking for the best dog chews to help clean their teeth without a fuss? See why the Yak Stick is a safe dog treat that can benefit your dog's dental health!
Petrodex Advanced Dental Care Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
After reviewing a long list of dog toothpaste, we've found this formula from Sentry to be one of the overall best. It has a poultry flavor that dogs seem to love, making it an excellent choice for pets that may not like brushing. It does a great job cleaning and doesn't foam up, so you don't have to rinse out their mouth after brushing.
Because of the flavor, most dogs won't fight with you when it comes time to brush their teeth. Plus, this dog toothpaste uses interactive enzymes that help combat plaque buildup on teeth. There are some downsides, though; while the dogs love the poultry flavor, and this toothpaste does a great job at cleaning their teeth, it doesn't leave them with the freshest breath. In addition, some dogs might be sensitive to the ingredients, meaning you'll need to ensure that it doesn't upset your dog's stomach.
This dog toothpaste is designed for use about three times a week.
| Pros | Cons |
| Dogs love the poultry flavor | There are better options for fresh breath |
| Fights plaque efficiently | Possible sensitivity to ingredients |
| No rinsing required |
|
Nutri-Vet Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs
If you are looking for the most affordable dog toothpaste that still works well, this formula from Nutri-Vet is it. Of all the dog toothpaste we reviewed, this one is the best value. Like the Sentry dog toothpaste we mentioned above, this formula is non-foaming, making it easy to use without requiring you to rinse your dog's mouth afterward. It's also poultry flavored, but the general consensus is that the flavoring isn't as good as Sentry's, so it might not be right for more picky dogs.
This dog toothpaste is designed for daily use, and you can use a doggie toothbrush or your finger to apply it.
| Pros | Cons |
| More affordable | Not all dogs like the flavor |
| Non-foaming | Doesn't do great at freshening their breath |
| Fights plaque and tartar |
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Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste
If cost isn't an issue, and you don't mind paying extra for one of the highest quality dog toothpaste, the Petsmile Professional formula is your best choice. It's approved by the VOHC and also voted best for removing plaque with regular use. If you're curious about how well it works, think about this: this dog toothpaste is the only one recommended by the VOHC. There's no doubt about the effectiveness of this product.
One of the reasons for the high price is the inclusion of an ingredient called Calprox, which helps prevent oral disease and tooth and gum decay. There's no toothbrush required for this dog toothpaste; all you need is the included applicator.
Petsmile uses only safe ingredients with no additives, so most dogs do well with this toothpaste. For those looking for the best dog toothpaste, and the price doesn't matter, this is the clear winner.
| Pros | Cons |
| Approved by the VOHC | Much more expensive than other options |
| More effective than other brands | |
| Contains Calprox to help prevent diseases | |
| Food-safe ingredients without additives |
|
Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
This dog toothpaste from Virbac tops the list if you want your pet to have the best-smelling breath. And if you have cats, this toothpaste is approved for both dogs and cats, making it a great choice for multi-pet homes. It uses a dual enzyme to help prevent future plaque buildup while breaking down any that already exists.
It's also non-foaming and safe to swallow in small amounts. This dog toothpaste supposedly starts a natural antibacterial effect in your dog's mouth, which helps prevent plaque and films on their teeth. Plus, dogs seem to love the minty taste that freshens their breath so well. However, it does have some added ingredients that some dogs can be sensitive to, so you'll have to watch for diarrhea or upset stomachs when you first use this dog toothpaste.
| Pros | Cons |
| Freshens dog breath | Added ingredients can cause an upset stomach |
| Has antibacterial properties | |
| Most dogs like the smell and taste |
|
Arm & Hammer Clinical Care Dental Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs
Finally, the last dog toothpaste to make our list is from Arm & Hammer. Like the Petsmile Professional toothpaste, this one doesn't need a toothbrush; let your dog lick it up and do your best to massage it into their gums and onto their teeth. It's an easy way to get them used to dental care and is less stressful to some dogs than using a toothbrush.
This dog toothpaste is made with 100% safe ingredients, meaning that it should work well with all dogs and not cause adverse reactions. Most dogs seem to like the taste, and this toothpaste does a great job of fighting buildup, freshening breath, and cleaning their dental palette.
However, it does have a strong odor, which some pet owners report actually makes their dog's breath smell worse. The smell can be unpleasant for humans, even if our dogs enjoy it. But if the smell doesn't bother you and your dog enjoys the taste, it's a great product to train your dog to behave better during brushing time.
| Pros | Cons |
| Helpful for training your dog to let you brush their teeth | Has a strong odor that pet owners may not like |
| 100% dog-safe ingredients | Some dog owners reported worse breath after using this toothpaste |
| No toothbrush required |
Want to learn more about improving your dog's health? View our free resources to see how you can improve your pet's well-being in a safe and easy way!
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