Good dental hygiene is just as important in our canine friends as it is for us humans. Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth is recommended at least three times a week, if not daily, to prevent dental issues such as plaque buildup and gum disease. Neglecting their dental health can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, and even more serious health problems. So, it’s crucial to incorporate regular teeth brushing into your dog’s grooming routine to ensure their overall well-being. Of course, we at StudyFinds can help you take that first step towards puppy pearly whites with our list of the best dog toothpaste.
Gum disease is a common condition among dogs. Veterinarians say more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three deal with it. Now, scientists have discovered a way of preventing this problem. A team in Poland says that a water additive containing pomegranate extract significantly cuts the amount of harmful plaque and tartar that builds up in a dog’s mouth. Do you put anything special in your dog’s water for health benefits?
Of course, we all know how important our furry friend’s overall health is to us, so much so that a new survey showed that seven in 10 people take their pet’s mental and physical health more seriously than their own! Though if you have a dog you call your own, you already know that you’d go to the ends of the earth to make them happy and healthy.
One step to ensuring your dog’s overall well-being is to start brushing their teeth! Which is where we come in. We at StudyFinds have taken the time to research across multiple expert sources to bring you today’s ranking of the best dog toothpaste on the market. Don’t agree with our list or feel we missed a favorite of you and your pups? No worries, we would love to hear from you and your recommendations in the comments down below.
The List: Best Dog Toothpaste, According to Pet Experts
1. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
The first product on our list is the Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste. It takes the number one spot easily for a handful of reasons. “Made in the U.S., Petsmile’s toothpaste is the only one that bears the Veterinary Oral Hygiene Council Seal, which evaluates a product’s ability to reduce plaque and tartar through real-life studies. Petsmile’s trials showed a 62% reduction in plaque and a 28% reduction in gingivitis,” says Woman’s Day.
“Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, contains Calprox, which aims to safely prevent plaque and fight bacteria. This product does not need to be applied with a toothbrush and can be conveniently applied with your fingers. Free from fluoride, parabens, sulfates, and other ingredients that could be harmful to dogs and can be applied two to three times a week,” writes Dutch.
“Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste is designed to work whether you use it with a toothbrush or just apply it to the teeth and sides of your dog’s mouth with a swab or your finger, so it’s kind of like a toothpaste-dental gel hybrid. However, we recommend brushing your dog’s teeth with it to get the benefits of toothbrushing,” adds Insider.
2. Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
The Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste is second up on our list. “Often recommended by vets, this brand is formulated for both dogs and cats and contains enzymes that generate hydrogen peroxide while brushing to dissolve the plaque that clings to teeth (it also keeps working in their mouth even after you’re done brushing),” states Women’s Day.
“If your dog is picky with flavors or tastes, this is the brand for you. This Virbac enzymatic dog toothpaste is great for safely and effectively brushing dogs’ teeth and comes in five different flavors. This toothpaste contains the CET dual enzyme system and is formulated for both dogs and cats to provide natural antibacterial action, remove plaque, and prevent tartar formation. Additionally, this toothpaste helps eliminate mouth odors and contains no foaming agents — meaning it is safe for pets to swallow,” reports AKC.
“For best results, enzymatic dog toothpaste requires a toothbrush or finger brush for application, which helps to stimulate the enzymatic activity that attacks plaque and tartar. With its lack of foaming agents and fluoride, it is an exceptionally safe product,” adds The Spruce Pets.
3. Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs
Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste comes in at number three for today’s ranking. This toothpaste will surely leave your pup thinking they just enjoyed a treat! “Lots of dogs like the poultry flavor of this popular enzymatic dog toothpaste — my pup licked it off my fingers after we finished brushing. Dogs also like the non-foaming formula that doesn’t require any rinsing afterward,” describes Good Housekeeping.
“A tiny quantity goes a long way. Pet owners should train puppies so they are OK with having their teeth brushed. Using a pea-sized amount of the Sentry Petrodex paste on a toothbrush is all that’s needed to make an impact. The paste features patented enzymes, a special no-rinse formula, and a tasty chicken flavor,” raves Veterinarians.
“Many pet parents’ reviews rave that their pups love the flavor so much they actually get excited to have their teeth brushed! But if your dog happens to be more of a nut butter-lover, they offer a peanut butter flavor available as well. Most of the ingredients in Petrodex toothpaste are sourced from the USA, but it also sources ingredients from Austria, Malaysia, Japan, Israel, China, and Canada,” explains BarkPost.
4. Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
The brand Vet’s Best takes the number four spot, with a product that surely holds up to its name. “If you’re looking for a reasonably priced option, this gel toothpaste designed by veterinarians contains baking soda and enzymes to help combat plaque and tartar. Its fresh scent may also appeal to dogs who don’t like the food flavors (beef, chicken) that many other dog toothpastes feature. With over 39K five-star reviews on Amazon, pet owners rave that it freshens breath and whitens teeth and that their dogs love the taste,” says Woman’s Day.
“The formula for Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is made with aloe and neem oil to soothe irritated and inflamed gums along with grapefruit seed extra, baking soda, and enzymes to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. In between cleaning sessions with a toothbrush or finger brush, the clear gel toothpaste can be applied to a dog’s tongue to neutralize odor-causing buildup in their mouth,” adds The Spruce Pets.
“Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is a top-notch dental care product highly recommended by veterinarians and dog parents. Crafted from a blend of natural ingredients, this toothpaste effectively combats plaque and tartar, improving overall dental health. It’s safe for dogs to swallow, eliminating the need for rinsing and making teeth cleaning hassle-free. Also, it works wonders in eliminating bad breath, leaving your dog’s mouth fresh and clean,” raves iHeartDogs.
5. Radius Organic Canine Pet Toothpaste
The brand Radius and its organic toothpaste come in at number five. “This toothpaste is USDA-certified organic and made in the USA. It’s also free from chemicals, dyes, preservatives, and artificial additives. This dog toothpaste will safely freshen your dog’s breath, remove tartar, and fight plaque,” explains AKC.
“If you’re looking for a dog toothpaste with natural ingredients such as sweet potatoes, coconut oil, mint, and cinnamon, this is the one for you. Made in the US by a company well-known for also making human toothpaste,” notes Woman’s Day.
“Radius USA Organic Canine Toothpaste is an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes natural and organic products for their pets. This toothpaste also stands out for its dedication to being cruelty-free and eco-friendly, with no artificial ingredients, chemicals, or preservatives. The product’s focus on high-quality organic ingredients and sustainability makes it a unique and health-conscious choice for maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene,” comments iHeartDogs.
6. Arm & Hammer for Pets Tartar Control Kit
Looking for an all-in-one solution to bad puppy breath? Look no further than the Arm & Hammer for Pets Tartar Control Kit! “A tube of chicken-flavored toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a fingerbrush complete the Arm & Hammer for Pets Clinical Care Dental Gum Health Kit for Dogs. The consistency of this toothpaste strikes a nice balance, so it easily comes out of the tube and remains on the brush,” reports The Spruce Pets.
“This dental kit includes a finger brush for pet owners, which is very convenient and easy to use. The use of baking soda as the cleaning ingredient is safe for dogs, as is the brand. Many testimonials say the product helped with overall oral health, bad breath, and gum inflammation,” adds Veterinarians.
“From the makers of the popular baking soda-based human toothpaste, this Arm & Hammer dog toothpaste fights tartar buildup with the natural power of baking soda. This package comes with a 2.5-ounce tube of breath-freshening enzymatic toothpaste, a finger brush, and a dual-ended toothbrush, so you have everything you need to support your dog’s dental health,” writes Rover.
7. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care
Last but certainly not least, when it comes to the market of pup toothpaste, it is the tried and true brand Nylabone. “Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Toothpaste is made with a proprietary blend of ingredients that the manufacturer calls Denta-C to help remove tartar and plaque from a dog’s teeth. The paste is safe for dogs to consume and can be used to clean the teeth of dogs at any age, with a smaller dosage for younger pups,” says The Spruce Pets.
“If your dog loves their peanut butter Kong, they won’t turn up their nose at this peanut-flavored toothpaste. It fights tartar and plaque with a blend of ingredients to keep your dog’s smile bright,” adds Good Housekeeping.
“This Nylabone Advanced toothpaste is specifically formulated for tartar control and helps fight bad-breath-causing bacteria. It has some tail-waggingly good reviews from pet parents, but we do want to note that the flavor of this formula does seem a bit ambiguous, as it’s described only as ‘flavor‘ in the ingredients. However, a peanut allergy warning for humans on its label indicates it’s most likely a peanut butter flavor. Nylabone Advanced Dog Toothpaste is made in the USA,” concludes BarkPost.
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Sources:
- Woman’s Day
- Dutch
- Insider
- AKC
- The Spruce Pets
- iHeartDogs
- Good Housekeeping
- Veterinarians
- Rover
- BarkPost
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.