The best toothpaste for dogs, according to vets

Oral health can easily be overlooked when it comes to your pets. But keeping your pup’s teeth clean impacts their overall health and wellness. An effective toothpaste removes plaque buildup that, if left unchecked, can cause a number of dental problems for your pup. To help you find the best toothpaste for your dog, our team of experts tested some of the top options on the market against the following criteria: ingredients, smell, consistency, and more.

Petsmile is the only Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-accepted toothpaste on the market. It’s designed to fight plaque using ingredients often found in human toothpaste and even comes with a toothbrush. The only downside to this pick? Our product reviewer said the toothbrush this kit comes with was a bit large for her small-breed dog.

• Ingredients. Petsmile uses a formula of human-grade ingredients including calprox, deionized water, glycerin, citric acid, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, and cellulose gum that safely and effectively fight plaque.
• Packaging. This option comes packaged in a cardboard box. The tube has a flip-top lid that’s easy to open and close.
• Smell. While this paste is London Broil flavored, it doesn’t have a noticeable smell.
• Palatability. Our dogs seemed to enjoy this toothpaste and its flavoring.
• Consistency. The consistency was very similar to normal toothpaste and was easy to apply with the provided brush.

This pick is a gel toothpaste that can be applied directly to your dog’s teeth. However, we recommend using it with a toothbrush to get all the benefits of brushing! It’s scentless and odorless, so even picky pups shouldn’t have issues with the flavor. It’s also safe and effective for use on dogs of all breeds and sizes.

• Ingredients. The ingredients in this pick include aloe vera, dextrose, and glycerol methacrylate — all of which are 100% safe for both dogs and cats.
• Packaging. With an easy-to-open twist lid, the gel comes out smoothly from the tube.
• Smell. This gel is odorless, so your dog shouldn’t be bothered by its scent.
• Palatability. Our dog didn’t seem to mind the taste of this toothpaste. 
• Consistency. The consistency of this option was smoother than some of the other pastes we tested and was easy to spread onto our dog’s front teeth.

With beef, poultry, and vanilla mint to choose from, there’s a flavor of this toothpaste for every kind of pup. The consistency is a bit more gel-like than some of the other options we tested, but we love that this non-foaming pick is completely safe for pets to swallow. It’s also formulated with enzymes that help reduce plaque and freshen your dog’s breath.

• Ingredients. Virbac uses dog- and cat-friendly ingredients like sorbitol, hydrated silica, glycerin, water, dextrose, and added flavor.
• Packaging. This toothpaste arrives in a cardboard box. Much like human toothpaste options, the tube has a twist-top cap.
• Smell. The scent of the beef option we tested was hardly noticeable.
• Palatability. Our pup found the beef-flavored option to be very palatable!
• Consistency. With its smooth texture, this toothpaste is easy to apply. Just be careful since it comes out of the tube quickly!

Vet’s Best is another enzymatic toothpaste that can be applied with a toothbrush or your finger. The company recommends using this product two to three times a week, which is great for busy pet parents. You can even put a dab of this paste directly on your pup’s tongue to quickly freshen their breath!

• Ingredients. Baking soda, which is often used in human toothpaste as a whitening agent, is among ingredients like glycerin, aloe, neem oil, and grapefruit seed extract.
• Packaging. The tube has a flip-top lid that’s very easy to open and close.
• Smell. There’s no noticeable scent to this toothpaste.
• Palatability. This paste is advertised as grape flavored, likely because of the grapefruit seed extract. Our dogs seemed to enjoy it!
• Consistency. The consistency of this option is a happy medium between a gel and a paste.

The use of a finger brush is a great option for pet owners who are new to brushing their dog’s teeth. The one included in this kit from Vet Solutions slips easily over your finger and provides maximum control as you brush your pup’s teeth and gums. It should be noted that this toothpaste comes in a 0.75-ounce tube, which is less product than some other options we reviewed. However, a little goes a long way — vets recommend using only a pea-sized amount.

• Ingredients. Like some of the other toothpaste we reviewed, this formula uses enzymes as well as ingredients that are safe for your dog to swallow. Among them are poultry extract, water, cellulose gum, and vitamin E.
• Packaging. This toothpaste tube comes packaged in a cardboard box and has a twist-off lid.
• Smell. There’s a slight smell to this paste, probably due to the poultry extract.
• Palatability. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of this toothpaste. They tried to lick it before we even started brushing!
• Consistency. This paste has a smooth consistency that’s very spreadable.

Why you should trust our reviews | How we picked | At first glance | How we tested these products | Products we don’t recommend | What else should pet parents consider? | Frequently asked questions

We scoured the internet for the most popular dog toothpastes on the market. We avoided any toothpaste with questionable or potentially toxic ingredients. Our experts then chose a “top pick,” the product that ranked the highest in all of our criteria.

Sometimes once we review a product in person, we decide we don’t want to recommend it to pet parents. Some popular products didn’t make our list, and we think it’s important for pet parents to know why.

On paper, here’s a closer look at how the products stack up against each other.

*Price at the time of our review

We worked with our product experts and veterinarians to determine the most important factors when it comes to finding the best dog toothpaste. The following criteria are what we reviewed each product against:

• Ingredients. Our team, along with Dr. Irish, reviewed the full ingredient list on each product to make sure our picks were safe and nontoxic.
• Packaging. We considered how easy each product was to open and close.
• Smell. Dogs have a heightened sense of smell, so this is an important factor to consider when choosing a toothpaste.
• Palatability. Christy used the products on her own dogs and noted how they reacted to the flavor of each toothpaste.
• Consistency. Getting our hands on these products allowed us to see each toothpaste up close and compare their consistency. This factor can also affect how easy or difficult the product is to spread on a toothbrush.

These popular toothpaste brands are found all over the internet and have been recommended by others out there. However, after reviewing, we decided not to include them on our list. Here’s why. 

• Petrodex Natural Toothpaste. After reviewing the product ingredients, Dr. Irish recommended we remove this toothpaste from our list because it contains eucalyptus oil, which can be toxic to dogs.  
• Burt’s Bees Toothpaste. Since this product contains both peppermint and eucalyptus oils, Dr. Irish recommended we remove it from our list.
• TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Oral Care Dog Gel. Dr. Irish feels the before and after photos for this toothpaste are misleading. A topical gel simply can’t dissolve hardened plaque.
• RADIUS Dog Toothbrush Kit. This toothpaste includes both peppermint and clove oils, both of which can be toxic to dogs.

Does your dog need toothpaste?

Yes, oral hygiene is an important factor in your dog’s overall health. According to the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA), over 80% of dogs over the age of 3 have active dental disease. This issue often starts out as gingivitis, which can be treated by consistently brushing your dog’s teeth and removing any plaque buildup.

The benefits of doggie toothpaste

80% of the benefits of cleaning your dog’s teeth come from the act of brushing itself. But a toothpaste your dog enjoys the flavor of can certainly help make brushing less of a chore. And many toothpastes contain ingredients that help to fight plaque and tartar. Enzymatic toothpastes contain enzymes that fight bacteria and scrubbing ingredients like baking soda that work to remove plaque. They also alter your dog’s pH to make it harder for bacteria and plaque to form in their mouth.

There are many pet dental products on the market — and not all of them are as effective as they claim. That’s why our veterinarians recommend looking for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. The VOHC evaluates and reviews all kinds of health items for pets, including dental care products that are intended to fight plaque and tartar. Look for the seal on any dog health product before making a purchase.

According to Dr. Irish, “The most effective kinds of toothpaste will be the ones that are veterinary-approved or have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Approval. These are backed by clinical trials and the opinions of medical professionals.”

Ingredients to avoid

Never use human toothpaste on your dog — leave Arm & Hammer and Colgate to the humans. Fluoride is a common ingredient in human toothpaste that’s extremely dangerous for dogs.

Human options also often contain a harmful ingredient called xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. If consumed, your pet will need to be taken to the vet straight away for help. Xylitol can cause severe drops in blood sugar, which can result in seizures, lethargy, and liver failure.

The downlow on DIY toothpaste

Homemade dog toothpaste allows you to control and customize the ingredients, taste, and flavor. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly and economical approach, we’ve got you covered. Making toothpaste at home is perfectly safe — assuming you use the ingredients we recommend, like baking soda, olive oil, and parsley.

How often to brush your pup’s teeth

Vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily. If that’s not possible with your schedule, try weekly brushings. Regular brushing ensures your dog’s teeth stay fresh and healthy and helps prevent costly dental problems.

In addition, vets recommend that pups get annual teeth cleans by a professional. At these appointments, veterinarians may take X-rays to examine the health of your dog’s jaw and tooth roots below the gumline that can’t be observed otherwise. Vets will also do something called scaling, a process that removes dental plaque and tartar, both of which naturally build up over time.

Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. Though you need to be patient during the process, your dog will eventually grow accustomed to it — especially with treats and a little positive reinforcement. Brushing your dog’s teeth can even lead to a deeper canine-human bond, all while giving them clean teeth in the process.

Our step-by-step guide

Use the right tools — Always use a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. Using the right equipment will be more comfortable for both you and your pup.

Pick a flavor your pup will like — You’ll want to choose a pet toothpaste that freshens your dog’s breath, removes plaque, and has an appealing taste, like poultry or peanut butter.

Let your dog sniff the toothpaste first — You might also want to give your dog a small sample to taste. After giving them a minute to sniff the brush, gently begin to move it around their teeth and gums.

If your dog becomes agitated, stop and try again later — What’s most important is getting your dog accustomed to regular dental care. If your dog is extremely fearful or aggressive to the point of biting, you may want to see a veterinarian or behaviorist.

Go slow — Gently rub the toothbrush on your dog’s teeth and gums for at least 30 seconds. You can also allow your dog to lick the toothbrush afterward if they’re interested.

There are two types of dog toothbrushes: handled brushes and finger brushes. Keep in mind that using a brush is always recommended, even when using a brushless paste. The act of brushing is what removes tartar buildup.

Finger brushes. These are small brushes that fit over your finger. The ability to come into direct contact with your pup’s teeth allows for greater control.

Long-handled brushes. These are most similar to human toothbrushes, though there are a few varieties. Double-ended toothbrushes have two ends of different sizes that are perfect for reaching incisors and molars. Double-headed dog toothbrushes clean both sides of your dog’s teeth at the same time. Long-handled brushes can make it easier to reach your dog’s back teeth, especially if you have a large dog.

We recommend trying different types of brushes to find what works best for you and your canine. The size and breed of your dog matters less than their personal preferences.

Keep in mind that you will need to reach the back of your dog’s jaw as you brush. You may want to opt for a soft bristled doggie toothbrush that will give your dog an efficient and gentle toothbrushing experience. Since human toothbrushes are shaped for our mouths, we don’t recommend using one on your dog.

Other products to try

Dental chews. Dog dental chews can be used in addition to daily toothbrushing. Many options taste like a treat, so you pup will have no idea they’re eating something that’s cleaning the plaque off their teeth.

Dental water additives. Dental water additives are liquids that can be added to your dog’s water to clean and freshen their mouth. These are not replacements for daily toothbrushing but are helpful for fighting plaque and reducing tartar. Many dental water additives have ingredients like zinc chloride, citric acid, and sodium citrate that fight bad breath and prevent bacterial buildup.