If you're looking for the best dog toothpaste, you've come to the right place. Below, we've rounded up five options that will keep your dog's teeth in tip-top condition and freshen up their breath.
To make things simple for you, we've selected just one toothpaste as our winner, along with four alternative products, such as water additives or chews that can make a big difference to your dog's oral health.
Following a dental routine is one of the most important things you can do for your pup, but if they hate having their teeth cleaned, these alternatives can come in handy. Keep in mind, though, that you won't get the full effects like you would with the best toothbrush for dogs.
Expert vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan explains: "I believe that nothing replaces the physical act of toothbrushing, but some of these other products can be a useful aid, especially in dogs that are not compliant."
As recommended, we've only included products that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which means they've been tested and verified under clinical trials. Here are five products we think are great:
The best dog toothpastes 2024
The best toothpaste for dogs
This toothpaste reduces tartar and plaque build-up in your dog's mouth, preventing pain and infection later down the line. The formula contains calcium peroxide, an active ingredient that gently breaks down the biofilm that stains and plaque cling onto. It also helps to brighten teeth and fight bad breath.
To make brush time easier and more appetizing for your pup, the toothpaste comes in three different flavors (broil, rotisserie chicken or cheese). Unlike human toothpaste, it's made using dog-safe ingredients and the recipe is free from fluoride, sulfates, parabens, gluten, BPA and silica. It comes in an easy-to-squeeze tube and the packaging is recyclable.
Our tester, Chloe, is currently testing this out on her dogs Cody and Bailey.
Reasons to buy: VOHC-approved, reduces tartar and plaque, brightens teeth, freshens breath.
Reasons to avoid: More expensive than other dog toothpastes (but worth it!)
The best powder toothpaste for dogs
This all-natural dental powder contains just one ingredient: North Atlantic seaweed. You might be wondering how this helps with teeth, but it contains an enzyme that can break down plaque-causing bacteria.
You can add this supplement to your dog's dry or wet food, making it a lot easier than standard brushing. It also comes with a scoop that is really helpful for measuring the correct portion size.
The formula helps to support healthy teeth, breath and gums, and according to the brand, you can expect to see results within three to eight weeks.
You won't find any additives, preservatives, gluten, or added sugar in the recipe – it's 100% natural!
Reasons to buy: VOHC-approved, easy to use, helps to maintain healthy teeth, gums and breath.
Reasons to avoid: Not as effective as brushing.
The best water additive toothpaste for dogs
If you're looking for a simple way to improve your dog's dental health, this water additive is the way to go. The formula uses Biotrate technology, which balances the pH levels in the mouth, helping to stop bacteria forming. It also targets plaque and tartar, which can cause serious health issues if left untreated.
Since the formula helps to reduce bacteria in the mouth, this additive also fights against bad breath, keeping your dog smelling fresh and clean.
This water additive is free from xylitol, chlorhexidine, and alcohol, making it safe for your dog to consume without any worries. It couldn't be easier to use; simply add two teaspoons per cup of water.
Reasons to buy: VOHC-approved, easy to use, fights against bacteria, plaque and tartar.
Reasons to avoid: Not as effective as brushing.
The best flossing treats for dogs
While they shouldn't replace brushing altogether, dental treats can contribute towards good oral health.
These chicken-flavored snacks are shaped like honeycomb, offering a 360-degree flossing and scrubbing action when your dog chews into the pockets. The shape also helps to clean their gum line, which is another place where bacteria thrives.
As well as supporting your dog's dental health, these treats are high in protein (44%), low in calories, and are free from artificial colors and flavors, GMOs, gluten, and grain.
Reasons to buy: VOHC-approved, helps to floss teeth, high in protein, low in calories.
Reasons to avoid: Shouldn't replace toothbrushing.
The best dental treats for senior dogs
These delicious dental treats are made specifically for senior dogs, and can help to clean their gum line and control plaque and tartar build-up. Again, these shouldn't replace your regular toothbrushing session, but they're a great way to level up your dog's dental routine in a fun and tasty way.
The texture is softer than other dental chews, making it a great choice for older dogs who need something more gentle. These treats come in four different sizes to cater to all breeds, and they contain some brilliant ingredients for dental health, like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3.
Reasons to buy: VOHC-approved, easy to use, promotes a clean gum line, helps to control plaque and tartar.
Reasons to avoid: Shouldn't replace toothbrushing.
Other dog toothpastes to consider
We've only included VOHC-recommended products in the list above, but you might also want to consider...
How we tested the best dog toothpaste
Before choosing and testing the best dog toothpaste, it was important that we consulted our in-house vet Dr. MacMillan first. She explained which ingredients to avoid – such as fluoride and sweeteners – and recommended products approved by the VOHC.
After hours of research, we selected five options that met these criteria to try on our own dogs, and I asked our testers the following questions:
Taste: Does your dog like the taste? Does the taste encourage your dog to accept brushing?
Effectiveness: Does the product help to freshen your dog's breath? Have you noticed a difference in plaque and tartar buildup?
User experience: Is the product easy to work with? Does it work well with toothbrushes (if applicable)?
Value for money: Would you buy this product again? Is it worth the money based on quality and quantity?
Here's more information on how we test.
How to choose the best dog toothpaste
Flavor
When choosing the best dog toothpaste, it's important to consider the flavor and pick one that your dog will enjoy. This will help your pooch to build a positive association with brushing their teeth and make it a good experience for both of you.
Ingredients
You'll want to avoid ingredients, like fluoride, sweeteners, and foaming agents, which can be harmful to your dog. You won't find any of these in the products listed above.
Alternatives
Once you've aced your dog's toothbrushing routine, you might want to consider buying additional dental products, like powders and treats. These can contribute to healthy teeth, gums, and overall health, and we've suggested some brilliant options above that are approved by vet professionals.
Can I use human toothpaste on dogs?
No, you should never use human toothpaste on your dog as they contain potentially harmful ingredients. Dr. MacMillan has explained what they are below:
Fluoride: "Fluoride should not be consumed regularly or in large quantities, as it can cause discoloration and wear of the teeth and bone abnormalities, amongst other issues. Too much fluoride is also bad for humans, which is the reason why we spit our toothpaste after brushing. Dogs are not able to do this, however, meaning they will consume most of the paste. They also don’t particularly suffer from cavities, like we do, so fluoride is not a necessary part of their oral care."
Xylitol: "Some human toothpastes contain xylitol which is an artificial sweetener. This ingredient is extremely dangerous to dogs. It causes the dog to release a large amount of insulin making their blood sugar levels plummet, leading to collapse, tremors, and seizures. Xylitol is also found in many other human products like sugar-free gum, medications, and sugar-free sweets."
Foaming agents: "Human toothpaste contains foaming agents, giving us a satisfying froth while we brush our teeth. Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate are not meant to be swallowed, which again is why we spit our paste out. Dogs will just swallow their paste during brushing, which could be problematic if you were using a human paste."
Dr. MacMillan adds that the minty taste can be off-putting for dogs, leading them to build a negative association with brushing.
Is dog toothpaste safe?
Yes, dog toothpaste is safe. Dr. MacMillan assures that as long as it's made by a reputable manufacturer and is designed specifically for pets, it's absolutely fine to use on your dog!
She says: "If you want assurance about their safety, as well as their effectiveness, I recommend that owners buy a product recommended by The Veterinary Oral Health Council. These products have been approved by a team of veterinary dentists and given the VHOC seal of approval.
"As well as toothpaste, you can find a range of other products to complement your toothbrushing regime, such as dental chews and diets. You should view any dental products being plugged on social media with suspicion; many make wild claims that are not founded on evidence. Speak to your vet for further advice on the best toothpaste to use for your dog."
For more dental advice, read our guide to healthy dog gums and how to clean a dog's teeth without brushing.
Megan Milstead is Staff Writer at PetsRadar where she covers buying guides, deals, features, and news. She grew up with dogs for most of her life and understands the importance of giving them a good dental hygiene routine. To bring you this guide, she spent hours researching the different options on the market; analyzing the ingredients, checking the brands' credibility, and consulting our in-house vet team for advice. Your dog's health is her priority.
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
