The 5 Best Dog Toothpastes
Yes, even Fido deserves to have fresh breath. Brushing your dog's teeth is a crucial part of caring for your pet; this simple act can save your dog from painful gum disease and even heart disease and arthritis, among other medical complications. Dental disease can be quite painful for dogs (though they have no way of showing it), so taking a couple minutes to brush your dog's teeth is important. However, you can't use your toothpaste on your dog's teeth, since human toothpaste contains ingredients (like fluoride) that can be toxic to dogs. Instead, you should invest in a good pet toothpaste. Dog toothpastes are specifically made to clean away plaque from your pet's mouth, thereby preventing bad breath and staving off gum disease and other conditions. Of course, not all dog toothpastes are created equal. Here are the five best pet toothpastes available today:
Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste
The best of the best
Super-effective at reducing plaque and tartar, the Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste is a must-have for your pooch. The non-foaming formula works hard to remove plaque buildup but doesn’t require rinsing, which is handy. And, not only does this paste come in a yummy poultry flavor that dogs go crazy for, but the paste also comes with a brush whose bristles are the perfect texture: not too soft, not too firm. All in all, it’s a winning toothpaste-and-brush combo that pet owners (and even dogs) love.
Pros:
- Dogs adore the poultry flavor.
- Enzymatic formula is effective at removing plaque and tartar buildup but doesn’t require rinsing.
- Comes with a toothbrush.
Cons:
- Could stand to freshen breath a little better.
Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
Gentle yet highly effective
Boasting a supremely soothing formula (aloe, neem oil, enzymes, grapefruit seed extract), the Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is gentle on the teeth and gums, yet still awesome at removing icky plaque. Also, the paste comes with a triple-headed brush; the brush’s unique bristle head design works to clean teeth from multiple angles, so the brushing process is simple and fast, which is always a plus with pups.
Pros:
- Aloe-based formula is soothing on the gums.
- Comes with a triple-headed brush that makes brushing quick and easy.
- Freshens up the breath and even whitens teeth.
Cons:
- Flavoring could stand to be a little more dog-friendly.
CET Virbac Enzymatic Dog (and Cat) Toothpaste
Use for canines and felines alike
If you’re the proud owner of puppies and kitties, the CET Virbac Enzymatic Dog and Cat Toothpaste should definitely be in your pet care arsenal. This paste contains no foaming agents of fluoride and can be safely swallowed, and it’s great at controlling and even preventing plaque and tartar buildup.
Pros:
- Works just as well for cats as for dogs.
- Non-rinsing, non-foaming formula works to control and prevent plaque and tartar.
Cons:
- The metallic tube packaging isn’t the best; you’ll probably need to use scissors to cut the tube when paste starts running low, to get more out.
Ortz Dog Toothpaste and Toothbrush Set
The design that makes it easy to clean
Talk about the ideal dental care kit for dogs: Brushing has never been easier thanks to the ergonomic design of the Ortz Dog Toothbrush, while the plaque-beating toothpaste helps get rid of every last trace of tartar and debris. The flexible tapering design of the brush perfectly conforms to your dog’s mouth, and the long handle gives you better access to all mouth parts. Pups also tend to like the flavor of paste, which makes teeth-brushing so much easier.
Pros:
- Comes with a toothbrush that has a great, easy-to-use design: soft bristles and a long, curved, flexible handle.
- Toothpaste flavor is dog-friendly.
- A great combo for both banishing plaque and freshening up your dog’s breath.
Cons:
- Bristles on the toothbrush are a tad too thick.
Arm & Hammer Dog Dental Care Toothpaste
Your pet will go nuts for these flavors
If you know your pup will hate the process of brushing their teeth, why not make it tastier for them? The Arm & Hammer Dog Dental Care Toothpaste comes in three delectable flavors: Beef, Chicken, and Vanilla Ginger; dogs love all three of them. This enzymatic, gel-based toothpaste is infused with baking soda and other natural ingredients that work to scrub away debris and give your pooch’s teeth a nice, healthy shine. Bonus: It’s one of the best breath-freshening toothpastes around.
Pros:
- Comes in three flavors that dogs really, really love.
- Makes your dog breath smell better.
- Enzymatic gel-based formula is crafted from all-natural ingredients.
Cons:
- The smell is a little funky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use human toothpaste to brush my dog’s teeth?
No. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be toxic for dogs. To improve your dog’s oral health and keep your pooch safe, you should only dog-specific toothpaste.
What are the benefits of brushing my dog’s teeth?
Providing home dental care for your pup is an important part of taking care of your pet. Regular brushing helps prevent dental diseases that could negatively impact the course of your dog’s life.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
It’s recommended that you brush your dog’s teeth every day, as brushing infrequently does not control oral disease.
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