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10 Best Vet-Recommended Dog Toothpastes

Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Friday 20 November 2020
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
best vet recommended dog toothpastes
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Did you know that it’s common for dogs to develop a dental illness at an early age? For this, it is vital to keep their teeth clean and provide them with appropriate oral hygiene. To do so, you will need to brush their teeth regularly with a high-quality product. This time, we will bring you the best vet-recommended dog toothpastes available in the market to keep your pooch’s teeth glistening and healthy.

We have made a research and discovered what are the vet-recommended toothpastes for dogs. Many puppies indeed hate brushing their teeth. However, in this guide of the 10 dog toothpastes recommended by vets, you will find products from various brands, ingredients, flavors, and formulas. So, we invite you to take a look at them because we are sure that you will find the ideal one for your pet.

What Are Dog Toothpastes?

Even though you know what toothpastes are, dog toothpastes are different. They do not contain ingredients like xylitol and fluoride which can be very toxic to pets. If you’re a first-time owner, you may be wondering “do dogs need toothpaste”? They do and it’s highly important. The main reason is to prevent serious tooth and gum problems. By the age of 3 more than 80% of pets suffer from tooth and gum problems.

Most of the time, you will not be able to notice these issues at the very beginning. Therefore, you have to prevent those situations by taking care of your dog’s dental health. Dog toothpastes are developed with formulas designed to protect and keep your pet’s teeth clean. These products accomplish that reducing the plaque and tartar that accumulate in them. What is more, they leave your dog fresh breath. Many types of toothpastes are available. From traditional ones to chews that are brushless toothpastes, and those that come in a gel form.

Toothpastes come in a variety of flavors that your pet will love. Besides, many of them contain many natural ingredients and patented formulas that ensure their efficiency. There is something for all tastes and budgets. However, not all of them are excellent and you can buy one with your eyes closed. That would be a big mistake. In addition to looking for information on what it is made of, it is key to read the opinions of users who have already bought it.

How To Choose the Right Dog Toothpaste?

There are many elements to take into account to get the ideal toothpaste for your dog. We will tell you what are the four most important to look for.

Ingredients

The first thing to consider in a dog toothpaste is that it contains safe ingredients. It is best to avoid products that contain alcohol and artificial sweeteners. A pet toothpaste must never contain ingredients such as xylitol and fluoride because they can be lethal to them.

A dog toothpaste should be powerful enough to remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Therefore, it should contain ingredients for this purpose such as baking soda. Baking soda is not harmful to your dog in the right amount.

Another thing to consider is enzymes. You will see that many of the toothpaste of the list will contain them. This is because they are superb when removing and preventing plaque. And of course, you have to make sure that it is foaming agent-free. That means that the toothpaste, certainly, doesn’t require rinsing and it is safe for your pet to swallow.

vet-recommended toothpaste
Be certain the dog toothpaste you choose is safe.

Effectiveness

The most important thing is that the toothpaste you choose for your pet is effective. This is the main reason why you are buying it in the first place. A good dog toothpaste should:

  • Help wash away stains
  • Remove food particles that remain between its teeth
  • Clean the plaque and tartar that builds up on its teeth
  • Make your dog have nice fresh breath
  • Whiten their teeth
  • Kill harmful bacteria found in its mouth
  • Prevent or contribute to curing problems in the gums and teeth

Several products can promise many of the points mentioned above. However, some show results much earlier than others. Therefore, reading reviews and ratings from users who have already tried the product is a great option. There you can see if the toothpaste is really good and fulfills its purpose in a short time or not.

Allergies

Your dog may be allergic to some ingredients or foods. It may be that a product is very good, but not the one indicated for your pet. It happens to human beings that they do not know what they are allergic to until they see signs of it. The same can happen to your pet. Therefore, if you see any symptoms that an allergy is present, don’t use it anymore.

And of course, you have to avoid buying a toothpaste that contains those ingredients. It is better to opt for products that are made with natural ingredients. In that way, you will make sure that it won’t have side effects on your pet.

Taste

In dog toothpastes you can find an impressive world of flavors. There is a wide variety of them. For example:

  • Poultry
  • Chicken
  • Vanilla-Mint
  • Vanilla-Ginger
  • Beef
  • Mint
  • Malt
  • Seafood
  • Peanut

Therefore, you have to find the one that your pet likes the most. You may think that it is not necessary to evaluate this aspect a lot, but you would be wrong. Imagine that your dog doesn’t like brushing its teeth at all. If added to that, your dog doesn’t like the taste of toothpaste, then it will become its enemy. On the other hand, if your dog finds that it tastes good, then he will enjoy the process more while keeping its teeth healthy.

dog toothpaste flavors
There are many dog toothpaste flavors to choose from!

This section is what you were waiting for. You can’t just buy any toothpaste you see on the shelf! Below is a detailed description of each of the best vet-recommended dog toothpaste.

1. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Poultry Flavor Toothpaste

Let’s start with Virbac‘s dog toothpaste. The first benefit that this product has is already written in its name. Yes, it is for both dogs and cats. Therefore, if you have these pets, it will be perfect since you will have to buy only one type of toothpaste.

In recent years, this has been vets’ best toothpaste. The formula of this toothpaste consists of natural ingredients and comes poultry flavor! So, if your pup likes that flavor, then it will be perfect for it

What’s more, since Virbac‘s toothpaste contains the C.E.T dual enzyme system that is the best for removing tartar, plaque, and bad breath. Not only that, but it also provides antibacterial action. In addition to whitening your dog’s teeth. Virbac C.E.T Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Toothpaste doesn’t include foaming agents, so your pup can swallow it and there will be no problems.According to reviews, this toothpaste makes brushing and cleaning teeth no longer an annoying thing. Dogs will quickly start to like it.

2. Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog Toothpaste

This Sentry‘s dog toothpaste is not as expensive as other options but is popular for its efficiency. You will be surprised! It has a patented enzymatic formula that reduces plaque and tartar buildup while freshening your pup’s breath. Also, there is no need to rinse since this toothpaste doesn’t foam.

Poultry is the only flavor in which this toothpaste comes, but it is enough because most dogs love it. Reviews rate this dog toothpaste very highly and indicate that is pretty good and reliable.

If you are a first-time owner and don’t know which one to decide on, this is the one. This product combines an affordable price with high-quality ingredients, resulting in top dog toothpaste.

3. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Vanilla-Mint Flavor Toothpaste, 70 gram

One again we have a Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste, but this time it is the one that comes in vanilla-mint flavor. This toothpaste came in different flavors. Therefore, if poultry flavor was not the right one for your pet, give it another try! This may be the flavor that best suits its taste.

It will be like having a treat while brushing, which is excellent! This toothpaste formula contains an enzyme system for pets to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth.

Plus, it doesn’t include foaming agents, so it is not dangerous if your pet swallows it. Virbac is a company that has been specialized in animal dental health for 30 years. This can be seen in the user ratings. Even though some of them have complained, the majority of comments are satisfied with this product.

4. Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Small Dental Dog Chews

If you have never seen one of these, you will be amazed! Just reading the name of the product, it is true that it is difficult to imagine it, what do they mean by brushless toothpaste?

Well, these are gluten-free chews for pets. They can easily digest them since they are made with natural herbal ingredients. These chews are filled with a toothpaste formula that is made of alfalfa, cinnamon, vanilla, and clove. This formula kills bacteria, fights tartar and plaque, and leaves your dog’s mouth fresh and clean. What is more, the outside ridges help reduce stains on its teeth.

That is why they are considered 4-in-1 dental chews. Each part of their composition plays an important role in cleaning your pet’s teeth. This not only sounds fantastic, but it is. This can be seen reflected in the high scores of the users. In addition, many write comments in which they convey their satisfaction with the product. They even include images that check the improvement of their pets’ teeth after using the product.

5. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit

Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit has it all. This includes not only the toothpaste, and toothbrush, but also a finger brush. This kit includes the essentials for your dog’s daily dental routine. First of all, let’s talk about the toothpaste. The flavor that comes in it is not common at all since this is a natural peanut-flavored toothpaste!

The amazing thing about it is that it has been made with its unique formula named Denta-C, which is scientifically proven to reduce plaque that harbors bacteria. Also, their ingredients help your dog recover from oral problems. Then, we have the toothbrush that has an angled neck for better reach, and bristles made of nylon to clean softly between teeth.

Finally, we have a finger brush. This is a non-traditional option you should consider if your pup has a small mouth or simply doesn’t like the toothbrush. This tool will give you easy access, so you can perfectly clean your pup’s teeth.

6. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Beef Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste, 2.5-oz (70 g) tube

Guess what? We have another Virbac C.E.T Enzymatic Pet Toothpaste, but this is the beef-flavored toothpaste. This can be perfect for your dog since they tend to love this flavor.

This toothpaste provides natural antibacterial action, remove plaque, and prevent tartar formation. It is also safe for your pet to swallow because it doesn’t contain foaming agents.

7. Vetoquinol Enzymatic Poultry-Flavored Toothpaste

Now we have the Vetoquinol Enzymatic Toothpaste. This may be the perfect choice for you if you own not only dogs but also cats!

This poultry-flavored toothpaste contains a triple enzyme formula that polishes your pet’s teeth by removing food particles and plaque. It also eliminates your pet’s bad breath and fights against harmful bacteria.

Since this product is non-foaming, it is safe to swallow. Also, it was made to combat tooth and mouth illnesses. Therefore, if you brush your pet’s teeth daily with this toothpaste, you will see results fast. According to customers that have picky dogs that hated teeth brushing, after buying this product, everything changed, and now they love it.

8. Arm & Hammer Dental Clinical Gum Health Dog Toothpaste & Brush Kit

The Arm & Hammer Clinical Care Dental Gum Health for Dogs kit includes a toothbrush, and a finger brush, and of course, a toothpaste. The toothpaste is made with a gentle formula perfect for dogs of over 8 weeks old. This one has a chicken flavor, and its ingredients include a range of herbs. That is why it is designed to soothe gums.

It also uses the cleaning power of baking soda to quickly remove the tartar accumulation.

Most users who have purchased this kit are surprised at the excellent results they have obtained. They have been able to see very positive changes in their pets’ teeth in a short time.

9. Vet’s Best Dental Gel Toothpaste for Dogs, 3.5-oz bottle

Vet’s best dental gel toothpaste for dogs is an outstanding product because it is made of medicinal ingredients. These include neem oil, aloe, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, enzymes, and natural flavors.

This gentle formula also includes glycerin, making it possible to clean tartar, plaque, whiten your dog’s teeth, and soothe gums. Not only that, but it also has antibacterial and antifungal qualities.

This toothpaste has a cleaning effect for half an hour after brushing. What is more, since this is a gel toothpaste, you can use it with any finger brush, or even apply it directly with your finger. According to customers, this toothpaste has improved their dog’s teeth reducing plaque and leaving their mouths smelling good.

10. Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Dog Kit, Poultry Flavor

We have already mentioned a lot of Virbac toothpastes. However, this time we will tell you about an oral hygiene dog kit. The Virbac C.E.T Oral Hygiene Dog Kit includes a toothbrush, a finger toothbrush, and a C.E.T poultry toothpaste.

This kit has proven to be extremely useful not only for dog owners but also for those who have cats. The taste of this toothpaste is the favorite of many pets. Furthermore, it can be swallowed since it doesn’t foam.

The toothbrush has a dual-ended. One end is smaller than the other, so you have both options whether you have a small or a large breed dog. And of course, the finger toothbrush slips over your finger, so you can easily clean your dog’s teeth. Almost all users who have purchased this product have given it positive ratings. Many comments say they have seen improvements in their pets’ teeth, and they love having their teeth brushed now.

vet-recommended dog toothpaste
Dog toothpastes are great for smelly breath.

About Premium Dog Toothpastes

Time to answer some of the most searched questions – with precise answers that go straight to the point.

What is the best toothpaste for dogs?

Overall, we can say that the best dog toothpaste is Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste. We have presented four options of this brand and it is not a coincidence. This speaks a lot about its great quality. Specifically, about this toothpaste.

This is perfect for picky dogs that do not find many flavors to their taste, because it has five different flavors. These are poultry, beef, malt, seafood, and vanilla-mint. Plus, it uses a highly concentrated enzymatic formula that helps reduce bacteria, which can lessen tartar formation and improve bad breath. Also, it can be used for both cats and dogs.

What happens if you want to buy toothpaste without exceeding your budget, but that it is just as good? Then, the ideal is Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog Toothpaste. This toothpaste is an affordable option. Almost for the same price, it gives you double the content. That does not mean that it is not effective. On the contrary, it has surprised many people with its powerful enzymatic formula that helps remove plaque and tartar and freshening breath. There will be many divided opinions on which is the best toothpaste for dogs. However, any toothpaste on our list can take that title.

What can I use for a dog toothpaste?

There are many homemade recipes for making dog toothpaste. Many of them include tasty and natural ingredients.

These can be mint or parsley leaves, cubes of broth, cinnamon, coconut oil. Most, of course, use baking soda. However, be sure to use the correct amounts because adding too much can cause problems for your pet.

If you still don’t have time to prepare one at home or don’t feel sure that it will work, don’t worry. You can always try one of the recommended ones.

Does dog toothpaste really work?

Dog toothpaste is very effective! Imagine what would happen if you didn’t brush your teeth for a very long time. Dogs are no different. They would also develop oral problems that could end in terrible infections or teeth extractions. Oral cleaning is vital in dogs too!

A good toothpaste like the ones on our list contains ingredients and a formula that will be powerful at removing plaque and preventing tartar. And they are not just words. You will be able to appreciate great results if you are constant in brushing your pet’s teeth. Their teeth will start to look whiter, and their gums healthy. Besides, its breath will stop being unpleasant, and on the contrary, it will be fresh.

Most importantly, you will prevent the appearance of dental problems as we said in the beginning. Dog toothpaste can have great benefits for your pet. You just have to make a good choice after doing the right research.

How much toothpaste can kill a dog?

Human toothpastes contain ingredients that can be very toxic to dogs. One of these ingredients is the famous xylitol, which we have already mentioned several times. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that can cause several complications to your dog.

If your dog consumes more than 0.1 gram/kg of xylitol, then in less than half an hour it can cause it acute hypoglycemia. This can be fatal because many organs in its body can stop working. For example, their kidneys may fail.

That is why we repeat once more. Dogs should not use the same toothpaste that you use. Currently there are many of these products designed specifically for pets. These will promote their dental health and contribute to a happier life.

If your dog has stinky breath or poor dental health, dog toothpaste can really make a difference. And what brand is better than that recommended by a vet?

One comment on “10 Best Vet-Recommended Dog Toothpastes”

  1. GGof9

    Thanks for sharing this information. It can be quite costly to have your dog’s teeth cleaned by a Vet so I’m always looking for better ‘do at home options’ for myself and to share with others.

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