8 Best Dog Toothpastes of 2023

Apr 21, 2024

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Keep your pup's mouth healthy with these top picks.

If you’re like a lot of pet parents, you may not realize that brushing your dog’s teeth is about more than just preventing stinky doggy breath. It actually plays a major part in your pup's overall health — and using the right products, including a dog-friendly toothbrush and the best dog toothpaste, can make brushing your dog’s teeth easier for both you and your pet.

But with so many dog toothpaste options on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. To help you make an informed decision about which toothpaste is right for your dog, we conducted extensive research, including speaking to Ray Phillip, DVM, chief of dentistry at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C.

Beyond finding the right tools, though, the most important thing to remember is that you need to brush your dog’s teeth regularly.

“We brush our pet’s teeth for the same reasons we do it for ourselves: We're trying to keep plaque from building up,” says Dr. Phillip. “It takes as little as 24 hours for plaque to start hardening, causing bacteria to become trapped under the gum line. This can cause bone loss around the roots of teeth, leading to tooth loss.” The sad truth is that many dogs who never get their teeth brushed do lose teeth as they get older, which makes eating painful and may affect your pet’s general health. “Studies have shown that, just as with people, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and damage your pet’s organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys,” adds Dr. Phillip.

Ahead, our top picks for the best dog toothpastes and other doggie dental health products, as well as everything else you need to know about how to brush your dog’s teeth for a lifetime of fresh breath and good health.

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 (you can learn more about the VOHC Seal process at the end of this guide). Petsmile's trials showed a 62% reduction in plaque and a 28% reduction in gingivitis.

This toothpaste contains Calprox, a proprietary form of calcium peroxide that dissolves the bio-film that forms on your pet’s teeth to re-mineralize enamel. In addition to having clinical data backing its effectiveness, it's also available in several flavors that appeal to most dogs, including London broil, chicken, and cheese, so you’ll have options if your pup is picky.

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.

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).

With over 20K five-star Amazon reviews, pet owners say the variety of flavor options (poultry, beef, vanilla-mint) is ideal for picky dogs, and it's not foamy so pets tolerate it well.

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 U.S. by a company well-known for also making human toothpaste, this dog-friendly gel is certified USDA Organic.

Vets say that brushing is best because the mechanical action is what helps remove the biofilm on your dog’s teeth. But if your dog has a sensitive mouth or is absolutely opposed to brushing, these wipes soaked with spearmint oil, green tea extract, and thyme oil may provide some benefit. The finger-shaped wipes allow you control for gently wiping teeth surfaces.

If your dog is prone to dental issues, you may want to consider adding another layer of protection to his or her dental hygiene routine. This powdered food additive, made from kelp, claims to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Sprinkle on wet or dry food once a day. It also carries the VOHC Seal for the reduction of both plaque and tartar — though this powder is not a substitute for brushing.

Water additives are another way to help boost your dog’s overall dental health. This product, which carries the VOHC Seal, is designed to reduce plaque. Add ½ capful to 8 ounces of your dog’s water.

✔️ Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance: Look for products that have earned the VOHC Seal for reducing plaque (the soft, bacteria-filled layer that forms on teeth) or for reducing tartar (calcium salts in salvia that are deposited on teeth; they harden and become resistant to brushing). Some products are proven to reduce both plaque and tartar.

While the VOHC isn’t a regulatory agency and doesn’t test the products itself, it does review data from trials conducted by the companies in accordance with VOHC standards. A product that passes the VOHC's evaluation for safety and effectiveness based on these trials can display the VOHC Seal on packaging.

✔️ Enzymes: Toothpastes and dog oral hygiene products that contain enzymes help dissolve plaque so it can’t adhere to teeth. Another benefit is that enzymes also remain on teeth surfaces to continue reducing bacteria your dog’s mouth even after you’re done brushing.

✔️ Flavor: Just like people, pets have preferences. If your pet doesn’t seem to enjoy the minty-fresh flavor you purchased, try a different formulation (or product). Many products have beef, chicken, or cheese flavors that dogs like. But be aware: Most toothpastes are rather smelly to us humans, though that’s likely what’s attractive from your dog’s point of view.

For this roundup, writer Arricca Elin SanSone interviewed the chief of dentistry at a large animal hospital and researched the current recommendations for dog dental health and testing requirements to earn the VOHC Seal, in addition to studying product reviews. She also leaned on her personal experience from years of brushing her dogs’ teeth. Interestingly, her two papillons love to have their teeth brushed every day with a very smelly poultry-flavored toothpaste.

Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

30 Paw-fect Gifts for Dog Owners and Lovers

25 Easy Dog Treats You Can Make at Home

8 Best Cooling Dog Beds

The 8 Best Dog Strollers for Your Pup

The Best Dog Perfumes and Colognes

100 Unique Dog Name Ideas

The Best Probiotics for Dogs With Stomach Issues

16 Dog Breeds That Stay Small

24 Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone

20 Interactive Dog Toys for Small and Large Pups

The Top 18 Smartest Dog Breeds in the World

10 Best Places to Adopt a Pet Online