The best dog toothpastes that make it easier to brush your pup's teeth

My top pick for the best dog toothpastes is Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste. This VOHC-accepted toothpaste is proven to remove plaque when used in combination with toothbrushing. With three enticing flavors, it's an excellent option that may make toothbrushing more appealing to your dog.

Petsmile toothpaste contains a proprietary formula called Calprox, which works to dissolve plaque buildup. Plaque is a biofilm consisting of bacteria, food debris, saliva, and dead cells. It accumulates on the teeth and, over time, mineralizes into a substance called tartar that can only be completely removed by a professional dental cleaning. 

Plaque buildup leads to gingivitis and inflammation of the soft tissues around the teeth, says Dr. Nadine Fiani, a board-certified veterinary dentist and associate clinical professor in the section of dentistry and oral surgery at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She emphasizes that if it is not addressed, you'll see bleeding gums and later periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss and even bone damage in extreme cases — making daily brushing critical in preventing dental disease in dogs. "The gold standard is brushing at least once daily for it to be of any real effect," Fiani says. 

Keep in mind that, unlike many dog toothpastes, Petsmile toothpaste doesn't contain antibacterial enzymes, which may also reduce plaque buildup.

Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste comes in a wide variety of flavors, which helped it secure a top spot among the best dog toothpastes. You can choose from five flavors to please a picky dog who may be reluctant to have their teeth brushed. 

Enzymatic toothpastes contain enzymes, usually glucose oxidase, which work to remove bacteria in your dog's mouth. This and other antibacterial enzymes may decrease plaque buildup when used alongside daily brushing, says Dr. Maria Soltero-Rivera, a board-certified veterinary dentist and assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine. Virbac C.E.T. contains two enzymes: glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase.

Enzymatic toothpaste may also help reduce bacteria in dogs with dry mouths, says Dr. Stephanie Goldschmidt, a board-certified veterinary dentist and assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She says that your dog's saliva already has some antibacterial enzymes that can help tackle bacteria in the mouth. But for dogs who don't produce much saliva, an enzymatic toothpaste may help them control bacteria more effectively when used alongside regular brushing.

Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste is also safe for cats, making it a good option for multi-pet households. However, it's on the more expensive side compared to other enzymatic toothpastes.

Arm & Hammer Fresh Breath Enzymatic Toothpaste is a good option for dogs with bad breath, also known as halitosis. A sign of dental disease, foul breath is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar in the mouth and should be treated by your veterinarian with professional dental cleanings. 

While regular brushing can't fix a smelly mouth, it may help prevent smells from taking root. This toothpaste contains zinc gluconate, an enzyme that can help deodorize your dog's bad breath when used with daily toothbrushing. It also contains the enzyme glucose oxidase, which may prevent bad breath by breaking down bacteria in the mouth.

Keep in mind that while an enzymatic toothpaste can provide bacteria-busting benefits, it won't be truly effective unless it is used in conjunction with brushing, says Dr. Brenda Mulherin, a board-certified veterinary dentist and clinical professor at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit includes a tube of my top pick for enzymatic dog toothpaste, a dual-ended toothbrush, and a finger brush. The dishwasher-safe finger brush is ideal for introducing your dog to a brushing routine, and the toothbrush has two different-sized heads for both small and large surfaces.

While Fiani says that a pediatric toothbrush is a good choice for brushing, a dual-ended or finger toothbrush may make the process easier for you. Soltero-Rivera adds that although the perfect brush will depend on your pet's preferences, the toothbrush should have soft nylon bristles regardless of the style. 

This kit only comes with poultry-flavored toothpaste, so it may not be a good option for dogs with other strong flavor preferences. You can, however, purchase the dual-ended toothbrush separately.

Radius USDA Organic Canine Dental Gel is the best dog toothpaste for people who prioritize organic products or want a plant-based toothpaste for their dog. The dental gel carries a USDA Organic seal, which means that at least 95% of its ingredients are certified organic. Certified organic ingredients must be grown in soil free of fertilizers and pesticides, among other guidelines. 

Goldschmidt says organic toothpaste may be a smart option for pet owners who prefer to purchase products with organic ingredients, but it isn't any better than nonorganic toothpaste. Like all of the best dog toothpastes, it is only effective when combined with daily brushing. 

Radius Dental Gel has a unique cinnamon sweet potato flavor that may not appeal to all dogs. It also lacks bacteria-fighting enzymes.

The experts I spoke with say there are a few key things to consider when shopping for dog toothpaste.

Safe to swallow: The best dog toothpastes are formulated specifically for pets. Dogs can't spit out toothpaste like humans can, so the toothpaste must be safe to swallow, which is standard in pet toothpaste formulations. Because ingredients common in human toothpaste, like xylitol and fluoride, are toxic to dogs, you should always read the ingredient list on the package closely and avoid any products containing these ingredients. 

Available flavors: Toothpaste can make regular brushing a positive experience for your dog, and delicious flavors may help. Look for a toothpaste with a flavor that appeals to your dog. 

Enzymatic toothpaste: Soltero-Rivera says enzymatic toothpaste may slow plaque accumulation. Common enzymes used in dog toothpaste include glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase.

VOHC Seal of Acceptance: VOHC-accepted toothpaste is generally good to consider since products carrying the VOHC seal undergo intensive review to ensure their effectiveness. The VOHC is a council of veterinary dentists and dental scientists who independently review dental products for cats and dogs based on established guidelines. To obtain the VOHC Seal of Acceptance, a brand must submit an application and research on their product. The VOHC then reviews the submission to ensure the product meets its criteria for effectiveness. While VOHC acceptance is nice to see, Soltero-Rivera and Mulherin say that toothpastes that don't carry the seal aren't necessarily ineffective. It's possible the brands haven't applied for acceptance.

Safety for cats: If you have both cats and dogs in your household, it may be more convenient and affordable to use the same toothpaste with all of your pets.

I made my recommendations for the best dog toothpastes based on product research and guidance from veterinarians. I evaluated each toothpaste according to its safety, ingredients, and available flavors. VOHC acceptance, cost, and safety for cats were also considerations. My selection criteria are detailed in the "what to look for" section above. 

The experts in this guide are all diplomates of the American Veterinary Dental College, the certifying organization for veterinary dentists in North America and a sponsor of the VOHC. My sources include Dr. Nadine Fiani, an associate clinical professor in the section of dentistry and oral surgery at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Stephanie Goldschmidt, an assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Brenda Mulherin, a clinical professor at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Maria Soltero-Rivera, an assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine.

What toothpaste is best for dogs? 

The best dog toothpastes are pet-safe. It's important to avoid products that contain fluoride and xylitol, ingredients that are toxic to dogs. However, toothpaste is unnecessary for good dental care; its main purpose is to provide positive reinforcement with tasty flavors that may make brushing more enjoyable for your dog. Fiani says toothbrushing itself is most important for your dog's dental care. Brushing removes plaque, a biofilm that, if left to accumulate, can mineralize into tartar. "The only thing that breaks down a biofilm is pure mechanical disruption," she says. Brushing early on, ideally when your dog is a puppy, is best to form the habit of at-home dental care. Pet toothpaste is also safe for dogs of all ages, so there's no need to purchase one formulated for puppies specifically. 

What is periodontal disease?

"Periodontal disease, in general, is basically a multi-factorial disease characterized by inflammation of the periodontal tissues," Mulherin says. These tissues attach the teeth to the jaw and keep them from coming loose. The buildup of bacteria in the mouth as plaque and tartar can destroy these tissues, beginning with inflammation, known as gingivitis, and progressing to advanced periodontal disease. Dogs whose teeth are not regularly brushed are at risk for periodontal disease. If plaque and tartar are not removed through daily brushing and professional cleanings, the bacteria will damage the periodontal tissues significantly, causing gum recession and, eventually, tooth loss. Periodontal disease is detrimental to your pet's health, often creating long-term consequences like internal organ damage and bone loss that persist far beyond the presence of plaque and tartar in the mouth. 

What do vets recommend for brushing dogs' teeth?

Veterinarians recommend using a toothbrush to clean your dog's teeth at home. The best toothbrush is one your dog is most comfortable with. For smaller pets, Fiani recommends brushing with a children's toothbrush. While the right brush will depend on the size of your dog, you should only use a brush with soft nylon bristles, as these are the most effective for removing plaque, Soltero-Rivera says. Toothpaste can be used as positive reinforcement, either as a small treat before or after brushing. However, veterinarians say it is not necessary for good dental care.

How do you remove plaque from a dog's teeth?

Fiani says the best way to remove plaque is with regular professional dental cleanings at your vet's office. Similar to how humans get professional teeth cleanings and checkups, pets need them, too. The next step is home care, which Fiani says entails daily brushing to keep plaque at bay, but it's only useful if you do it consistently.