The 6 Best Dog Toothpastes of 2025

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1 year ago

Over 80% of dogs have dental disease by the time they are three years old, and (if it’s left untreated) it can cause life-threatening infections, painful abscesses, and even jawbone loss. The good news is that a high-quality dog toothpaste can prevent periodontal disease. “Having healthy teeth and gums is one of the most important ways to help your dog avoid hidden infection and pain,” says Sarah Machell, DVM, lead veterinarian with Vetster.

Unfortunately, brushing your dog’s teeth can be a tricky pet hygiene task, even with the best toothbrush. To help you and your dog have the best experience, we tested 17 bestselling dog toothpastes with real dogs. We noted how our dogs responded to flavors, if we saw reductions in plaque, and whether our dogs’ breath improved.

After four weeks of testing, our favorite is Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste, which contains the C.E.T. Dual Enzyme system to inhibit plaque formation. Read on to learn about all our favorite dog toothpastes.

PHOTO: Amazon

This enzymatic dog toothpaste from Virbac uses a dual enzyme approach to target buildup and bacteria in your dog’s mouth. We love that this toothpaste is offered in five flavors: poultry, beef, malt, and vanilla mint, so you can align your purchase with your dog’s preferences to make the process more enjoyable for everyone. Better yet, when we tested with the poultry flavor, we were pleased to find that it had no detectable scent, so we weren’t left smelling poultry for days to come.

For best results, enzymatic dog toothpaste requires a toothbrush or finger brush for application, which helps to stimulate the enzymatic activity that attacks plaque and tartar. With its lack of foaming agents and fluoride, it is an exceptionally safe product, meaning your dog can eat it without getting sick. Plus, all flavors are tan colored, so they won’t stain fur or surfaces once the product dissipates and “It has the added benefit of ongoing action after the brushing has been completed,” Dr. Machell said.

Ingredients: Sorbitol, dicalcium phosphate anhydrous, purified water, hydrated silica, glycerin, dextrose, xanthan gum, vanillin, titanium dioxide, sodium benzoate, methyl salicylate, potassium thiocyanate, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase | Size: 2.5 ounces | VOHC Seal: No | Flavors: Poultry, beef, seafood, malt, vanilla mint | Lifestage: All life stages

The Spruce Pets / Katie Tuttle

PHOTO: Amazon

What We Like

Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council
Can be used without a toothbrush
Can also be used for cats
Vegan and cruelty-free

Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste cleans teeth, freshens breath, and is available in three dog-appealing flavors: London broil, rotisserie chicken, and say cheese (all of which are odorless). This toothpaste is made with Calprox, which is Petsmile’s proprietary combination of calcium peroxide and minerals. Upon application to a canine’s chompers, the formula dissolves the film where unwanted gunk, such as plaque and bacteria, tends to linger in a dog’s mouth. The toothpaste contains no animal proteins and is completely free of sulfites, parabens, gluten, BPA, and silica.

During testing, we noticed whiter teeth, less buildup along the gum line, and fresher breath. While not as effective as brushing, Petsmile even works without a toothbrush. To top it off, Petsmile is the only dog toothpaste approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which sets standards and reviews data to highlight pet products that are proven to reduce plaque and tartar.

Ingredients: Calprox, deionized water, glycerin, citric acid, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, cellulose gum, urea peroxide, carbopol 934P, potassium hydroxide, flavor, sodium benzoate, phosphoric acid, cetylpyridinium chloride | Size: 2.5, 4.2, 4.5 ounces | VOHC Seal: Yes | Flavors: London broil, rotisserie chicken, say cheese | Lifestage: Adult, senior

PHOTO: Chewy

What We Like

Great for daily use and training
Can also be used for cats
Includes vitamin E for gum health

Its enzymatic formula combines beneficial ingredients, including zinc gluconate for antibacterial protection, calcium lactate for strong teeth, and vitamin E to promote gum health. The addition of potassium thiocyanate also contributes to stronger, healthier teeth. The safe-to-swallow formulation ensures stress-free application, making it convenient for pet owners who want to train their pets to enjoy having their teeth brushed.

During testing, our dog’s breath improved after using this product for a few weeks, and he didn’t fuss when it was time for his teeth-brushing session. We attribute the lack of struggle to the poultry extract, which gives the toothpaste a meaty flavor that can entice even the finickiest of pets.

Ingredients: Sorbitol, glycerin, silica, calcium pyrophosphate, calcium carbonate, poultry extract, purified water, cellulose gum, sodium benzoate, calcium lactate, potassium thiocyanate, zinc gluconate, vitamin E | Size: 3.2 ounces | VOHC Seal: No | Flavors: Poultry | Lifestage: All life stages

PHOTO: Amazon

What We Like

Peanut butter and bacon flavor
Easy-to-use gel with convenient application tip
Free from harmful additives
Can also be used for cats

We love this Skout’s dog toothpaste for its unique application tip, which ensures quick and easy coverage of teeth and gums to make the process efficient and stress-free. This gel is designed for dogs and cats and offers a dual-flavor profile of peanut butter and bacon. The formula excludes nut allergens and harmful additives, such as alcohol, parabens, CHG, CPC, and chlorine dioxide, making it a safe and effective choice for daily use.

This option is particularly good for dogs that have any mouth pain, which can make brushing a struggle. Incorporating this gel into your pet’s oral care regimen can promote healthier teeth without the hassle of brushing or causing unwanted pain. Just keep in mind that oral gel may not be as easy to introduce as toothpaste and may take a little more time for your pet to become comfortable with the application of the gel to the gum line.

Ingredients: Water, sorbitol, glycerin, sodium citrate, carbomer, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, potassium benzoate, zinc chloride, natural flavor | Size: 4 fl oz | VOHC Seal: No | Flavors: Peanut butter and bacon flavor | Lifestage: All life stages

PHOTO: Amazon

What We Like

Can be applied directly to the tongue to freshen breath
Contains soothing and anti-inflammatory properties from aloe
Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs

The formula for Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is made with aloe and neem oil to soothe irritated and inflamed gum, along with grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. In between cleaning sessions with a toothbrush or finger brush, the clear gel toothpaste can be applied to you dog’s tongue to neutralize odor-causing buildup in their mouth.

During testing, our dogs loved the flavor, and we weren’t forced to smell any residue as the slight aloe-like scent is mild. This toothpaste may also be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs, but you should consult with your veterinarian if that is a concern.

Ingredients: Glycerin, aloe, pectin, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, sodium bicarbonate, glucose oxidase, natural flavors | Size: 3.5 ounces | VOHC Seal: No | Flavors: Banana | Lifestage: All life stages

PHOTO: Amazon

What We Like

No toothbrush needed
Fits over most fingers
Uses natural ingredients

If your dog can’t handle a toothbrush, they may trust your touch a little more. Vet’s Best Dental Care Finger Wipes for Cats & Dogs fit over your finger and are soaked with a combination of grapefruit seed extract, green tea extract, spearmint oil, and thyme oil. They’re designed to freshen breath, help clear plaque, and are textured to provide a little scrubbing power, too.

Each box of Vet’s Best comes with 50 finger wipes, which can last six months if you brush your dog’s teeth twice a week. To use, you rub the wipe in a tight, circular motion over your dog’s teeth.

Ingredients: Purified water, denatured alcohol, glycerin, emulsifier, preservative, green tea extract, grapefruit seed extract, spearmint oil, deodorizer, thyme oil, sucralose, citric acid | Size: 50 disposable wipes | VOHC Seal: No | Flavors: Not specified | Lifestage: All life stages

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Final Verdict

Our pick for the best overall dog toothpaste is the Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste. Available in five flavors, this enzymatic dog toothpaste noticeably improved the appearance of our dog’s teeth and gums.

How We Tested

We researched and selected 17 dog toothpaste products for real-world testing with our own dogs. For four weeks, we brushed our dogs’ teeth for a minimum of seven sessions and noted how our dogs responded.

After the testing process, we recorded any changes in the appearance of our dogs’ teeth, including color, texture, and plaque lining, along with the smell of their breath. We then narrowed down our list of top dog toothpastes based on ease of use, flavor, and scent.

Of 17 products tested, 11 earned high enough scores to be worth recommending. After additional research and consultation with experts, we can confidently recommend the above six products.

Tips From an Expert

The following steps will help introduce your pet to teeth brushing and provide guidance on how to properly brush their teeth, according to a certified vet technician:

Start with Familiarity: Gently touch and pet your pet’s muzzle. Gradually lift their lip so they get used to you handling their mouth—keep this to about 30 seconds. End the session with a tasty treat and plenty of praise to make it a positive experience.
Introduce Tooth Contact: Repeat the first step, but now lightly run your finger along your pet’s teeth and gums for 20-30 seconds. This step helps your pet get accustomed to the sensation of touch in its mouth. Reward your pet with a treat and some encouraging words.
Introduce Toothpaste: Put a small amount of pet-safe toothpaste on a toothbrush or your finger and allow your pet to lick it without brushing. This gets them familiar with the taste. If they don’t like the flavor, try another one— it’s important they enjoy this part of the process.
Start Brushing: Once your pet seems comfortable, begin brushing gently. Focus on the upper outer surfaces of their teeth, as these areas are the most important to clean. Aim for around 20-30 seconds on each side. Keep praising them throughout and reward them afterward to maintain a positive association.

Above all, remember that patience is key. Every pet adjusts at their own pace, so go slow and make each step enjoyable for them!

What to Consider When Shopping for a Dog Toothpaste

How to Use the Dog Toothpaste

Try to use a toothbrush first: A dog toothbrush can help you reach more areas in your dog’s mouth, but a finger brush is easier to use. For enzymatic dog toothpaste, scrubbing with a toothbrush is critical for igniting the chemical reaction that reduces plaque and tartar.
Work from front to back: Target the front teeth first and gradually move to the back before checking over their entire mouth. Move the toothbrush or finger brush in a circle or up and down, and focus on the crowns of the molars and the external-facing side of the teeth to eliminate tartar. “The most significant amount of dental plaque and tartar develops on the surface of the tooth that rests against the inside of the cheek, so concentrate your efforts there,” Dr. Machell said. “Brushing should start at the gumline, working gently towards the tip of the tooth.”
Use your finger if a toothbrush fails: Some toothpastes also work—albeit less effectively—by applying directly to your dog’s teeth without brushing. But even if that might work temporarily, there is no replacement for brushing.
Consistency is key: Regular at-home brushing can help your dog avoid gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal disease. It can also help to reduce your dog’s need for professional dental cleanings, which require anesthesia and can be expensive. Dog dental chews can also be used as a supplement to daily brushing.

Flavor

“So many dogs are motivated by food, so choosing a flavor that your dog loves can enhance the positive reward your dog experiences in the process,” said Dr. Machell. For example, if your dog enjoys meaty treats over seafood flavors, then introducing a beef-flavored toothpaste could make it easier to clean your dog’s teeth. You may worry that a scent that will appeal to your dog might be stinky for human noses, but all of the dog toothpastes we tested had only slight to non-detectable scents.

Dog Breath vs. Bad Breath

Dog breath is a normal part of being a dog, and regular cleaning is meant to neutralize bacteria-causing odor. However, if you notice a change or a very foul odor coming from your dog’s mouth, you should make an appointment to see your veterinarian. Bad breath could be an indicator of a more serious health issue, like periodontal disease, which affects over 80 percent of dogs in some form by the age of 2.

FAQ

No, you should never use human toothpaste on a dog. “There are many components of human toothpaste that can be irritating and cause stomach upset if consumed,” Dr. Machell told The Spruce Pets. “Our pets aren’t good at following the directions ‘rinse and spit.'”

The pH in a dog’s mouth differs greatly from that of a human’s mouth, and the majority of toothpaste products made for people contain xylitol, a sweetener that is highly toxic for dogs. Xylitol can cause blood sugar to drop in dogs, which can lead to liver damage.

Yes, the ingredients in dog toothpaste become less effective over time, and like most consumable products, dog toothpaste does expire. The packaging should indicate the manufacturer’s suggested use-by date or expiration date of the dog toothpaste. Using the product past the expiration date will most likely deliver less desirable results.

Dog toothpaste products are designed to be safe for consumption. While it may appear like human toothpaste, dogs do not follow the same rinse-and-spit routine. In fact, a dog’s tongue can be a very beneficial tool for spreading toothpaste throughout the mouth.

Yes, dog toothpaste is safe. It should be used properly by following the instructions for the specific toothpaste of your choice. Generally, a small amount, roughly pea-sized, is sufficient for each cleaning session.

Never let your dog have the entire tube in one sitting, and do not leave them unsupervised with the product. If your dog consumes too much dog toothpaste, it will most likely lead to an upset stomach, but you should consult with your veterinarian immediately to rule out any other potential issues.

Professional teeth cleaning is necessary when signs of dental issues appear. Look out for persistent bad breath, visible tartar buildup on the teeth, or red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Your dog may also show signs of discomfort while eating or pawing at their mouth. These symptoms indicate potential oral health problems that need a vet’s attention to prevent further issues like tooth loss or infections.

The VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal indicates that a product meets specific standards for reducing plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth. Products with this seal, such as certain dental chews or oral rinses, have been scientifically tested and proven effective. It’s a reliable way to ensure you’re investing in safe and beneficial dental care products for your pet.

Dental chews can supplement your dog’s oral care, but shouldn’t replace regular teeth brushing. Brushing remains the most effective way to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. While skipping a day occasionally won’t harm your dog’s teeth, consistent brushing is necessary for optimal oral health.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This roundup was written by Anna Mejorada, an editor for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget. Anna uses Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste to care for Gidget’s teeth along with dental chew treats, like Greenies Original in the teenie size.

A previous version of this roundup was written by Anne Fritz, and Sarah Machell, DVM, a lead veterinarian with Vetster, provided information on why healthy gums are so important for your dog.

Christine Caplan contributed to this update and tested toothpaste brands in the article with her two hounds. Christy’s goal as a certified veterinary technician is to share tips and help senior pets live their best life. She is a hobby farmer and pet lover, and for nearly a decade, she’s lived in the Pacific Northwest. She tests many products that focus on proactive dental care with her hounds. Her blog, Wag and Cluck, educates pet lovers on animal health and wellness.

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