8 Best Dog Toothpastes: A Guide for Dog Owners

If you love your dog, you want to keep him healthy and happy. One of the most important aspects of your dog’s health is his oral hygiene. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can prevent plaque, tartar, bad breath, and periodontal disease, which can affect not only your dog’s mouth but also his heart and kidneys.

But how do you choose the best dog toothpaste for your furry friend? There are so many options available on the market, with different flavors, ingredients, and types. How do you know which one is safe, effective, and appealing to your dog?

We will review 10 of the best dog toothpaste products that are excellent for dogs of all ages and why they are good. We will also provide some tips on how to brush your dog’s teeth and what to look for when buying dog toothpaste. Keep in mind that every dog is different and has different healthcare needs, so be sure to check with your veterinarian first when choosing dog toothpastes.

What to Look for When Buying Dog Toothpaste

Before we dive into the product reviews, let’s go over some of the factors that you should consider when choosing dog toothpaste.

• Safety: The most important thing to remember is that you should never use human toothpaste on your dog. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be toxic or harmful to dogs, such as xylitol, fluoride, or alcohol. These substances can cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood sugar, liver damage, or even death in dogs. Always choose a toothpaste that is specifically formulated for dogs and approved by veterinarians.
• Flavor: Dogs have different preferences when it comes to taste. Some dogs may like minty or fruity flavors, while others may prefer meaty or cheesy ones. You may have to experiment with different flavors until you find one that your dog likes. The flavor of the toothpaste can make a big difference in how willing your dog is to let you brush his teeth.
• Type: There are different types of dog toothpaste available, such as enzymatic, natural, or dental wipes. Enzymatic toothpaste contains enzymes that help break down plaque and bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Natural toothpaste uses natural ingredients such as baking soda, coconut oil, or herbs to clean your dog’s teeth. Dental wipes are pre-moistened pads that you can use to wipe your dog’s teeth without a toothbrush. The type of toothpaste you choose depends on your preference and your dog’s needs.
• Effectiveness: Of course, you want a toothpaste that works well to clean your dog’s teeth and prevent dental problems. You can check the reviews and ratings of other customers who have used the product to see how effective it is. You can also look for products that have been tested and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which is an organization that evaluates pet dental products for their efficacy.

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some steps that you can follow to make it easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

• Start early: The best time to start brushing your dog’s teeth is when he is still a puppy. This way, he can get used to the process and associate it with something positive. If you have an adult dog who has never had his teeth brushed before, don’t worry. You can still train him to accept it with patience and rewards.
• Choose the right tools: You will need a toothbrush and a toothpaste that are designed for dogs. You can use a finger brush, a regular brush, or an electric brush depending on what your dog prefers. You can also use a soft cloth or a gauze pad if your dog doesn’t like the feeling of a brush in his mouth.
• Introduce the toothpaste: Before you start brushing, let your dog taste the toothpaste first. Put a small amount on your finger and let him lick it off. Praise him and give him a treat if he likes it. Repeat this several times until he gets used to the flavor and texture of the toothpaste.
• Brush gently: Once your dog is comfortable with the toothpaste, you can start brushing his teeth gently. Lift his lip and gently brush his front teeth in a circular motion. Then move on to his back teeth and molars. Don’t forget to brush his gums as well. You don’t need to brush the inside of his teeth as his tongue will do that for him.
• Reward him: After you finish brushing his teeth, praise him and give him another treat. You can also play with him or give him a chew toy to reward him for being a good boy. Make sure to rinse his mouth with water or wipe his teeth with a damp cloth to remove any residue of the toothpaste.

You should brush your dog’s teeth at least once a day, preferably after his last meal. If you can’t do it every day, try to do it at least a few times a week. You should also take your dog to the vet for regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning.

The 10 Best Dog Toothpaste Products

Now that you know how to brush your dog’s teeth and what to look for when buying dog toothpaste, let’s take a look at some of the best products that you can find on the market. We have selected 10 of the best dog toothpaste products based on their safety, flavor, type, effectiveness, and customer reviews. Here they are in no particular order.

1. Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste

This is one of the best enzymatic dog toothpaste products that you can buy. It contains natural ingredients such as aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes that help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen his breath. It also has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on your dog’s gums.

The toothpaste has a pleasant and mild flavor that most dogs like. It is also free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and gluten. It comes in a 3.5-ounce tube that lasts for a long time.

You can buy this product on Amazon for $7.02. It has over 1,000 ratings and an average of 4.5 stars out of 5. Most customers are happy with the product and say that it works well to remove plaque and improve their dogs’ oral health.

Buy Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste on Amazon

2. Ark Naturals Brushless-Toothpaste Medium Dog Treats

If you are looking for a convenient and easy way to brush your dog’s teeth, you may want to try these dental chews from Ark Naturals. They are not exactly toothpaste, but they work like one. They are edible treats that contain natural ingredients such as alfalfa, cinnamon, vanilla, clove, and enzymes that help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen his breath.

The chews have a chewy texture that helps scrape off plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. They also have a toothpaste center that releases more enzymes as your dog chews. They are suitable for dogs between 20 and 40 pounds.

You can buy these treats on Amazon.com for $21.99. They come in a resealable bag that contains 60 chews. They have over 300 ratings and an average of 4.5 stars out of 5. Most customers are satisfied with the product and say that their dogs love the taste and have cleaner teeth after using them.

Buy Ark Naturals Brushless-Toothpaste Medium Dog Treats on Amazon

3. Petsmile Professional Natural London Broil Flavor Dog Toothpaste

This is another one of the best enzymatic dog toothpaste products that you can find. It is the only toothpaste that has been approved by the VOHC for its effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar in dogs. It contains Calprox, a patented formula of calcium peroxide and minerals that dissolves the biofilm where bacteria and plaque accumulate.

The toothpaste has a natural London Broil flavor that most dogs love. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, animal by-products, and BPA. It comes in a 4.2-ounce tube that lasts for several months.

You can buy this product on Amazon.com for $25.00. It has over 10 ratings and an average of 4 stars out of 5. Most customers are impressed with the product and say that it works wonders for their dogs’ teeth and breath.

Buy Petsmile Professional Natural London Broil Flavor Dog Toothpaste on Amazon

4. Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste Dog Poultry Flavor

This is another great option for enzymatic dog toothpaste. It contains poultry digest, which is a natural flavoring agent that makes the toothpaste appealing to dogs. It also contains hydrogen peroxide-producing enzymes that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup in your dog’s mouth.

The toothpaste has a smooth texture that makes it easy to apply to your dog’s teeth. It is also non-foaming, so you don’t need to rinse your dog’s mouth after brushing. It comes in a 6.2-ounce tube that is affordable and long-lasting.