Did you know that most dogs and cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease? That fuzzy friend you cuddle every day might be battling painful tooth issues you can’t even see! It’s true, and keeping your pet’s mouth healthy is just as important as feeding them good food or taking them for walks. But when you step into the pet aisle, the sheer number of toothpaste tubes can feel overwhelming. Chicken flavor? Enzymatic action? Fluoride-free? It’s a confusing jungle of ingredients and claims.
Choosing the wrong toothpaste can mean your pet won’t let you brush, or worse, you might accidentally use something that isn’t safe for them to swallow. We know you want the best for your furry family member, but navigating the labels feels like a chore. That’s why we dug deep into the science and safety behind pet dental care.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what active ingredients work, which flavors pets actually like, and how to spot a truly effective paste. Get ready to ditch the guesswork and confidently select the perfect toothpaste that keeps your pet’s smile bright and their breath fresh. Let’s dive into how to choose the best pet toothpaste for your companion!
Top Pet Toothpaste Recommendations
- FOR DOGS AND CATS: Enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system for dogs and cats to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth. Poultry flavor pets love
- 100% SAFE: Includes no foaming agents, so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- VET RECOMMENDED: Virbac is the #1 Recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals; Made in the USA
- USE WITH A TOOTHBRUSH: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as the C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush. Apply daily or as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may give you specific directions; follow this professional advice closely
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Virbac is committed to your experience of great satisfaction with our products. Let us help with your questions and we would love to hear your comments at 1-844-484-7222
- VET RECOMMENDED: C.E.T. is the #1 Recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals and our pet toothpaste is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
- ENZYMATIC TOOTHPASTE FOR DOGS AND CATS: toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth.
- SAFE FOR DAILY USE: Includes no foaming agents, so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- USE WITH A TOOTHBRUSH: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as the C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush. Apply daily or as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may give you specific directions; follow this professional advice closely
- VANILLA MINT FLAVOR: Helps eliminate mouth odors with vanilla mint flavor pets love!
- COMPLETE DOG DENTAL CARE: Designed to support daily oral hygiene by helping reduce plaque and tartar buildup while freshening breath using an enzymatic dog toothpaste suitable for regular brushing routines at home
- ENZYMATIC TARTAR CONTROL: Formulated to help break down plaque and support cleaner teeth and healthier gums when used consistently, making it suitable for adult dogs and puppies learning daily dental care habits
- BAKING SODA FORMULA: Uses Arm and Hammer baking soda to help deodorize bad breath while gently cleaning teeth, supporting fresher smelling breath without harsh abrasives or foaming agents
- WITH ADDED CALCIUM: Includes calcium as a supportive component for maintaining strong tooth enamel as part of a balanced dog dental care routine with regular brushing
- FLUORIDE FREE AND NON TOXIC: Crafted without fluoride or dyes to support safer daily brushing, making it suitable for dogs across life stages when used as part of a consistent oral care routine
- SOOTHING AND EFFECTIVE: Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dental Gel is a veterinarian-formulated blend with aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes to calm your dog’s gums while efficiently removing plaque and tartar buildup.
- CLEANS & FRESHENS BREATH: Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste Gel gently cleans teeth and gums while fighting plaque and tartar. This soothing formula with aloe, enzymes, and neem oil freshens breath and supports oral health between vet dental visits.
- PART OF A HEALTHY ORAL REGIMEN: Use Enzymatic Dental Gel daily to help maintain your dog’s oral health by reducing plaque & tartar buildup, supporting healthy gums, keeping breath fresh—an easy addition between veterinary cleanings for cleaner dog teeth.
- NATURAL FLAVORS YOUR DOG LOVES: Made with natural flavors dogs enjoy, this enzymatic gel not only whitens teeth & freshens breath while it makes dental care a positive experience; Keep your dog’s mouth feeling clean & healthy with every tasty application.
- SAME TRUSTED FORMULA, NEW PACKAGE: Vet’s Best dental gel now comes in a convenient squeeze tube for easy, precise application. Enjoy the same veterinarian-formulated, trusted ingredients that make daily oral care simple and effective for you and your dog.
- VET RECOMMENDED: C.E.T. is the #1 Recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals and our pet toothpaste is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
- ENZYMATIC TOOTHPASTE FOR DOGS AND CATS: toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth.
- SAFE FOR DAILY USE: Includes no foaming agents, so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- USE WITH A TOOTHBRUSH: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as the C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush. Apply daily or as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may give you specific directions; follow this professional advice closely
- BEEF FLAVOR: Helps eliminate mouth odors with beef flavor pets love!
- COMPLETE DOG DENTAL CARE: Designed to support daily oral hygiene by helping reduce plaque and tartar buildup while freshening breath using an enzymatic dog toothpaste system suitable for regular brushing routines at home
- ENZYMATIC TARTAR CONTROL: Formulated to help break down plaque and support cleaner teeth and healthier gums when used consistently, making it suitable for adult dogs and puppies learning regular teeth cleaning habits
- BAKING SODA FORMULA: Uses Arm and Hammer baking soda to help deodorize bad breath while gently cleaning teeth, supporting fresher smelling breath without harsh chemicals or foaming agents during brushing
- WITH ADDED CALCIUM: Includes calcium as a supportive component for maintaining strong tooth enamel as part of a balanced dental care routine, helping promote long term oral health with consistent use
- CHICKEN FLAVOR DOG TOOTHPASTE: Made with a flavor dogs enjoy to help make brushing more approachable, encouraging regular use as part of everyday pet care without added dyes or harsh ingredients
- DOG TOOTHPASTE: Petrodex Advanced Dental Care Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste helps reduce Plaque and Tartar formation.
- PATENTED ENZYMES: With patented enzymes, this non-foaming formula of dog toothpaste does not require rinsing.
- FIGHTS BAD BREATH: With regular use, Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs helps reduce Plaque and fights bad breath.
- POULTRY FLAVOR: Dog toothpaste comes in a delicious poultry flavor that dogs love.
- RECOMMENDED USE: For best results, brush using enzymatic toothpaste for dogs at least 2-3 times per week. Use a Soft-bristled Petrodex toothbrush designed for pets.
- DID YOU KNOW AROUND 80% OF DOGS OVER 3 HAVE DENTAL DISEASE? Dental disease causes pain and discomfort daily, but pets are pros at hiding it. Regular teeth cleaning for dogs by brushing your dog's teeth reduces plaque and tartar that cause dental disease
- BAKING SODA ENHANCED PUPPY TOOTHPASTE - This puppy toothpaste for small dogs and pups is made with the signature Arm & Hammer baking soda ingredient to deodorize bad doggie breath
- WITH ADDED CALCIUM – This toothpaste for dogs is formulated with added calcium - an essential building block for strong tooth enamel.
- ENZYMATIC, TARTAR CONTROL FORMULA - This toothpaste for dogs helps control tartar effectively as part of an optimal dog dental care routine.
- NON-TOXIC AND FLUORIDE FREE - Arm & Hammer dog toothpaste is non-toxic, fluoride-free, and contain no dyes, making it perfect for everything from puppy dog supplies through senior dog dental care supplies.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Pet Toothpaste
Keeping your dog’s or cat’s teeth clean is super important for their overall health. Just like humans, pets can get plaque and tartar buildup, leading to bad breath and gum disease. Choosing the right toothpaste makes the job easier and safer. This guide helps you pick the best one for your furry friend.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look for these main features. They make brushing effective and enjoyable for your pet.
Flavor Appeal
- Palatability: The toothpaste must taste good to your pet! If they hate the flavor, brushing becomes a battle.
- Common Flavors: Look for flavors like poultry, beef, malt, or seafood. Cats often prefer fish flavors.
Enzymatic Action
- What it does: Good enzymatic toothpastes contain special ingredients that actively break down plaque and tartar even after you stop brushing.
- Benefit: This provides a longer-lasting cleaning action.
Foaming vs. Non-Foaming
- Non-Foaming: These are generally preferred because they do not require rinsing. This is crucial since pets cannot spit!
- Foaming: Some people like these, but make sure the ingredients are safe to swallow.
2. Important Materials: Safety First
The materials in pet toothpaste are different from human toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste on your pet.
Ingredients to Seek Out
- Enzymes: Look for ingredients like glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase. These are the cleaning powerhouses.
- Safe Abrasives: Mild abrasives help scrub the surface of the teeth without hurting the enamel.
- Veterinarian Approval: Always check if your vet recommends the brand.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Fluoride: Pets swallow toothpaste. Fluoride is toxic if ingested regularly.
- Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is extremely dangerous and toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Avoid any product containing it.
- Harsh Detergents: Avoid ingredients that create excessive suds or cause stomach upset.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the toothpaste directly affects how well your pet’s teeth are cleaned and how much they cooperate.
Quality Boosters
- pH Balance: Toothpastes formulated for pets have a neutral pH. This protects their sensitive mouth tissues.
- Added Enzymes: Higher concentrations of active enzymes usually mean better plaque control.
Quality Reducers
- Artificial Colors and Preservatives: These add no cleaning benefit and might cause irritation. High-quality pastes skip them.
- Strong Odors: If the paste smells too strongly of mint or chemicals, your pet will resist brushing.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the toothpaste matters as much as what it is made of.
Ease of Use
- Applicator Style: Some come in tubes, others in squeeze bottles. Choose one that fits easily onto your pet toothbrush or finger brush.
- Consistency: A paste that sticks well to the brush is better than one that slides right off.
When to Use It
- Daily Brushing: For best results against tartar, you should brush daily or at least three times a week.
- As a Treat (For Beginners): If your pet is new to brushing, you can let them lick a small amount off your finger first. This builds positive association before you introduce the brush.
Remember, the best toothpaste is the one your pet tolerates and allows you to use regularly. Safety and flavor are your two top priorities!
10 FAQs About Pet Toothpaste
Q: Can I use human toothpaste on my dog or cat?
A: No. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and sometimes xylitol. These ingredients are toxic to pets when swallowed.
Q: How often should I brush my pet’s teeth with this toothpaste?
A: Veterinarians recommend brushing once daily for the best results in fighting plaque buildup.
Q: Does my pet need to rinse after brushing?
A: No. Pet toothpastes are formulated to be safe to swallow, so rinsing is not necessary.
Q: What flavor is best for dogs?
A: Dogs usually prefer meat-based flavors like poultry or beef. Try a few to see which one gets the best reaction!
Q: What is the main job of enzymatic toothpaste?
A: The enzymes actively work to break down the plaque and bacteria on the tooth surface, helping to prevent tartar formation.
Q: How long will a tube of pet toothpaste last?
A: If you brush once daily, a standard tube usually lasts between one to three months, depending on the size of the tube.
Q: What if my pet won’t let me brush their teeth?
A: Start slow. Let your pet taste the toothpaste first. Then, try rubbing a little on their gums with your finger before moving to a toothbrush.
Q: Do all pet toothpastes fight bad breath?
A: Most quality toothpastes help reduce bad breath because they remove the source of the odor—plaque and bacteria.
Q: Is there a difference between dog and cat toothpaste?
A: Yes. Cats often prefer fish or poultry flavors, and the formulation might slightly differ based on their specific dietary needs.
Q: Can I use this paste without a toothbrush?
A: While you can let them lick a small amount off your finger to get used to the taste, you need a toothbrush or finger brush to physically scrub the plaque away effectively.