Keeping your dog’s teeth clean isn’t just about fresh breath—it’s essential for preventing plaque buildup, gum disease, and costly vet visits. But with so many options, which toothpaste is truly the best?
We’ve reviewed the top-rated dog toothpastes and selected the best overall, along with top picks for budget-friendly options, natural ingredients, and plaque control.
1. Best Overall: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic
Best for daily use, plaque control & overall effectiveness
Virbac’s C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste is vet-recommended and widely trusted for its powerful enzymatic formula that breaks down plaque and tartar. It’s non-foaming, so it’s safe to swallow, and comes in dog-friendly flavors like poultry and vanilla mint.
Why It’s #1:
✅ Enzymatic formula breaks down plaque & tartar
✅ Vet-recommended & widely trusted
✅ Dogs love the flavors, making brushing easier
2. Best Budget: Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic
Affordable & effective for daily use
If you want an effective toothpaste without breaking the bank, Sentry Petrodex is a great choice. It uses enzymes to fight plaque and comes in a poultry flavor most dogs enjoy.
Why It’s the Best Budget Pick:
✅ Great price for quality enzymatic toothpaste
✅ Helps control plaque & tartar buildup
✅ Popular poultry flavor dogs love
⚠ Potential Drawback:
- Thicker consistency than other toothpastes, so it may be harder to apply
3. Best Natural Option: Vet’s Best Enzymatic
Best for pet owners looking for natural ingredients
For dog owners who prefer natural oral care, Vet’s Best is a great option. It’s made with aloe, neem oil, and enzymes, offering a gentle but effective clean.
Why It’s the Best Natural Choice:
✅ No artificial ingredients – made with aloe, neem, & enzymes
✅ Safe if swallowed
✅ Great for dogs with sensitive teeth or gums
⚠ Potential Drawback:
- Not as strong for heavy plaque buildup
4. Best for Plaque & Tartar Control: Petsmile
Professional Vet-approved for serious dental care
Petsmile Professional is VOHC-approved (Veterinary Oral Health Council), meaning it meets strict dental health standards. It’s one of the most effective at fighting plaque and tartar buildup.
Why It’s the Best for Plaque & Tartar:
✅ VOHC-approved – meets top veterinary standards
✅ Safe ingredients (fluoride-free, xylitol-free)
✅ Comes in dog-friendly flavors like peanut butter
⚠ Potential Drawback:
- Pricier than other options
5. Best for Fresh Breath: Tropi Clean Fresh Breath Gel
Great for fighting bad breath naturally
If your dog has strong bad breath, TropiClean’s Fresh Breath Gel is a great solution. Made with natural ingredients like green tea and aloe, it freshens breath while helping remove plaque.
Why It’s the Best for Fresh Breath:
✅ Natural ingredients that target bad breath
✅ Easy-to-use gel (great for dogs who dislike brushing)
✅ Safe if swallowed
⚠ Potential Drawback:
- Some dogs dislike gel texture
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
- #1 Best Overall: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic (Top vet-recommended & most effective)
- #2 Best Budget: Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic (Affordable & works well)
- #3 Best Natural: Vet’s Best Enzymatic (Gentle & made with natural ingredients)
- #4 Best for Plaque Control: Petsmile Professional (VOHC-approved & highly effective)
- #5 Best for Fresh Breath: TropiClean Fresh Breath Gel (Great for bad breath & easy to use)
All of these toothpastes will help keep your dog’s teeth clean, healthy, and strong. Choose the one that fits your dog’s needs and start brushing today!
