Dental Supplements for Dogs: An Expert Guide to Oral Health

PlaqueOff is a no-brainer to use—just a daily scoop on food—and in our testing it fit seamlessly into routines for all life stages. With consistent use, many owners see fresher breath and less plaque and tartar over several weeks, alongside support for gum health. It’s a gradual, long-term play rather than an instant fix, so set expectations accordingly. Because it’s kelp-based and contains iodine, avoid it for pets being treated for hyperthyroidism unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

For small adult dogs (5–15 lbs), the Teenie Greenies are an easy daily habit to help reduce plaque and tartar while freshening breath. In our testing palatability was a slam dunk—most pups begged for more—making consistency effortless and the price approachable for long-term use. Supervise snack time, especially with enthusiastic gulpers, to mitigate choking risk. A few sensitive stomachs may react, so start with one treat and monitor before making these a regular part of your dental routine.

During our review, the C.E.T. Enzymatic Chews stood out for their dual-enzyme system, which helps break down plaque and tartar while promoting fresher breath and gum support. Multiple sizes make it easy to match your dog’s weight, and most pups found the flavor very appealing, encouraging consistent use. A few dogs refused them or experienced digestive upset, so monitor early servings. Because they’re rawhide-based, supervise aggressive chewers closely and choose the correct size to minimize choking risks.

VeggieDent Fr3sh chews impressed us for daily plaque and tartar control, combining firm mechanical scrubbing with active ingredients that help inhibit biofilm and freshen breath. In our testing most dogs devoured them—palatability is a strong suit—and they’re vet-recommended for all life stages, making dosing simple as a treat. Do supervise, as a few users found some pieces quite hard, posing a chewing or choking concern. Sensitive stomachs can react; introduce gradually and discontinue if digestive upset or allergy signs appear.

For adult dogs who love a daily chew, OraVet offers strong plaque and tartar reduction with a clinically formulated, vet-recommended treat that also freshens breath. In our testing palatability was excellent—most pups eagerly finished theirs—but the chew can get sticky, leaving residue on paws and faces if not monitored. A minority experienced mild gastrointestinal upset, so introduce slowly and provide water. It’s pricier than many standard dental treats, but the dual cleaning action and ease of use can justify the spend.

Adding TropiClean’s water additive is one of the simplest ways we found to freshen breath and support plaque control—just pour a capful per 24 oz once daily, per the label. The formula is VOHC-accepted and essentially tasteless, so most dogs drink normally across all life stages. To avoid digestive upset, our experience shows starting at half dose for a few days helps. As with any new additive, monitor for rare sensitivities or skin reactions and discontinue if you notice issues.

Probiora’s tasteless powder is easy to sprinkle over meals, and in our testing it blended well for simple daily dosing across all life stages. The clinically formulated probiotic targets tooth surfaces and gum pockets, supporting biofilm control, gum health, and noticeably fresher breath—many users report improvements within one to two weeks. That said, a small subset of pets balked at powder-treated food, and the jar can be messier than single-serve packets. We suggest starting with partial doses and mixing thoroughly to boost acceptance.

Seniors who struggle with firm chews may do better with Greenies Aging Care Teenie—the softer texture was easier for our older testers to manage while still helping reduce plaque and tartar and freshen breath. They’re marketed as veterinarian-recommended and remained very palatable in our experience, though a few dogs preferred the original formula. Expect a noticeable smell when opening the bag. For very soft-mouthed seniors or dogs with few teeth, supervise closely to prevent swallowing large pieces that could cause blockage.

Perio Support stood out during our review for convenience—just sprinkle on food to target plaque, tartar, and biofilm without daily brushing. The formula is clinically tested to reduce buildup in as little as 28 days and is vet-recommended, with added benefits for gum health and fresher breath. Our experience shows best results when given with a meal; offering it dry can cause gastrointestinal upset. Note the strong aroma and taste—some picky pets, especially cats, may refuse, and results can vary between households.

If you’re focused on gum health from the inside out, this canine omega-3 liquid is a simple add-on to a dental routine. The included measuring scoop made dosing straightforward in our testing, and most dogs ate their meals normally when we mixed it in. Do expect a bit of mess—the oil can make food look greasy and the bottle or spout may drip, so store upright and wipe after use. Pair with mechanical cleaning (chews or brushing) for broader oral benefits.