Pet Dental Care Products: Expert Picks for Optimal Oral Health

We found the C.E.T. kit a smart starter bundle: a dual-ended toothbrush for reach, a finger brush for control, and poultry-flavored enzymatic paste. The toothpaste is safe if swallowed and palatable, which really helps with daily compliance for dogs and many cats. Brushes may feel too large or firm for tiny mouths, and the handled brush isn’t very durable if chewed. If you have a toy breed or kitten, consider pairing the paste with a softer, smaller brush.

This budget-friendly kit makes it easy to start a daily routine: you get a double-sided toothbrush for molars and a finger brush for touch-ups, plus an enzymatic baking-soda toothpaste to tackle odor-causing debris. In our testing, the chicken flavor worked for many dogs, though some turned up their noses, so introduce gradually. Note the toothpaste tube in some versions is small for frequent users. Our experience shows alternating brush heads improves coverage while keeping sessions short and stress-free.

Our experience shows Whimzees’ VOHC seal and veterinarian recommendations make these extra-small toothbrush chews a reliable daily choice for tiny dogs. They’re made from mostly vegetable-based, grain-free ingredients with no artificial colors or preservatives, which is great for simple diets. Designed to be hard and long-lasting, they promote mechanical cleaning as your pup chews. Do supervise closely, as aggressive chewers or gulpers can face choking or digestion risks; choose the correct size and limit to the daily amount on the package.

For pets who love poultry flavors, Enzadent’s enzymatic toothpaste makes daily brushing more enticing. During our review, the formula effectively helped break down plaque and tartar, especially when paired with a comfortable toothbrush rather than the included finger or small brushes, which some of us found awkward. It works for both dogs and cats, though very small or uncooperative cats may need a gentler approach and patience. We found that short, positive sessions each day deliver steady improvements in breath and gum health.

If you have an uncooperative or sensitive pet, Zymox Oratene Gel’s brushless, LP3 enzymatic formula is a stress-saver for daily care. In our testing, the flavorless gel spread easily along the gumline and helped support plaque and gum disease management for both dogs and cats. The 1 oz tube is convenient but can run out quickly for multi-pet households, and very resistant pets may still balk at early applications. Our experience shows consistent daily use delivers the best results with minimal fuss.

If you’re easing a dog into brushing, Petrodex’s poultry flavor makes the routine far more acceptable in our testing. Its patented enzymatic formula helps reduce plaque and tartar, and the non-foaming paste means no rinsing after you’re done. We like that you only need a small pea-sized amount a few times per week, though overusing it can upset sensitive stomachs. Availability can be hit-or-miss in local stores, but at $9.99 it’s an easy, budget-friendly upgrade for your dog’s home dental routine.

During our review, Petsmile’s VOHC-approved formula gave us confidence it truly helps with plaque and tartar when used daily. The London Broil flavor is surprisingly enticing for many dogs and cats, and the vegan formulation suits households avoiding animal-derived ingredients. That said, some users report an unpleasant odor during brushing and a few pets experience digestive upset, so introduce it gradually. It’s pricier than many tubes at around $20, but we found the results justify the investment for consistent brushers.

A go-to classic for multi-pet homes, C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste offers ongoing plaque inhibition after brushing and comes in pet-friendly poultry flavor dogs and cats actually enjoy. In our testing, it worked best with a toothbrush or finger brush, as the formula needs mechanical action to shine. The tube can be tough to squeeze near the end—warming it slightly helps you use every last bit. With daily sessions, we found cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and better tolerance over time.

Greenies remain a go-to in our kit because their toothbrush-like shape offers real mechanical cleaning while dogs enjoy the Original chicken flavor. With regular daily use, we’ve seen fresher breath and less plaque and tartar between professional cleanings. Do supervise, especially if your dog tends to gulp treats, as choking can be a risk. Dogs with wheat sensitivities may get digestive upset, and the price per ounce is higher than some alternatives, though the 54-count box is convenient.

Instead of brushing, many dogs in our testing were happy to work on an OraVet chew each day. The delmopinol coating helps create a barrier that limits plaque and tartar buildup, and the chew is formulated to be easily digestible. We did see occasional gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea, so supervise closely and consider a gradual introduction. They can get sticky and messy while chewed, leaving residue on faces and paws, so keep a wipe or towel handy after sessions.

These Z-shaped chews make it easier for dogs to reach front and back teeth surfaces, and in our testing they kept pups engaged longer than flat strips. We like that the Fr3sh mint flavor helps freshen breath and the formula includes inulin, a prebiotic that can support digestion, making daily use feel like a treat. Some owners may prefer to avoid erythritol or corn-derived ingredients, so check labels if your dog is sensitive. Choose the right size and use once daily for best results.

Prefer a minty water additive? Vet Aquadent Fr3sh blends erythritol, inulin, and pomegranate extract to freshen breath and support oral health for dogs and cats with easy daily dosing. During our testing, some pets hesitated with the treated water, and not every household saw quick dental changes, so consistency matters. Start with the recommended dilution, monitor hydration, and pair with brushing or chews; our experience shows gradual introduction improves acceptance over the first week.

We liked how easy TropiClean is to use—add one capful to a few cups of water daily and you’re done. It’s accepted by the VOHC for plaque and tartar control and, in our testing, noticeably freshened breath within days. Choose the unflavored version with a hint of green tea or the spearmint variant if you prefer a minty profile. Some pets experience vomiting or digestive upset and packaging occasionally leaks, so start slow, check the seal, and monitor results over weeks.

When brushing isn’t an option, Oxyfresh’s odorless, tasteless water additive is an easy daily upgrade for dogs and cats. In our review, it noticeably reduced bad breath for many pets with zero fuss—just add the directed amount to fresh water. A few animals may refuse treated water or develop mild GI upset, and we’ve seen occasional reports of broken tamper seals, so inspect bottles and introduce slowly. Our experience shows starting with a half-dose helps sensitive drinkers adjust.

For low-effort breath freshening, our experience shows Dental Fresh is simple to use—just add it to your dog’s water bowl daily. Many owners report noticeably better breath within a week, and with consistent use it can help reduce plaque and tartar over time. Some pets avoid treated water or show adverse reactions, so start with a reduced dose and monitor closely. Because it’s tasteless and requires no brushing, it’s a convenient option for dogs that resist toothbrushes.

When brushes are a no-go, Maxi/Guard’s large, textured wipes gave us a practical way to mechanically clean teeth and gums each day. The taste-free formulation is tolerated by many pets, and the neutralized zinc helps reduce plaque and tartar with consistent use. Effectiveness varies and won’t remove heavy, established tartar, so think of these as maintenance. Some animals notice a medicinal smell or resist mouth handling, and at $54.99 the convenience costs more than most toothpastes.

For quick touch-ups between brushings, Vet’s Best Finger Wipes are a convenient option that freshen breath with spearmint oil and include green tea and thyme extracts. In our testing, they were easier to maneuver than a brush, especially around gumlines on squirmy pets. The trade-off: the container and wipes can dry out quickly or even develop mold if left open, and the spearmint scent may bother sensitive animals. Seal tightly, use promptly, and stash a pack for travel.

For power chewers who like a challenge, the Nylabone Dental Dinosaur offers tough nylon with raised nubs to help scrape plaque and tartar during supervised sessions. In our review, the chicken flavor kept many dogs engaged longer, but it’s still a non-edible toy—replace it if fragments appear. It can be too hard for small or teething puppies, and very aggressive chewers may break pieces off. Choose the right size and offer as needed to complement daily brushing.

Looking for a chew that does more than entertain? The KONG Dental Stick’s Denta-Ridges provide a gentle abrasive action that helps reduce plaque and condition gums during daily play, and the USA-made KONG Classic rubber has a satisfying chew feel. In our testing, moderate chewers did well, but aggressive chewers could tear pieces off, and smaller sizes wore down faster on strong jaws. Our tip: size up, supervise sessions, and rotate toys to extend life and keep grooming effective.

If your cat hates toothbrushes, PlaqueOff’s fine kelp-based powder is easy to sprinkle on food and forget, in our testing. VOHC acceptance adds credibility for plaque and tartar control, but results rely on daily, consistent use. Be aware that picky eaters may refuse meals when the powder is mixed in, and a few cats experience digestive upset at the start. The tiny scoop and narrow bottle opening can make dosing awkward, so we recommend starting with a half-scoop and building up.