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Best Dental Products for Dogs

Most dental trouble starts below the gumline, where you can’t see it. These are the at-home products we feature, starting with the gold standard: brushing.

Our top picks

PetClub 247 doesn’t sell a dental line, so this page features other partners.

What to look for

  • The VOHC Seal of Acceptance. The Veterinary Oral Health Council doesn’t test products itself; it reviews data from the maker against its standards and awards a seal for plaque, tartar, or both. Check the current list at vohc.org.
  • The right size. Chews should be too big to swallow whole. Supervise chewing.
  • Not too hard. Skip chews you can’t dent with a thumbnail; very hard items can crack teeth.
  • Dog toothpaste only. Never human toothpaste.
  • Calories. Count dental chews in your dog’s daily food.

How to start brushing

Let your dog lick a little dog toothpaste off your finger. Next, rub a finger along a few teeth. Then move to a brush, focusing on the outer surfaces of the back teeth and canines. Keep it short and upbeat, and reward afterward. Show your vet if you notice strong or new bad breath, red or bleeding gums, brown buildup, or dropping food.

The picks in detail

Our pick: start brushing

Chewy dog toothbrush & toothpaste kits

Chewy

Kits pair a dog toothbrush with dog toothpaste, which is all you need to start. Brushing daily is ideal; a few times a week still helps.

Quick facts

  • Kits combine a dog toothbrush with dog toothpaste
  • Many brands and flavors in one place
  • Some toothpastes and brushes carry the VOHC seal; check the listing

Good for

Starting, or restarting, a brushing habit.

Keep in mind

Use dog toothpaste only. Human toothpaste isn’t meant to be swallowed, and some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Pros

  • The most effective home habit
  • Low cost to get started

Cons

  • Takes a few weeks of practice for most dogs
  • Needs to become a routine to help
Best chews (look for the VOHC seal)

Chewy dental chews

Chewy

Dental chews are an easy extra, especially for dogs who won’t tolerate brushing yet. Filter for products carrying the VOHC Seal of Acceptance.

Quick facts

  • Wide range of dental chews and sticks
  • Sized by dog weight
  • Look for the VOHC seal on the package or listing

Good for

Dogs who won’t accept brushing yet, or as an extra alongside it.

Keep in mind

Chews add calories. Pick the right size, supervise chewing, and skip anything too hard to dent with a thumbnail.

Pros

  • Easy daily habit
  • Most dogs enjoy them

Cons

  • Don’t replace brushing
  • Calories add up
Best mealtime add-in

PetLab Co. ProBright Advanced

PetLab Co.

A powder for owners who want a dental add-in at mealtime. It’s an extra, not a replacement for brushing.

Quick facts

  • Dental powder: one scoop on food daily
  • Four tub sizes by dog weight
  • For dogs 12 weeks and older (per PetLab)

Good for

Owners who want a mealtime dental add-in.

Keep in mind

Not on the VOHC accepted products list for dogs (list updated November 2025).

Pros

  • Nothing to brush or chew
  • Sized by weight

Cons

  • Ongoing daily cost
  • Not VOHC-accepted
Best water add-in

PetLab Co. Dental Formula

PetLab Co.

A liquid you add to fresh water daily. Also labeled for cats, which suits homes where pets share a bowl.

Quick facts

  • Add 1 teaspoon to 8 oz of fresh water, once daily
  • Active ingredient: stabilized chlorine dioxide
  • About 47 servings per bottle
  • Labeled for dogs and cats

Good for

Homes where dogs and cats share a water bowl.

Keep in mind

Not on the VOHC accepted products list for dogs (list updated November 2025). Needs measuring every day.

Pros

  • No brushing or chewing needed
  • One product for dogs and cats

Cons

  • Must be measured daily
  • Not VOHC-accepted

Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Daily is ideal. A few times a week still helps. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?

No. Use toothpaste made for dogs. Human toothpaste isn’t meant to be swallowed, and some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

What does the VOHC seal mean?

The Veterinary Oral Health Council reviews data submitted by the maker and awards its seal for plaque control, tartar control, or both. It doesn’t test products itself.

Do dental chews replace brushing?

No. Chews, powders and water additives are extras. Brushing remains the most effective home habit.

This is general information for healthy dogs, not veterinary advice. If your dog has a health condition, takes medication, or you notice a change, talk to your vet first.