Our fur babies are adorable, hilarious, and… well, STINKY! Puppy breath is very sweet in its own way. Dog breath? Not so much.
So to keep your pup’s chompers clean, sparkly, and free of odour-causing bacteria, you’re going to need some assistance. And we don’t just mean from your local vet!
Simple thing you can do to keep your dog as fresh and healthy as possible is brush his teeth using dog toothpaste!
So, today we’re going to review the top 5 best dog toothpastes in the UK to help you save time and money. In addition, we’ll help you choose a specific toothpaste that suits your furry best friend.
Don’t have the time to read the whole guide? No worries. Here are the top 3 best dog toothpastes our experts choose:
Our top picks
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Best Dog Toothpastes
Before we dive into the details of how to pick the best toothpaste for your dog, we present you the top 5:
First on our list is the Sentry Enzymatic dog toothpaste in a 191 g tube. This formula is made just for dogs and focuses on reducing tartar and plaque buildup.
Preventative care in the area of your pup’s dental health can save you a lot of money on more serious procedures further down the road.
While your dog’s dental health is the most important factor, it’s also nice that this dog toothpaste gives him fresher breath. Because it’s antibacterial, it kills the germs that cause bad odor in the mouth.
Also, this toothpaste is easy to apply. If your dog hates his toothbrush, you can just rub this toothpaste directly on his teeth and gums with your finger. It doesn’t foam and there’s no need to rinse your dog’s mouth.
The poultry flavor is very appealing to and may even have your dog wagging his tail at cleaning time!
Features
- Enzymatic toothpaste
- Cleans teeth & freshens breath
- Helps reduce tartar & plaque build up
What we liked
- Formulated specially for dogs
- Does not foam or need to be rinsed
Didn't like
- Somewhat expensive
This veterinary-grade enzymatic pet toothpaste is good for cats and dogs. If you have both, this might be a great option to keep on top of feline and canine dental needs!
The poultry flavor is attractive to dogs and most will lick it up like it’s a treat. Great-tasting dog toothpaste is a smart way to get your dog excited about a positive habit! And his eagerness to cooperate in cleanings can make a huge difference in his overall dental health and comfort.
Also, it doesn’t hurt that Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste will give your pooch a better-smelling smooch. Our love for our dogs never wavers, but sometimes their kisses smell truly terrible!
Because it’s enzymatic, this toothpaste contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase. When this enzyme is applied to your dog’s mouth, it becomes antibacterial.
Specifically, it targets plaque and tartar. And it’s very high-quality - just like the vet uses!
Features
- Poultry flavor
- Enzymatic toothpaste
- Also available in beef and malt flavor
- Formulated for dogs and cats
What we liked
- Natural antibacterial action
- Inhibits plaque formation
- Dogs like the taste
- Helps with bad breath
Didn't like
- Somewhat small package
This especially handy kit comes with both a toothbrush and toothpaste. If you’re new to brushing your pup’s gnashers, this could be the perfect choice for you as it includes everything you need.
The toothbrush has a gentle grip so you can maneuver well within your dog’s mouth. And your hand will be comfortable while doing it.
The liver flavor is very popular with dogs who tend to lick it up with gusto. The association with such a delicious flavor teaches dogs to see their toothbrush as something fun rather than fear-inducing!
Enzymes in dog toothpaste kill plaque-killing bacteria before it has a chance to build up. As such, Beaphar is one of the best dog toothpastes because it works to preventatively keep your dog’s mouth in tip-top shape.
Features
- Enzymatic toothpaste
- Anti-plaque
- Anti-tartar
- Liver flavor
What we liked
- Includes both toothpaste and toothbrush
- Soft grip toothbrush for your comfort when brushing
- Great for fresh breath
- Dogs love the taste
Didn't like
- The flavor is quite strong so some dogs reject it
Pets like minty-fresh breath too! The best dog toothpastes aren’t all liver and poultry. Some wise manufacturers know that both cats and dogs can be very drawn to minty things.
Since you can use PetSol on cats and dogs, it’s a great option for people who have both in their home. This formula targets plaque and tartar buildup and also contributes to good gum health.
Petsol dog toothpaste can be applied with a toothbrush or your finger. Most importantly, it leaves your dog with fresh, crisp, mint-flavored breath! It’s safe for your dog to swallow and even apply to his paw.
In fact, if your dog won’t let you come anywhere near his mouth, it’s recommended that you apply this toothpaste to his foot so he can lick it off.
The enzymes will go to work on the harmful bacteria in his mouth - no toothbrush necessary!
Features
- Removes plaque
- Removes tartar
- Fresh minty flavor
- Eliminates odors and bad breath
What we liked
- Specially formulated for dogs and cats
- Prevents issues plaque and tartar buildup before it starts
- Can be brushed with finger or toothbrush
- Inexpensive
Didn't like
- Some dogs may prefer a meaty flavor if they’re used to it
Trixie Mint is great another toothpaste suitable for both cats and dogs. Interestingly, it includes calcium-rich bone meal.
This ingredient is well known for supporting the dental hygiene of dogs, so it’s a good one to look for.
Also, Trixie Mint is a relatively inexpensive option. There’s no need to splurge on dog toothpaste if something less pricey does the job!
This toothpaste is recommended for daily use, although brushing every other day will still keep your dog’s mouth in good health.
The fresh mint flavor of Trixie Mint will excite your dog and anyone he kisses! It’s a gentle formula that will help keep your dog out of the vet’s office for more serious dental concerns.
Click For PriceHow To Choose The Best Dog Toothpaste
Now that we’ve shared the 5 best dog toothpastes, you might be wondering how to choose just one?
On top of regular cleanings, there’s plenty you can do for your dog’s dental health at home. Much as you commit to the maintenance of your own mouth, you can also help your pup put his best breath forward.
In addition to weighing the benefits and features above, there are a few more things to keep in mind before you go shopping for puppy paste.
Benefits of Enzymatic Toothpaste
One good thing to look out for is the word “enzymatic”. Not all dog toothpastes are made this way, but they should be!
Some dogs simply won’t allow you to apply pressure with a brush and scrub their teeth to polished perfection.
Enzymes do the tough work of breaking down plaque and tartar without needing a heavy hand.
Basically, you just need to get the toothpaste into your pup’s mouth one way or the other! With enzymatic toothpaste you can use a brush, your finger, or just let your dog lick it up.
Flavor Preference
Although he may not be a huge fan at first, most dogs will tolerate a thorough tooth-brushing once they realise it’s painless. And some even like the taste of the paste!
Knowing your dog’s flavour preference may require a little trial and error. You can always ask him, but you might not get a straight answer!
The beef and liver flavors sound like a no-brainer, but they’re too strong and potent for some dogs to touch.
On the other hand, we probably don’t think of puppies as being drawn to something with a mint flavor. However, dogs often enjoy mint and it’s a common ingredient in dog treats and biscuits.
Ingredients
There should only be a few ingredients in your dog’s toothpaste. You probably want to stay away from any formula that has a long list of unpronounceable ingredients.
Much like the products you use on yourself, you want to be able to identify what goes into your dog’s mouth and stomach!
Look for ingredients like enzymes, silica, and emulsifiers.
Silica is abrasive enough to scrape plaque without harming your dog’s teeth and gums. And emulsifiers break down the tartar on your pup’s teeth so you can clear it away.
Don't use human toothpaste
Human toothpastes are best avoided when it comes to your dog. They can contain ingredients which that can be toxic to your dog such as Xylitol. It's best to use toothpaste specifically designed for dogs in mind.
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Tooth decay isn't a common sight in dogs. If cavities occur, they can be treated in a way similar human dentistry.
However, dental diseases are a common sight. It can help to have a regular cleaning regiment as a preventive measure.
Signs of gum or dental diseases
- Difficulty eating
- Foul smell
- Build up deposits on the teeth
- Bleeding gum
- Infected mouth
- Discoloured teeth
FAQ
No. Human toothpastes may contain ingredients which can harmful if swallowed such as Xylitol. This ingredient is toxic for dogs. Also high levels of sodium in human toothpaste can make your dog sick.
Not a good idea. Due to its high level of alkaline content, it can disrupt the stomach acidity and cause digestion problems.
It depends on the ingredients and potential allergies your dog may have. If the toothpaste contains fluoride, it can give your pooch diarrhoea or vomiting. That's why you should never use human toothpaste.
It really depends on the content and quality of ingredients. Sorbitol as an ingredient for example can cause diarrhoea to sensitive tummies beyond certain doses. This additive sometimes is used as a laxative.
Final Verdict
While any of the dog toothpastes on this list should do a fantastic job of keeping your pup’s chompers shiny, there is still some variety within the collection.
You might have to play around with different styles and flavors to see which you dog prefers. However, there are two options that stand out as being of particular interest.
If you’re new to brushing your dog’s teeth, the Beaphar Toothbrush and Toothpaste Kit might be a superior choice for you. It gives you everything you need to get started!
And if you’re looking for a veterinary-grade option, we recommend Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste. This is an especially strong choice if you’re concerned with existing tartar and plaque build-up that needs a potent formula to break down these harmful deposits.
Haven't decided yet? Here is the top 5 in a nutshell:
Our Top Picks
- Hydrogen-peroxide producing formula does not foam, so no rinsing is...
- Package Description: 6.2 oz. (175 g)
- Serving Size: ..
- FOR DOGS AND CATS: Enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated using an...
- SAFE FOR DAILY USE: Includes no foaming agents so this toothpaste is safe...
- VET RECOMMENDED: Virbac is the Top Recommended dental brand by Veterinary...
- PREVENT BAD BREATH AND COMBAT PLAQUE: Plaque must be brushed off in order...
- ADVANCED DUAL-ENZYME TOOTHPASTE: Combines two enzymes which fight plaque,...
- DOUBLE-ENDED TOOTHBRUSH: With varying length bristles designed to target...
- QUICKLY AND EASILY REMOVES PLAQUE AND TARTAR EVEN WITHOUT BRUSHING: Simple...
- DOGS AND CATS LOVE IT: You're only going to be able to to clean your pet's...
- HEALTHY TEETH & GUMS FOR A HAPPIER PET: Suitable for dogs and cats, it...
- Pleasant flavour toothpaste
- Pleasant flavour eases dental hygiene
- Helps prevent plaque
What is your favourite flavour?
Paw-fect job for reading our guide to the best dog toothpaste all the way here. Now you can also get puppy smooches as fresh as a minty breeze and maintain healthy teeth for your pup.
If you decided on your dog's toothpaste of choice, why not share with us in the comments section below.
Sharing is Caring
Oh, go on then! Share this article with your friends so they can also get fresh smelling kisses from their puppies.
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