Does your dog’s bad breath make you cringe? You know regular brushing helps keep those pearly whites healthy, but staring at the pet store aisle full of toothpaste options can feel overwhelming. Many conventional dog toothpastes contain ingredients you might not want near your furry best friend’s mouth. Reading those long labels can feel like decoding a secret language, and you worry about swallowing something artificial.
Finding a natural dog toothpaste that actually works—and that your dog will tolerate—is a common challenge for devoted pet owners. You want effective cleaning without harsh chemicals. This post cuts through the confusion. We break down what “natural” really means in this context and highlight the best options available.
By the end of this guide, you will feel confident choosing a safe, effective, and natural toothpaste. Get ready to discover simple ingredients and effective formulas that will keep your dog’s smile bright and their breath fresh. Let’s dive into making your dog’s dental routine a breeze!
Top Natural Dog Toothpaste Recommendations
- FOR DOGS AND CATS: Enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system for dogs and cats to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth. Poultry flavor pets love
- 100% SAFE: Includes no foaming agents, so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- VET RECOMMENDED: Virbac is the #1 Recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals; Made in the USA
- USE WITH A TOOTHBRUSH: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as the C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush. Apply daily or as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may give you specific directions; follow this professional advice closely
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Virbac is committed to your experience of great satisfaction with our products. Let us help with your questions and we would love to hear your comments at 1-844-484-7222
- SOOTHING AND EFFECTIVE: Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dental Gel is a veterinarian-formulated blend with aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes to calm your dog’s gums while efficiently removing plaque and tartar buildup.
- CLEANS & FRESHENS BREATH: Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste Gel gently cleans teeth and gums while fighting plaque and tartar. This soothing formula with aloe, enzymes, and neem oil freshens breath and supports oral health between vet dental visits.
- PART OF A HEALTHY ORAL REGIMEN: Use Enzymatic Dental Gel daily to help maintain your dog’s oral health by reducing plaque & tartar buildup, supporting healthy gums, keeping breath fresh—an easy addition between veterinary cleanings for cleaner dog teeth.
- NATURAL FLAVORS YOUR DOG LOVES: Made with natural flavors dogs enjoy, this enzymatic gel not only whitens teeth & freshens breath while it makes dental care a positive experience; Keep your dog’s mouth feeling clean & healthy with every tasty application.
- SAME TRUSTED FORMULA, NEW PACKAGE: Vet’s Best dental gel now comes in a convenient squeeze tube for easy, precise application. Enjoy the same veterinarian-formulated, trusted ingredients that make daily oral care simple and effective for you and your dog.
- Better Oral Health: Our unique blend of sweet potato and coconut oil fights plaque, preventing cavities and promoting optimal oral hygiene for a healthier smile.
- No Harmful Ingredients: Xylitol-free, our formula contains no chemicals, preservatives, dyes, pesticides, GMOs, glutens, fluoride, saccharin, ensuring a pure oral care experience. Additionally, it's latex-free, SLS and SLES-free, and BPA and BPS-free.
- Fresh Breath: Our formula provides a fresh-from-the-vet smell and clean without painful procedures, ensuring long-lasting fresh breath with confidence.
- No Chemicals: Experience pure and natural oral care with our chemical-free formula, offering gentle yet effective results for a refreshing oral routine.
- Travel Friendly: Our handily travel-sized tubes are TSA compliant, allowing you to maintain your oral care routine on the go with ease.
- BURT'S BEES TOOTHPASTE & TOOTHBRUSH FOR DOGS - This dog dental care kit for dogs comes with everything dogs need to keep their oral health in tip top shape
- DOG TOOTHPASTE IN FRESH MINT FLAVOR - This 2.5 oz tube of dog Burt's Bees toothpaste has honeysuckle and peppermint oil and comes in a fresh mint flavor dogs love
- SOFT BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH - This dog dental care kit comes with a soft bamboo toothbrush to make it the perfect toothbrush for dogs
- 99.5% NATURAL DOG TOOTHPASTE FORMULA - Pet parents feel good about using this dog toothpaste knowing that it is made with a 99.5% natural formula
- EASY TO USE DOG DENTAL CARE KIT - For first time brushers, put a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and invite the dog to lick it off. Slowly progress to rubbing finger along the gum line and teeth. For best results, brush 2-3x/ week
- Revolutionary Remineralization: The first toothpaste for dogs featuring advanced nano-hydroxyapatite technology, specifically designed to repair early-stage decay and rebuild enamel for stronger, healthier teeth. This fluoride-free innovation sets Arterra apart from other dog dental care products.
- Complete Dental Health Solution: Arterra’s comprehensive formula tackles multiple oral health concerns by removing plaque and reducing tartar, supporting gum health, reducing harmful bacteria, and freshening breath—all in one clear, mess-free application.
- Natural and Safe: Arterra’s non-toxic, fluoride-free formula is plant-based, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and made with natural plant extracts and surfactants. It delivers gentle yet effective cleaning, safe for everyday use.
- Freshens Breath: Delivers long-lasting freshness for a cleaner, more pleasant mouth, ensuring your dog’s breath stays fresh after every use.
- Irresistible Peanut Butter Flavor: Dogs love the natural peanut butter flavor! Sweetened with dog-safe sorbitol and stevia, it makes brushing enjoyable and stress-free, turning every session into a treat. (Allergen-free: Contains no peanuts.)
- VET RECOMMENDED: C.E.T. is the #1 Recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals and our pet toothpaste is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
- ENZYMATIC TOOTHPASTE FOR DOGS AND CATS: toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth.
- SAFE FOR DAILY USE: Includes no foaming agents, so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- USE WITH A TOOTHBRUSH: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as the C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush. Apply daily or as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may give you specific directions; follow this professional advice closely
- VANILLA MINT FLAVOR: Helps eliminate mouth odors with vanilla mint flavor pets love!
- COMPLETE DOG DENTAL CARE: Designed to support daily oral hygiene by helping reduce plaque and tartar buildup while freshening breath using an enzymatic dog toothpaste suitable for regular brushing routines at home
- ENZYMATIC TARTAR CONTROL: Formulated to help break down plaque and support cleaner teeth and healthier gums when used consistently, making it suitable for adult dogs and puppies learning daily dental care habits
- BAKING SODA FORMULA: Uses Arm and Hammer baking soda to help deodorize bad breath while gently cleaning teeth, supporting fresher smelling breath without harsh abrasives or foaming agents
- WITH ADDED CALCIUM: Includes calcium as a supportive component for maintaining strong tooth enamel as part of a balanced dog dental care routine with regular brushing
- FLUORIDE FREE AND NON TOXIC: Crafted without fluoride or dyes to support safer daily brushing, making it suitable for dogs across life stages when used as part of a consistent oral care routine
- PLAQUE AND TARTAR CONTROL: Designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup with regular brushing, supporting cleaner teeth and healthier gums for everyday dog oral care and fresher breath between brushing sessions
- 3 PIECE COMPLETE KIT: Includes beef flavored dog toothpaste, a dual headed toothbrush, and a fingerbrush to support different brushing styles and dog comfort levels for consistent dental care routines at home
- BAKING SODA CLEANING: Uses Arm and Hammer baking soda to help deodorize breath and gently clean teeth, supporting odor control without harsh abrasives during routine brushing for dogs and puppies
- ENZYMATIC TOOTHPASTE FORMULA: Formulated with enzymes to support oral hygiene by helping break down buildup during brushing, making it suitable for ongoing tartar control and daily dental care routines
- BEEF FLAVOR ACCEPTANCE: Beef flavor helps make brushing more approachable for many dogs, encouraging consistent use which supports cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and better dental maintenance
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Natural Dog Toothpaste
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is super important for their health. Just like us, dogs need regular brushing to fight bad breath and gum problems. Switching to a natural toothpaste can be a great choice for many pet owners. This guide helps you pick the best natural option for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for natural dog toothpaste, look for these important features:
- Plaque and Tartar Control: The main job of any toothpaste is to fight sticky plaque and hard tartar buildup. Good natural ingredients should actively work against these.
- Palatability (Taste): Dogs often swallow toothpaste. If it tastes bad, your dog will fight brushing time. Look for flavors like poultry, beef, or peanut butter (xylitol-free, of course!).
- Enzymatic Action: The best natural pastes use enzymes. These enzymes help break down food particles and bacteria naturally, even if you miss a spot while brushing.
- Foam-Free Formula: Since dogs swallow toothpaste, you do not want a product that foams up a lot. Foaming agents are often unnecessary chemicals.
Important Natural Ingredients
The “natural” label means avoiding harsh chemicals. Here are ingredients you want to see and those you should avoid:
Ingredients to Seek Out:
- Enzymes (like Glucose Oxidase): These naturally fight bad bacteria in the mouth.
- Natural Abrasives (like Baking Soda or Calcium Carbonate): These gently scrub the teeth surface clean.
- Natural Flavorings: Look for real meat or vegetable extracts for taste.
- Vegetable Glycerin: This helps keep the paste moist and appealing.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs. Never buy any dog product containing it.
- Fluoride: While fine for humans, dogs rarely need or benefit from fluoride in toothpaste.
- Artificial Colors and Preservatives: These offer no dental benefit and can sometimes cause irritation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a natural toothpaste depends on how well it works and how safe it is.
Quality Boosters:
High-quality pastes often include probiotics or aloe vera. Probiotics help balance the good bacteria in the mouth. Aloe vera can soothe irritated gums. Products made in FDA-registered facilities usually mean better quality control.
Quality Reducers:
If a toothpaste relies too heavily on just water and flavoring, its cleaning power will be low. If the texture is too runny, it will just drip off the brush. Poor quality pastes might taste okay but fail to reduce noticeable bad breath after a week of use.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best experience is one where brushing becomes a routine, not a battle. If the toothpaste is highly palatable, your dog will look forward to the treat-like flavor. This makes daily brushing much easier for the owner.
Use Case 1: Puppy Training. Start young! Use a small amount of tasty natural paste on your finger first, letting the puppy lick it off. Then, slowly introduce a soft brush. The good flavor makes this step simple.
Use Case 2: Sensitive Dogs. If your dog has very sensitive gums, choose a paste that specifically lists soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe. Avoid any paste with strong mint or citrus flavors.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Dog Toothpaste
Q: Do I need to rinse my dog’s mouth after brushing with natural toothpaste?
A: No. Most natural dog toothpastes are formulated to be safe to swallow, so rinsing is not necessary.
Q: Is natural dog toothpaste as effective as human toothpaste?
A: Yes, when properly formulated with enzymes and gentle abrasives, it cleans effectively. However, you must never use human toothpaste because it contains harmful ingredients like fluoride and xylitol for dogs.
Q: How often should I brush my dog’s teeth with this paste?
A: Ideally, you should brush daily. If daily brushing is not possible, aim for at least three times a week to see good results against plaque.
Q: My dog hates the taste. What should I do?
A: Try a different flavor! If the current one is chicken, switch to beef or peanut butter. A highly appealing flavor is the key to a good brushing routine.
Q: Can I use this paste if my dog has existing dental disease?
A: Natural toothpaste helps maintenance, but if your dog has severe tartar or painful gums, veterinary cleaning is still required. Always ask your vet first.
Q: What if my dog just licks the paste off the brush?
A: That is okay at first! Let them lick a tiny bit off as a reward. Then, gently start moving the brush over their teeth. The flavor encourages cooperation.
Q: Does natural toothpaste really stop bad breath?
A: Yes, it usually does. Bad breath is often caused by bacteria. Natural enzymatic pastes kill these odor-causing bacteria, leading to fresher breath.
Q: Are there any side effects to using natural toothpaste?
A: Side effects are rare with high-quality natural pastes. Occasionally, a dog might have a very mild upset stomach if they swallow a large amount at once.
Q: How long does a tube of natural dog toothpaste usually last?
A: For a medium-sized dog brushed once a day, a standard tube usually lasts between 4 to 8 weeks.
Q: Should I look for USDA Organic certification?
A: While “organic” is nice, it is not strictly necessary for effectiveness. Focus more on the presence of active dental enzymes and the absence of xylitol.