Brushing your pet's teeth is one of the most important things you can do for their health, yet so many pet parents don't know where to start.
Knowing exactly how to brush your pet's teeth is the first step—sometimes, you may just have to start with a clean finger. But once you get the hang of it and your pet is comfortable with you touching their teeth, it's important that you have the right dental health products to ensure success.
When it comes to pet dental health, there are hundreds of products on the market—from toothbrushes and toothpaste to dental chews and mouthwash. What matters most is that the product you choose is vet recommended. If you're brushing your pet's teeth with a product that actually does more harm than good, your efforts will be wasted.
We're breaking down the top vet-recommended dental health products in each category, as recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Vet-recommended dental health products for dogs
Vet-approved dental chews for dogs
Greenies Dental Treats$39
Greenies dental treats fight plaque and tartar, promote fresh breath, and clean down to the gum line with their unique texture.
Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews For Dogs$38
These soft, bacon-flavored rawhide chews are clinically proven to clean teeth, freshen breath, and reduce bacteria.
Purina DentalLife ActivFresh Daily Oral Care$14
Made with honey and all-natural spirulina, these chews keep your pup's breath fresh while also cleaning their gums and teeth.
ORAVET® Dental Hygiene Chews$36
Formulated with delmopinol (commonly used in oral rinses for humans), these chews are clinically proven to prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Zen Dental Chews$34
This unique Z-shaped treat cleans teeth, freshens breath, and aids digestive health with its plant-based, gluten-free ingredients.
Vet-approved toothpaste & additives for dogs
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste$15
This no-brush formula is perfect for pets that struggle to sit still. Just wipe on teeth and gums and say hello to pearly whites!
TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive$20
If your pup has a tough time with toothpaste, opt for a tasteless water additive like TropiClean that fights against plaque, tartar, and bad breath.
Naturel Promise Fresh Dental Water Additive$16
This water additive option promises fresher breath within 14 days, giving your pup cleaner teeth and a healthier mouth.
Vet-recommended dental health products for cats
Vet-approved dental chews for cats
Feline Greenies Dental Treats$3
Greenies help reduce tartar buildup and keep your cat's mouth fresh. Made of natural ingredients, this crunchy treat is sure to please both you and your feline.
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Cat Treats$15
Scientifically proven to reduce tartar buildup, these daily treats not only clean teeth, but also provide felines with key vitamins and probiotics.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets OM Crunchy Bites Cat Treats$6
These chicken and liver-flavored crunchy treats scrape away plaque and tartar, keeping your cat's mouth clean and their breath fresh.
Vet-approved toothpaste & additives for cats
CEVA Clenz-A-Dent ProDen PlaqueOff Powder$27
These oral health flakes mix with your cat's food to fight plaque and freshen breath. A bonus? This is recommended for dogs, too!
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement$22
Not only does this powder support healthy teeth and fresh breath, it's also free from additives and artificial preservatives and suitable for both cats and dogs.
Bluestem Dental Water Additive$17
Approved for both cats and dogs, this water additive is made from 100% food-grade ingredients. Your furry companion won't even realize they're cleaning their teeth with this non-foaming solution.
To discover more vet-recommended dental health products, check out the VOHC's list of accepted products for dogs and accepted products for cats. And of course, if you have any questions about pet dental health, the Vet Pros at Pawp are here to help 24/7.