The Best Organic Dog Toothpastes
While brushing your dog's teeth can be tedious and time-consuming, it is an important element of their overall health and hygiene. Finding toothpaste with organic or natural ingredients will ensure your pup receives the best possible care. Dog toothpaste is specially formulated for your pet to remove plaque, whiten their teeth, and make their breath smell fresh. And you won't have to worry if they accidentally eat some of it along the way. We've rounded up a few of our favorite dog toothpaste options to help you pick.
What to Look For
When picking out organic toothpaste for your dog, it is important to consider the flavor, ingredients, and desired results. The Radius toothpaste has been certified as USDA Organic, meaning the ingredients are all free from pesticides, GMOs, and other chemicals. Dogs of all ages love the cinnamon sweet potato flavor, and it won’t hurt them if they eat a little during brushing. This toothpaste helps to remove plaque and tartar, improving your dog’s oral hygiene in the process. For puppies, we found the Burt’s Bees training toothpaste is an ideal option. The flavorless formula won’t scare young pups with sensitive tastebuds, so they can get used to the process before trying other flavored toothpaste. Keep reading to discover your new favorite organic dog toothpaste.
Radius Organic Canine Dental Gel
Shiny and white
From the USDA Organic certification to the food-grade formula, this toothpaste from Radius is a safe option for your favorite pup. The gel toothpaste has a cinnamon sweet potato flavor that your dog will lap up. And the addition of organic coconut oil will help to remove plaque and whiten your dog’s teeth. When used regularly, this non-toxic toothpaste will also rid your dog of stinky breath, so cuddling with your pet will be more enjoyable.
Pros:
- You won’t have to refrigerate this dog toothpaste.
- The gel toothpaste has a thick texture that makes it easy to squeeze onto a toothbrush.
Cons:
- It is only available in one flavor.
Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste
Tasty treat
Fitting in regular teeth brushing sessions can be challenging when you have a picky pup on your hands. But Petsmile offers toothpaste in meaty flavors like rotisserie chicken and London broil that we don’t think any dog would turn down. Free from parabens, sulfates, gluten, and other nasty ingredients, this vegan toothpaste will get the job done naturally. And with the addition of Calprox, a mineral-based ingredient, you can rub the toothpaste on your pet’s teeth to break down plaque and tartar without brushing.
Pros:
- We found this toothpaste is effective at fading tooth staining when used regularly.
- Even though the toothpaste smells like meat, it won’t linger after using it on your pet’s teeth.
Cons:
- This formula isn’t as affordable as other options.
Vet’s Best Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs
Healthy brushing
Getting rid of tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth can take ample time and money. But with Vet’s Best dog toothpaste, removing the accumulation of plaque and tartar will be less stressful and more affordable. The powerful enzymes in this toothpaste work efficiently, whether you brush your dog’s teeth with a brush or rub a small amount of the gel around their mouth. Plus, this formula is full of natural ingredients, including grapefruit seed extract, neem oil, and aloe vera, that won’t harm your pet.
Pros:
- The antibacterial properties of neem oil help to reduce the bacteria level in your dog’s mouth.
- We found that this toothpaste effectively removes pieces of stuck-on plaque.
Cons:
- Your dog can’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after applying the toothpaste to achieve the best results.
Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Dental Kit
Squeaky clean
Brushing your dog’s teeth requires the proper tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Arm & Hammer’s dental kit includes tartar control toothpaste, a double-sided toothbrush, and a flexible finger brush. The enzymatic toothpaste uses baking soda and other natural ingredients to brighten and clean your pup’s teeth. And the two toothbrushes allow you to reach every section of your dog’s mouth, even the back teeth.
Pros:
- There are multiple flavor options, including banana mint and beef.
- You can use the finger brush for dogs new to brushing or on sensitive gums.
Cons:
- You may not appreciate the strong flavors as much as your pup.
Burt’s Bees Natural Oral Care Kit
Baby steps
Introducing your puppy to teeth brushing is a process and not always an easy one. But you can ease into it with Burt’s Bees oral care kit for puppies. The bamboo toothbrush bristles are gentle on delicate mouths. And the coconut oil toothpaste is flavorless, so it won’t overwhelm your pup’s tastebuds. Plus, you only need a small amount of this gel toothpaste, meaning you’ll have plenty left in the tube for future brushings.
Pros:
- This toothpaste is made from 99.5 percent natural ingredients.
- The pH-balanced formula will naturally freshen your pet’s breath.
Cons:
- The toothbrush may be too large to fit in small puppies’ mouths.
How do I introduce my dog to brushing their teeth?
Start by putting a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and letting your dog sniff it. Encourage them to lick it off your finger like a treat. From there, you can put a little bit of toothpaste on the toothbrush and brush your pet’s front teeth. It may take a few tries to brush every last tooth, especially the back ones. But they will get used to the process with time, and it will slowly get easier for both of you.
Why do I need to brush my dog’s teeth?
Dogs require regular oral health maintenance to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from their mouths, just like us. Brushing their teeth regularly can reduce bad breath as well as the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at least two times per week. And you can even brush their teeth after bathing them to cut down on the mess.
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