Best dog toothpaste and toothbrush kits
An enzymatic paste that needs no rinsing, a natural-ingredient paste and finger brushes for nervous dogs. Never use human toothpaste on a dog.
By Theo Lindqvist. Updated October 3, 2026. About 3 minutes to read. Picked by what's in it.
Our pick
Start with Tartar Shield PRO CARE Toothpaste: VOHC-accepted for tartar in dogs, every ingredient on the maker's page, no rinse.
Best for: A daily brushing routine for dogs
Best for: A daily brushing routine for dogs
The catch: It has peppermint oil, so check the ingredient list with your vet if your dog reacts to essential oils.
The catch: It has peppermint oil, so check the ingredient list with your vet if your dog reacts to essential oils.
What's in it: VOHC Accepted: tartar (2025) Source: Certifier
Best for: Owners who want aloe and neem oil in the paste, and dogs with sensitive gums
The catch: Some dogs dislike the taste, and it's thinner than other pastes.
What's in it: aloe, neem oil and grapefruit seed extract. Source: Listing
Best for: Nervous dogs and puppies learning to brush
The catch: Less reach for the back teeth, and thin silicone is no match for a hard chewer.
Why this one: slips over your finger for more control than a handle brush. Source: Listing
Dog turns his head the second the toothbrush shows up? Start with the paste: a flavor you offer on your finger, made to be swallowed, no rinse. Then bring in the brush.
What we looked for:
Why it's here: the one paste on this page on VOHC's accepted list for tartar in dogs (vohc.org, 2025), with every ingredient published.
Best for: Owners who want aloe and neem oil in the paste, and dogs with sensitive gums
The catch: Some dogs dislike the taste, and it's thinner than other pastes.
Skip it if: Your dog is a senior. Vet's Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste for Seniors is made for older dogs.
Why it's here: An enzymatic formula with aloe, neem oil, and baking soda.
The catch: some dogs dislike the taste, and it's thinner than other pastes.
Best for: Nervous dogs and puppies learning to brush
The catch: Less reach for the back teeth, and thin silicone is no match for a hard chewer.
Skip it if: You need to reach the back teeth. A finger brush has less reach there than a handle brush.
Why it's here: soft silicone finger brushes, the easiest first step for a dog who fights a handle brush.
The catch: less reach for the back teeth, and thin silicone is no match for a hard chewer.
No. Some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Use a paste made for pets.
Daily is the goal. If that's not realistic, aim for at least 3 times a week. A routine you keep beats a perfect one you skip.
Start slowly with a finger brush and let your dog taste the paste first. Build up from touching the lips to brushing a few teeth, with a reward each time. Still a fight? A water additive in the bowl is the no-brush backup.
Start with Tartar Shield PRO CARE if your dog will let you brush: it's on VOHC's list for tartar. Nervous dog or a puppy? Begin with the H&H Pets finger brushes. Want aloe and neem oil? Vet's Best. Brushing a cat too? See our cat dental picks.
Best for: A daily brushing routine for dogs
Our pick: Tartar Shield PRO CARE Natural
Our 3 picksNot done with this mess? Every fix is here, catch up front.
