Dog hates anything near his mouth: VeggieDent FR3SH, a daily chew on VOHC's list for plaque and tartar.
Dog lets you finger-brush: Tartar Shield PRO CARE toothpaste, on the list for tartar.
Hates both: TropiClean in the water bowl.
In this guide4 sections
Both are on the Veterinary Oral Health Council's (VOHC) accepted list. One is a chew, one is a toothpaste. The right one is the one your dog will actually take every day.
The two at a glance
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH (chew): plant-based, Z-shaped to reach between teeth, one chew a day. VOHC accepted for plaque and tartar (2020, all sizes). Sizes by weight: XS under 11 lb, S 11-22 lb, M 22-66 lb, L over 66 lb.
Tartar Shield PRO CARE (toothpaste): 3 oz tube, coconut flavor, no rinse, once a day. VOHC accepted for tartar in dogs (2025).
Round by round
Dog who hates anything near his mouth: VeggieDent
A chew needs no hand in his mouth. He works through it on his own and you hand it over like a treat. Pick the bag size for his weight, and give one a day.
Dog who lets you try: Tartar Shield
Tartar Shield PRO CARE Natural
Best for: Dogs who let you brush, or lick it off a finger
Start on your finger and let him lick it. Once he is comfortable, lift the lip and run a finger along the teeth and gum line. When he trusts it, switch to a soft-bristle brush. No rinse.
Plaque or tartar?
VeggieDent is accepted for both plaque and tartar. Tartar Shield is accepted for tartar. Want plaque and tartar in one? The chew has both. Tartar Shield is accepted for tartar.
Ingredients
Tartar Shield lists every ingredient, starting with water, glycerin, coconut oil and kaolin, and it is free from artificial parabens, dyes, sulfates and sweeteners. VeggieDent is a plant-based chew.
Also great
Tartar Shield PRO CARE Natural
Best for: Dogs who let you brush, or lick it off a finger
VeggieDent: picky chewer? Try a few before you stock up. Size to his weight.
Tartar Shield: needs a dog who'll let a finger in. Start with a lick off your fingertip.
Chew for the dog who bolts from the brush. Paste for the dog who tolerates it.
Neither one? Start at the water bowl
A dog who refuses both can still get a daily dose in the water: TropiClean Fresh Breath is on VOHC's list for plaque, with no brushing at all. Tartar already on his teeth is a vet cleaning, whichever you pick.
