Dental chews alone swap to Enzymatic dog toothpaste

Why make the swap

• Why switch to enzymatic dog toothpaste

  Each paste here is an enzymatic toothpaste made for pets, in a poultry or chicken flavour your dog will sit still for. Virbac says its paste has no foaming agents, and Petrodex calls its formula non-foaming and safe if swallowed.

• What's the concern with dental chews alone

  Dental chews and treats can help, but a member of the American Veterinary Dental College at Kansas State University says no dental diet, chew or water additive can replace brushing. Colorado State University’s vets say tooth brushing is the most successful way to remove plaque, and that chews with the VOHC seal help in addition to daily brushing.

• General information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet before changing what your pet uses.

• Good to know before you buy

  Start with a dab on your fingertip so your dog learns the taste, then bring in the brush. If daily brushing isn’t possible, brush as often as you can and keep chews as an extra.

• Sources (6)

  1. Kansas State University (American Veterinary Dental College member): daily brushing is the gold standard; no dental diet, chew or water additive can replace it (opens in a new tab)
  2. Colorado State University Veterinary Health System: brushing is the most successful way to remove plaque; VOHC chews help in addition to daily brushing (opens in a new tab)
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: the gold standard is daily brushing, though it isn't possible for every pet (opens in a new tab)
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: human toothpaste contains fluoride that shouldn't be swallowed, and some contain xylitol, which is toxic for dogs (opens in a new tab)
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: dogs swallow toothpaste; pet toothpastes don't foam and can be swallowed (opens in a new tab)
  6. FDA: xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar in dogs within 10–60 minutes; use only pet toothpaste (opens in a new tab)

  Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.