Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs: What it is and Products to Try

Effective dental care is an essential part of keeping dogs happy and healthy. However, it can prove a tricky task, even for the most diligent pet parents. Research shows that up to 80 percent of dogs over the age of 2 years have periodontal (gum) disease (1). But before you throw in the towel (or the doggy toothbrush), if you’re looking for an easier way to promote your pup’s oral health, enzymatic toothpaste for dogs could be the key.

This specialized toothpaste is designed to make cleaning your dog’s teeth easier and more effective than standard dog toothpaste. Plus, it helps combat common oral health issues like plaque, tartar buildup, and bad breath.

Whether you’re new to canine dental care or looking for a better solution, enzymatic toothpaste is worth considering. Let’s explore what it is, how it works, and which products are vet-approved for optimal doggy dental health.

What Is Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs?

Enzymatic toothpaste for dogs is a type of toothpaste that contains enzymes — proteins that speed up chemical reactions. In dog toothpaste, these enzymes help break down food particles, sugars, and bacteria in your dog’s mouth, making it harder for plaque to form.

Unlike human toothpaste, enzymatic toothpaste for dogs is safe to swallow. In fact, many options come in flavors like chicken or peanut butter to appeal to dogs’ palates. This makes it easier for pet parents to establish a regular brushing routine without the struggle.

Enzyme Toothpaste for Dogs: How It Works

While traditional canine toothpastes often rely on abrasive ingredients or detergents to clean teeth, enzymatic toothpaste uses a different approach. The enzymes work by targeting the root cause of dental disease: bacteria.

Some of the most common enzymes found in enzymatic toothpaste for dogs include:

• Glucose oxidase – Produces hydrogen peroxide, which helps reduce bacterial populations
• Lactoperoxidase – Inhibits bacterial growth
• Amyloglucosidase – Breaks down complex sugars into simpler components, preventing plaque buildup

When these enzymes are used alone or in combination, they create an environment where bacteria struggle to thrive or attach to tooth surfaces, improving oral health over time.

This means that even if you aren’t able to scrub the bacteria from your dog’s teeth through brushing, the enzymatic activity of the toothpaste will still help to kill disease-causing bacteria (2). 

Benefits of Canine Enzymatic Toothpaste

Adding enzymatic toothpaste to your dog’s dental care routine offers numerous benefits:

• Combats plaque and tartar – Prevents the buildup of harmful substances that lead to periodontal disease
• Fights bad breath – Targets the bacteria that cause unpleasant odors
• Reduces the risk of tooth decay – Protects your dog’s teeth from cavities
• Supports overall health – Poor dental hygiene is linked to issues like heart, liver and kidney disease in dogs
• More effective than other products – Enzymatic toothpaste is often more efficient at cleaning than certain powders, gels, or rinses because it actively reduces plaque accumulation, which is the cause of periodontal disease 

Best Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs: 5 Picks Vets Recommend

Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste

Highlights

This toothpaste is a gold standard for dog dental care and is the toothpaste brand most recommended by board-certified veterinary dentists. It’s formulated with a combination of glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase, making it highly effective at breaking down plaque. Plus, it comes in a variety of enticing flavors like poultry and vanilla-mint to appeal to even the pickiest pups.

Things to Consider

Certain flavors, like beef and chicken, may upset your dog’s stomach if they have a food allergy. 

Oratene Brushless Enzymatic Gel

Highlights

Ideal for dogs with sensitive gums or pets who don’t tolerate brushing, this gel works without the need for vigorous scrubbing. Simply apply it to your dog’s teeth, and the enzymes will do the work.

Things to Consider

Works best when applied daily. 

Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste

Highlights

Contains zinc in addition to enzymes for added activity against plaque and bacteria. Comes complete with a fingerbrush cap so it’s perfect to take on the road. Its poultry flavor is highly palatable to most dogs. 

Things to Consider

Contains chicken. 

Buster Toothpaste with Enzymes 

Highlights

In addition to containing enzymatic ingredients, this toothpaste contains chlorhexidine, a highly effective antibacterial agent. This toothpaste is best suited for dogs with severe gingivitis. 

Things to Consider

Because Buster toothpaste contains chlorhexidine, it is not recommended to use this product long term, as it may lead to bacterial resistance to the active ingredient and can eventually lead to increased tartar accumulation. Ask your veterinarian if this toothpaste is right for your dog and how long they would recommend its use. 

Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste

Highlights

The only Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved dog toothpaste. While not technically enzymatic, it uses calcium peroxide to stop plaque formation on tooth surfaces.

Things to Consider

More expensive than other options but may be worth it for its proven efficacy.

Enzyme Toothpaste for Dogs: What to Look For

When shopping for enzymatic toothpaste for your dog, consider the following:

• Ingredients: Look for products with enzymes like glucose oxidase or lactoperoxidase. Avoid harmful additives like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
• Flavor: Choose a flavor your dog loves in order to make brushing easier. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations if your dog has any food allergies or food sensitivities.
• VOHC approval: Products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal have been tested for efficacy.
• Compatibility: Ensure the toothpaste is safe for daily use and appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.

Tips for Using Dog Enzymatic Toothpaste

To get the most out of enzymatic toothpaste, follow these tips:

• Start slowly: Introduce the toothpaste gradually to let your dog get used to the taste and texture.
• Use a dog toothbrush: While applying the enzymatic toothpaste alone without brushing will help to reduce plaque and gingivitis, it will not be nearly as effective as when combined with brushing. A soft-bristled brush designed for dogs will be gentler on their gums.
• Brush regularly: Aim for at least 2-3 times per week for optimal results. If your dog already has gum disease, daily brushing is imperative. 
• Check for sensitivities: When using any new oral care product, ensure it is well tolerated by your dog and does not cause any vomiting or diarrhea. 
• Always use dog-safe toothpaste: Never use human toothpaste, as it can contain ingredients harmful to dogs.

Enzymatic toothpaste is a game-changer for canine dental care. By incorporating it into your dog’s routine, you can improve their oral health, prevent serious diseases, and keep their tail wagging for years to come.

For the best results, always combine home dental care with regular veterinary oral exams. Your veterinarian can give you the best advice on what toothpaste and other oral care products are most appropriate for your dog. 

References 

1. Barbosa, E., et al. “Strategies to Improve the Home Care of Periodontal Disease in Dogs: A Systematic Review.” Research in Veterinary Science, vol. 154, 1 Jan. 2023, pp. 8–14, doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.10.025
2. Watanabe, Kazuhiro et al. “Inhibitory effect for proliferation of oral bacteria in dogs by tooth brushing and application of toothpaste.” The Journal of veterinary medical science vol. 78,7 (2016): 1205-8. doi:10.1292/jvms.15-0277