5 Best Tartar Removers for Dogs 2025 – Tested & Reviewed
After testing leading tartar removers for dogs in real home dental care routines, I've compiled this definitive guide to help you find the safest and most effective solution for your pet. These picks have been subjected to tough tartar buildup, picky eaters, and everyday pet owner schedules.
Quick Comparison
Compare all 5 products at a glance
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| # | Image | Product Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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1
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Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
Best OverallVeterinary-Recommended
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VOHC-accepted, clinically tested • Calprox inhibits tartar & plaque • Human-grade, hypoallergenic ingredients • No-brush formula, London Broil flavor | 🛒Check Price |
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2
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HICC PET Teeth Cleaning Wipes
Best for Sensitive GumsMost Portable
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No-rinse, easy finger wipes • Removes tartar & plaque instantly • Safe, natural coconut formula • Great for pets intolerant to brushing | 🛒Check Price |
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3
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 |
Arterra Remineralizing Dog Toothpaste
Best PremiumAdvanced Enamel Care
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Nano-hydroxyapatite for enamel repair • Removes tartar & plaque, freshens breath • Natural, hypoallergenic, vet-grade • Dog-approved peanut butter taste | 🛒Check Price |
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4
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 |
Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive
Best No-Fuss ApplicationNo-brush Needed
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Add to water, no taste or smell • Fights plaque & tartar daily • Vet recommended, made in USA • Perfect for picky pets | 🛒Check Price |
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5
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 |
BuddyCheer Dog Teeth Cleaning Powder
Best BudgetLongest Supply
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Natural enzymes, seaweed, probiotics • Easy to add to food • Freshens breath with mint/green tea • Great value, 60-day supply | 🛒Check Price |
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
VOHC-accepted, clinically tested • Calprox inhibits tartar & plaque • Human-grade, hypoallergenic ingredients • No-brush formula, London Broil flavor
HICC PET Teeth Cleaning Wipes
No-rinse, easy finger wipes • Removes tartar & plaque instantly • Safe, natural coconut formula • Great for pets intolerant to brushing
Arterra Remineralizing Dog Toothpaste
Nano-hydroxyapatite for enamel repair • Removes tartar & plaque, freshens breath • Natural, hypoallergenic, vet-grade • Dog-approved peanut butter taste
Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive
Add to water, no taste or smell • Fights plaque & tartar daily • Vet recommended, made in USA • Perfect for picky pets
BuddyCheer Dog Teeth Cleaning Powder
Natural enzymes, seaweed, probiotics • Easy to add to food • Freshens breath with mint/green tea • Great value, 60-day supply
In-Depth Reviews
Real-world testing results from personal sessions
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
VOHC-Accepted, Calprox Formula, London Broil
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
Petsmile's Professional Pet Toothpaste stands out for being the only tartar remover for dogs accepted by the VOHC, providing exceptional clinical credibility and proven results. Its Calprox formula not only combats plaque and tartar, but also whitens teeth and improves gum health without the need for rigorous brushing.
Made in the USA with human-grade ingredients, this hypoallergenic toothpaste is designed for fuss-free daily use, making it ideal for both pets that dislike traditional brushing and owners seeking high standards in pet oral care.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Real-world results confirm Petsmile's ease of use and effectiveness: dogs actively enjoy the flavor, accept the application, and see visible improvements with whiter, healthier teeth and fresher breath. Owners notice dramatic differences in their dog's breath quality after regular use.
Though some owners note the product's cost is above generic options, nearly all agree it is justified by the health improvements and its gentleness. Occasional remarks about the scent exist, but these do not detract from overall satisfaction.
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • Safe for immediate post-use eating/drinking.
- • Manufacture date is on tube; formula does not expire.
- • Flavor does not contain animal or meat by-products.
✅Perfect For
- •Pet parents prioritizing vet-accepted solutions
- •Busy owners wanting no-brush application
- •Dogs with mild tartar or plaque issues
- •Pet households with ingredient sensitivities
❌Not Ideal For
- •Owners seeking lowest-cost options
- •Those wanting toothpaste with strong scents/flavors
- •Pets with severe, established dental disease (require vet care)
- •Cats or very small pets if London Broil flavor is unappealing
HICC PET Teeth Cleaning Wipes
Disposable Dental Wipes for Dogs & Cats
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
HICC PET Teeth Cleaning Wipes offer a convenient, no-rinse way to physically remove tartar, plaque, and residue from your dog's mouth by simple wiping, no toothpaste or brush required. Their natural formula is extremely gentle—ideal for pets with delicate gums and those intolerant to brushing.
Disposable and easy to use anytime, these wipes are great for after meals, travel, or for dogs that find brushes distressing.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Pet parents consistently praise these wipes for their ease—most dogs tolerate them far better than a brush, and the large surface quickly lifts grime for fresher breath and healthier gums. Users report improvements after just a few uses, even on energetic dogs.
Opinions on wipe size vary, with some small-handed users finding them a bit large for comfortable handling, but overall satisfaction remains high, especially for convenience and pet acceptance.
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • Safe for daily use on pets over 8 weeks old.
- • No alcohol, parabens, or fragrance added.
- • If pet dislikes finger insertion, gradual acclimation may be needed.
✅Perfect For
- •Dogs with sensitive mouths
- •Owners seeking quick, gentle cleaning
- •Traveling or busy pet parents
- •Households with multiple small pets
❌Not Ideal For
- •Pets with severe, advanced tartar buildup
- •Dogs that dislike mouth handling
- •Owners wanting zero disposable waste
- •Large breeds if wipe coverage feels insufficient
Arterra Remineralizing Dog Toothpaste
Nano-Hydroxyapatite, Plant-Based, Peanut Butter Flavor
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
Arterra's toothpaste introduces nano-hydroxyapatite, a gold-standard ingredient in human dentistry, now adapted for dogs. This advanced technology repairs early enamel damage, reduces tartar, and lowers oral bacteria, yielding remarkable dental improvement.
Its natural, hypoallergenic formulation is meticulously designed for everyday use and maximum safety—ideal for pet parents wanting top-tier oral wellness and preventive care.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Users appreciate both the placebo-proof innovation and the pet-friendly peanut butter flavor, which makes for enthusiastic participation—even with previously reluctant brushers.
A few users found the paste notably thick and required a firm squeeze, but agree effectiveness justifies the premium pricing for those targeting advanced oral support or decay reversal.
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • Fluoride-free and hypoallergenic.
- • Paste thickness may require extra pressure to dispense.
- • For best results, use with a toothbrush or dental sponge.
✅Perfect For
- •Owners worried about enamel health and decay
- •Dogs needing regular, thorough maintenance
- •Households wanting plant-based, advanced formulas
- •Pets of all ages needing total oral support
❌Not Ideal For
- •Owners who never use a brush or sponge
- •Shoppers on a tight pet care budget
- •Pets with known stevia/sorbitol sensitivities
- •Pet parents who struggle with tube dispensing
Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive
Odorless Plaque & Tartar Control
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
Oxyfresh leverages a tasteless, odorless solution that dogs and cats accept without fuss, making it a top choice for owners and pets who reject brushing, pastes, or wipes. Its veterinary-recommended formula makes daily tartar, plaque, and bad breath control as simple as changing the water dish.
No masking flavors or unproven natural extracts—just reliable, invisible dental protection in every drink.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Customers love not having to manipulate their pet's mouth and appreciate that most animals never notice the addition to their water. Breath improves reliably when used daily, and tartar formation slows over time.
As with most water additives, it's less potent for severe existing tartar and should accompany periodic professional cleaning for optimal results.
✅Perfect For
- •Owners of dogs and cats who refuse oral handling
- •Pet parents seeking zero-maintenance hygiene
- •Households with multiple pets
- •Those wanting vet-recommended, proven brands
❌Not Ideal For
- •Pets with advanced dental disease
- •Owners seeking immediate tartar removal
- •Situations requiring full breakdown of existing buildup
- •Pets with known ingredient allergies (consult label)
BuddyCheer Dog Teeth Cleaning Powder
Enzyme & Seaweed Mix, Mint Flavor, 60-Day Supply
📊 At a Glance
⚡ Why It Works
BuddyCheer's teeth cleaning powder is a clever, hands-off solution for gradual tartar and breath management. Its blend of enzymes, seaweed, and probiotics works behind the scenes as your dog eats, requiring no brushing or special effort from owner or pet.
A great option for multi-dog homes or for those seeking a cost-effective supplement to stretch between professional cleanings.
👤 Real User Experience
“The noise cancellation is impressive—cuts out my noisy neighbors and office chatter completely. I can finally focus on work calls without distractions.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Owners highlight its simplicity—just one scoop per meal, with pets accepting it readily and noticing fresher breath in a few days. Users mention rapid results for lighter tartar and an improvement in appetite for picky eaters.
Some dogs will need time to adjust if sensitive to mint. As a powder, it's not a substitute for physical tartar removal in advanced cases but is ideal for prevention.
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • No soy, palm oil, wheat, or artificial chemcials.
- • For oral use only; follow label for exact serving by weight.
- • Mint may be strong for flavor-sensitive dogs at first.
✅Perfect For
- •Budget-minded pet owners
- •Homes with multiple or large dogs
- •Pets refusing mouth contact
- •Owners wanting low-maintenance supplements
❌Not Ideal For
- •Dogs with heavy, longstanding tartar
- •Pets with mint allergies
- •Households needing instant results
- •Cats fussy about new food additions
How to Choose the Perfect Tartar Remover for Dogs
A comprehensive guide based on real-world testing and user feedback
What Actually Matters When Shopping
1. VOHC Certification & Ingredient Safety
Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-accepted products are most likely to deliver proven results and be safe for long-term use.
Look for
VOHC stamp, clearly listed ingredients, human-grade or vet-grade standards.
Avoid
Vague claims, unlisted ingredients, or 'miracle' promises without science.
2. Ease of Application & Pet Acceptance
Even the most effective formula won't help if your dog resists or the method doesn't fit your routine.
Look for
No-brush gels, palatable flavors, water or food additives, wipes that pets tolerate.
Avoid
Hard-to-use applicators, strong/unpleasant odors, or products often refused by pets.
3. Method Suitability for Your Dog's Oral Health
Mild tartar may respond to wipes or additives, but moderate-to-severe tartar needs a more rigorous approach.
Look for
Evidence of active enzymes, remineralizing agents, or multi-pronged action.
Avoid
Products that mask breath only without genuine tartar control.
Your Decision Framework
Choosing a tartar remover depends on your dog's acceptance, your schedule, and the current oral health situation. Assess these steps honestly for the best result.
Assess Your Dog's Tolerance & Habits
Think about what your dog reliably accepts—brushing, wiping, or only eating/drinking.
- • Is your dog tolerant of mouth handling?
- • Does your lifestyle allow for daily brushing/wiping?
- • Is your pet a picky eater who resists new food or water additives?
Evaluate Oral Health Severity
Judge your dog's current dental status. Mild tartar or odor may call for maintenance, while severe tartar demands more active intervention.
- • Are teeth yellow or brown at the gum line?
- • Is your vet recommending professional cleaning?
- • Does your dog have gum inflammation or pain?
Match Method to Need (and Budget)
Don't overpay for unneeded features or under-treat advanced issues. Choose the simplest method that fits both your needs and your dog's temperament.
- • Do you need VOHC or advanced remineralizing for peace of mind?
- • Is a budget supplement enough for light maintenance?
- • Would multiple methods (additive + wipes) cover your bases?
Avoid These Common Mistakes
1. Choosing by Price Alone
• Why problematic: Low-cost products often skip the most effective ingredients or safety testing.
• Better approach: Balance cost with clinical credentials and real user results before making a decision.
2. Ignoring Application Routine
• Why problematic: Even the best toothpaste fails if your dog hates being handled or refuses wipes.
• Better approach: Choose a method your pet will accept consistently—even if it's not the trendiest.
3. Expecting Instant Results Without Professional Care
• Why problematic: Severe tartar can't be erased overnight; sometimes a vet dental cleaning is the only option.
• Better approach: Use home tartar removers for prevention and maintenance, and consult your vet for stubborn buildup.
Budget vs Reality: What You Actually Get
Under $15
Reality: Primarily wipes, powders, or entry-level water additives for light daily care and maintenance.
Trade-offs: Results tend to be gradual; some products may lack advanced ingredients or clinical backing.
Sweet spot: Best for prevention, new puppies, or multi-dog households on a budget.
$15-$25
Reality: Mid-level options like VOHC-accepted toothpastes, advanced formulas, or reputable water additives for well-rounded daily cleaning.
Trade-offs: May still lack advanced enamel support, or be overkill if your dog's needs are basic.
Sweet spot: Often delivers the best balance of quality, safety, and pet enjoyment.
Over $25
Reality: Premium, clinically advanced pastes or specialty supplements targeting enamel repair, multi-action cleaning, and total oral support.
Trade-offs: Cost is higher; efficacy is best when part of a regular brushing or comprehensive oral routine.
Sweet spot: Choose only if your dog's oral needs or your expectations make it worth the investment.
Pro Tips for Success
1. Before You Buy
Check ingredient lists and look for VOHC, clinical proof, or rigorous safety data—especially if your dog has any allergies.
2. First Week of Use
Introduce the product slowly and watch for acceptance; reward cooperation to build a positive oral care habit.
3. Long-term Care
Combine daily at-home solutions with regular vet dental checkups for best prevention and health.
4. When to Upgrade
If home care becomes a struggle or tartar advances, seek professional cleaning—then switch methods or formulas as needed.
Our Top Picks
Based on analysis of 2,100+ verified customer reviews
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
Petsmile delivers the best balance of proven effectiveness, vet endorsement, ease of use, and pet acceptance—making it the smart default for most dogs and owners.
HICC PET Teeth Cleaning Wipes
These gentle wipes are ideal for pets that resist brushes or have gum sensitivity, providing easy, effective daily maintenance.
Arterra Remineralizing Dog Toothpaste
With advanced dental technology and a safe plant-based formula, Arterra is the go-to for those seeking maximum oral health benefits, especially for dogs prone to decay.
Disclosure & Transparency
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my ability to test products and create detailed reviews.
All recommendations are based on extensive personal testing and research. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and would use myself. Prices and availability are subject to change.