Top 5 Recommended Pet Tartar Control Products for 2026

Oral HealthTop PicksMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compared five effective products for managing tartar in pets, categorized by type, and outlined the right criteria for choosing and using them.

Why Is Choosing the Right Product Important for Pet Tartar?

A slight buildup of tartar on the dog's teeth

Pet dental care products, such as dental chews, sprays, and water additives, help inhibit tartar formation and maintain oral health. According to veterinary textbooks, tartar forms when plaque hardens by binding with minerals like calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate from breath, saliva, and plaque itself. If left untreated, it can progress from gingivitis to periodontal disease, and in severe cases, may even require tooth extraction. Consistent daily care is key. However, many pets dislike brushing, and every household has its own routine. Today, we’ll compare five types of products that support tartar management besides brushing. Choose the one that best fits your pet’s personality and lifestyle.

What Types of Tartar Control Products Are There?

There are five main types of pet tartar control products available on the market.

Dental chews: These physically scrape plaque off tooth surfaces as your pet chews. Since they double as treats, pets are less likely to resist them.

Oral sprays: Sprayed directly into the mouth to inhibit bacterial growth. Ideal for pets that are difficult to brush.

Water additives: Mixed into your pet’s daily drinking water. This is the most convenient option for pet owners.

Pet-specific toothpaste: Contains enzymes to enhance brushing effectiveness. Works well when used with a finger brush.

Dental toys: Massage tooth surfaces while your pet chews and plays. Best suited for pets who love to chew.

Comparison Table of Pros and Cons by Type

Compare the key features of each product type at a glance.

Type	Plaque Removal Effectiveness	Convenience	Resistance	Recommended For
Dental Chews	★★★★	★★★★	Low	Dogs who enjoy chewing
Oral Spray	★★★	★★★	Moderate	Pets who resist brushing
Water Additive	★★	★★★★★	Very Low	Sensitive cats
Pet-Specific Toothpaste	★★★★★	★★	High	Pets trained to accept brushing
Dental Toys	★★	★★★★	Low	Active dogs

TOP 1. Dental Chews — The Most Popular Choice

Dental chews are the most popular type of tartar control product. They work by physically removing plaque that has accumulated on your pet’s teeth as they chew.

Selection criteria: Choose products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance, which verifies their effectiveness. It is also important to select the appropriate size for your pet’s weight. Chews that are too small pose a choking hazard if swallowed whole, while those that are too large can strain the jaw.

Usage tips: Offer one chew per day after meals. Since they contain calories, be sure to factor them into your pet’s total daily treat allowance.

TOP 2. Oral Sprays — An Alternative to Brushing

For dogs who strongly dislike brushing, oral sprays are a practical alternative. They’re much quicker and easier than brushing since you just need to spray them a few times in the mouth.

How it works: The main ingredients are antibacterial agents that inhibit bacterial growth in the mouth and slow down the process of plaque hardening into tartar. However, they cannot dissolve existing tartar.

Selection criteria: Choose products formulated with ingredients approved for use in pets. If you're using it on a cat, be sure to check for any toxic components.

Usage tips: It’s most effective when used daily after meals. Avoid giving water or food immediately after application to allow the ingredients enough time to work in the mouth.

TOP 3. Water Additives — The Most Convenient Method

All you need to do is add the specified amount to the water bowl, making it the most hands-off option for pet owners. This is especially beneficial for cats who strongly dislike having their mouths or faces touched.

Selection criteria: Choose a product that is nearly colorless and odorless. If the taste or smell is too strong, your pet may refuse to drink the water altogether. It’s best to start with half the recommended dose and gradually increase it.

Realistic expectations: Water additives alone cannot completely prevent tartar buildup. They are most effective when used as a supplementary measure alongside tooth brushing or dental chews.

A cat drinking water and a water additive product

Products Alone Cannot Remove Tartar

Dental care products are designed to prevent tartar buildup and slow its progression. Once tartar has hardened, it can only be removed at a veterinary clinic through professional scaling under general anesthesia. According to veterinary textbooks, after removing tartar with an ultrasonic scaler, the tooth surfaces must be polished. Be sure to have your pet undergo a regular oral examination once a year.

TOP 4. Pet-Specific Toothpaste — The Most Effective Option

To be honest, brushing is the most effective way to prevent tartar buildup. Pet-specific toothpastes contain enzymes that help chemically control plaque in the mouth. In contrast, human toothpaste should never be used on pets. According to veterinary textbooks, human toothpaste contains detergents, foaming agents, and fluoride, which can become toxic if swallowed over a long period. Dogs and cats cannot spit or rinse like humans do, so they inevitably swallow the paste. Additionally, xylitol, an ingredient found in some human toothpastes, can cause toxicity in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia and liver damage (though it is known to be non-toxic to cats).

Selection Criteria: Toothpastes containing enzymes are the most effective. Choosing a flavor your pet enjoys, such as chicken or beef, can help reduce resistance.

Usage Tips: Start by letting your pet lick the toothpaste off your finger. Gradually progress from a finger brush to a small toothbrush, increasing the steps slowly.

A pet owner brushing their dog's teeth with a finger brush

TOP 5. Dental Toys — Care While Playing

This is an excellent choice for active dogs who love to chew. The toy’s bumps and grooves stimulate the area between the teeth and gums, helping to remove plaque.

Selection criteria: Avoid materials that are too hard, as they can cause tooth fractures. Opt for materials with a slight give—firm enough to resist puncturing with a fingernail, yet flexible enough to indent slightly. Natural rubber and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) are commonly used.

Precautions: Replace the toy immediately if any pieces break off, as ingestion can lead to intestinal blockage. Always supervise your dog during play.

Cat Owners Must Check Ingredients

When using oral care products for cats, it’s a good idea to double-check the ingredients. Even with the same ingredients, toxic reactions can vary depending on the animal species. According to veterinary textbooks, detergents, foaming agents, and fluoride found in human oral care products can cause toxicity if ingested by dogs and cats over a long period. Since pets can’t spit or rinse like humans, extra caution is necessary. Therefore, it’s safest to choose products specifically approved for pets and those that meet efficacy standards (such as VOHC). Always check if the product is labeled “safe for cats” on the back, and consult your veterinarian before using any product with uncertain ingredients.

How to Boost Effectiveness by Combining Products

Combining two to three products is far more effective for preventing tartar buildup than relying on a single product. Veterinary dental specialists also recommend this multi-pronged approach. Recommended combination examples:

For pets that tolerate brushing: Pet-specific toothpaste (daily) + dental chews (3–4 times per week) + annual professional cleaning and examination

For pets that struggle with brushing: Oral spray (daily) + water additive (daily) + dental chews (3–4 times per week)

For cats: Water additive (daily) + oral spray (3–4 times per week) + annual professional cleaning and examination

Regardless of the combination you choose, regular oral examinations at your veterinary clinic are essential and should never be skipped.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip brushing my pet’s teeth if I just give them dental chews?

Dental chews don’t completely replace toothbrushing. While they help clean the tooth surfaces to some extent, they struggle to remove plaque from between the gums and teeth (the gingival sulcus). Combining them with regular brushing is ideal, but if brushing is truly difficult, we recommend pairing dental chews with a dental spray.

At what age can I start using dental tartar control products for my pet?

Most products can be used once the permanent teeth have fully erupted. Since the timing of permanent tooth eruption varies among dogs and cats, please confirm that teething is complete and check the recommended age for each product. For dental chews, be cautious during the teething period, as they may strain the gums.

How often should my pet get a dental scaling?

We recommend regular dental check-ups, and if your veterinarian determines it’s necessary, they will proceed with professional scaling. Dogs with periodontal disease or those prone to heavy tartar buildup may need professional cleanings every 3–4 months. Small breeds and certain dog types may require even more frequent care, so it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal schedule for your pet.

Can I use human toothpaste on my pet?

Absolutely not. According to veterinary textbooks, human toothpaste contains detergents, foaming agents, and fluoride, which can become toxic if ingested over a long period. Since dogs and cats cannot spit or rinse like humans do, they inevitably swallow the paste. Additionally, xylitol, an ingredient found in some human toothpastes, can be toxic to dogs. Therefore, you must always use toothpaste specifically formulated for pets.

Can cats eat dental chews?

There are dental treats specifically formulated for cats. Since dog dental chews may not be the right size or hardness for cats, always choose products designed exclusively for feline use.

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References

[1] The Dog Care Handbook: Things I Wish My Vet Had Told Me — Dental scaling, calculus, and periodontal disease chapters

[2] 100 Top Consultations in Small Animal General Practice — Chapter 36 – Dental Disease — Calculus, gingivitis and periodontal disease treatment and prevention

[3] Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice (Wiggs & Lobprise) — Home care and dental prophylaxis guidelines

[4] Small Animal Internal Medicine (Nelson & Couto) — Oral and dental disease in dogs and cats