Does your dog’s breath stink? Is there a build up of tartar in their teeth? Do you have difficulty brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis? A dog dental water additive may help decrease plaque and tartar build up on your dog’s teeth while helping to freshen their breath.
Best Dental Water Additives:
| Well & Good Tartar Control Water Additive | |
| PetHonesty Oral Hygiene Dog Dental Water Additive | |
| Be Fresh Dental Care Solution | |
| Dr. Pol Dental Water Additive | |
| Zymax Oratene Oral Care Water Additive |
These are the top VOHC approved dental water additives:
| TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution For Dogs | |
| Bluestem Oral Care Dental Water Additive | |
| Naturel Promise Fresh Dental Water Additive |
What Is A Dog Dental Water Additive?
A dog dental water additive is a liquid specially formulated to decrease plaque and tartar on dog’s teeth.
It also contains ingredients that help to freshen breath by destroying harmful bacteria.
Dental water additives are tasteless and odorless so your dog won’t know or mind having it in their water.
Why Should I Use A Dog Dental Water Additive?
To keep your dog’s mouth clean, it is recommended to brush your dog’s teeth 2-3 times a week. This can help prevent the build-up of plaque on your dog’s teeth.
If plaque builds up on your dog’s teeth, this can lead to other problems, such as tartar or more seriously, gum disease.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to more serious health concerns, like infections and tooth loss, not to mention the huge vet bill for having all of this taken care of.
Sometimes, brushing your dog’s teeth alone won’t get the job done and adding a dental water additive can provide an extra boost to your dog’s dental cleaning regimen.
Other times, it is just impossible to brush your dog’s teeth or you are not able to brush them as often as you would like. Using a dental water additive can help fight plaque, tartar, and bad breath. A dental chew can also be beneficial to add to your dog’s oral care.
How Do I Use A Dog Dental Water Additive?
Use a dog dental water additive according to the manufacturer‘s instructions.
Usually, you add one capful of the dental additive per one cup of water. This could vary based on the strength and composition of the additive.
Do Dental Water Additives For Dogs Work?
Dental water additives can work to help clean dog teeth. They contain ingredients that can help break down plaque and tartar and help to fight bad breath by stopping the spread of bad bacteria in the mouth.
Are Water Additives For Dog’s Breath Safe?
Dental water additives are safe to use when used as directed.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how much additive to put in your dog’s water.
Wash your dog’s water bowl every day and dump out any water your dog didn’t drink from the day before.
Just because something is safe to use does not mean it is right for your dog. There have been cases of dogs developing gastrointestinal issues when using dog dental water additives, like diarrhea and vomiting.
- Check the ingredients to make sure your dog is not allergic to anything.
- Start with a half dose to see if your dog tolerates it before giving them the full dose.
- You may want to use the additive after your dog has eaten to help combat any digestive side effects.
*A Note About Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is a preservative used in foods to prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from growing. On its own, it is considered safe for consumption.
The issue becomes when it is combined with ascorbic acid, or vitamin C.
When the two are combined, it forms a compound known as benzene. Benzene has been shown to cause cancer in humans.
For this reason, a lot of people are very hesitant to give their dogs products that contain this combination of ingredients.
Many dog dental water additives contain sodium benzoate and vitamin C or citric acid. Check labels carefully if this is a concern for you.
What is The Best Dog Dental Water Additive?
The best dog dental water additive is one that your dog doesn’t mind having in their water and is successful at removing your dog’s plaque and getting rid of their bad breath.
We have provided some of the top dental water additives according to users. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
All of these listed dental additives do a good job at freshening bad breath.
NONE of the dental water additives we selected contain the combination of sodium benzoate and vitamin C.
Well & Good Tartar Control Water Additive
- Reduces tartar build up.
- Freshens breath.
- Whitens teeth.
- Odor free.
- Flavor free.
- Give during or after meals to decrease gastrointestinal upset.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Whitens teeth.
- Decreases tartar.
PetHonesty Oral Hygiene Dog Dental Water Additive
- Manages plaque and tartar build up.
- Freshens breath.
- Formulated with natural ingredients.
- Contains grape seed, sage, and cinnamon.
- Odor free.
- Flavor free.
- Do not use it if your dog is on anticoagulants or pregnant.
- Made in the USA.
Be Fresh Dental Care Solution
- Kills plaque and tartar causing bacteria.
- Whitens teeth.
- Freshens breath.
- For dogs over 8 weeks old.
- Made in the USA.
Dr. Pol Dental Water Additive
- Reduces plaque and tartar.
- Fights bacteria and gum disease.
- Promotes fresh breath.
- Odor free.
- Flavor free.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Cleans teeth.
Zymax Oratene Oral Care Water Additive
- Manages bad breath.
- Combats dry mouth.
- Manages plaque build up.
- Flavor free.
- Reduces odor causing germs.
- Alcohol free.
- Made in the USA.
VOHC Approved Water Additives For Dogs
There is a list of Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved dog dental water additives listed on their website.
According to VOHC, products that are given their seal show proof of clinical trials that show their product is effective at reducing plaque and tartar build up. The VOHC does not actually test the products.
As stated on the VOHC website:
When VOHC authorizes use of its Registered Seal, VOHC makes no certification, representation, or warranty as to safety and certifies only that, upon application for the right to use the Registered Seal, the product met VOHC’s Standards for effectiveness in retarding plaque and tartar when used as directed.
Veterinary Oral Health Council
Here are the top 3 dog dental water additives available that are VOHC approved.
TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution For Dogs
- Provides defense of plaque and tartar.
- Gives your dog fresh breath.
- Fights bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Made in the USA.
Bluestem Oral Care Dental Water Additive
- Provides protection against plaque and tartar.
- Formulated to break down biofilm where bacteria can multiply.
- Freshens breath.
- Made from food grade ingredients.
- Can be used in water fountains.
- Made in Canada.
Naturel Promise Fresh Dental Water Additive
- Defends against plaque and tartar.
- Provides fresh breath.
- Made in the USA.
Dog breath is stinky, but it doesn’t have to be. A dog dental water additive used as part of an oral cleaning routine can help combat plaque, tartar, and bad breath.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.