Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Dental Water Additive Overall: Bodhi New Peppermint Dental Water Additive
“This dental water additive uses locally-sourced ingredients and has an effective cloves and honey formula that is not only 100% safe for dogs of any breed but also efficiently cleans your dog’s gums and teeth, addressing the cause of stinky breath.”
Best Plaque Solution: Pet King Zymox Oratene Water Additive
“Pet King Brands Zymox Water Additive Oral Solution is a healthy plaque solution that fixes deeper dental issues. Its advanced enzyme technology effectively eliminates tartar and prevents plaque from binding to your dog’s teeth.
Best Value For Money: Premium Pet Dental Water Additive
“This is an effective, affordable option made with all-natural, healthy ingredients that work to kill bacteria. It’s a highly recommended dental additive that fights gingivitis and aids in your dog’s digestion.”
Dental disease is one of the most common problems in dogs of all ages. Not only can it make you not want to be close to your pup, but it can also cause them pain, discomfort, and cause other health issues.
While there may be times you need to get your dog examined for underlying issues, the best dental water additive for dogs is a quick, easy, and affordable way of improving your pup’s mouth health and creating harmony again!
![Premium Pet Dental Water Additive for Dogs Cats & Small Animals-Dog Dental Care for Bad Pet Breath-Oral Mouth Care That Fights Tartar, Plaque and Gum Disease- [17 oz] Dog Toothpaste Deodorizer(1btl)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511EM8yEjML._SL160_.jpg)
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dental Water Additive for Dogs
- 1. Bodhi Dog New Peppermint Dental Water Additive
- 2. Pet King Zymox Oratene Water Additive
- 3. Premium Pet Dental Water Additive
- 4. Dental Fresh Water Additive
- 5. TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive
- 6. Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Dental Spray
- 7. Oxyfresh Premium Pet Water Additive
- 8. Arm and Hammer Dental Water Additive
- 1. Bodhi Dog New Peppermint Dental Water Additive
- How to Choose the Best Dental Water Additive for your Dog
- Questions & Answers
Best Dental Water Additive for Dogs
Give your pooch the best dental care with these highly recommended dental water additives:
- Best Dental Additive Overall: Bodhi Dog New Peppermint Dental Water Additive
- Best Plaque Solution: Pet King Zymox Oratene Water Additive
- Best Value For Money: Premium Pet Dental Water Additive
- Best Teeth Whitener: Dental Fresh Water Additive
- Best Range of Dental Solutions: TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive
- Best Dental Spray: Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Dental Spray
- Pet Parents’ Choice: Oxyfresh Premium Pet Water Additive
- Best for Picky Pups: Arm and Hammer Dental Water Additive
1. Bodhi Dog New Peppermint Dental Water Additive
Best Dental Water Additive Overall: All-Natural and Wholesome Ingredients
PROS
- Sustainable, locally sourced ingredients
- Controls plaque and tartar buildup
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Won the 2020 Family Choice Award
CONS
- Not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks old
The Bodhi New Peppermint Dental Water Additive is a favorite among pet parents because it is made of locally sourced, sustainable ingredients that are natural and wholesome.
Their premium mix of ingredients is said to freshen breath, control tartar and plaque, improve gingivitis symptoms, and help prevent cavities. Your dog will get a mix of peppermint, aloe vera, cloves, cinnamon, and honey in every mouthful of their water. There’s nothing artificial included, as well as no alcohol, xylitol, or other potentially harmful chemicals.
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Honey is a source of natural sugar, and a great way to sweeten pet products without adding artificial or unhealthy ingredients. It’s also a natural antibiotic, so it boosts the immune when taken in small quantities.
Add 2 tablespoons to a 16 oz bowl of water to start seeing (and smelling) results soon!
2. Pet King Zymox Oratene Water Additive
Best Plaque Solution: Healthy, Enzyme-based Solution
PROS
- Free from alcohol, xylitol, and chlorhexidine
- Enzyme-based solution that removes plaque and bad breath
- 2 pumps (½ teaspoon) per 4 cups of liquid
CONS
- Slightly pricey
The Pet King Zymox Oratene Water Additive is an enzyme-based pump-action solution that is packed with healthy ingredients directly targeting the microorganisms that’s causing your dog’s stinky breath.
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Enzyme-Based
Enzymes in this dental water additive directly kills the bacteria, fungi, and microbes that are responsible for terrible smelling mouths.
Dextranase, glucose oxidase, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and mutanase all serve this purpose. They’re completely natural and benefit your dog’s body, so there’s no need to worry about them being ingested.
![Premium Pet Dental Water Additive for Dogs Cats & Small Animals-Dog Dental Care for Bad Pet Breath-Oral Mouth Care That Fights Tartar, Plaque and Gum Disease- [17 oz] Dog Toothpaste Deodorizer(1btl)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511EM8yEjML.jpg)
PROS
- All-natural, healthy ingredients that promote healthy teeth and gums
- Affordable option that effectively prevents tartar buildup
- Works to kill bacteria and resolve dental disease in an enzymatic level
- Extremely safe with no artificial ingredients
CONS
- Might take some experimenting to figure out how much is right for your pet
The Premium Pet Dental Water Additive is filled with healthy ingredients and contains nothing artificial so it’s extremely safe for your pooch. It’s one of the more affordable breath freshener additives options, and is highly recommended if you’re on a budget.
The ingredients in this product are natural, healthy, and added in just the right quantities. They use important enzymes to attack bacteria, and not just mask the smell temporarily.
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High Quality Ingredient List
It contains spearmint extract, cinnamon, natural honey, cloves, aloe vera. Spearmint helps reduce foul breath, and isn’t dangerous in small quantities. Cinnamon is a great anti-inflammatory, and while large quantities of it can be toxic, the numbers in this spray are just fine.
Honey has antimicrobial and antibiotic properties, which work directly on the problem bacteria to neutralize them. Cloves are also a common fresh breath ingredient, although some dogs may not like the taste of them. They also offer some slight pain-relief properties!
4. Dental Fresh Water Additive
Best Teeth Whitener: Protects your dog’s gums and whitens their teeth
PROS
- Contains self-regulating formula that targets bad breath causing microorganisms
- Healthy ingredients that prevent the advancement of serious dental diseases
- Prevents plaque and tartar build up
- Lasts up to 12 hours
CONS
- Too much of it may cause diarrhea
Dental Fresh Water Additive is a great choice for pet parents who are looking for an oral care solution that’s made of all-natural ingredients with freshening effects that last for up to 12 hours.
Their main fresh breath product is the Dental water additive. It contains just 6 ingredients: purified water, glycerin, cetylpyridinium chloride, citric acid, potassium sorbate, and green tea leaf extract. Citric acid is a natural preservative, and green tea extract has been found to have antioxidant properties in the right doses. It also aids in removing plaque and tartar and reduces the risk of cancer!
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Product Range
They have two other products that are formulated to clean your dog’s teeth while also addressing some health concerns that they may have. Dogs who need a bit of extra joint support would benefit from the Hip & Joint additive, which gives a dash of glucosamine along with the fresh breath ingredients.
Pups who suffer from skin and coat allergies could try the Skin & Coat water, which has added Omega fatty acids to promote soft, supple skin and fur.
Just add a tablespoon of your chosen formula to your dog’s bowl each time you fill it up, and you should start noticing benefits after a short time!
5. TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive
Best Range of Dental Solutions: A wide variety of formula addressing specific dental concerns your dog may have
PROS
- Perfectly safe, paraben-free formulation
- Wide variety to choose from depending on your dog’s specific dental problem
- Suitable for all dog breeds and cats too
- Tasteless and odorless dental water additive
CONS
- The various recipes may not all work quite the same way – you may notice large improvements with one and not with another
TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive offers a quick and long-lasting solution to your dog’s dental problem. You can see significant results in as little as 14 days after starting your smelly-breathed pet on it.
Simply add a capful of the mixture to your dog’s 16 oz bowl each time you refill it. It’s odorless and tasteless, so your fluff shouldn’t even notice that there’s something extra in there. It’s another product that aims to work on the root of the problem and not just cover up a bad stench with some minty-freshness!
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Different Healthy Recipes
TropiClean offers a variety of options depending on your dog’s needs. Choose from:
Original: Contains purified water, glycerin, citric acid, sodium benzoate, zinc gluconate, chlorophyll, cetylpyridinium chloride, and green tea extract.
Advanced Whitening: Contains purified water, glycerin, citric acid, sodium benzoate, zinc chloride, chlorophyll, cetylpyridinium chloride, and green tea extract.
Hip & Joint: Contains purified water, glycerin, citric acid, sodium benzoate, glucosamine, chlorophyll, cetylpyridinium chloride, and green tea extract.
Skin & Coat: Contains purified water, glycerin, citric acid, sodium benzoate,Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, chlorophyll, cetylpyridinium chloride, and green tea extract.
Whatever your dog may be lacking, this dental additive can help him supplement a little. It’s important to know that the various recipes may not all offer the same fresh smell – some may seem slightly less effective than others, due to the combination of ingredients.
Chlorophyll
One of the most useful ingredients in these tooth cleaners is chlorophyll. Yes, it’s what makes plants green! But the addition of it to a dog’s diet can drastically help halitosis.
The reason for its great freshening properties is that it works from the inside out – it not only aids in cleaning your dog’s teeth and gums but helps prevent digestive issues that could cause a bad smell.
PROS
- Contains no alcohol or pesticides
- Can be used as a spray and H2O additive
- Extremely safe hypoallergenic and non-toxic formula
- Antiseptic properties that work at an enzymatic level
CONS
- Can be toxic to cats so may not be suitable if you have cats and dogs
Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Dental Spray is perfectly safe and tasty for your dog. It targets the cause of their bad breath directly so you can see results right away. It’s extremely easy and convenient to use. Just spray this into your dog’s mouth and it should help remove stinky smell while also addressing plaque and tartar build up.
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Healthy Ingredients
Some pet parents may be concerned about the addition of Stevia as a sweetener. In fact, it’s considered safe by the ASPCA. It’s a natural product and is one of the reasons this solution is so tasty to pets!
Aloe vera has been reported to reduce cancer risk in pets, and the scary-sounding sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are simply natural preservatives that are 5x below the maximum recommended level for pets.
PROS
- Fast acting oxygene formula is suitable for all animals
- Non-toxic and alcohol-free formulation
- No mint or tea tree to mask smells
- Undetectable water additive that cleans your dog’s teeth even without brushing
CONS
- Can be toxic to cats so may not be suitable if you have cats and dogs
The Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Water Additive works not just for dogs but for cats, birds, and other pets as well. So if you’re a parent to quite a diverse set of fur (or not) babies, this is a highly recommended dental additive you can use.
There is no green tea or minty ingredients that mask odor which most dental water additives have but only work temporarily.
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Natural Ingredients
Sodium hydroxide: This is used as a way to regulate acidity in your pet’s system. It’s considered safe in the right doses, as are all of these ingredients!
Sodium Benzoate: A natural preservative that is okay for pups but toxic to cats. Make sure your kitties don’t have access to your dog’s bowl if you’re using this!
Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex: An odor-reducer that’s considered safe in the right doses.
Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide (Oxygene®): This is Oxyfresh’s unique ingredient. It may sound chemical-like, but it’s considered to be an effective fungicide, bacteriacide, and antimicrobial agent and is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
It also contains zinc acetate, which can be toxic if used in high quantities, but is present in regulated amount in this product. Some pups who are prone to zinc deficiencies (Huskies, Great Danes, German Shepherds, to name a few) could benefit from the added zinc.
8. Arm and Hammer Dental Water Additive
Best for Picky Pups: Flavorless and odorless formula your dog won’t notice added to their food or drink
PROS
- Baking soda enhanced formula that’s effective in removing tartar
- Odorless and flavorless additive ideal for picky dogs
- One capful per 8 oz liquid
- Made from natural ingredients that’s 100% safe for your dogs
CONS
- Can be toxic to cats so may not be suitable if you have cats and dogs
Arm and Hammer Dental Water Additive uses baking soda to fight tartar and plaque. This is effective, and promotes teeth whitening too, as well as being an odor-remover.
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It also helps neutralize acidity in the stomach, so it’s not a bad dog dental ingredient at all, despite the worries of some pet parents. You’ll find perfect quantities in this product to be safe and effective for your pet.
How to Choose the Best Dental Water Additive for your Dog
1) Antibacterial/Antifungal Agents
The aim of these kinds of dog dental tooth cleaners is not simply to make life more bearable for pet owners. Although first priority is often to take care of the horrendous stench that floats out of your dog’s mouth, that’s not the most important thing here.
A quality water additive targets the root of the problem – not just the smell. Those that are created to mask the smell may serve a purpose, but in the end they’re doing nothing for your dog’s dental health.
We’ve tried to include products that contain an antibacterial or antifungal agent. These are the components that will actively work on the odor-causing bacteria or fungus in your dog’s mouth and digestive tract. The beauty is that they neutralize bacteria in the bowl too.
These are the gold standard for a product aimed at pups’ oral hygiene. If a product is simply a masking agent, we’ve mentioned that – and these could be good for pets who need a breath freshener because they like to chew on dodgy things in the garden.
If your dog suffers from chronic, constant terrible breath, though, there needs to be an antibacterial or antimicrobial agent present.
2) No Harmful Chemicals
Your dog drinks on a daily basis, multiple times a day. If they’re getting a mouthful of unhealthy chemicals every tip they lap up some liquid, it’s extremely easy for them to become sick.
We’ve made sure none of the dog teeth cleaners here contain xylitol, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorhexidine gluconate. While these products are meant to improve or even eliminate bad breath, the last thing we want is for them to fix one problem and create another.
We’ve done our best to ensure the additives we’ve reviewed are free from harmful chemicals. Different pets react differently to products, of course – but in the interest of safety we’ve chosen products that avoid these potentially dangerous chemicals entirely.
3) Odorless
This can be a bit of a tough one to figure out. A dog’s nose is an astounding 10 000+ times more sensitive than our basic human ones! So even if you can’t smell anything when sniffing this product, your dog may get a whiff when it’s in his bowl.
The way to look at it is to consider the fact that if you can smell the odor of the product, then your dog definitely can – 10 000 times more strongly!
We’ve made every effort to choose odorless additives for this list. We haven’t personally sniffed every one – but we’ve done an extensive research to find what the sniffers do have to say about it.
Questions & Answers
How do dental water additives work?
A dental additive tooth cleaner for dogs contains breath-freshening and tartar-reducing ingredients. The ingredients are carefully chosen and aim to alter the pH of your dog’s breath, improving oral hygiene and preventing further tartar buildup.
Many dog tooth cleaners contain antibacterial or antifungal ingredients, to help reduce bacteria in addition to cleaning the plaque off your dog’s teeth.
Some are purely for breath freshening purposes, and simply mask the bad breath smell. Ideally, though, you want to choose one that has some plaque and tartar removal or reduction properties.
Dental water that helps fight bacteria, prevent tartar buildup, treat gingivitis, and improve bad breath are the ones you should be looking at. We want to improve the problem at the root, not just cover it up!
Another great thing about the best dental water additives for dogs is that by placing the solution into their water bowl, the bacteria in the bowl gets dealt with before your dog even takes a sip.
Are dental water additives safe for dogs?
Generally, these products are safe for pets. Most contain natural ingredients that assist with dog dental hygiene. But how do you know when a particular dog tooth cleaner additive isn’t safe? There are a few warning signs.
The best dental water additive for dogs should never contain:
- Xylitol
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate
- Alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
Xylitol is highly poisonous to animals, and some dental bad breath additives use it as a sweetening agent. This is the biggest red flag of an unsafe product for pets!
Chlorhexidine gluconate can be a tricky one. It’s an effective antiseptic, which may lead to some people believing that it’s helpful in a dog teeth cleaner. The reality is, though, it’s often used to treat skin problems. Used in this way, it’s perfectly healthy. But when ingested, it can be unhealthy and lead to further problems.
Alcohol is never a good idea in a pet supplement. It’s toxic to pups and can lead to some side effects that aren’t worth the fresh breath!
Hydrogen peroxide is a good teeth cleaner for pets but it’s also commonly used to induce vomiting if a dog needs to empty its stomach.
If there is an ingredient on the list that you aren’t sure about, there’s nothing to be lost from a quick Google search!
How can I get plaque off my dog’s teeth naturally?
With up to 85% of dogs having some form of dental health problem by the time they’re 3 years old, it’s pretty much impossible to avoid plaque entirely.
To ensure your dog has as little buildup as possible, you can feed them a high-quality kibble, give them healthy dental chews, encourage them to play with chew toys, and feed them raw bones to help scrape the plaque off their teeth.
It’s also worth knowing that while kibble, liquid additives, and chews can help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup, none of them should take the place of brushing your dog’s teeth.
Brushing can reach plaque and tartar in places chewing can’t. Choose a high-quality, all-natural toothpaste, though! If your dog doesn’t enjoy you cleaning his teeth, you may have to take him to the vet for regular plaque checkups and cleaning.
