We, dog owners, understand how it feels to be having a cuddle with your pooch, and then suddenly, you get a whiff of their breath! While daily brushing is recommended for your dogs’ teeth, sometimes it can be difficult if your furbaby isn’t used to the toothbrush. So, are there alternatives? If so, what are they, and how effective are they for your dog’s dental hygiene?
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Well, that’s why we reviewed the best water additives for your dog’s teeth so that you can tackle your dog’s bad breath (and oral health) with confidence.
Best Water Additives for Dogs in 2024
In this handy little buyers guide, we will be talking about what water additives for dogs’ teeth are, what they do for your dog, if they’re harmful to your dog or not, and various other topics you need to know before buying water additives for your dog. We’ll also be answering your frequently asked questions in our FAQ at the end of the buyer’s guide. So, let’s jump into it.
What are Water Additives for Dogs’ Teeth?
Simply put, water additives for dogs’ teeth are mouthwash for dogs. They help to freshen breath, fight plaque and tartar build up, and generally keep your dog’s mouth clean and fresh. However, they are not a replacement for brushing your dog’s teeth or taking them for their yearly dental checkups. So, since we asked the question in the introduction, are there alternatives?
Unfortunately, there will always be the daily battle to get them brushed, but there are many techniques and strategies for you to get your dog used to the toothbrush. Water additives help your dog’s oral hygiene throughout the day as they drink their water and help them have stronger, healthier teeth for longer.
How to use water additives for dogs’ teeth?
The way to use water additives for your dog’s teeth obviously changes from brand to brand. Before you use any of them, please make sure you read the label and instructions carefully. And make sure that before you try anything new for your dog, check with your veterinarian just in case your dog has any underlying health conditions that may be impacted by any of the chemicals inside the water additives.
As a general rule of thumb, however, most water additives require you to add a certain measurement of the product to your dog’s water each day. This is where you need to be thorough in checking the instructions carefully as you need to make sure you’re getting the correct measurement of additive per ounce of water.
Lastly, ensure that, once the water with the additive in it has been consumed, their bowl is thoroughly washed out so that there isn’t any residue from the additives left. Usually, you do this once every day to keep your dog’s dental health in check.
What do water additives do for your dog?
Well, water additives do a lot for your dog’s dental hygiene. They help to kill the bacteria in your dog’s mouth as well as prevent the build-up of tartar and plaque. By killing the bacteria, it helps prevent this bacteria from being transferred into your pooch’s bloodstream and causing all sorts of problems, and it helps freshen their breath and avoid gum disease.
There are many positives to using water additives for your dog but remember that it is not a substitute for brushing. Don’t use the additives in place of a good oral hygiene routine for your pup. Instead, use the water additives for your dog’s teeth to supplement your oral hygiene routine and create better, longer-lasting results for your dog’s teeth.
Are water additives harmful to your dog?
No. Water additives are essentially harmless to your dog. Of course, please make sure you’re checking with your veterinarian before starting any new supplements to make sure your dog isn’t sensitive to any of the ingredients or that they will clash with any existing medication your dog might be on.
However, there is one ingredient you should look out for, and that is Xylitol. Xylitol has appeared in a few brands of water additives in the past and could have a severe impact on your pooch’s health. Please make sure you check the ingredients thoroughly and avoid any products with Xylitol on the label.
How do you keep your dog’s teeth healthy?
Having a good dental routine is vital for your dog’s oral health. Brushing your pup’s teeth is something you should be doing every day. Make sure you use a proper pet-safe toothpaste, and you can substitute a brush for a piece of cloth or gauze over your finger.
You can help to make your pup’s oral hygiene even better by using things like water additives for your dog’s teeth. Special chews formulated for your dog’s teeth, and even, following advice from your veterinarian, give your dog a specially created diet that promotes good dental health.
General FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions on water additives for dog’s teeth answered for you.
How well do the water additives for a dog’s teeth work?
They work great for supplementing your dog’s dental hygiene routine. They help kill the bacteria in their mouths and prevent tartar and plaque from forming on their teeth and gums. However, they are not a replacement for daily brushing, which we recommend you do if you don’t already have a daily toothbrushing schedule with your dog.
Can I use regular mouthwash on my dog?
No. You shouldn’t be using mouthwash that was created for humans on your dog. The mouthwash that we use contains chemicals that could be extremely harmful to your pup, so please don’t use your regular mouthwash on your dog. Opt for some water additives for the dog’s teeth instead to help supplement your teeth brushing routine.
How can I remove plaque and tartar naturally from my dog’s teeth?
You can naturally remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth by using natural water additives containing sodium citrate. Sodium citrate is a natural ingredient that prevents the build-up of plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth. Check out the natural options we have included in the list of reviews to find a product that fits your budget.
Now that you know the basics of what water additives for your dog’s teeth are and how to use them. Let’s take a look at the selection of products we have looked at and see which ones we think are best for your dog.
QUICK OVERVIEW
Best water additives for dogs teeth at a glance
| OXYFRESH RECOMMENDED |
| View at Amazon View at Chewy |
| DENTAL FRESH BEST VALUE |
| View at Amazon View at Chewy |
| ARM & HAMMER CHEAPEST |
| View at Amazon View at Chewy |
| BODHI DOG BEST NATURAL |
| View at Amazon |
| MAD ABOUT ORGANICS |
| View at Amazon |
| WARREN LONDON |
| View at Amazon View at Chewy |
| MIGHTY PETZ PREMIUM OPTION |
| View at Amazon |
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The Best Water Additives for Dogs Oral Health – Reviews
1. Oxyfresh (Best Water Additive for Dogs Teeth in 2024)
Available in: 8, 16, and 128 Fl Oz
First up on our list of water additives for dog’s teeth is this one by Oxyfresh. It actually came to our attention due to the fact that it was listed as an Amazon Choice option. So, of course, we had to check out if it was our choice option too.
First of all, Oxyfresh is a trusted brand. It means that they have had veterinary recommendations since 1984, which puts our minds at ease about giving it to our pooches. The brand is of excellent quality and prides itself on being made in the USA, cruelty-free, dye-free, non-toxic, free from artificial flavors, and has no GMO ingredients. It seems Oxyfresh cares as much about our pups as we do, which makes us and our dogs very happy.
Oxyfresh does get rid of bad breath for your pups. It is also cat friendly, so if you have a shared-pet household, you’ll want to give this one a try. This water additive is also completely tasteless and undetectable, so your dog will think they are drinking their normal water. They don’t mask their product by adding harmful ingredients, making it much safer for your dog. And, on top of all that, it does clean your dog’s teeth and gums very well.
There is one issue with this product; however, although we did not personally experience this, some owners reported that it gave their dogs tummy issues and diarrhea. As with all new supplements for your dog, we recommend you speak with your vet before trying any additive, including those on this list.
PROS
- Veterinarian recommended
- No artificial flavors, no GMO, no dyes, non-toxic, and cruelty-free
- Freshens breath
- Cleans tartar and plaque
CONS
- Some owners reported their dogs had diarrhea after consuming this product
2. Dental Fresh (Best Value Water Additive for Dogs Oral Health)
Available in: 17 Fl Oz
This entry from Dental Fresh is another on our list that comes as an Amazon Choice recommendation. So, does this one live up to the recommendation?
Let’s start by saying that Dental Fresh is the bestselling and trusted brand of dog dental healthcare used by many pet owners worldwide. It’s clear why as the product is clinically proven, is so easy to use, and contains no harmful chemicals. The ingredients contain no sugars, no alcohol, no mint flavorings, and no detergents or surfactants like some of the other brands out there, so you can trust that nothing funky is going into your dog’s water bowl. This is another product that is safe for both cats and dogs. So again, if you’ve got a multi-pet household, this would be the right choice for you.
The product effectively targets terrible breath and removes tartar and plaque from your dog’s teeth. Of course, like all our products, this is for use as part of a dental routine that includes brushing your dog’s teeth. By helping to remove plaque and tartar, will reduce the risk of dental diseases like halitosis and swollen gums.
However, as with the Oxyfresh product, some owners reported that it caused stomach issues with their pets. So, please make sure that you consult your veterinarian before you start using any new supplements or additives.
PROS
- Great price.
- Safe for dogs and cats
- No harmful chemicals
CONS
- It could cause stomach issues
3. Arm & Hammer (Budget Water Additive for Dogs With Flavorless Formula)
Available in: 16 Fl Oz
Arm & Hammer are a household name when it comes to dental care in humans, but how does their water additive fare when up against your dog’s teeth? Let’s take a look at what we found with this product.
It’s is a fairly new product from a company that is well known in both the human dental health scene and the pet dental health scene. This one promises a brushless clean, so you can ditch the toothbrush. However, as always, we recommend that water additives are just a supplement to regular brushing.
The Arm & Hammer flavorless water additive for dog’s teeth includes baking soda, a well-known ingredient in many whitening kinds of toothpaste for us humans. It makes for a fairly natural and effective clean for your dog too. However, there is a concern with the fact that this product is manufactured in China, and therefore the chemicals included in the water additive will likely be unregulated.
So, as with all the others on this list, please make sure that you consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplements or additives.
PROS
- Well-known brand
- Uses baking soda to whiten teeth naturally
CONS
- Results are average
4. Bodhi Dog (Best Natural Alternative Water Additive for Pet)
Available in: 17, and 128 Fl Oz
This is the first product on our list that promises an all-natural clean and freshening for your dog’s mouth. But can it really live up to all the claims?
The natural scents make our dogs’ breath fresh. Some dogs had great results with plaque reduction; others didn’t really see a difference. But, the fact that this product is entirely natural makes it something that is worth a try as, if it does work for your pooch, it is much better than using one that is full of unnatural chemicals.
This is another product that is proudly made in the USA, and therefore the ingredients are regulated. It has also won the Family Choice Awards in 2020, which makes it clear that it is a product that has worked for many dogs around the country.
As always, please make sure that you are checking with your veterinarian before trying your dog on this supplement so that you can be sure that your pooch isn’t intolerant to any of the ingredients.
PROS
- Great tasting for your dogs
- All-natural
- Made in the USA
- Award-winning
CONS
- Some dogs didn’t experience any plaque reduction
5. Mad About Organics (Alternative Natural Water Additive for Dogs’ Dental Hygiene)
Available in: 16, and 32 Fl Oz
The Mad About Organics Daily Oral Water Treatment was our favorite water additive for dog’s teeth. We absolutely loved it, and so did our pooches. The all-natural ingredients made us very happy, and the great taste meant that our dogs loved to drink it too.
This product is made in the USA with regulated, all-natural ingredients. There are absolutely no chemicals at all in this water additive, simply water and a mixture of other plant derivatives such as Aloe Vera juice, Kelp, and Blueberry. The Aloe Vera is an organic variety too, so there are no hidden chemicals on the plant either.
So how did it work for our pooches? It was fantastic. The bad breath was gone, and there were some tremendous improvements in terms of the plaque build-up on their teeth. There were no issues with stomach upsets like some of the chemical additives had. However, as always, please make sure you consult your veterinarian before you begin a supplement or additive to make sure your dog isn’t intolerant to any of the ingredients listed.
PROS
- Uses natural ingredients
- Low price
CONS
- Might not work on some dogs
6. Warren London (Fight Tartar, Plaque, and Gum Disease Without Brushing)
Available in: 8 Fl Oz
This product is a 2-in-1 dental spray and a water additive for dog’s teeth. What drew our attention the most with this product was actually the stylish design on the packaging. However, as it is also a dental spray as well as a water additive, the Warren London Doggy Dental Spray claims to be a brushless toothpaste, meaning that, if it works, it will cut down massively on your dog’s dental hygiene routine.
Another fantastic thing about this product is that it’s all-natural and, as you can see from this list so far, we really love that. There are no nasty chemicals in this product; it’s simply natural ingredients such as peppermint, cinnamon, aloe vera, and cloves.
We found this one to be a really great product. The product really does work on removing plaque and other nasties from your pooch’s mouth. It smells great, and the pups definitely think it tastes as great as it smells. Some of these sprays and additives leave dogs running for the hills, but this one was almost like a treat to them.
This one definitely works, and the fact that it’s all-natural is a win-win situation. However, you might find that this particular brand is a little more pricey than some of the other all-natural entries on our list, and so it does not get our favorite for that reason. Otherwise, if you want to pay a little bit more, we’d definitely say go for this brand.
PROS
- 2-in-1 dental spray and water additive
- Claims you can ditch the toothbrush
- Dogs love the taste
- All-natural
- Made in the USA
CONS
- It’s a bit costly than other all-natural products
7. Mighty Petz (Premium Quality Natural Dog Breath Freshener and Water Additive)
Available in: 8 Fl Oz
This product is another 2-in-1 item on our list. This product from Mighty Petz is a breath freshener and a water additive. It’s another all-natural product that combines certified organic mint flavorings with thyme and parsley to help you naturally fight plaque and freshen your dog’s breath.
This product works on the enzymes in your dog’s mouth to tackle bad breath and help fight a whole host of other dental issues that your dog could suffer from or develop over time. The ingredients in this product also help relieve digestive problems that your dog might suffer from too. The product will help clean the blood, stop painful tummy aches, and reduce gas in your pup. We all know that the mouth isn’t the only place bad smells can come from in your dog!
All around, t6lthe Mighty Petz product has been amazing. Using as both a spray and an additive, it has had long-lasting effects on the freshness of our dogs’ breath. There seems to be some improvement in plaque; however, not as much as some of the other items on the list. Of course, we must address the price here also, as it’s more expensive than the Warren London dental spray and water additive above. However, since it also helps with digestive issues, we believe it’s worth the money.
PROS
- 2-in1 breath freshener and water additive
- Works on digestive issues too
- All-natural
- Great tasting
- Certified organic mint
CONS
- A little pricey
- Not as good at fighting plaque as others on the list
Top Rated Water Additives for Dogs Teeth in 2024
All in all, when looking for a water additive for dog’s teeth that does the job, you need to be careful about which one you choose. Before you even begin your dog on any new supplement or additive, you need to make sure that you check in with your veterinarian. Ensure that your dog isn’t intolerant to any of the ingredients or clash with any medication that could take your dog.
Out of every one that we tried, we found that the all-natural options were the way to go. The all-natural water additives for dog’s teeth provided the best results with the least side-effects for your dog, and the dogs loved them. Whereas some of the chemically derived options affected the dog’s tummy, or we found they didn’t want to drink their water with it in.
Again, all of this is subjective, and every dog is entirely different. What works for our pups might not work for yours. Of course, all of these options are never a substitute for a proper oral hygiene routine and daily brushing. These water additives supplement your dog’s dental cleaning routine.
