5 Best Dental Dog Food - Sept. 2026

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dog Food

Besides cleaning your dog's teeth, this food was also made to support joint health as well as a healthy digestive and immune system.

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PROS

The texture and shape of the kibble promote chewing and scraping of plaque and tartar from teeth.
Great for preventing gingivitis and halitosis.
Fortified with vitamin E, vitamin C, lutein, and taurine.

CONS

As a prescription item, this food requires authorization from your vet.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Wag

Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food

Budget-friendly Choice

Pound for pound, this food is more affordable than most quality brands that are formulated for canine dental care.

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PROS

Rich in calcium and phosphorus, which promote healthy teeth.
Salmon is the first ingredient, and provides beneficial omega fatty acids.
Made with brown rice that's packed with nutrients.

CONS

A few dog owners report shedding fur or digestive upset after feeding this food to their pets.

Hill's Science Diet

Adult Oral Care

It Gets Results

If your dog is swallowing their dental-health food whole, these huge chunks are guaranteed to force any canine to chew their way to clean teeth.

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PROS

Especially large chunky pieces promote chewing behavior, allowing this food to dramatically reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Chicken is the first ingredient.
A low-calorie food.

CONS

May be too large for the smallest breeds to handle.

Hill's Prescription Diet

t/d Dental Care Small Bites

Good for Small Dogs

Solid dental-health dog food with tooth-scraping chunks that are just large enough to convince small breeds to chew them.

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PROS

Puffy, chicken-flavored nuggets promote chewing to help eliminate plaque from your dog's teeth.
Reduces bad breath.
Added antioxidants for immune system health.

CONS

Prescription item.
Brewer’s rice, corn, and chicken by-product are the first 3 ingredients.

Purina Pro Plan

Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Canine Dog Food Dry Formula

Trusted Brand

This is a wholesome prescription dog food that's perfect for dogs that are prone to dental issues.

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PROS

Specially formulated to remove and control tartar.
Crunchy texture promotes healthy teeth and gums.
Rich in protein with quality chicken as the top ingredient.
Packed with antioxidants.

CONS

This dog food requires a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase.

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First Reviewed

November 02, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Melinda Harris

Updated January 2025

Ready to buy now? Shop the best:

Best of the Best: Royal Canin Small Dog Dental Care Dry Dog Food
Best Bang for the Buck: Wag Dry Dog Food
It Gets Results: Hill's Science Diet Oral Care
Good for Small Dogs: Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Small Bites Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Trusted Brand: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Canine Dog Food

No one wants to see their best friend afflicted with bad breath, swollen gums, or large patches of brown tartar plastered on their teeth, and incorporating a dry food crafted with your dog’s dental health in mind will go a long way toward protecting that lovable smile. Dental dog foods are often offered in larger pieces with a noticeable texture that will brush away the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that causes rancid breath with each bite. Although many of these special formulas require a prescription, it’s worth visiting your vet before your dog experiences oral health issues.

Best Dental Dog Food

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

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