Best Dental Dog Food: Vet-Recommended Picks (2026)

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in Australian dogs, with 80% of dogs showing periodontal disease signs by the time they’re 3 years old. It's also one of the most preventable.

Poor oral health can do far more than cause bad breath. It can lead to gum pain, tooth loss and infections that affect the heart, kidneys and other vital organs.

Veterinarians often see how the right dental-supportive diet can make a measurable difference. Cleaner teeth, fresher breath and greater comfort at mealtimes are common when nutrition is tailored to oral health.

This guide features evidence-based, vet-approved dental dog food diets that help reduce plaque, improve breath and support gum health, along with practical tips to keep your dog’s teeth and mouth healthy for the long term.

A healthy mouth plays a key role in a dog’s overall wellbeing. Dog dental disease, particularly periodontal disease, begins when plaque builds on the teeth. If it is not removed, this sticky film hardens into tartar and pushes under the gum line, leading to inflammation, infection and loss of the supporting bone. Over time, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and harm vital organs.

A healthy mouth means:

• Fresher breath
• Strong, pain-free teeth
• Less risk of tooth loss
• Protection against bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and harm vital organs

Feeding a veterinary-recommended dog dental diet helps clean teeth while providing complete nutrition. This daily approach, along with regular dog dental care best practices, can limit plaque build-up and protect your dog from the discomfort and risks of advanced dental disease.

Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care is formulated with a unique kibble texture that gently scrubs teeth as dogs chew, helping to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. It is enriched with antioxidants and balanced minerals to support overall health, making it ideal for daily maintenance in dogs prone to dental issues. 

The larger, fibrous kibble encourages more chewing, which works like a soft-bristled toothbrush at every meal.

Why Dr Jack Recommends This Food:

 "Hill’s Oral Care is an excellent choice for maintaining both oral and general health. The kibble design helps clean teeth while providing complete, balanced nutrition."

Royal Canin Dental Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Dental is a prescription-only formula designed for dogs who need targeted oral care. Its crunchy, cross-textured kibble creates a brushing effect that helps break down existing tartar while slowing the formation of new deposits. The formula also contains nutrients to support gum health and control oral bacteria. 

It is particularly useful for dogs who have had a dental procedure and need ongoing dietary support.

Why Dr Jack Recommends This Food:

 "This diet is clinically proven to help manage plaque and tartar. I often recommend it for long-term use in dogs with a history of periodontal disease."

Advance Dental Toy & Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Advance Dental Toy & Small Breed is tailored to the unique oral health needs of smaller dogs. The small, textured kibble encourages chewing, which helps mechanically clean teeth, while green tea extract works to combat plaque-causing bacteria and reduce bad breath. 

It also supports urinary tract health, which can be a concern in many small dog breeds.

Why Dr Jack Recommends This Food:

 "This formula is designed specifically for small mouths. The kibble size and added green tea extract help protect against plaque and support fresh breath."

Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d uses triple-action fibre matrix technology to clean teeth to the gum line and reduce plaque and tartar build-up. It is a prescription diet, designed for dogs that require intensive, ongoing dental support.

Why Dr Jack Recommends This Food:

 "It’s clinically proven to support oral health and is especially effective for dogs with a history of dental problems."

Advance Triple Action Dental Care Chicken with Rice Large Breed Dog Dry Food

Advance Triple Action Dental Care for Large Breeds offers an affordable way to maintain oral health while meeting the nutritional needs of bigger dogs. Its specialised kibble texture helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up, and it contains active ingredients to support gum health and fresh breath. 

The formula also includes omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and antioxidants for immune support.

Why Dr Jack Recommends This Food:

 "This is a cost-effective option for large-breed dogs that need daily dental care. It combines plaque control, gum support and complete balanced nutrition in one diet."

Every dog dental diet featured in this guide has been chosen using real veterinary insight and an evidence-based approach. Selection combines clinical experience with a detailed review of product data to ensure each option delivers genuine oral health benefits while meeting complete and balanced nutritional standards.

Our review process is guided by recognised industry benchmarks such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and the Australian Pet Food Manufacturing Standard (AS5812). Only products that demonstrate proven dental benefits and high-quality nutrition make the list.

We assess each dental diet based on:

• Veterinary recommendations and in-practice performance for reducing plaque and tartar
• Proven dental technology such as specialised kibble shapes, fibre matrices, or VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) acceptance
• Nutritional balance that meets AAFCO or NRC standards for complete diets across life stages
• Brand reputation and manufacturing transparency including ingredient sourcing and safety standards
• Palatability and acceptance based on feedback from owners of dogs with varying dental needs
• Suitability for different breeds and sizes with tailored options for small, medium, and large dogs

Only diets that meet strict criteria for quality, dental effectiveness, and overall health outcomes are included, ensuring your dog receives trusted nutrition backed by science and proven results.

Dental disease can progress quietly, so recognising the signs early is key to protecting your dog’s comfort and long-term health.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Mild “dog breath” is normal, but a strong or foul odour often signals plaque build-up and bacterial overgrowth. Left untreated, this can progress to gum disease and infection. Persistent bad breath, even after brushing or dental treats, should prompt a veterinary examination.

Difficulty Chewing or Dropping Food

Reluctance to eat kibble, chewing only on one side, or dropping food mid-meal can indicate mouth pain. This may be caused by inflamed gums, loose teeth, or an abscess. Consistently avoiding harder foods is a sign your dog needs a dental check-up.

Increased Drooling

A sudden rise in saliva production, especially if it is thick, smelly, or blood-tinged, may point to gum irritation, ulcers, or oral pain. New or persistent drooling, particularly when paired with reluctance to eat, should be assessed by a vet.

Pawing at the Mouth or Rubbing the Face

Dogs may try to relieve mouth discomfort by pawing at their muzzle or rubbing their face along carpets or furniture. This can be caused by tartar build-up, cracked teeth, or gum inflammation. Repeated behaviour of this kind warrants a closer look.

Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums are pale pink and firm. Redness, puffiness, or bleeding when chewing are early indicators of gingivitis. Without treatment, this can progress to more severe periodontal disease.

Loose or Missing Teeth

Wobbly or missing teeth suggest advanced dental disease that has damaged the supporting structures. This is painful and increases the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream. Immediate veterinary care is essential.

Dental disease (periodontal disease) typically starts with plaque — a sticky film of bacteria. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, pushing under the gum line and triggering inflammation, infection, and ultimately bone loss.

Here are the primary culprits behind dental trouble in dogs:

• Lack of chewing: Dogs on soft diets or who rarely chew have more plaque buildup. Crunching on dental kibble or chews helps scrape teeth naturally.
• Genetics & breed factors: Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Dachshunds are especially prone to dental issues because their teeth are crowded in small jaws.
• Age: Most dogs show signs of periodontal disease by age 3 if preventive care isn’t started early.
• Underlying health issues: Diabetes, kidney disease, or immune problems can worsen oral health.
• Diet high in sticky carbs: Some commercial foods stick to teeth, feeding mouth bacteria and accelerating plaque.

Dental chews and treats

Giving your dog approved dog dental chews is a great way to help control plaque and freshen breath. Chewing encourages saliva production and provides a gentle scrubbing action on the teeth. Just be sure to pick products that have the VOHC seal or come recommended by your vet — many supermarket chews do little more than add calories.

Tooth brushing at home

Nothing beats regular tooth brushing. Using a pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush or finger brush, aim to clean your dog’s teeth several times a week. This removes plaque before it hardens and helps you spot sore spots or redness early. Most dogs can learn to tolerate, or even enjoy, brushing if introduced slowly and positively.

When to see your vet for a dental cleaning

No diet or chew can remove established tartar under the gum line. If your dog’s teeth are already yellow or brown at the base, or you notice swollen gums or persistent bad breath, it’s time for a professional dental scale and polish under anaesthetic.

Good dental health isn’t just about fixing problems when they appear — it’s about preventing them in the first place. In addition to feeding a high-quality dental diet and offering vet-approved dog chews, daily habits can make all the difference.

Brushing remains the gold standard. Even brushing just three times a week can significantly slow down plaque buildup. For dogs who aren’t keen on toothbrushes, dental gels or rinses might be helpful alternatives.

Adding dental supplements, such as powders that mix into food or water additives that reduce bacteria, can give extra protection. Probiotics formulated for oral health may also help balance bacteria in the mouth, supporting healthier gums over time.

Keeping your dog hydrated, scheduling routine check-ups, and getting professional cleanings as recommended by your vet all work together to maintain a healthy mouth — and help your dog live a happier, pain-free life.

While mild tartar or occasional bad breath can usually be managed with improved home care, there are times when dental problems become emergencies. Seek veterinary attention right away if you notice:

• Severe swelling around the face or jaw, which could indicate an abscess.
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop, or blood dripping from the mouth without obvious cause.
• Refusing all food, especially if paired with drooling or visible pain.
• Sudden tooth loss or a fractured tooth, which can leave sensitive nerves exposed.
• Foul, rotting odour, which may mean deep infection or dying tissue.

Prompt treatment can prevent more serious complications and spare your dog from unnecessary pain.

What dental dog food do vets recommend?

Veterinarians often recommend Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care, Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d, Royal Canin Veterinary Dental, and Advance Triple Action Dental Care. These diets are designed to reduce plaque and tartar through mechanical cleaning while providing complete, balanced nutrition.

Does dental dog food replace tooth brushing?

No. Dental diets are an important part of oral care, but they work best alongside regular tooth brushing. Brushing remains the most effective way to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.

Is dental dog food suitable for all breeds?

Yes, but kibble size and formulation should match your dog’s size and needs. For example, small breeds benefit from smaller, specially shaped kibble, while large breeds need larger pieces for effective chewing.

Can puppies eat dental dog food?

Most dental diets are formulated for adult dogs. Puppies have different nutritional requirements, so always choose a puppy-specific formula or seek veterinary advice before feeding a dental diet to a young dog.

How soon will I see results with a dental diet?

Some improvements, such as fresher breath, can appear within a few weeks. Plaque and tartar control is gradual and works best with consistent feeding and other at-home dental care.

Do I need a prescription for dental dog food?

Some diets, like Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d or Royal Canin Veterinary Dental, require veterinary authorisation. Others, such as Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care and Advance Triple Action Dental Care, are available without a prescription.

Caring for your dog’s teeth might seem like a small task, but it has a big impact on their overall health and quality of life. With the right diet, routine home care, and regular vet check-ups, you can help your dog avoid the pain of dental disease — and keep their tail wagging happily for years to come.

If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s mouth, don’t hesitate to lift that lip and take a look. And remember: your vet is always there to guide you on the best path to healthy teeth and gums.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe