Medically reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth DeLomba, DVM — small-animal general practitioner and Natural Dog Company contributor.
Dr. Elizabeth DeLomba (Dr. E) has seen oral health issues in all ages, sizes, and breeds of dog. You’ll find her tips and callouts throughout this guide.
If brushing your dog’s teeth feels like wrestling an alligator, you’re not alone. Dental health products like science-backed dental powder for dogs can help support all areas of oral health between brushings and cleanings—especially for picky eaters, small dog breeds with tiny mouths, and owners who are busy with 100 other tasks.
Below, our veterinarian breaks down what it is, how it works, and a simple 30-day plan to see meaningful progress at home.
“Dental powders can be a big help for oral health, but they’re not a magic eraser. They work best alongside daily brushing and routine professional cleanings.” – Dr. E, DVM
Why use dental powder for dogs?
Dental powders are convenient, easy-to-use supplements designed to support plaque and tartar control as part of a daily dental-care routine.
Natural Dog Company’s Dental Powder prioritizes clinically studied ingredients—like a canine-specific postbiotic and proven minerals—so you can build a habit that’s easy and effective. Results are gradual—think “slows plaque build-up” rather than “melts away tartar.”
When vets recommend professional dental cleanings
Even the best home routine has limits, and things like genetics can play a big part in dental health.
Your veterinarian is likely to recommend a professional dental cleaning when there’s heavy tartar visible, gum irritation, or stinky breath that doesn’t improve. Dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia so the team can scale above and below the gumline, take dental x-rays, and examine problem teeth. If there are loose, broken, or heavily worn teeth, the veterinary team may need to extract them.
Even routine dental cleanings can be costly and stressful for some dogs, and anesthesia—while very safe with modern monitoring—may carry risks, especially for seniors and dogs with underlying conditions. Proactive home care helps you stretch the time between cleanings and helps to maintain the results of that cleaning.
Choose dental products supported by evidence
There are many dental products available, but only those supported by science are worth using.
When comparing dental powders and products for dogs, look for:
- Clear, transparent ingredient lists and directions for use
- Realistic timelines and instructions that emphasize consistency
- Products that address multiple areas of dental health: plaque, gum health, breath, etc.
Powders, chews, water additives, brushing: How they all work together
The gold standard of dental care for dogs, just like for people, is to brush daily or as often as your dog allows. However, dental supplements and products can be a huge help:
- Dental powders add an easy, everyday touchpoint that works by effecting the oral microbiome and targeting plaque
- Dental chews provide a mechanical cleaning action by physically scraping away plaque and bacteria as your dog chews
- Water additives, like dental powder, work daily to help round out the routine.
Your vet can help tailor your daily dental routine for your dog’s age, breed, and dental history.
When to see your vet
While home care is great, you should contact your veterinarian if you notice persistent gum bleeding, pain while chewing, drooling, face pawing, or bad breath that doesn’t budge.
These can be signs of serious oral issues that need professional care.
A simple 30-day plan you can stick to
Goal: make progress you can see and measure—without stress for your dog.
What you need: your phone camera, consistent lighting, Natural Dog Company Dental Powder.
Day 0: Baseline
Lift the lip and take a photo of each side of the mouth, getting a visual of as many teeth as possible. Same angle and natural light.
Give each zone a quick score:
- 0 = “pearly white”
- 1 = “tan or yellow”
- 2 = “visible plaque & tartar”
- 3 = “heavy tartar/calculus”
Start daily powder, using as directed.
Day 14–15: Check-in
Take another set of photos, in the same angles and lighting if possible.
Note any changes in breath (better/same/worse) and gum appearance (more/less red). Breath often improves first.
Day 28–30: Re-score
Take another set of photos and compare side-by-side with Day 0.
Look for lower scores for each zone, a cleaner gumline, and slower re-accumulation of plaque.
Heavy, cement-like tartar? Book a professional cleaning, then restart this plan for maintenance.
“I love seeing owners take before‑and‑after photos—consistency adds up, and the pictures can help show improvement to reinforce the routine.” — Dr. E, DVM.
Ingredients that Matter
Our formula only uses naturally inspired, science-backed ingredients that we trust for our own dogs:
- Mineral Support: Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a type of salt that is scientifically shown to bind to calcium in the saliva, helping to reduce plaque and tartar formation. It also supports whiter teeth by reducing buildup on the surface of the teeth and limiting surface stains.
- Mineral Support: Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a type of salt that is scientifically shown to bind to calcium in the saliva, helping to reduce plaque and tartar formation. It also supports whiter teeth by reducing buildup on the surface of the teeth and limiting surface stains.
- Canine Postbiotic: This clinically studied, canine-specific postbiotic is designed to support a balanced oral microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and crowding out odor-causing strains. By improving microbial balance in the mouth, it helps reduce bad breath and supports long-term gum and dental health.
- Mineral Support: Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a type of salt that is scientifically shown to bind to calcium in the saliva, helping to reduce plaque and tartar formation. It also supports whiter teeth by reducing buildup on the surface of the teeth and limiting surface stains.
- Sea Kelp: Contains enzymes that work to limit the growth of harmful bacteria within the mouth and supports salivary gland function. This helps to create a healthy oral environment and limit plaque buildup on teeth over time.
- Green Tea (decaffeinated): Helps to discourage bad bacteria linked to mouth odor and bad breath.
- Parsley Powder: Naturally rich in chlorophyll to help freshen breath.
Safety first
Make sure to avoid human dental care products, as they may contain xylitol/birch sugar, which is incredibly unsafe and toxic to dogs in even small amounts. Human dental products are also likely to contain fluoride, which is not meant to be swallowed. (And dogs don't know how to rinse & spit!) Added flavors, scents, colors, or dyes may also upset your dog's stomach or cause excessive drooling.
While baking soda is often recommended for at-home and do-it-yourself dental products, too much can upset your dog’s stomach—so we don’t recommend baking‑soda‑based dental products for dogs.
How to use Natural Dog’s Dental Powder
- Serving: Give 1 scoop once daily for all dog sizes; one jar is a 30‑day supply. You may mix the daily scoop with treats or pour into a bowl to help with administration.
- Pairing: Add a quality dental chew a few times per week and keep practicing short, positive brushing reps (even 15–30 seconds counts).
- For picky eaters: Start with ½ scoop for 3–5 days, then increase to the full daily scoop. (This may delay overall results.)
- Best candidates: small-breed dogs, brachycephalic dogs, senior dogs, and all dogs between professional cleanings.
FAQ
Why does my dog’s breath stink?
Common causes include plaque & bacteria along the gumline, trapped food particles, and gum irritation. A gut imbalance may also contribute to stinky breath. Less commonly, systemic issues can contribute—ask your vet if bad breath persists.
Do dog dental powders replace brushing?
No, dental powders shouldn't fully replace manual tooth brushing. They help your routine work better; brushing and professional cleanings still matter.
How long until I see results?
Fresh breath may improve in as little as a few days for some dogs with daily use; visible changes in buildup are typically gradual and measured over weeks with consistent care, but some pet owners report seeing results in as a little as a week.
Can I give dental treats and use dental powder?
Yes—giving dental treats a few times per week plus a daily dental powder can really help total oral wellness.
