How to Choose Dental Products That Actually Work: A Guide to VOHC-Accepted Options
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Walk down the pet store aisle (or scroll online) and you’ll see dozens of dental products claiming to clean teeth, freshen breath, and prevent dental disease. The problem? Many of them sound great but only some are actually proven to work. Marketing is powerful, but plaque is more stubborn than that. That’s where VOHC comes into play.
What is VOHC?
VOHC stands for the Veterinary Oral Health Council. It’s an independent organization made up of veterinary dental specialists who evaluate pet dental products. Products that earn the VOHC Seal of Acceptance have been shown through controlled studies to help reduce plaque and/or tartar. Something important to note, VOHC doesn’t just take a company’s word for it. Manufacturers must submit scientific data demonstrating that their product actually does what it says it does when used as directed.
Why VOHC Accepted Products are Superior
Not all dental products are created equal. VOHC accepted products stand out because they are grounded in evidence, having demonstrated true dental benefits rather than simply cosmetic improvements. They are evaluated by experts in veterinary dentistry and are held to high standards. In addition, the process is transparent – acceptance applies only to specific claims, such as plaque reduction, tartar reduction, or both, helping pet owners understand exactly what benefit a product is intended to provide. In other words, VOHC acceptance helps cut through marketing and gives pet owners a reliable starting point.
What VOHC Acceptance Does (and Does Not) Mean
It’s important to set realistic expectations for dental care products. VOHC acceptance indicates that a product can help slow the progression of dental disease, works best when used consistently, and can be a helpful part of an overall dental care plan. However, VOHC acceptance does not mean the product replaces tooth brushing, eliminates the need for professional dental cleanings, or works instantly and perfectly. VOHC accepted products should be viewed as beneficial tools rather than magic solutions.
How to Choose Good Dental Products for Your Pet
If you’re overwhelmed by options, here’s a simple rule: Start by checking for VOHC acceptance. From there, you can choose products that match your pet’s size, age, and chewing style, are safe for daily or regular use, and are realistic for you to use consistently. The most effective dental care routine is one that fits comfortably with your pet’s needs and your own routine over time. A dental product is only good if you actually use it!
Examples of VOHC Accepted Dental Products
Below are commonly recommended VOHC accepted options across different categories. Availability may vary by region, and not every product is right for every pet. These are products I have personally used on my own pets or have seen positive results from use in clinic.
Toothpaste
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste or Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste – These are both widely used veterinary dental toothpastes formulated for pets with enzymatic support for plaque control (my dogs favourite is the C.E.T. vanilla mint flavour!)
Dental Chews (Dogs)
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews or Virbac C.E.T VeggieDent Chews – These are plant-based dental treats (bonus if your pet has protein allergies!) that support oral health by helping reduce plaque and tartar.
Toothbrushes & Wipes
- Virbac C.E.T Oral Hygiene Kit – Dual ended toothbrush and included fingerbrush for dog and cats
- VETRADENT® Dental Wipes – These are disposable wipes designed to physically clean a pet’s teeth and gums, marketed to freshen breath, reduce plaque and tartar buildup
Dental Diets
- Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d or Royal Canin Dental Diet – These diets are formulated specifically to support oral health in dogs and cats (small and large breed formulations available as well).
Water Additives/Oral Gels/Sprays
- HealthyMouth Water Additive – This is a liquid you add directly to your dog’s or cat’s drinking water to support better oral hygiene with almost no effort.
- Vetradent Oral Spray – Designed to support oral care for dogs and cats by disrupting dental biofilm
(Always be sure to choose the correct size and formulation for your pet.) If you are wanting to view a full list of VOHC accepted products: click here.
A Quick Safety Note
Not all pets are good candidates for every dental product. Avoid very hard chews that can fracture teeth, and always supervise chewing. If your pet has existing dental disease, oral pain, or broken teeth, talk to your veterinarian before starting new products.
The Bottom Line
Pet dental care doesn’t have to be complicated. Using VOHC acceptance as your guideline, you choose products that are backed by evidence, recommended by professionals, and are more likely to make a real difference (and not waste your money). You don’t need to do everything perfectly. You just need to choose tools that work and use them consistently. Your pet’s teeth will thank you, even if they never say it out loud.