Neglecting dogs' and cats' dental health can lead to periodontal disease and even heart and kidney problems via bacteria that enters the bloodstream through the mouth. So it can feel crushing as a pet parent to deal with a fur child who absolutely loathes having their teeth brushed. Luckily, if tooth brushing does cause inordinate stress to your pet, you can try alternative tooth care methods, Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with mobile pet service The Vets, explained in previous reporting.
One option beloved by reviewers is ProDen's Plaque Off dental powder for cats and dogs. By sprinkling some of the powder on your pet's normal meals, the product helps prevent the formation of new plaque and softens existing tartar, according to the brand.
The powder is an easy add to your pet's daily routine that invests in their continued health and wellbeing. It also "saves me time AND money that would go towards future vet bills for tooth extraction and special prescription diets," wrote a reviewer. "[I] can say with confidence that it's worth every penny," echoed one person, Jen. "This will definitely be a staple in our house for the rest of [my dog's] life as long as they make it," wrote another, Theresa.
VOHC-Approved Dental Care
ProDen's Plaque Off dental powder helps prevent the formation of new plaque, softens existing tartar, and improves bad breath, according to ProDen. Recommended to many reviewers by their vets and other pet parents, the powder has been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which is "a committee comprised of veterinary dentists who review and then endorse products that provide effective plaque and tartar control," explained Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at New York City's Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.
The powder's VOHC approval is important since "typically, I recommend products that are approved by The Veterinary Oral Health Council" when it comes to pet dental health, said Fox. You can check out VOHC's website for a list of their approved products, she added.
What Pet Owners Say
Folks say their pets seem to like the taste, too, even picky ones — "or they wouldn't eat it," laughed one reviewer. "My two dogs love it ... their teeth look so much better now." Combined with the powder's results — "This is the first time I've ever been told [my cats'] teeth were actually GOOD," one person wrote of a veterinarian visit — reviewers have deemed the product "a triumph" and "the real MVP."
The Plaque Off powder comes with a 330 milligram scoop for your use; the brand recommends you add 0.5-1 scoops daily for pets under 25 pounds, 1-2 scoops daily for pets that are 25-50 pounds, and 2-3 scoops daily for pets over 50 pounds. Give the powder time to work, since with daily use, results can take three to eight weeks.
Important Considerations
Just remember that you should combine your pet's home oral care with regular checkups with your veterinarian or a boarded veterinary dentist, Fox stressed. Consult with your vet before beginning this powder and watch out for any changes in your pet's habits after incorporating the product.
Additional reviews praise the product: "Been using this in my dog's food for years. He's 8 now and needs a scoop in each meal now but for his age, his breath, teeth and gums are in a lot better shape had we not used," says Miss M. "As the owner of a senior chihuahua, I am no stranger to a puppy with stank breath. This little dude's mouth smells like DEATH most of the time. Once I started using this, though? Game changer, genuinely made his breath WAY more tolerable. It does need some time and consistent use to start working, but it's great," writes Kittie Choi. "I have used this for years. Rescued new dog, took her to the veterinarian. He asked if I brushed her teeth? I told him no, I used plaque off. He was very impressed," says an Amazon Customer. "Started giving this to my cat and his next vet check up he got complimented on his teeth twice! They thought I brushed his teeth regularly. He would never let me actually brush his teeth so this stuff does a great job! Is it a little pricey? Yeah. But it is worth it," says faith.
