VOHC Approved Products for Dogs and Cats: 2026 List
The full VOHC accepted products list for dogs and cats, sorted by category, with brand checks for Greenies, Whimzees, Kirkland and Virbac and a plain guide to what the seal proves.
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The VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) is the group that awards a Seal of Acceptance to pet dental products that passed controlled trials for reducing plaque or tartar. If a product is on the VOHC list, it has data behind its dental claim. If it is not, it may still be fine to use, but its claim has not been verified.
This guide lays out the current VOHC accepted products for dogs and cats by category, using the official VOHC accepted-products lists. You will also find quick yes or no brand checks for products people ask about most, and what the seal does and does not prove.
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What is VOHC?
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is an independent veterinary body that reviews trial data on pet dental products and awards its Seal of Acceptance to the ones that meet a preset standard for slowing plaque or tartar. It was formed in 1997 by veterinary dentists, with support from the American Veterinary Dental College, and it covers products for dogs and cats.
- 1The VOHC seal means a product reduced plaque or tartar in two controlled trials, not that it treats dental disease.
- 2VOHC keeps separate accepted-product lists for dogs and cats and updates them as products are added or dropped.
- 3Every product on the list is meant to slow new buildup between professional cleanings, never to replace them.
- 4Some well-known products, including Virbac C.E.T. enzymatic toothpaste and Kirkland dental chews, are not on the list.
So what is VOHC for dogs, in practical terms? It is a shortcut. Instead of trusting a package that says "cleans teeth," you can check whether the veterinary council saw the numbers. The same applies to cats. VOHC itself does not sell or make anything, and it does not run the trials in its own lab. Companies pay for the trials at independent sites, then submit the data for review.
That matters because periodontal disease is the most common dental problem in adult dogs and cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Home care slows it down, and the VOHC veterinary seal is the best available signal of which home-care products have proof.
Daily dental chew that cleans teeth, freshens breath, and is accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Sized for dogs 25 to 50 lbs.
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How a product earns the VOHC seal
The VOHC protocol is strict and public. To earn the seal of approval, a company has to follow the VOHC guidelines published on vohc.org:
- Two separate trials. The same animals cannot be used in both, so the result has to repeat.
- A real control group. The product is compared against a negative control, such as the same diet without the dental feature.
- A minimum effect size. The product must cut plaque or tartar scores by at least 15 percent in each trial and by 20 percent on average across the two trials.
- Statistical proof. Each trial has to show a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.05).
- Enough time. Crossover trials run at least 28 days per leg.
- Safety checks. Trials score gum inflammation and look for mouth sores or injuries, and companies confirm each year that no unreported safety complaints came in.
Scoring is done by trained examiners, usually with the pet sedated so every tooth surface can be checked. The product also has to be used the way the package says, which is why feeding the right chew size or adding the right dose of water additive matters at home.
- Every VOHC listing carries a plaque claim, a tartar claim, or both. Plaque is the soft bacterial film that forms on teeth within hours and causes gum inflammation. Tartar (calculus) is plaque that has hardened with minerals and can only be removed by scaling. A plaque claim means the product reduced that film. A tartar claim means it slowed new hardened buildup. A product with both claims passed the 20 percent on average standard for each one.
What does VOHC approved mean, then? The VOHC approved meaning is narrow on purpose: the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal on a VOHC approved product confirms it met the plaque or tartar standard, nothing more. It does not say a product is the best, the safest food, or a treatment for existing disease. A VOHC accepted product that carries the VOHC label, logo or stamp on the package has simply met the plaque or tartar standard. If you see the VOHC logo, you can confirm it against the current list, since the council names every product it has accepted. Is VOHC legit? Yes. It is a nonprofit council run by veterinary dentists, its trial rules are published, and products are not accepted without data.
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VOHC approved products for dogs
The official VOHC list of approved products for dogs sorts accepted products into six categories. Here is the VOHC dog list at a glance, with the sections below covering each category in detail:
- Dental diets: Hill's Prescription Diet t/d, Hill's Science Diet Oral Care, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH, Royal Canin dental formulas, Eukanuba Adult Maintenance and a few regional brands.
- Rawhide chews: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz.
- Edible chew treats: Greenies, OraVet, Purina DentaLife, Whimzees Brushzees and Toothbrush, Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent, Milk-Bone Brushing Chews, Pedigree Dentastix Advanced and more.
- Water additives, gels, sprays, toothpaste and powders: HealthyMouth, TropiClean Fresh Breath water additives, Petsmile Professional toothpaste, ProDen PlaqueOff Powder, Vetradent and others.
- Toothbrushes and wipes: soft-bristle flat-head toothbrushes, HealthyMouth wipes and Vetradent Dental Wipes.
- Professional tooth sealant: SANOS, applied by your veterinarian only.
Most VOHC dental products for dogs are sold in pet stores and online. The VOHC canine list marks the few that are sold only through veterinary clinics, mainly prescription dental diets. When you compare VOHC recommended products for dogs, start with the format your dog will actually accept every day, because dog dental care only works with daily use.
If you want one rule for using the VOHC dental list for dogs, it is this: pick the category first (food, chew, water additive, brushing), then pick an accepted product in that category. The canine list includes both big brands and small ones, and every accepted product for dogs passed the same trial standard.
VOHC approved dog food and dental diets
Dental diets work through kibble design. Larger, fibrous kibble scrubs the tooth surface as the dog bites through it, and some formulas add ingredients that bind the minerals that turn plaque into tartar. VOHC approved dog food on the current list includes:
- Hill's Prescription Diet Canine t/d, Original Bites and Small Bites (plaque and tartar claim)
- Hill's Science Diet Oral Care, including the Small and Mini formula (plaque and tartar claim, sold in stores)
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Canine Formula and DH Small Bites (tartar claim)
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets essentialcare Adult Formula for Dogs (added 2026)
- Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition Canine Dental and Canine Dental Small Dog
- Eukanuba Adult Maintenance Diet for Dogs (tartar claim)
- Canagan Dental for Dogs and Performatrin Prime Adult Oral Care (regional brands)
- Hill's Prescription Diet t/d, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH and Royal Canin Veterinary Dental are veterinary only, which means you need a vet authorization to buy them. Hill's Science Diet Oral Care is the over-the-counter VOHC dog food most owners can buy without one.
A dental diet makes the most sense for a dog who will not tolerate brushing, or as a base layer under other home care. Switch foods gradually over about a week, and ask your vet before moving a dog with a medical diet onto any VOHC dog food.
VOHC approved dental chews and treats for dogs
Chews and treats make up the largest group on the VOHC list. VOHC approved dental chews for dogs on the current list include:
- Canine Greenies in five sizes, plus Greenies Weight Management, Hip and Joint Care, Grain-Free, Aging Care and Puppy chews
- OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews (tartar claim)
- Whimzees Brushzees and Whimzees Toothbrush dental chews
- Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH, Zen and Flex chews
- Checkups Chews, Petco WholeHearted SmartSmiles Dental Chews and Blue Buffalo Dental Chews
- ProDen PlaqueOff Soft Chews
VOHC asks owners to feed the size printed on the package for your dog's weight, because a dental chew that is too small is swallowed before it scrubs anything. For a side-by-side comparison of which VOHC dental chews for dogs suit chewers of different sizes and diets, see our guide to the best VOHC dental chews for dogs.
Dog dental treats, bones and sticks on the VOHC list
Not every accepted product is a classic chew. These VOHC approved dental treats for dogs, dental bones, dental sticks and rawhide products are also on the list:
VOHC-accepted 4.2-ounce pet toothpaste paired with a dual-ended toothbrush.
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- Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care dog treats, DentaLife Plus and Purina Pro Plan Dental Care treats
- Milk-Bone Brushing Chews daily dental treat
- Pedigree Dentastix Advanced and the Dentastix Original large dog treats variety pack (dental sticks)
- Dentalis Dental Stick
- ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Care Bones and PlaqueOff Dental Bites
- Yummy Combs Treats for Dogs and Member's Mark Dental Treats
- Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz, the only rawhide products on the list
A VOHC approved dog bone or treat still counts toward daily calories, so most of these dog treats replace, rather than add to, a regular snack. Real bones, antlers and hard nylon bones are not VOHC accepted, and vets warn they can fracture teeth.
VOHC approved water additives, toothpaste and powders for dogs
These products work chemically rather than by scrubbing. They are useful for dogs that resist chews or brushing, and as an add-on between brushings. VOHC accepted water additive, gel, toothpaste and dental powder for dogs on the current list:
- Water additives: HealthyMouth Water Additive for Dogs, plus Mobility and NutriNeeds versions; TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Water Additive, Max Strength, Gut Health, Hip and Joint and Skin and Coat versions; Natural Promise Fresh Dental Water Additive; Virbac C.E.T. AQUADENT FR3SH; Vetradent Liquid Water Additive; Plaqtiv+; Bluestem; Skout's Honor.
- Gels and sprays: HealthyMouth Topical Gel and Topical Spray for Dogs; Buccaclean Gel by MP Labo.
- Toothpaste: Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste, Tartar Shield PRO CARE Natural Pet Toothpaste and Dentalis Canine Toothpaste.
- Dental powder added to food: ProDen PlaqueOff Powder, CEVA Clenz-A-Dent ProDen PlaqueOff powder and Vetradent Powder.
What is the safest water additive for dogs' teeth? The safest choice is one that is VOHC accepted and dosed exactly as the label says, such as the TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Water Additive or HealthyMouth. Both passed VOHC safety scoring for gums and mouth tissue. Avoid human mouthwash and anything with xylitol, and check with your vet first if your dog has kidney disease or drinks very little. Our sister site WebVet covers how dog dental water additives compare in more depth.
Only a handful of toothpastes carry the seal, so VOHC approved toothpaste for dogs is a short list. That surprises many owners, since popular enzymatic pastes are not on it. A VOHC accepted toothpaste still needs a brush, and brushing itself does most of the work. Our dog toothpaste guide compares flavors and sensitive formulas.
VOHC approved toothbrushes and dental wipes
Brushing is the gold standard of home dental care, and VOHC accepts the tool itself. Any ADA-compliant soft-bristle, flat-head toothbrush counts as a VOHC approved toothbrush for plaque and tartar, which means a good dog toothbrush does not need a special brand. A soft, dual-ended brush such as the Virbac C.E.T. dog and cat toothbrush is the kind of tool the listing describes. Other accepted items in this category:
A no-brushing dental water additive: add one capful to your dog's water bowl daily to fight plaque and tartar and freshen breath for up to 12 hours. One 33.8-oz bottle is about a 60-day supply.
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- HealthyMouth Toothpaste and Brush Kit Combination for Dogs (medium and large breed)
- HealthyMouth Anti-Plaque Wipes for Dogs (plaque claim)
- Vetradent Dental Wipes (tartar claim, added 2026)
VOHC approved dental wipes for dogs are a good bridge for dogs who will not accept a brush yet. Wrap the wipe around a finger and rub along the outer surfaces of the back teeth, where tartar builds fastest. Work up to a toothbrush over a few weeks.
VOHC approved products for cats
The VOHC list for cats is shorter than the dog list, and it is published on the same site. VOHC approved products for cats fall into three groups:
- Dental treats (all consumer): Feline Greenies Dental Treats, Whiskas Dentabites, Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Cat Treats and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Bites.
- Home-care products (all consumer): HealthyMouth water additive, gel, spray, toothpaste kit and wipes for cats, plus ProDen PlaqueOff Powder and CEVA Clenz-A-Dent ProDen PlaqueOff powder for cats.
What's good for cat dental health? Daily brushing with a cat toothpaste is still the most effective option, and a VOHC accepted cat food or dental treat is the next best step for cats who refuse it. Most VOHC cat treats carry a tartar claim only. Feline Greenies Dental Treats are the easiest VOHC approved cat dental treats to find. WebVet has a closer look at cat dental treats and how often to give them.
Unlike the VOHC accepted products for dogs, the feline product list has no chews in the dog sense, because cats rarely gnaw. If you are building VOHC cat recommendations into a routine, think kibble and treats first, then a water additive, then brushing as your cat allows. The cat products list covers both prescription and over-the-counter options, so you can use VOHC approved products for dogs and cats in the same home.
Cat toothpaste, gels, wipes and water additives
VOHC approved cat toothpaste is a one-brand category: the HealthyMouth Toothpaste and Brush Kit for Cats is the only cat toothpaste on the list. So what is the best cat toothpaste and toothbrush? Choose that kit or any cat-safe enzymatic paste paired with a small soft-bristle brush, because the brushing motion matters more than the paste. A VOHC cat toothbrush is any soft-bristle, flat-head brush that fits your cat's mouth.
- VOHC approved water additive for cats: HealthyMouth Water Additive for Cats and HealthyMouth NutriNeeds for Cats (plaque claim).
- Gels and sprays: HealthyMouth Topical Gel and Topical Spray for Cats.
- VOHC approved cat dental wipes: HealthyMouth Anti-Plaque Wipes for Cats.
For step-by-step technique, see our guide on how to clean a cat's teeth, and WebVet's walkthrough on how to brush cat teeth.
Is it VOHC approved? Brand checks
These verdicts are checked against the current VOHC lists for dogs and cats. "Not on the VOHC list" means the product has not been accepted, not that it is unsafe.
- Are Greenies VOHC approved? Yes. Greenies VOHC acceptance covers Canine Greenies in all sizes and several specialty lines, plus Feline Greenies.
- Are Whimzees VOHC approved? Partly. Whimzees VOHC acceptance covers Whimzees Brushzees and Whimzees Toothbrush dental chews only. Other Whimzees dental chews shapes are not listed.
- Are Kirkland dental chews VOHC approved? No. Kirkland dental chews from Costco are not on the VOHC list, so Costco dental chews have no VOHC data. Member's Mark Dental Treats from Sam's Club are listed.
- Are Pedigree Dentastix VOHC approved? Some. Pedigree Dentastix Advanced and the Dentastix Original large dog variety pack are listed, along with several UK-only Dentastix lines. Standard small-dog Dentastix are not.
- Is Virbac VOHC approved? Some products. Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent chews and C.E.T. AQUADENT FR3SH water additive are accepted. Is Virbac C.E.T. toothpaste VOHC approved? No. The CET enzymatic toothpaste is not on the list.
- Are Minties VOHC approved? No. VetIQ Minties are not on the VOHC list.
- Is OraVet VOHC approved? Yes. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews for Dogs carry a tartar claim.
- Is Purina DentaLife VOHC approved? Yes, for dogs and cats. Purina Busy and HeartyHide chew treats are not listed.
- Is Vetradent VOHC approved? Yes. Vetradent water additive, powder and wipes are listed.
- Are Yummy Combs VOHC approved? Yes, Yummy Combs Treats for Dogs are listed.
- Is Blue Buffalo VOHC approved? Blue Buffalo Dental Chews are listed. Blue Buffalo Dental Bones are a separate product and are not.
- Is PlaqueOff VOHC approved? Yes. ProDen PlaqueOff powder, bones, bites and soft chews are listed.
- Is Tartar Shield VOHC approved? Yes, the soft rawhide chews and PRO CARE toothpaste.
- Is Petsmile VOHC approved? Yes. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste is listed.
- Is HealthyMouth (Healthy Mouth) VOHC approved? Yes. The HealthyMouth anti plaque wipes for dogs are clinically proven in VOHC trials and accepted, along with the brand's gels, sprays and water additives.
- Is Royal Canin VOHC approved? Yes, the Royal Canin dental diets for dogs and cats.
- Is Oxyfresh VOHC approved? No. Oxyfresh water additive is not on the VOHC list.
- Is Petrodex VOHC approved? No.
- Is Vet's Best toothpaste VOHC approved? No.
- Is Arm and Hammer dog toothpaste VOHC approved? No.
- Are Merrick Fresh Kisses VOHC approved? No.
- Is Bark Bright VOHC approved? No.
- Is PupGum VOHC approved? No.
- Are there VOHC approved dog toys or chew toys? No. No dental toys or dog chew toys of any kind are on the list. Toys can help some dogs chew, but none has VOHC trial data.
How to use VOHC products in a home dental routine
A VOHC accepted product slows new plaque and tartar. It does not remove what is already there. Build the routine in this order, then add what your pet will accept:
- Start with a veterinary dental exam. If your pet already has tartar or red gums, a professional cleaning under anesthesia comes first, then home care keeps the clean teeth clean.
- Brush daily if you can. Brushing with a soft-bristle brush is the single most effective step. See our dog dental care guide for how to build the habit.
- Add one passive product. A VOHC dental diet, a water additive or a daily dental chew covers the days you miss brushing.
- Use it exactly as labeled. VOHC results only apply at the tested dose, size and frequency.
- Recheck every year. Most pets still need periodic professional cleanings, even with good home care.
What dissolves plaque on dogs' teeth? Nothing truly dissolves plaque, but brushing removes it mechanically, and VOHC accepted water additives and gels contain ingredients that slow how fast new plaque forms. Once plaque hardens into tartar, only scaling by your veterinarian removes it.
Frequently asked questions about VOHC
Yes. Canine Greenies five sizes, plus several specialty lines such as Weight Management, Aging Care and Puppy, are on the VOHC list with a plaque and tartar claim. Feline Greenies dental treats are listed too, carrying a Feline Greenies tartar claim. VOHC accepts products rather than recommending one brand over another, but Greenies have passed the trials.
Both brands have VOHC accepted products. Canine Greenies hold a plaque and tartar claim, and Pedigree Dentastix Advanced also carries a plaque and tartar claim, while regular small-dog Dentastix are not listed. Pick the listed product your dog will chew slowly in the correct size, and check calories if your dog is overweight.
Many vets do, as an add-on to brushing rather than a replacement. VOHC accepted water additives such as HealthyMouth and TropiClean Fresh Breath have trial data for reducing plaque, which makes them a useful choice for dogs and cats that resist brushing. Ask your vet first if your pet has a health condition that affects drinking.
Hardened tartar rarely falls off on its own, and when a piece chips away the root of the problem stays below the gumline. Removing it takes a professional cleaning under anesthesia so your vet can scale above and below the gums. VOHC products cannot remove existing tartar, but they help prevent new tartar from forming afterward.
There is no VOHC accepted coconut oil product, and there are no controlled trials showing coconut oil reduces plaque or tartar in dogs. It also adds a lot of calories. If you want a home-care product with proof behind it, choose a VOHC accepted toothpaste, gel or water additive instead.
Most vets recommend daily brushing first, using a cat toothpaste and a small soft-bristle brush. For cats who will not allow brushing, a feline dental diet such as Hill's t/d or Science Diet Oral Care, a VOHC accepted dental treat, or a water additive is the next step, along with a yearly dental exam.
Many cats live with owners who never manage brushing, but those cats need other home care and closer checkups. For cats that refuse brushing, combine a VOHC accepted dental diet or treat with a water additive, and keep an annual dental exam so your vet can catch disease early. Brushing remains the best option when it is possible.
Coreen Saito is a pet writer and longtime shelter volunteer with more than a decade in animal rescue. She covers cat behavior, breed care, and the small, ordinary science of sharing a life with companion animals, with a particular focus on honest takes about the products and decisions that actually matter. At home in Arizona, she's outranked by Mac (a dog with the loudest opinion in the house), Rebel (a cat who governs by quiet authority), and Meri (an orange tabby who runs the late shift and the laundry basket). She writes about all three, plus the rescues that keep coming through her life, at LifeWithMinty.com.
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