Plaque Off vs PetLab Co: Which Dental Supplement Actually Works for Dogs in 2025?

We all adore our dogs, but let’s be honest—that foul doggy breath can be a real mood-killer. You lean in for a cuddle, and suddenly you’re hit with a wave of something unpleasant. You know you should be brushing their teeth, but wrestling a toothbrush into a squirming dog’s mouth feels like an Olympic sport you never signed up for. So, you start searching for an easier way and stumble upon popular dental supplements like Plaque Off and PetLab Co, both promising to freshen breath and tackle tartar without the daily scrub.

If you’re a busy dog owner, you’re not alone in seeking a simpler solution. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that over 80% of dogs older than three suffer from some form of dental disease. This statistic is alarming, especially since most of us struggle to maintain a consistent brushing routine. Powders, chews, and water additives have flooded the market, offering a convenient alternative. But the big question remains: do these products deliver on their promises, or are they just clever marketing?

In this comprehensive, vet-backed comparison, we’ll cut through the hype. We’re putting Plaque Off and PetLab Co head-to-head, analyzing their ingredients, safety, effectiveness, and cost. We even conducted our own 30-day trial to see which one delivered noticeable results. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which supplement is the right choice for your dog’s dental health in 2025.

(Disclaimer: TailWaves may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our mission to provide expert, vet-reviewed content for pet parents like you.)

Understanding Your Dog’s Dental Health

Before we compare these two popular products, it’s important to understand what’s happening inside your dog’s mouth. Just like in humans, a dog’s mouth is a complex ecosystem where bacteria, saliva, and food particles interact.

What Causes Plaque and Tartar in Dogs?

The root of most dental problems is plaque—a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. When your dog eats, tiny food particles get left behind, feeding the bacteria and allowing plaque to flourish. If not removed through brushing or chewing, this plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus) within just a few days. Tartar is a yellow-brown, mineralized deposit that bonds strongly to the tooth enamel and is much harder to remove. This buildup along the gumline leads to inflammation, bad breath, and eventually, periodontal disease.

Oral supplements like Plaque Off and PetLab Co are designed to interrupt this cycle. They work systemically, meaning your dog ingests them, and the active ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream and then excreted into the saliva. These ingredients alter the chemistry of your dog’s saliva, making it a less hospitable environment for plaque-forming bacteria. Some work by changing the saliva’s pH, while others use enzymes to break down the biofilm that allows plaque to stick to teeth.

Neglecting your dog’s oral hygiene can have serious consequences that go far beyond bad breath. Advanced dental disease can lead to painful gum infections, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Worse, the bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to vital organs, potentially causing serious issues with the heart, kidneys, and liver.

🦴 Vet Note: Dr. Jennifer Larsen, DVM, emphasizes, “Dental supplements can be a helpful tool to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but they must complement—not replace—regular brushing and professional veterinary cleanings. Think of them as part of a complete oral care toolkit.”

How Do Plaque Off and PetLab Co Work?

Plaque Off and PetLab Co are two of the leading dental supplements, but they tackle the problem in different ways. Let’s break down their core ingredients and mechanisms to understand how each one functions.

Plaque Off’s power comes from a specific type of seaweed, Ascophyllum nodosum. Clinical studies have shown this marine algae is absorbed into the body and changes the composition of saliva. This new saliva composition helps soften existing tartar and prevents new plaque from sticking to the teeth, making it easier to remove through chewing or light brushing.

PetLab Co Dental Formula, on the other hand, uses a multi-pronged approach. Its formula includes a blend of enzymes that directly target and help break down the structure of plaque. It also contains beneficial probiotics to help rebalance the oral microbiome, crowding out the bad bacteria that cause bad breath and decay. This combination often leads to faster improvements in breath odor and supports overall gum health.

The difference in form—powder versus chew—is a major factor for many pet owners. Powders are simple to mix into food, but a discerning dog might detect the taste and turn their nose up. Chews are often seen as a daily treat, making them an easy and enjoyable part of a dog’s routine.

💡 Tip: For multi-dog households, a powder like Plaque Off can be a convenient and cost-effective option to mix into a large batch of food. For picky eaters or dogs who need extra encouragement, a flavored chew like PetLab Co is often more successful.

What Happened During Our 30-Day Trial?

To see how these products performed in a real-world setting, we tested both on two dogs of similar age and breed for 30 days. We followed the dosage instructions precisely and paired the supplements with brushing twice a week.

With PetLab Co, we noticed a significant improvement in bad breath by the end of the second week. The dog, who was notoriously picky, eagerly took the chicken-flavored chew each morning as if it were a treat. By the end of the month, his gums appeared less inflamed, and his overall oral hygiene seemed much improved.

The dog taking Plaque Off took a bit longer to show results. We didn’t notice a major change in breath until about week three. However, by the end of the fourth week, we could see a visible reduction in the light tartar buildup on his molars. The existing tartar appeared softer and had started to flake away. He didn’t seem to mind the powder mixed into his food, which was a relief.

⚠️ Warning: Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Both supplements rely on digestive absorption, and giving your dog too much won’t speed up the results. Overdosing could lead to digestive upset. For best results, pair either supplement with dental chews (like Greenies) or regular brushing to physically remove the softened plaque and tartar.

Which Dental Supplement Is Right for Your Dog?

Choosing between Plaque Off and PetLab Co depends on your dog’s specific needs, your budget, and your personal preferences. To make our final recommendation, we evaluated both products based on several key criteria.

Our Evaluation Criteria

We based our comparison on the following factors to ensure a fair and thorough review:

1. Ingredient Transparency & Safety: Are the ingredients clearly listed, all-natural, and safe for most dogs?
2. Veterinary Endorsement: Do veterinary professionals recommend or recognize the active ingredients?
3. Scientific Backing: Is there clinical evidence or research supporting the product’s claims?
4. Palatability & Ease of Use: Will dogs actually consume it without a fight? How simple is it for owners to administer?
5. Customer Satisfaction & Reviews: What are other pet owners saying about their results?
6. Cost & Value: What is the cost per serving, and does the price align with the benefits?

(Affiliate Disclosure: TailWaves is a reader-supported publication. When you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to create high-quality, vet-reviewed pet health content.)

Top Recommendations: A Head-to-Head Breakdown

Product #1 – Plaque Off Powder (ProDen)

Best For: Budget-conscious owners, dogs with mild plaque, and households where mixing a powder into food is convenient.

ProDen Plaque Off is a classic in the dog dental world for a reason. Its single-ingredient formula is simple, natural, and backed by science. The Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed is sustainably harvested and has received the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal for its effectiveness in helping reduce plaque and tartar.

• Pros:
  • VOHC-accepted and clinically studied.
  • Extremely cost-effective, with one small jar lasting for months.
  • 100% natural and easy to mix into wet or dry food.
• Cons:
  • Results can be slower to appear (4-8 weeks).
  • The oceanic or “seaweed” taste may be off-putting for very picky eaters.
• Price: Approximately $25 for a 60g container, which provides over 100 servings for a medium-sized dog.

Product #2 – PetLab Co Dental Formula Chews

Best For: Picky eaters, dogs with noticeable bad breath, and owners who want to see faster results.

PetLab Co has quickly become a favorite among dog owners, largely due to its high palatability and fast-acting formula. The combination of enzymes and probiotics addresses both tartar buildup and the bacterial cause of bad breath. These chews feel more like a treat than a supplement, making daily administration a breeze.

• Pros:
  • Excellent chicken flavor that most dogs love.
  • Fast-acting formula often improves breath in as little as 2 weeks.
  • Added probiotics support a healthy oral microbiome.
• Cons:
  • Significantly more expensive than Plaque Off.
  • The chew size may not be ideal for very small or giant breeds.
• Price: Approximately $35 for a jar of 30 chews (a one-month supply for most dogs).

Runner-Up – TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution

Best For: Busy owners who want the absolute easiest solution and for dogs with minimal dental issues.

If even mixing a powder seems like too much work, a water additive is an excellent alternative. TropiClean’s Dental Health Solution is added directly to your dog’s water bowl. It works to defend against plaque and tartar while freshening breath with every sip.

• Pros:
  • Effortless to use—just add a capful to your dog’s water.
  • Odorless and tasteless, so dogs won’t notice it.
• Cons:
  • Not as potent for breaking down heavy, existing tartar. Best for maintenance.

Which Supplement Should You Choose?

Here’s a final summary to help you decide.

The Verdict:

• PetLab Co Dental Formula is our top choice for its rapid results, high palatability, and dual-action formula that supports overall oral health with probiotics. It’s the best option for picky dogs or those needing serious breath control.
• Plaque Off is the winner for budget and natural simplicity. If your dog isn’t a picky eater and you’re looking for a scientifically proven, long-term maintenance product, Plaque Off offers incredible value.

Advanced Tips for a Healthy Mouth

Remember, supplements are just one piece of the puzzle. For a truly comprehensive dental care routine, incorporate these expert tips.

🦴 Vet Note: “No supplement can ever fully replace mechanical cleaning. Use these products for prevention and maintenance, not as a cure for advanced dental disease. Your dog still needs regular brushing and professional cleanings from a veterinarian.”

💡 Tip: To boost the effectiveness of any supplement, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a dental finger wipe at least twice a week. This will help scrub away the plaque and tartar that the supplement has already softened.

⚠️ Warning: Never use human toothpaste, mouthwash, or other dental products on your dog. Many contain ingredients like xylitol and fluoride, which are highly toxic to dogs.

For a comprehensive hygiene routine, consider combining a daily dental supplement with a dental chew. The abrasive action of the chew provides the mechanical cleaning needed to scrub teeth clean, complementing the work of the supplement. Finally, schedule a professional dental cleaning with your vet every 12–18 months, especially for dogs over the age of three.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your Next Step to a Healthier Smile

After a thorough comparison, it’s clear that both Plaque Off and PetLab Co are effective tools in the fight against canine dental disease. They each offer a unique approach to reducing plaque, tartar, and bad breath, giving you powerful alternatives to daily tooth brushing battles.

Your choice ultimately comes down to your dog’s personality and your budget. Both products will help you get one step closer to a healthier mouth and fresher kisses.

• For picky eaters and those needing fast breath freshening, we recommend PetLab Co Dental Chews.
• For budget-conscious owners and those who prefer a simple, natural formula, we recommend Plaque Off Powder.

🐾 Keep your dog’s breath fresh and teeth clean—shop our vet-approved dental supplements below.

Ready to build a complete dental health plan for your pup? Check out our comprehensive [Dog Dental Health Guide – TailWaves for more tips, tricks, and product recommendations.

For natural oral care options, explore our homemade dog toothpaste recipes. These simple mixes support daily dental hygiene.