Arm & Hammer for Pets Tartar Control Kit Review: The Affordable Solution to "Stinky Dog Breath"
PetsCareLab’s Conclusion: A reliable, budget-friendly starter kit featuring enzymatic toothpaste and dual brushes. With a 4.4-star rating, it’s best suited for all dog breeds and ages—including puppies—struggling with early plaque buildup and mouth odors.
Most of us know the "struggle" all too well. You lean in for a sweet morning cuddle, only to be hit by a wave of stinky dog breath so foul it could wilt a houseplant. We often laugh off "dog breath," but that smell is usually a sign of plaque and tartar hiding along the gum line. If you've ever tried to shove a human toothbrush into a squirming pup's mouth, you know why many owners just give up. Our team at Petscarelab decided to review the Arm & Hammer for Pets Tartar Control Kit because it’s one of the most popular, high-value dental care kits on the market. We wanted to see if a ten-dollar kit could actually replace a pricey professional cleaning or if it's just another "viral" product that sits unused in the cabinet.
1. Product Profile (At a Glance)
2. Raw Material and Facts
This kit leans heavily on the classic Arm & Hammer secret weapon: baking soda. It works to neutralize odors and whiten teeth, while enzymatic action (specifically proteases) help break down the organic proteins that cause plaque. Zinc gluconate is also in the mix to help soothe the gums during the cleaning process.
The toothpaste is a smooth, light tan paste. It isn't gritty like some "whitening" pastes, which is good for sensitive gums and puppy teeth. While it claims to be beef-flavored, the scent is quite mild. It doesn't smell like a fresh steak, but it also doesn't have that artificial chemical "mint" smell that many dogs hate.
This formula is bleach-free and non-toxic. We checked the label for Xylitol, and it’s nowhere to be found, making it a safe pet toothpaste even if your pup swallows the whole glob (which they will).
3. The "User Experience" (Pet & Owner)
The kit includes a dual-ended toothbrush. One side has a large head for the big molars, and the other has a tiny head for those small front teeth or for use on smaller dog breeds. The addition of the rubber fingerbrush is a huge win for owners of puppies who aren't quite ready for a "stick" in their mouth yet.
In our tests, most dogs didn't run away. They seemed curious about the savory beef flavor and were happy to lick it off a finger. It’s not "treat-level" delicious, but it’s tasty enough to make the grooming process a lot less of a wrestling match for the owner.
We'd give this an 8/10 for ease. The fingerbrush makes the transition into daily dental care very smooth. If your dog is aggressive or very fearful, the long handle of the toothbrush allows you to keep your fingers at a safe distance while still reaching the back of the mouth.
No sneezing or digestive upset was reported. The soft bristles on the fingerbrush are gentle enough that they don't cause bleeding, even if you're a bit clumsy during your first dog brushing session.
4. Effectiveness: Does It Actually Work?
The baking soda does its job almost instantly on the breath. The "garbage" smell is replaced by a much more neutral scent. You won't get "minty fresh," but you will get "not offensive," which is a major odor control win in our book.
This is where consistency matters. After three weeks of brushing 2-3 times a week, we noticed a visible reduction in plaque near the gum line. While it won't magically dissolve heavy tartar that's been there for years, it definitely stops new buildup from forming and keeps healthy gums looking pink rather than angry and red.
5. Pros & Cons
6. Final Verdict
Overall Rating
(4.5/5 Stars)
This kit is perfect for the newbie dog parent or someone on a budget who wants a vet-recommended brand they can trust. It’s the best entry point for at-home dental care. For the price of two lattes, you're potentially saving hundreds in future veterinary dental cleanings. It is a permanent staple in our dog grooming kit.
7. Pro-Tips for Better Results
Note: Our research shows that for the best results, you shouldn't let your dog drink water for 30 minutes after brushing. This lets the active enzymes in the Arm & Hammer for Pets Tartar Control Kit sit on the teeth and do the heavy lifting. If your dog has bleeding gums or loose teeth, skip the brush and call your vet immediately!
Disclaimer: This review is based on Petscarelab's pet owner experience. Individual results for dog oral health may vary.
