Ark Naturals Protection Plus Brushless Toothpaste: A Science-Backed Win for Small Mouths?
Petscarelab’s Conclusion: A highly effective, science-driven dental chew that uses antioxidants to stop plaque before it starts. Rated 4.5/5, it’s specifically designed for mini breeds (under 8 lbs) struggling with stinky breath and early-stage tartar buildup.
If you’ve ever tried to shove a toothbrush into the mouth of a five-pound Chihuahua, you know it’s less of a "bonding moment" and more of a "wrestling match." Small dogs are notorious for dental issues, and their tiny mouths make traditional brushing feel impossible. We decided to put Ark Naturals Protection Plus Brushless Toothpaste to the test because it claims to do something different. Instead of just scraping teeth, it uses a toothpaste center and a unique antioxidant to create a protective barrier in the saliva. It’s the ultimate solution for pet parents who want vet-level results without the daily struggle.
Raw Material and Facts
The star of the show here is Astaxanthin. Our research into the formula shows it boosts immunoglobulin A in the dog’s saliva. This basically turns their spit into a protective shield against plaque. It also contains honey and cinnamon to fight bacteria naturally.
These aren't your typical rubbery dental treats. They have firm outer ridges and a softer, toothpaste core. The scent is an interesting mix of savory chicken and medicinal clove. It doesn't smell like fresh mint, but it definitely masks that garbage breath smell immediately.
We love that there's no xylitol, grain, or artificial dyes. It’s a clean label that’s safe for sensitive tummies.
The User Experience (Pet & Owner)
The mini size is actually small enough for tiny jaws. Many "small" treats are still too big for a Yorkie or a Toy Poodle, but these fit perfectly.
Our testers went nuts for them. The chicken flavor seems to override the clove scent for most dogs. They treat it like a high-value reward, not a chore.
On a scale of 1–10, this is a 10. You just hand them the chew twice a day. No finger brushes, no sticky gels on your carpet, and no bitten fingers.
We didn't notice any digestive upset or "zoomies" from the natural ingredients. However, because they are firm, very senior dogs with loose teeth might take a bit longer to work through them.
Effectiveness: Does It Actually Work?
The immediate death breath is gone. The cinnamon and clove do a heavy lifting job of neutralizing odors right away.
This is where the Astaxanthin kicks in. Around the 3-week mark, you’ll likely notice the gum line looking less angry and red.
Don't expect thick, stony tartar to fall off in a day. However, for preventing new plaque and softening light yellowing, our team at Petscarelab found these to be significantly more effective than standard dental sticks.
Pros & Cons
Final Verdict
Overall Rating
4.5 / 5 Stars
This is for owners of tiny breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, or Min-Pins who want to avoid the vet dental cleaning bill as long as possible.
While the bag is smaller, the active ingredients like Astaxanthin are premium. It's an investment in their long-term health.
Would we buy it again? Yes. It’s one of the few dental products dogs actually get excited about.
Pro-Tips for Better Results
For the best results with Ark Naturals Protection Plus, consistency is everything. Give one in the morning and one at night. If your dog finds them a bit too hard, you can slightly "crack" the outer shell to help them get to the toothpaste center faster. If your pup has major gum bleeding, skip the treats and head to the vet first!
Disclaimer: This review is based on Petscarelab's pet owner experience and available product data. Individual results may vary.
