DentaTabs Dental Supplement Powder
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a powdered dental supplement for dogs and cats that you dissolve in their drinking water or mix with food to help reduce plaque and tartar and freshen breath. It relies on ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, malic acid, and cetylpyridinium chloride, which are commonly used to support oral hygiene. It’s meant as an add-on to regular dental care, not a complete diet.
This is a functional dental supplement rather than a source of nutrition, designed for daily use in the water bowl for both dogs and cats. The ingredients are typical of oral-care products for humans and animals and are aimed at reducing plaque, tartar, and mouth bacteria. It can be a reasonable adjunct to tooth brushing or dental cleanings, but it does not replace a balanced diet or mechanical cleaning of the teeth.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated specifically for dental support with ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and cetylpyridinium chloride that are commonly used to help control plaque and oral bacteria.
- Suitable for both dogs and cats of any age, which can simplify routines in multi-pet households.
- Powder form that can be dissolved in water or mixed with food, helpful for pets who won’t accept dental chews or brushing.
Considerations
- This product provides essentially no meaningful calories, protein, or other nutrients, so it must be used alongside a complete and balanced diet.
- Contains sorbitol and sodium saccharin as sweeteners; while generally safe at typical doses, they may not be ideal for pets with very sensitive gastrointestinal tracts.
- Because it’s delivered in drinking water, its effectiveness can vary if a pet does not drink consistently from the treated bowl or has access to other water sources.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is used in pet food primarily as a pH buffer and leavening/processing aid to control acidity, improve texture in baked treats, and reduce caking. It provides no nutritional value but contributes sodium and can affect acid–base balance, so excessive intake or formulation errors may cause gastrointestinal upset, electrolyte disturbances or worsen heart or kidney disease in dogs and cats and should be used only at controlled levels.
02
Malic Acid
Malic acid is an organic acid used in pet foods primarily as an acidulant, flavoring agent and pH regulator to improve palatability and help preserve product stability. It has no essential nutritional value for dogs or cats, but in small, regulated amounts can enhance taste and shelf life; high concentrations may cause gastrointestinal upset or contribute to dental/tissue irritation, so it is kept at low, approved levels in formulations.
03
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium carbonate is used in pet food primarily as a pH adjuster and processing aid (for buffering, water hardness control, and anti-caking during manufacture) rather than as a nutrient. It has no direct nutritional benefit for dogs or cats, and while small regulated amounts are generally safe, excessive levels could contribute to sodium load or alkalinity issues and should be avoided in sodium‑sensitive or kidney‑disease pets.
04
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used in pet foods, treats and veterinary formulations as a humectant, sweetener and texturizer that supplies some calories with a lower glycemic effect than normal sugar. It is not acutely toxic like xylitol, but can cause gastrointestinal upset—particularly gas and osmotic diarrhea—if consumed in moderate to large amounts, so owners should use caution for pets with sensitive stomachs or diabetes and monitor intake from treats and medications.
05
Carbowax
Carbowax (polyethylene glycol, PEG) is used in pet foods and treats primarily as a processing aid—acting as a humectant, binder or coating/plasticizer to retain moisture and stabilize texture—rather than as a nutrient. It provides no nutritional value for dogs or cats and is generally low-risk at typical use levels, though high doses can cause gastrointestinal upset or have a laxative effect; it should not be confused with ethylene glycol (antifreeze), which is highly toxic.
Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Tartar Shield is a pet oral care brand offering dental chews, treats, and oral care solutions designed to support dental health and fresh breath in dogs and cats. The brand emphasizes scientifically backed formulations and patented active ingredients to help reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Visit Tartar ShieldManufacturer
Tartar Shield Pet Products manufactures its products in FDA-registered and USDA-inspected facilities with quality control practices adhering to pet food industry safety standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Tartar Shield DentaTabs Dental Supplement Powder has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Tartar Shield ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Tartar Shield. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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