Virbac Dog Toothpaste (C.E.T.) Review for New Zealand: How It Works and Is It Worth It?
Virbac C.E.T. is an enzymatic dog toothpaste designed for brushing, and it is the paste most New Zealand vet clinics reach for first. If a food-topper routine suits your dog better, compare Pure Majesty Dog Dental Powder, which includes GOX/LPO enzymes alongside kelp, hydroxyapatite and SHMP. This review helps you weigh the application method and the formula before you buy.
Brand-published comparison by Pure Majesty Pets — ingredients from Virbac's published label, July 2026.
If a vet has ever told you to brush your dog's teeth, Virbac C.E.T. is probably the toothpaste they meant. The real questions are how the enzymes work, whether it is worth the effort, and what to do if your dog clamps their mouth shut the moment a toothbrush appears.
What Virbac C.E.T. Is and How the Enzymes Work
C.E.T. stands for the brand's patented dual-enzyme system. Two enzymes — glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase — work with the natural enzymes in your dog's saliva to boost the mouth's own antibacterial defences, helping control the bacteria that drive plaque and bad breath. Unlike human toothpaste, it contains no foaming agents and no fluoride, so it is safe to swallow and needs no rinsing — important, because dogs cannot spit.
For the next step in your comparison, see Petsmile application and formula.
Virbac C.E.T. Ingredients
The formula is simple and food-grade:
- Enzyme system: glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, potassium thiocyanate (the substrate the enzymes act on).
- Mild cleaners: dicalcium phosphate and hydrated silica for gentle mechanical cleaning.
- Base & flavour: sorbitol, glycerin, purified water, and poultry digest (or one of five flavours: poultry, beef, malt, seafood, vanilla-mint).
Want a simpler daily dental-care routine?
Explore our 12-active dental powder, designed to support cleaner teeth and fresher breath without adding another brushing session.
For supportive care; not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or prescribed treatment.
Flavour matters more than owners expect — a paste your dog dislikes is a paste that never gets used.

If your priority is a dental food topper with hydroxyapatite, kelp and a GOX/LPO enzyme system together, compare the Pure Majesty formula and available bundles. Choose by the ingredients and application you want; a longer ingredient list by itself does not prove better clinical results.
The Catch: It Only Works If You Brush
Here is the honest part. The enzymes help, but the mechanical action of brushing is what actually removes plaque before it hardens into tartar, and that means brushing daily, or at least several times a week. Two more things worth knowing:
- Enzymatic pastes like C.E.T. are widely recommended but not currently on the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) accepted-products list for a plaque or tartar claim — brushing technique and consistency carry the results.
- Daily brushing is the gold standard, but surveys consistently show most owners cannot keep it up — which is where the real-world gap opens.
If you and your dog can build a daily brushing habit, C.E.T. is an excellent, safe choice. If you cannot, a paste that sits in a drawer does nothing.

Virbac Toothpaste vs. a No-Brush Dental Powder
For the many dogs who will not tolerate a toothbrush, the practical question is not "which toothpaste" but "what works without brushing". Our dog dental powder takes that route: a 12-ingredient formula you sprinkle on food, pairing enzymes with hydroxyapatite (a building block of tooth enamel) and kelp, with no brushing required.
| Factor | Virbac C.E.T. toothpaste | Dental powder (sprinkle-on) |
|---|---|---|
| How it is used | Applied with a toothbrush | Sprinkled on food |
| Needs brushing? | Yes — ideally daily | No |
| Key actives | Dual-enzyme system | Enzymes + hydroxyapatite + kelp (12 actives) |
| Best for | Dogs that accept brushing | Dogs that refuse brushing |
| Mechanical plaque removal | Yes (from brushing) | No — chemical/enzymatic only |
Be clear-eyed about the trade-off: nothing beats the mechanical scrubbing of a brush, so if your dog tolerates it, brushing with an enzymatic paste is the gold standard. A powder wins on adherence — the best dental routine is the one you will actually do every day. We lay out the full comparison in dog toothpaste vs. dental powder.
Buying Dog Dental Care in New Zealand
Dental products for dogs are easy enough to find in New Zealand, but stock of any single overseas formula can be patchy, and shipping costs are what usually decide the matter. Here is how ordering Pure Majesty works from New Zealand:
- Shipping: free worldwide shipping, New Zealand included, with no minimum order.
- Duties and GST: orders ship DDP — duties and taxes are paid in advance, so there is nothing extra to pay to the courier on delivery.
- Where it is made: manufactured in North America in a GMP facility, with a certificate of analysis (COA) on every batch.
- What owners say: around 4.6/5 across roughly 1,085 reviews.
One practical New Zealand note: a sprinkle-on powder travels well between the North and South Island, does not need refrigeration, and is simple to leave with a kennel or a house-sitter over the summer holidays — one reason owners here often stick with it when a brushing routine slips. You can order the Pure Majesty Dog Dental Powder for delivery in New Zealand, or add our flagship liquid collagen for dogs to the same order if you are also supporting joints and coat.
How to Choose
- Your dog lets you brush: Virbac C.E.T. plus a soft brush or finger brush, most days of the week.
- Your dog fights brushing: a sprinkle-on dog dental powder is a more realistic daily habit.
- Either way: pair home care with professional cleanings, and check labels against the VOHC list where possible.
For the full routine, see our ultimate guide to dog dental care and our dog dental powder guide, and browse our dog dental supplements, part of our line of liquid dog supplements and care.
When to See Your Veterinarian
Home care slows plaque; it does not reverse established dental disease. If your dog has persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, brown tartar, a broken tooth, or is dropping food or pawing at their mouth, book a veterinary dental exam. Many dogs need a professional cleaning under anaesthesia, and home products work best afterwards to maintain the result.
To compare your daily-care options, read our Arm & Hammer vs. Virbac C.E.T. toothpaste comparison and how enzymatic dog toothpaste works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virbac C.E.T. toothpaste good for dogs?
Yes — it is an enzymatic toothpaste from Virbac, is safe to swallow, and its dual-enzyme system helps control plaque bacteria. Its effectiveness depends almost entirely on regular brushing, ideally daily. Dogs that will not be brushed get little benefit from any toothpaste.
How does Virbac enzymatic toothpaste work?
It uses a patented dual-enzyme system of glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase that works with your dog's saliva to boost natural antibacterial activity against plaque-forming bacteria. It contains no foaming agents or fluoride, so it is designed to be swallowed without rinsing.
Do you have to brush with Virbac toothpaste?
Yes. The enzymes help, but the mechanical action of brushing is what physically removes plaque before it hardens into tartar. Without brushing, a toothpaste cannot do much. If brushing is not realistic, a sprinkle-on dental powder is a more practical daily option.
What can I use if my dog will not let me brush?
A no-brush dental powder added to food is the common alternative. Look for one that combines enzymes with ingredients like hydroxyapatite and kelp. It will not replace the scrubbing action of a brush, but a routine you can keep up daily usually beats a perfect method you abandon.
Does Pure Majesty ship dental powder to New Zealand?
Yes. Shipping is free worldwide, New Zealand included, and orders are sent DDP, so duties and taxes are paid up front and there is nothing to settle with the courier on delivery.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Ingredient lists are from the manufacturer's published labelling and may change. Dental disease is common and often needs professional treatment — consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and cleaning recommendations.
Sources: Virbac — C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste (product information) · Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) — Accepted Products · AAHA — Dental Care for Pets
Ready to choose your daily dental powder? See the Pure Majesty formula, serving guide and current bundles and decide whether our ingredient combination fits your dog's routine.