Ark Naturals Reveals Results of Clinical Trial Evaluating Reduction in Canine Plaque, Tartar

Ark Naturals, a member of the Antelope brand family, has announced clinical trial research showing Protection+ Brushless Toothpaste Fortified Dental Chews to be more effective at reducing plaque formation and tartar build up than the next leading dog dental chew available in market.

In a 2024 independent study, dogs who consumed Ark Naturals’ Protection+ dental chews were shown to have 15.2 percent less plaque and 78.4 percent less tartar build up, significantly outperforming the control group.*

“At Antelope, we stay on the cutting edge of research and product development to provide the highest quality products for our pets, and this clinical trial further proves that mission. We are thrilled to be able to share the powerful results with our partners and retailers at SuperZoo this year,” Antelope founder and CEO Wendy Wen said.

Protection+ Brushless Toothpaste is a patent-pending, 5-in-1 preventative dental care solution that works systemically to improve oral health using the power of astaxanthin. Sourced from AstaReal, astaxanthin is a natural, non-GMO antioxidant that is 6,000 times more powerful than vitamin C, making it the most powerful antioxidant found in nature.

“Astaxanthin is an incredible ingredient that will continue to grow in popularity as consumers become more familiar with its benefits,” Wen continued. “We look forward to developing more Antelope products with this powerful antioxidant.”

In addition, the clinical trial demonstrated that consuming Ark Naturals Protection+ positively affected the canine oral microbiome. A balanced oral microbiome is crucial for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Without enough beneficial bacteria to outcompete them, pathogenic bacteria can cause significant damage, leading to infections, inflammation, gingivitis, tooth decay and bad breath.

“The data from this study demonstrates that regular consumption of Ark Naturals Protection+ was able to significantly shift the oral microbiome bacteria to a healthier state by promoting beneficial bacteria and decreasing disease-causing pathogenic bacteria,” said Dr. Lindsey Wendt, Antelope chief veterinary officer. “Taking proactive steps to keep a dog’s oral microbiome properly balanced can help avoid progressive periodontal disease that can lead to other significant health issues in other organs of the body.”

Antelope will showcase Ark Naturals Protection+ at SuperZoo booth 3325 for those wanting to learn more. 

*Ark Naturals Protection+ Brushless Toothpaste Dental Chews were sent to Summit Ridge Kennels in Pennsylvania to determine potential reductions in plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and halitosis to support marketing and patent claims. Testing groups included 20 dogs fed dry food diet only (control) and 20 dogs fed the same dry diet in addition to the recommended regimen of two Protection+ Brushless Toothpaste Dental Chews per day.