ProDen PlaqueOff® and Side Effects in Dogs, Cats, and Humans
In this article:
ProDen PlaqueOff® is a natural supplement for improved oral health, used worldwide by people as well as dogs and cats. It helps reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath.
The active ingredient is the unique algae A.N. ProDen® (Ascophyllum nodosum), which grows naturally in the cold, nutrient-rich waters along the Scandinavian coastline. The algae works systemically through the saliva, making plaque less likely to stick and helping existing tartar gradually soften.
The effectiveness is clinically documented and proven, and several products in the range are VOHC-certified, a quality mark recommended by veterinarians across the world.
A Safe Solution – With a Few Important Exceptions
ProDen PlaqueOff® has been on the market for over 30 years, and more than 5 billion doses have been sold. The product is generally safe and well tolerated, but as with any supplement, there are a few things to keep in mind:
• ProDen PlaqueOff® should be avoided in cases of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), as algae naturally contain iodine. In cases of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), iodine may actually be beneficial. However, if you or your pet has any thyroid-related conditions, we always recommend consulting a vet or doctor before use.
Thyroid issues are uncommon in dogs but can occur in both cats and people. If you or your pet is healthy, there’s no reason for concern.
• Mild digestive reactions, such as loose stools, may occur when the supplement is first introduced, especially if too high of a dose is given initially. This is easily managed by reducing the dose and gradually increasing it over time. If you know that you or your pet has a sensitive stomach, you can also start with a lower dose.
Why might digestive issues occur?
Algae naturally have a high fiber content. While fiber is generally beneficial for gut health, some individuals may temporarily experience gas, diarrhea, or a quicker gut transit time when the product is first introduced. These reactions are common in the beginning and are not harmful.
Iodine Levels in ProDen PlaqueOff®
- Under normal circumstances, iodine intake is beneficial and an important part of the diet. However, in cases of hyperthyroidism (which is rare), iodine should be avoided — and algae naturally contain iodine.
- One scoop of ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder weighs 330 mg and contains approximately 0.198 mg of iodine.
- This equals about 0.5% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iodine for pets, meaning it is well within safe levels.
Allergies to algae are very rare, which makes ProDen PlaqueOff® a safe choice for most animals and people. As with any supplement, individual needs can vary, so it is often helpful to introduce the product gradually.
When it comes to dosage, there is a recommended daily amount, but it is not absolute. The taste of the algae may feel unfamiliar to some cats and dogs, and in those cases it can be helpful to start with a smaller amount. Others, especially those with hardened plaque or tartar, may benefit from beginning with a slightly higher dose to help “kick-start” the process. After a period of use, the dose can be adjusted back to the normal level.
By tailoring the dosage to each individual and using the product consistently, most users see clear improvements such as cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and fresher breath within 3 to 8 weeks.
How ProDen PlaqueOff® Works
- The algae is absorbed naturally in the body through powder or chew products for dogs and cats, and through capsules for humans.
- It works through the saliva, which functions as a natural tool against plaque and tartar.
- The saliva becomes more active in breaking down existing plaque and tartar, while also helping to prevent new buildup.
ProDen PlaqueOff® Comes in Several Formats
For Dogs:
• Powder
• Dental Bones
• Soft Chews
• Crunchy Dental Bites
• Scoopables
• Holistic Soft Bites
You can find the category page with all dog dental care products here.
For Cats:
• Powder
• Soft Chews
• Crunchy Dental Bites
• Scoopables
• Holistic Soft Bites
• Coming soon: ProDen PlaqueOff® Crème
You can find the category page with all cat dental care products here.
For humans:
Possible Side Effects in Dogs
Most dogs tolerate ProDen PlaqueOff® very well, but some may experience mild reactions when the supplement is first introduced.
These may occur:
• Mild digestive upset at the start: Some dogs may develop loose stools when the product is introduced. This is harmless and usually goes away on its own. You can reduce the risk by starting with a low dose and increasing it gradually.
If Your Dog Doesn’t Like the Taste
The taste and smell of the algae in powder form may feel unfamiliar to some dogs.
To make it easier:
• Start with a very small amount and increase it gradually.
• Try one of our other product formats, such as Dental Bites or Dental Care Bones, which come in flavors like bacon, vegetables, turkey, and chicken.
Introducing the product during puppyhood can also make a big difference. Puppies get used to the taste early, and it helps you establish a natural dental care routine from the beginning.
Possible Side Effects in Cats
Most cats tolerate ProDen PlaqueOff® very well, but as with any supplement, some may experience mild reactions when the product is first introduced.
These may occur:
• Mild digestive upset at the start: Some cats may experience loose stools when the product is introduced. Start with a low dose and increase it gradually to reduce the risk.
If Your Cat Doesn’t Like the Taste
Cats are often more particular than dogs, and the taste of the algae may feel unfamiliar at first.
Here’s how to make the introduction easier:
• Start with a very small amount and increase it gradually as your cat gets used to the taste.
• Try alternative product formats if the powder isn’t well received, such as Dental Bites with salmon flavor or our upcoming ProDen PlaqueOff® Crème, made with 25% chicken breast.
The cat version of the powder also contains yeast to make the flavor more appealing, but every cat is different, so it may take a bit of trial and error to find the right format. Some cats even prefer the dog version of the powder.
Introducing the product during kittenhood can also make a big difference. Early introduction helps your cat accept the taste more easily, and the dental care routine becomes a natural part of everyday life.
FAQ: ProDen PlaqueOff® and Side Effects
Yes. The product is designed for daily use throughout life. The natural algae is nutrient-rich and well tolerated by dogs, cats, and humans.
Yes. ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental is a safe and well tolerated supplement for humans. Mild digestive upset may occur; if that happens, simply reduce the dose. It is not recommended for people with thyroid issues (hyperthyroidism) because of the naturally high iodine content.
Yes. You can combine the products because they contain the same active algae ingredient. It can help to give different formats on different days, for example powder one day and chews the next. The most important thing is that your pet receives roughly the same daily dose. The recommended amount is a guideline, and every animal is an individual, so feel free to adjust to what works best.
Start with a very small amount mixed into their favorite food. If that does not work, try Dental Bites Salmon or our upcoming ProDen PlaqueOff® Crème.
Because the algae Ascophyllum nodosum is harvested from the natural marine environment, the product may contain traces of fish and shellfish. For this reason, we do not recommend it for people with fish or shellfish allergies.
ProDen PlaqueOff® and Side Effects in Dogs, Cats, and Humans
ProDen PlaqueOff® is a natural supplement for improved oral health, used worldwide by people as well as dogs and cats. It helps reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath.
The active ingredient is the unique algae A.N. ProDen® (Ascophyllum nodosum), which grows naturally in the cold, nutrient-rich waters along the Scandinavian coastline. The algae works systemically through the saliva, making plaque less likely to stick and helping existing tartar gradually soften.
The effectiveness is clinically documented and proven, and several products in the range are VOHC-certified, a quality mark recommended by veterinarians across the world.
A Safe Solution – With a Few Important Exceptions
ProDen PlaqueOff® has been on the market for over 30 years, and more than 5 billion doses have been sold. The product is generally safe and well tolerated, but as with any supplement, there are a few things to keep in mind:
• ProDen PlaqueOff® should be avoided in cases of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), as algae naturally contain iodine. In cases of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), iodine may actually be beneficial. However, if you or your pet has any thyroid-related conditions, we always recommend consulting a vet or doctor before use.
Thyroid issues are uncommon in dogs but can occur in both cats and people. If you or your pet is healthy, there’s no reason for concern.
• Mild digestive reactions, such as loose stools, may occur when the supplement is first introduced, especially if too high of a dose is given initially. This is easily managed by reducing the dose and gradually increasing it over time. If you know that you or your pet has a sensitive stomach, you can also start with a lower dose.
Why might digestive issues occur?
Algae naturally have a high fiber content. While fiber is generally beneficial for gut health, some individuals may temporarily experience gas, diarrhea, or a quicker gut transit time when the product is first introduced. These reactions are common in the beginning and are not harmful.
Iodine Levels in ProDen PlaqueOff®
- Under normal circumstances, iodine intake is beneficial and an important part of the diet. However, in cases of hyperthyroidism (which is rare), iodine should be avoided — and algae naturally contain iodine.
- One scoop of ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder weighs 330 mg and contains approximately 0.198 mg of iodine.
- This equals about 0.5% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iodine for pets, meaning it is well within safe levels.
Allergies to algae are very rare, which makes ProDen PlaqueOff® a safe choice for most animals and people. As with any supplement, individual needs can vary, so it is often helpful to introduce the product gradually.
When it comes to dosage, there is a recommended daily amount, but it is not absolute. The taste of the algae may feel unfamiliar to some cats and dogs, and in those cases it can be helpful to start with a smaller amount. Others, especially those with hardened plaque or tartar, may benefit from beginning with a slightly higher dose to help “kick-start” the process. After a period of use, the dose can be adjusted back to the normal level.
By tailoring the dosage to each individual and using the product consistently, most users see clear improvements such as cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and fresher breath within 3 to 8 weeks.
How ProDen PlaqueOff® Works
- The algae is absorbed naturally in the body through powder or chew products for dogs and cats, and through capsules for humans.
- It works through the saliva, which functions as a natural tool against plaque and tartar.
- The saliva becomes more active in breaking down existing plaque and tartar, while also helping to prevent new buildup.
ProDen PlaqueOff® Comes in Several Formats
For Dogs:
• Powder
• Dental Bones
• Soft Chews
• Crunchy Dental Bites
• Scoopables
• Holistic Soft Bites
You can find the category page with all dog dental care products here.
For Cats:
• Powder
• Soft Chews
• Crunchy Dental Bites
• Scoopables
• Holistic Soft Bites
• Coming soon: ProDen PlaqueOff® Crème
You can find the category page with all cat dental care products here.
For humans:
• Capsules
Read more about our product for humans.
Possible Side Effects in Dogs
Most dogs tolerate ProDen PlaqueOff® very well, but some may experience mild reactions when the supplement is first introduced.
These may occur:
• Mild digestive upset at the start: Some dogs may develop loose stools when the product is introduced. This is harmless and usually goes away on its own. You can reduce the risk by starting with a low dose and increasing it gradually.
If Your Dog Doesn’t Like the Taste
The taste and smell of the algae in powder form may feel unfamiliar to some dogs.
To make it easier:
• Mix the powder with something extra tasty, such as wet food.
• Start with a very small amount and increase it gradually.
• Try one of our other product formats, such as Dental Bites or Dental Care Bones, which come in flavors like bacon, vegetables, turkey, and chicken.
Introducing the product during puppyhood can also make a big difference. Puppies get used to the taste early, and it helps you establish a natural dental care routine from the beginning.
Possible Side Effects in Cats
Most cats tolerate ProDen PlaqueOff® very well, but as with any supplement, some may experience mild reactions when the product is first introduced.
These may occur:
• Mild digestive upset at the start: Some cats may experience loose stools when the product is introduced. Start with a low dose and increase it gradually to reduce the risk.
If Your Cat Doesn’t Like the Taste
Cats are often more particular than dogs, and the taste of the algae may feel unfamiliar at first.
Here’s how to make the introduction easier:
• Mix the powder into something extra tasty, such as wet food or a small amount of pâté.
• Start with a very small amount and increase it gradually as your cat gets used to the taste.
• Try alternative product formats if the powder isn’t well received, such as Dental Bites with salmon flavor or our upcoming ProDen PlaqueOff® Crème, made with 25% chicken breast.
The cat version of the powder also contains yeast to make the flavor more appealing, but every cat is different, so it may take a bit of trial and error to find the right format. Some cats even prefer the dog version of the powder.
Introducing the product during kittenhood can also make a big difference. Early introduction helps your cat accept the taste more easily, and the dental care routine becomes a natural part of everyday life.
FAQ: ProDen PlaqueOff® and Side Effects
Is it safe to give ProDen PlaqueOff® every day over a long period?
Yes. The product is designed for daily use throughout life. The natural algae is nutrient-rich and well tolerated by dogs, cats, and humans.
Is ProDen PlaqueOff® safe for humans?
Yes. ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental is a safe and well tolerated supplement for humans. Mild digestive upset may occur; if that happens, simply reduce the dose. It is not recommended for people with thyroid issues (hyperthyroidism) because of the naturally high iodine content.
Can I combine different formats, such as powder and chew products?
Yes. You can combine the products because they contain the same active algae ingredient. It can help to give different formats on different days, for example powder one day and chews the next. The most important thing is that your pet receives roughly the same daily dose. The recommended amount is a guideline, and every animal is an individual, so feel free to adjust to what works best.
My cat is very fussy. What should I do if they refuse the powder?
Start with a very small amount mixed into their favorite food. If that does not work, try Dental Bites Salmon or our upcoming ProDen PlaqueOff® Crème.
Can I use ProDen PlaqueOff® if I am allergic to fish or shellfish?
Because the algae Ascophyllum nodosum is harvested from the natural marine environment, the product may contain traces of fish and shellfish. For this reason, we do not recommend it for people with fish or shellfish allergies.
