Do you ever find yourself chasing your dog around the house just to brush its teeth? While some dogs don’t mind it, others will make a huge fuss. Luckily, other alternatives exist—dog dental chews being one of them. You’ll often find them in a variety of shapes and flavors that your pooch will absolutely love. Just give one to the little rascal and it will do all the work, scraping off any tartar and all the nasty stuff.
Keep in mind that dental treats are not as effective as brushing, and you’ll still need to brush your canine companion’s teeth. But by offering the chews everyday, you won’t need to brush as often. This article explains what you should look for when shopping for dog dental treats and lists some of the best options you can find on the market.
What to Look for in Dental Chews for Dogs
Size
When you’re looking for dental treats for dogs, make sure to choose one that’s the suitable size for Fido. As a rule of thumb, the treat should be larger than your dog’s mouth. Otherwise, it might pose a choking hazard—especially if your dog has the habit of gobbling food up without chewing. You’ll also want to get rid of the treat when it’s broken down.
Consistency
Check that the treat is firm enough to last while your dog is chewing it, but also soft enough that it doesn’t damage the teeth. To determine if it’s the right amount of firmness, try pushing your fingernail into the chew. If it causes a bit of an indent, you’ll know it has the ideal consistency.
Calories
Another factor to take into account is the number of calories in each dental chew. These products are often high in calories and can result in your furry friend putting on some extra weight. Should you end up buying dental treats with high calories, make sure to adjust the food portions you offer on days you give the treats.
VOHC Approval
Go for dog dental chews that have a VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval. It means that the treat has gone through an evaluation that proves how effective it is at eliminating plaque and tartar. If the product has it, you know it works. You should be able to find the seal on the packaging.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that dental treats that don’t have the seal of approval aren’t any good. They just haven’t been tested yet.
9 Best Dog Dental Chews
Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Treats
Specifications:
- Treat sizes: Teenie, petite, regular, large
- Main ingredients: Glycerin, gelatin, wheat flour, wheat gluten
- Nutrition: 30% minimum protein, 5.5% minimum fat, 5% maximum crude fiber, 6% maximum moisture
- Calories: 91 per regular original treat
Reasons to BUY
- Plenty of sizes and formulas
- Vet-recommended
- One of the least expensive options
- Added minerals and vitamins
Reasons to AVOID
- Some buyers report cases of diarrhea
The green color and toothbrush shape of Greenies dental sticks for dogs is well-known among many dog owners. The product is made in the United States and contains globally sourced vitamins and minerals. As for the taste, it’s poultry flavored, making it tempting to dogs. Not only do these vet-recommended dog dental chews keep plaque and tartar at bay, but they also keep Fido’s breath fresh as mint. And did we mention they’re VOHC-approved?
You can find special formulas for puppies, seniors, as well as weight management. Other options include grain-free recipes in addition to ones that contain spearmint for an extra-fresh breath.
Virbac CET Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs
Specifications:
- Treat sizes: Extra-small, small, medium, large
- Main ingredients: Dextrose, maltodextrins, beef rawhide, poultry digest
- Nutrition: 75% minimum protein, 1% minimum fat, 3.5% minimum crude fiber, 18% minimum moisture
- Calories: 54 per medium chew
Reasons to BUY
- High protein levels
- Combination of enzymes and texture work together
Reasons to AVOID
- Not VOHC-approved
- Not all dogs do well with rawhide
Virbac dental chews are made from single strips of all-beef rawhide which is completely free of adhesives and chemicals that you normally find in other rawhide products. They are high in protein and durable enough to last longer while being chewed on. The rough texture as well as the enzymes work together to scrape off any plaque and tartar.
The Virbac CET Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chew for Dogs comes in four different sizes for dogs ranging from under 11 pounds to over 50 pounds. Another product from this brand is the VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chews, which we’ll review later. As a reputable pet pharmaceutical company, Virbac also sells toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental rinse for dogs.
OraVet Dental Care Hygiene Chews – Extra Small
Specifications:
- Treat sizes: Extra-small, small, medium, large
- Main ingredients: Delmopinol
- Nutrition: 46.41% minimum protein, 2.55% minimum fat, 0.69% maximum crude fiber, 13.98% maximum moisture
- Calories: 80.5 per medium chew
Reasons to BUY
- Gets rid of plaque and tartar, and protects teeth
- Wrapped individually to maintain freshness
Reasons to AVOID
- Non-active ingredient listing is rare
OraVet chews mainly consist of delmopinol, a common ingredient found in mouthwash for humans. It essentially coats your dog’s teeth, protecting it from tartar and plaque. While being chewed, the treat loosens and breaks off any plaque. The active ingredient then fights off the bacteria that causes plaque and bad breath, leaving Fido’s mouth nice and fresh.
The chews come in little green rectangles and a chewy center. Each treat is separately wrapped to hold the freshness. You can find a version labeled “3.5 to 9 pounds,” which is the ideal dental chews for puppies and teacup dogs. Other sizes are also available.
Whimzees by Wellness Dental Dog Treats
Specifications:
- Treat sizes: Extra-small, small, medium, large, extra-large
- Main ingredients: Glycerin, lecithin, potato starch, powdered cellulose
- Nutrition: 1.1% minimum protein, 2% minimum fat, 13.7% maximum crude fiber, 11% maximum moisture
- Calories: 88 per medium chew
Reasons to BUY
- Seasonal and functional shapes
- Sustainable brand
- Chewy and textured to minimize buildup
Reasons to AVOID
- A bit on the expensive side
- Not all shapes have VOHC approval
Whimzees dog treats come in a range of fun shapes such as hedgehogs and alligators. Other shapes include the Whimzees Brushzees, which look like toothbrushes with a toothpaste swirl, and the long-ridged Whimzees Stix. You’ll also find the Whimzees Stix in seasonal shapes like pumpkins for fall and snowmen for winter. Variety packs are available, too, offering a mix to catch your pooch’s attention.
The chews don’t contain any flavors, additives, or ingredients. You can find the treats in five sizes for small puppers to large doggos. While all the shapes help in keeping your dog’s teeth healthy, only the Brushzees are VOHC approved. It’s also worth noting that the product comes from a highly sustainable factory in the Netherlands.
Purina DentaLife Small/Medium Dog Dental Chews
Specifications:
- Treat sizes: Mini, small/medium, large
- Main ingredients: Rice, glycerin, wheat flour
- Nutrition: 6% minimum protein, 2% minimum fat, 1.5% maximum crude fiber, 15% maximum moisture
- Calories: 63 per small/medium treat
Reasons to BUY
- VOHC-approved
- Less expensive than other options
- Chewy texture thanks to ridges and air pockets
Reasons to AVOID
- Not popular with picky eaters
Another one of the best dog chews you can find is by Purina DentaLife. It’s less expensive than other options; while other products are about a dollar per chew, this one is just 40 cents for each piece. It also has the VOHC seal of approval and most dogs seem to enjoy the taste. Ridges and air pockets give the product a chewy texture, which helps in getting rid of plaque and tartar. The result? Minty fresh breath.
Virbac CET VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dog Chews
Specifications:
- Treat sizes: Extra-small. Small, medium, large
- Main ingredients: Glycerin, corn starch, rice flour, soy protein isolate
- Nutrition: 17% minimum protein, 0.4% minimum fat, 2% maximum crude fiber, 15% maximum moisture
- Calories: 75 per medium chew
Reasons to BUY
- Distinctive shape
- Easy to digest
- Plant-based
Reasons to AVOID
- Some dogs may not like the taste
As we mentioned previously, Virbac has another product up its sleeve: the CET VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dog Chews. The plant-based treats are Z-shaped, which makes it easier for Fido to grip while gnawing as it reaches all the hard-to-reach spots of the teeth. They also have the VOHC seal of approval for effectively removing any buildup.
What sets the VeggieDent chews apart from other products is that they’re perfectly safe to consume. They also contain prebiotics, making them easy to digest.
Bocce’s Bakery Dailies Brushy Sticks
Specifications:
- Treat sizes: Small, medium, large
- Main ingredients: Apples, chickpeas, tapioca flour, coconut glycerin
- Nutrition: 11% minimum protein, 2.75% minimum fat, 3.75% maximum crude fiber, 27% maximum moisture
- Calories: 55 per medium treat
Reasons to BUY
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Contains natural ingredients like apples and spinach
Reasons to AVOID
- Not VOHC-approved
Bocce’s Bakery Brushy Sticks smell so great even you might be tempted to try one. The treats consist purely of natural ingredients including apples, spinach, chickpeas, and coconut—nothing artificial. Available in three sizes, the product caters to dogs as small as Yorkies to ones as big as Huskies. Another option by Bocce’s Bakery is Brushy Bites, which are smaller and B-shaped. All dog dental chews by the brand are proudly produced in the United States.
Blue Buffalo Dental Bones All Natural Dog Treats
Specifications:
- Treat sizes: Mini, small, regular, large
- Main ingredients: Potatoes, vegetable glycerin, powdered cellulose
- Nutrition: 7.5% minimum protein, 3.5% minimum fat, 12% maximum crude fiber, 20% maximum moisture
- Calories: 87 per regular bone
Reasons to BUY
- No artificial additives
- Shape and texture work together to eliminate tartar and plaque
Reasons to AVOID
- Not VOHC-approved
The texture and chewiness of Blue Buffalo Dental Bones for dogs help in getting rid of plaque and tartar, leaving only a fresh breath. The treats are made of potatoes, blueberries, pea protein, as well as added minerals. Much like some of the other options, they are free of any artificial ingredients. Being focused on oral well-being, the chews also don’t contain any grains, soy, corn, wheat, gluten, or poultry byproducts. Let’s not forget to mention that dogs absolutely love the taste.
Ark Natural Brushless Toothpaste Dog Chews
Specifications:
- Treat sizes: Mini, small, medium, large
- Main ingredients: Honey, water, gelatin, glycerin, rice flour, canola oil
- Nutrition: 5% minimum protein, 5% minimum fat, 2% maximum crude fiber, 20% maximum moisture
- Calories: 50 per medium treat
Reasons to BUY
- Gummy toothpaste center
- Can be given twice a day
Reasons to AVOID
- Not VOHC-approved
The dental chews for dogs by Ark Natural have a heart-shaped center with gummy toothpaste. Chewy on the outside, the treats feature ridges to reach all the nooks and crannies while the gummy center polishes each tooth. Additional ingredients like clove, vanilla, alfalfa, and cinnamon freshen your dog’s breath. You can treat Fido to two Ark Natural chews a day. As for sizes, you can find options for mini munchkins up to eight pounds as well as gentle giants up to 80 pounds—and everything in between.
Honorable Mention: Pedigree Dentastix Dog Dental Treats
It would be a shame to talk about dog dental chews and not mention Pedigree Dentastix, so we decided to squeeze it into the list. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something affordable. The treats feature an X-shaped design and a chewy texture, making them easy for Fido to grip while gnawing. Needless to say, they do wonders in removing plaque and bacteria.
You can find these rice and wheat-based treats in three different sizes. The Pedigree Dentastix Dog Dental Treats have a chicken flavor and aroma that your furry friend simply won’t be able to resist.
Reddit’s Verdict
It’s always a good idea to get a second, third, and maybe even fourth opinion on something you’re looking to buy. That’s why we went ahead and asked the people of Reddit about the best dog chews for dental health.
The leading choice was Virbac CET Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs. One user claimed that their dog’s teeth looked five times better after just one week. Several other users also praised the product but warned about the beef rawhide it contains. For context, rawhide can cause digestive issues for dogs that can easily crush and swallow bones.
Slightly behind the Virbac CET chews are Greenies, Whimzees, and Pedigree Dentastix. For example, one Redditor—who happens to be a vet tech—recommended Whimzees because of it being plant-based and perfectly safe. Another also vouched for Whimzees and suggested getting a bigger size so that it lasts longer.
Conclusion
Dental health isn’t just about fresh breath; it’s absolutely crucial for your canine companion’s overall well-being. Whether Fido enjoys savoring the chicken-flavored Greenies, the sweet taste of Ark Natural, or the gourmet goodness of Bocce’s Bakery, you’re sure to find the right dog dental chew.
As Fido’s beloved human, it’s your job to choose the chew that keeps those pearly whites shining. It’s a win-win situation; your dog appreciates the taste and you enjoy that minty fresh smile. And the healthier smiles and happier tails are definitely worth it.
FAQ
How Effective Are Dental Chews for Dogs?
Brushing on a regular basis is the best way to keep your teeth clean and healthy. It helps in getting rid of plaque and protecting the teeth from tartar and bacteria. There’s no denying that dental chews, wipes, and rinses also help; but nothing beats brushing regularly.
Should you decide to go for dental chews along as a supplement for brushing, consider a product that’s proven to be effective. You’ll also want to make sure that the chews are long lasting. Keep in mind that the longer your dog chews the treat, the more effective it becomes. In other words, the chew needs to be in contact with the teeth for at least five minutes for the best impact.
Can I Give Dental Treats to Overweight Dogs?
Since dental sticks for dogs are normally high in calories, it’s best to avoid giving them to overweight doggos. Go for a dog-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush instead. If you decide on a dental chew, however, make sure to adjust Fido’s daily food portions accordingly.
How Often Can I Give My Dog Dental Treats?
Most dog dental chews are meant to be given on a daily basis. It’s worth mentioning that plaque often hardens into tartar in about three days. Consider introducing the chew gradually and keep an eye out to how your dog reacts to it. While most dental chews for dogs are perfectly safe, some might cause gastrointestinal upset. Try out different products and see which one works best. But if your dog has a systemic condition like diabetes, you’ll want to avoid dental treats altogether.