Are Dental Chews Good For Dogs?
Cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and a tasty treat are the perks for you and your pet when you incorporate the best dental chews for dogs into your routine. According to veterinary technician Kate Zukowski from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, dental treats and chews reduce plaque and tartar through mechanical or chemical action.
Best of all, the appealing flavor means your dog will eagerly anticipate “treat” time while you can relax, knowing the chew is maintaining your dog’s oral health.
Our Top Picks: Best Dental Chews For Dogs
The best dental chews for dogs come in various recipes and sizes, so you can find the perfect treat for your pup’s needs and preferences. Secondly, it includes chews with natural ingredients and those for specific allergy concerns.
- Best Overall: Greenies Dental Treats »
Greenies Dental Treats are popular with dogs and pet owners due to their appealing taste and effectiveness in removing plaque while freshening breath. It is one of the best dental chew for dogs
PROS:
- Treats are available in four sizes and multiple flavours.
- Textured to reduce plaque and tartar
- Formulated with highly soluble ingredients for easier digestion
CONS:
- Expensive when given daily as suggested
- Not long-lasting for aggressive chewers
Specs
| Flavor(s): | Original, Blueberry, Sweet Potato, Fresh, Gingerbread (Limited Edition) |
| Certifications: | VOHC Seal of Acceptance |
- Best Budget Dental Chews For Dogs: Pedigree Dentastix Original Large Dog Treats, Beef & Fresh Variety Pack »
It is one of the good dental chews for dogs. Its X shape, along with its chewy texture, helps to remove plaque and tartar. However, ensure your dog doesn’t swallow the treat whole or chew it too quickly, which can sometimes be an issue with strong chewers.
PROS:
- Large quantity for the price
- Effective at reducing plaque
- Includes Chicken, Beef, and Fresh flavors
CONS:
- It may not be recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Insufficient chewing challenge for some large dogs.
Specs
| Flavor(s): | Chicken, Fresh, Beef |
| Certifications: | N/A |
- Best Dental Chews for Plaque Removal: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews »
Oral Hygiene Chews can provide some significant benefits. These best dental chews for dogs primarily use mechanical abrasion and enzymatic ingredients to clean plaque from their teeth. In conclusion, these enzymes aid in breaking down hardened plaque, while chewing helps remove dental buildup.
PROS:
- A dual approach to plaque removal using enzymes and abrasion
- Relatively affordable
- Long-lasting
CONS:
- Flavor may not appeal to some dogs
- Not uniform in size
.
Specs
| Flavor(s): | Beef |
| Certifications: | N/A |
- Best Dental Chews for Fresh Breath: OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews »
To combat doggy breath caused by poor oral hygiene and bacteria buildup, we recommend these Dental Hygiene Chews from OraVet. They’re formulated with 0.7% delmopinol HCL, an ingredient that protects the teeth from bacteria that can cause unpleasant odours. Additionally, the treats are designed to stimulate chewing and clean the surfaces of teeth down to the gumline, where plaque and tartar frequently accumulate.
PROS:
- It contains delmopinol hCL to reduce bacteria
- Surely intended to clean the gum line
- Individually wrapped
CONS:
- No flavour options
- Pricey
Specs
| Flavor(s): | Unflavored |
| Certifications: | VOHC Seal of Acceptance |
- Best Dental Chews For Dogs for Sensitive Stomachs: Wellness WHIMZEES Brushzees »
The good news is that Wellness WHIMZEES Brushzees’ ingredient list is short and free from common allergens and meat and grain ingredients. Hence, it’s the best dog dental chews for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
PROS:
- Less than ten ingredients
- Particularly free from artificial ingredients, flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Ridges and grooves to remove plaque and improve grip
CONS:
- Only one flavor
- Not for dogs less than 5 pounds
Specs
| Flavor(s): | Unflavored |
| Certifications: | VOHC Seal of Acceptance |
- Best Dental Chews For Dogs With Natural Ingredients: Yummy Combs Flossing Dog Treats »
We recommend Yummy Combs Flossing Dog Treats for a good dental chew that emphasizes your dog’s nutrition and oral health. This VOHC-approved dog dental chew is made without genetically modified organisms (non-GMO) and includes natural ingredients.
The high price per treat provides the 22 amino acids essential for a dog’s health. Additionally, it avoids common allergens such as gluten, grain, and lactose.
PROS:
- An ingredient list sourced naturally, providing almost 22 essential amino acids
- Clinically proven to decrease tartar and enhance breath freshness
- The grain-free formula is offered in two flavors
CONS:
- The size of the treat discourages some dogs from eating it
Specs
| Flavor(s): | Chicken, Egg, and Fish |
| Certifications: | VOHC Seal of Acceptance |
The Bottom Line
Above all, when selecting the best dental chews for dogs, ensure you choose a product that is the appropriate size for your pet and meets all criteria for an appealing and suitable ingredient list. Moreover, Greenies Dental Treats are among the most popular dental chews for dogs, and they’re VOHC-accepted. These textured dental chews are available in various sizes to accommodate small to large dogs. The natural ingredient list is formulated to be highly digestible, so you can alternate between four flavor options if you have a picky eater or a dog that gets bored with a single flavor. Do dental chews work for dogs? So, we hope we have answered your question about the effectiveness of the best dental chews for dogs.
