Best Dental Chews for Dogs: Vet-approved Treats for Optimal Pet Health (2024)

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For your furry friend’s excellent dental health, you’ll want to select vet-approved dental chews like Greenies, Whimzees, or Virbac Veggiedent Fr3sh.

These best dental chews for dogs are designed to physically remove plaque and tartar while also encouraging saliva production with antibacterial properties.

When selecting, take into account your pup’s size, weight, allergies, and nutritional needs.

Certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), these chews promote fresher breath and healthier gums and teeth.

Discover how incorporating them into your dog’s routine can lead to a lifetime of sparkling smiles.

Top 10 Best Dental Chews for Dogs

You’re looking for the best dental chews to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.

Veterinarians recommend the top 10 options based on factors such as size, allergies, and budget.

These options include Virbac Cet Veggiedent Fr3sh, Greenies, Oravet for small dogs, Whimzees variety pack, Blue Buffalo Dental Bones, Ark Naturals brushless chews, Bocces Bakery Dailies Brushy Sticks, Pedigree Dentastix, and Milk-Bone Original Brushing Chews.

1. Virbac Cet Veggiedent Fr3sh Dental Chews

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Virbac CET Veggiedent FR3sh Tartar Control Chews for Dogs are a popular choice among pet owners for maintaining their dog’s dental health. These chews are designed to clean teeth, freshen breath, and support proper digestion, making them a versatile solution for various oral health concerns.

The unique Z-shape of the chews allows them to reach front to back and everywhere in between, ensuring thorough cleaning of the dog’s teeth. The chews contain a prebiotic known to promote a balanced and healthy gut flora, which supports proper digestion and maintains gut health.

Virbac CET Veggiedent FR3sh Tartar Control Chews are VOHC approved, which means they’ve undergone strict trials to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. The seal of approval indicates that the chews reduce periodontal disease and control tartar.

These chews are suitable for medium breeds and are plant-based, making them a good option for dogs with food sensitivities or those who can’t tolerate animal protein or wheat gluten. They’re also gluten-free and easily digestible, which is beneficial for dogs with sensitive tummies.

The chews are available in various sizes to accommodate different dog breeds and sizes, and they can be given daily as a nutritious reward to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Best For: Dogs of medium breeds with dental issues or food sensitivities.

2. Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats

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Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats are a popular choice for pet owners looking to improve their dog’s dental health. These treats are designed to help fight plaque and tartar buildup, promote fresh breath, and provide a unique texture that cleans down to the gumline. Greenies are made with natural ingredients that are easy to digest, making them a safe and effective option for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

The chewy texture of Greenies helps to stimulate blood flow to the gums and rub against teeth, loosening and removing tartar and plaque. They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals that help to promote strong teeth and healthy gums. Greenies are available in various sizes and flavors, including original and grain-free options, to cater to different dog preferences and dietary needs.

To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to give your dog one Greenies treat per day, as part of a balanced diet. These treats are suitable for dogs over six months of age and aren’t recommended for puppies in their first six months of life.

Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats have received positive reviews from pet owners, with many reporting improved dental health and fresher breath in their dogs. They’re also approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which verifies their effectiveness in reducing periodontal disease and controlling tartar.

Best For: Pet owners looking to improve their dog’s dental health and freshen breath.

3. Oravet Dental Chews for X-Small Dogs

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Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews for X-Small Dogs are a top-rated dental chew designed to combat bad breath, plaque, and tartar build-up in dogs. These chews contain the ingredient delmopinol, which acts as a barrier in the mouth to help prevent bacteria from attaching, forming films, and to prevent the continual buildup of plaque and tartar. They’re formulated with high-quality ingredients and are highly palatable, ensuring that dogs enjoy the chewing process.

These chews are suitable for dogs six months of age and older and are available in different sizes to cater to the needs of X-Small dogs weighing between 3.5 and 9 pounds. They’re easily digestible and come in individually wrapped chews for maximum freshness. Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews are clinically shown to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and are ideal as part of an at-home dental routine in conjunction with regular veterinary dental exams.

However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, including the recommended size for your dog and the frequency of use. Overdosing or under-dosing may pose a risk of choking, and it’s recommended to monitor your dog until the chew is fully consumed. Additionally, keep the chews out of reach of children and other animals.

While Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews have been praised by many dog owners for their effectiveness in maintaining dental health, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new dental care product to your dog, especially if your dog has any pre-existing health conditions or is on a specific diet.

Best For: Dogs six months of age and older, weighing between 3.5 and 9 pounds, seeking to combat bad breath, plaque, and tartar buildup.

4. Whimzees Wellness Variety Dental Dog Treats

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Whimzees Wellness Variety Dental Dog Treats are a premier choice for preserving your dog’s dental hygiene. These treats are crafted with natural components and are compatible with dogs on limited-ingredient, vegetarian, or grain-free diets. They come in varying forms and dimensions, ensuring that you can find the optimal fit for your dog’s size and tastes.

Whimzees suggests providing your dog with one stick daily for efficient cleaning. The treats are engineered to diminish plaque, tartar, and halitosis when chewed regularly. They’re also durable, with some customers claiming they persist 3X longer than principal competitor dental chews.

These treats are fabricated with merely 6 non-GMO ingredients, rendering them a healthier selection for dogs with gluten intolerance or food sensitivities. They’re also grain-free, gluten-free, and produced without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or meat.

Whimzees aren’t only effective in maintaining dental health but also furnish mental and physical stimulation for your dog. They’re available in various pack sizes, including a value box that provides 56 treats per box.

When selecting dental chews for your dog, contemplate their size, allergies, and preferences. Commence with a small piece and incrementally increase the size to avert choking. Always consult with your veterinarian if your dog encounters any dental concerns.

Best For: Dogs on limited-ingredient, vegetarian, or grain-free diets looking to improve their dental hygiene.

5. Dental Dog Treats Small Medium

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Dental Dog Treats Small Medium are a popular option for pet owners aiming to preserve their dog’s dental health. These treats are designed to aid in reducing tartar buildup and freshen breath, making them a crucial addition to your dog’s oral care routine. The chewy texture and eight distinct ridges help clean hard-to-reach teeth, guaranteeing your dog’s teeth and gums stay healthy.

These treats are suitable for small to medium breed dogs, with various sizes available to accommodate your dog’s specific needs. They’re made with high-quality ingredients and don’t contain artificial flavors or colors, ensuring your dog enjoys a tasty treat while benefiting from its dental health advantages.

One of the key features of Dental Dog Treats Small Medium is their porous texture, which contains thousands of air pockets. This unique design allows the treat to clean teeth down to the gumline, providing a thorough cleaning experience. Additionally, the chewable design keeps your dog engaged and busy while they work to keep their teeth clean.

These treats are scientifically proven to have a 57 percent average reduction in tartar buildup, making them an effective tool in preventing periodontal disease and other dental health issues. They’re also VOHC-approved, ensuring they meet the highest standards for dental health products.

To ensure your dog gets the maximum benefit from these treats, it’s imperative to choose the appropriate size based on their weight and size. Always follow the recommended serving size and monitor your dog while they chew to prevent choking. If your dog has any dental concerns, consult your veterinarian for customized advice.

Best For: Dogs of small to medium breeds who need a dental care solution.

6. Blue Buffalo Dental Bones Dog Treats

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Regarding the upkeep of your furry companion’s gleaming chompers, Blue Buffalo Dental Bones Dog Treats are a tail-waggingly excellent selection.

These all-natural chews provide a feast for your dog’s teeth, devoid of the grains, gluten, and poultry by-products that frequently result in the doghouse of digestive distress.

Enriched with vitamins and minerals, they function not only as a treat but also as a covert toothbrush, scrubbing away at tartar while invigorating breath.

Additionally, they’re readily digestible, enabling your pup to relish their chew without any subsequent belly discomfort.

Whether your dog is a delicate eater or a ravenous vacuum cleaner, these treats are tailored for medium breeds, making them appropriately sized for dogs within the weight range of 25-50 pounds.

Consequently, toss them a bone, and witness them gnaw their way towards dental well-being, one contented chomp at a time.

Best For: Medium breed dogs looking to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

7. Ark Naturals Brushless Dental Dog Treats

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Ark Naturals Brushless Dental Dog Treats are a highly rated option for safeguarding your dog’s dental well-being. These chews contain L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, a crucial element for dental health, along with natural components like chlorophyll, cinnamon, vanilla, and clove to freshen your dog’s breath. The distinctive texture of these chews aids in reducing plaque, tartar, and gumline cleaning as your dog chews. They’re also free of wheat, corn, soy, or artificial ingredients, making them appropriate for dogs with delicate stomachs.

Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Dental Chews come in a range of sizes, including small, medium, and large, and are suggested for dogs 12 weeks and older. They’re meticulously crafted in the USA and offer a 4-in-1 dental care remedy that cleans, polishes, and freshens breath. For the most beneficial dental care, supplement your dog’s dental routine with the Plaque Zapper and Joint Rescue.

To obtain the most favorable results, provide your dog with up to two Brushless chews daily, and combine them with the Plaque Zapper for maximum advantages. These chews are also sold in a value pack, which includes small, medium, and large sizes.

Best For: Dogs of all lifestages and small to medium breeds looking for a comprehensive dental care solution.

8. Bocces Bakery Dailies Brushy Sticks Coconut Mint

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Bocce’s Bakery Dailies Brushy Sticks Coconut Mint are a popular choice for pet owners seeking dental treats that enhance their dog’s oral well-being. These treats are crafted with select and basic ingredients, incorporating coconut and refreshing mint, which aid in promoting fresh breath and supporting dental well-being. They’re also shaped like bristles, enabling enhanced cleaning for your dog’s teeth.

These dental bars are available in three sizes based on your dog’s weight: Small (5-25 lbs), Medium (25-50 lbs), and Large (50+ lbs). Each size contains a varying number of dental bars per package: 26 (Small), 16 (Medium), and 7 (Large). The suggested feeding guideline is to provide one Brushy Stick daily.

Bocce’s Bakery Dailies Brushy Sticks Coconut Mint are wheat-free and grain-free, catering to dogs with dietary limitations. They’re also baked within the United States using 100% authentic ingredients, guaranteeing high-quality treats.

These dental treats have garnered positive reviews from customers, who value the pure ingredients and the fact that they don’t substitute brushing your dog’s teeth but rather serve as a pleasant treat. However, it’s essential to emphasize that these chews shouldn’t replace professional dental care, and it’s imperative to supervise your dog while they chew to prevent choking or rapid ingestion.

Best For: Dog owners seeking dental treats that enhance their pet’s oral health.

9. Pedigree Dentastix Original Dental Dog Treats

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Pedigree Dentastix Original Dental Dog Treats are a popular choice for dog owners looking to improve their pet’s dental health. These treats are designed for small and medium breed dogs weighing between 15 and 40 pounds. The special chewy texture of Dentastix helps clean between teeth and down to the gum line, reducing tartar buildup. The X-shaped dental chews are clinically proven to improve oral health by reducing plaque and tartar.

Dentastix treats are available in various flavors, including original, chicken, beef, and fresh peppermint. They’re suitable for adult large breed dogs weighing over 30 lbs and should be fed once a day for maximum benefits to oral hygiene. The treats aren’t suitable for puppies and dogs under 15 lbs (6.8 kg) and should be used in conjunction with fresh drinking water.

In addition to their dental benefits, Dentastix treats are also formulated to freshen breath and provide a rich culinary experience for your dog. They’re made with ingredients like rice flour, wheat starch, glycerin, gelatin, gum arabic, and natural poultry flavor. The treats are also free from high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and added sugars.

Best For: Small and medium breed dogs weighing 15-40 pounds looking to improve their dental health.

10. Milk-Bone Original Brushing Chews Dog Treats

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Rounding off our top 10 list, Milk-Bone Original Brushing Chews Dog Treats are like a toothbrush disguised as a treat.

Clinically proven to kick tartar to the curb and fight off bad breath, these chews are a game-changer.

They come with a patented design that twists and turns, reaching those hard-to-get spots in your dog’s mouth, all while being deliciously chicken-flavored.

Think of them as your dog’s personal dental warrior, armed with bristle-like nubs and ridges, ready to battle plaque with every chew.

Plus, they’re packed with 12 essential vitamins and minerals, making them a heavyweight in the ring of dental health.

So, let your dog chomp away; they won’t even know they’re cleaning their teeth – talk about a sneaky clean!

Best For: Dogs who hate dental chews but need help with tartar control and bad breath.

Benefits of Dental Chews for Dogs

You understand the risks of dental diseases in dogs and their consequences, such as pain, infections, and tooth loss. Dental chews play a vital role in maintaining your dog’s oral health by mechanically removing plaque and tartar buildup, stimulating saliva production with its antibacterial properties, and providing mental and physical stimulation.

Dental Chews for Dogs: Size

Dental chews for dogs come in various sizes to match your pet’s daily caloric intake and mouth size. Choosing the right size chew for your dog can help you avoid upset stomachs from overeating or swallowing pieces that are too large. Here are five factors to think about when selecting the appropriate dental chew for your dog:

1. Dog’s Size: Make sure the chew is suitable for your dog’s size to prevent overfeeding or ineffective cleaning.
2. Allergies: Be aware of any allergens or ingredients that may cause stomach upset or allergic reactions.
3. Budget: Take into account your budget when selecting dental chews, as prices vary.
4. Dental Consultation: Consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your dog’s dental health needs.
5. Chew Shape and Texture: Choose a chew with a shape and texture that your dog enjoys, as this can encourage them to chew more effectively.

Remember to watch your dog while chewing to prevent choking and make sure they aren’t overconsuming calories. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s dental health.

Allergies

When selecting dental chews for dogs with delicate stomachs, it’s critical to address allergy concerns. Explore hypoallergenic options that eliminate common triggers like grains and gluten. Grain-free and gluten-free chews are ideal for sensitive stomachs, as they avoid ingredients known to cause digestive problems in dogs. Popular grain-free and gluten-free options include elk antlers and yak cheese, which are durable and gentle on delicate stomachs.

Transparency in ingredients is also vital when choosing dental chews for allergic dogs. Examine the ingredient label thoroughly to verify that the chews contain natural, limited, or hypoallergenic ingredients. Steer clear of chews containing artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, gluten, or meat, as these may provoke allergic reactions in some dogs.

Alternative protein sources can also alleviate allergies in dogs. Insect protein, such as black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), is an alternative protein source that hasn’t been linked to allergies in dogs. Veterinarians commonly use Jiminy’s insect-based chews in elimination diets to identify a dog’s allergies.

When choosing dental chews for dogs with sensitive stomachs, be mindful of their dietary needs. Opt for chews with limited ingredient lists or hypoallergenic formulas, and avoid ingredients that may trigger stomach upset. Consider grain-free, vegetarian, or alternative protein sources to cater to your dog’s specific requirements.

and Budget Considerations

Regarding selecting dental chews for your canine companion, numerous aspects warrant consideration, such as potential sensitivities and monetary limitations.

Seek VOHC endorsement to guarantee efficiency in mitigating plaque and tartar accumulation.

Calorie monitoring is imperative, as dental chews shouldn’t surpass 10% of your dog’s daily calorie consumption.

Be cognizant of potential choking risks and opt for chews suitable for your dog’s physical parameters.

Bear in mind that dental chews aren’t a replacement for standard dental care; thus, consult with your veterinary professional for tailored guidance on your dog’s dental well-being.

Choosing the Right Dental Chews for Your Dog

When picking dental chews for your dog, you’ll want to think about their size and weight, making sure the chew is the right size to avoid overfeeding or ineffective cleaning. Additionally, look for certifications like the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which confirms the product’s safety and effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

Dog’s Size and Weight Considerations

When selecting dental chews for your dog, consider their size and weight. Choose appropriate chew sizes to prevent overfeeding or ineffective cleaning. Pay attention to size and weight recommendations on packaging. Avoid chews too large or too small for your dog’s needs. Consult a veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

Certifications

After considering your dog’s size and weight, it’s imperative to check for VOHC certification on dental chews.

This seal isn’t just a decorative sticker.

It’s a mark of distinction, demonstrating that the chews have undergone rigorous product testing and data analysis to meet regulatory standards.

It signifies that you’re not simply making a random choice.

You’re opting for scientifically validated guardians against dental plaque.

Dietary Requirements

When selecting dental chews for your dog, it’s essential to take their dietary needs into account.

Dogs with allergies or sensitivities might necessitate hypoallergenic formulas or ingredient lists with fewer items. Grain-free choices are also available for dogs with specific dietary requirements.

Seek out dental chews that are easy to digest and contain no artificial preservatives or colors.

Certain dental chews are formulated to effectively remove plaque and tartar, while others may contain additional vitamins or minerals for general well-being.

Always review the ingredient list and consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on selecting the optimal dental chews for your dog.

Frequency

When selecting dental chews for your dog, take into account the regularity of use. Most chews advise daily use to prevent plaque buildup.

Be aware of your dog’s weight and calorie intake when choosing a daily chew. Avoid overconsumption of calories and strain on your food expenses.

Additionally, consider choking risks. Review nutritional information to make sure the chews are safe and appropriate for your dog.

Always choose VOHC-approved dental chews to guarantee efficacy and safety.

Tips for Maintaining Dental Health in Dogs

Maintaining dental health in dogs is essential for their overall well-being. Here are three tips to keep your furry friend’s teeth in tip-top shape:

1. Brush Regularly: Brush your dog’s teeth daily, using a pet-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
2. Monitor Tartar Buildup: Keep an eye on tartar buildup, which can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
3. Provide Dental Chews: Offer dental chews that are VOHC-approved and designed to remove plaque and tartar, while providing mental and physical stimulation.

How to Ensure Your Dog’s Dental Health

To safeguard your dog’s dental well-being, consider integrating dental chews into their regimen.

Seek out VOHC-approved chews that can contribute to the reduction of plaque and tartar accumulation, and the preservation of gum health.

Edible chews can additionally stimulate the generation of saliva, which possesses antibacterial qualities.

Bear in mind to select the appropriate size and take into account your dog’s dietary requirements.

Routine dental examinations with a veterinarian are also vital for the overall health of your pet.