11 Best Dental Chews For Dogs

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Dogs need daily teeth brushing as humans do, but since not all pups are cooperative for that, the best dental chews for dogs are a good alternative. Most dental chews seem like tasty treats to dogs, so they will chew on them without hesitation. While they chew, these treats clean plaque off your pup’s teeth while also freshening their breath.

Dental chews shouldn’t replace brushing completely, but they can be a good substitute for days when your dog refuses to sit still for a toothbrush. If your dog’s dental health isn’t improving with brushing and dental chews, you should have a vet examine their teeth.

There are a lot of dog dental chews on the market, so we’ve compiled a list of 11 great options to help you narrow down your search.

What are the Best Dental Chews for Dogs?

1. iHeartDogs Brushy Sticks Dental Treats for Dogs

These Brushy Sticks are an easy way to tackle the many dental concerns dogs face. They may smell and taste like treats to your dog, but when your pup chews on them, they’ll clean the teeth, massage the gums, and scrape off plaque and tartar with their unique texture. They can also help tackle bad breath, leaving your dog smelling minty fresh. The key ingredients of these dental chews are chicken, parsley, and calcium, so even picky eaters may fall in love with them. Plus, they’re grain-free to cater to dogs with allergies. They come in mini or large sizes, and every bag purchased donates meals to shelter dogs.

2. PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Large Dog Dental Care

These dental sticks manufactured by Pedigree are a special treat that most dogs love to chew. They’re not only great for getting rid of bad breath but are also proven effective against the buildup of tartar and plaque. They come in chicken, beef, or bacon flavors to appeal to even the pickiest dogs. They have a distinctive shape and chewy texture to make them easy to consume, and the added mint flavor is great for freshening breath. Just feeding one of these sticks per day can greatly improve your dog’s dental care, but they’re most effective when used in addition to brushing.

3. GREENIES Original Dog Dental Care Chews

Also available at Petco

Greenies dental treats for dogs are among the top-rated dental chews for all the right reasons. They’re proven highly effective against bad breath and are a convenient way to clean your dog’s teeth. Including only natural ingredients, these dental treats are tasty to dogs and nutritious for their oral health. Greenies dental treats are VOHC-approved and vet-recommended because of how they help maintain healthy gums and give fresh breath. Additionally, the ingredients include essential minerals and vitamins, making these a healthy treat for pets. These are the Teenie size, but the company sells sizes for dogs of all breeds. You can purchase a pack of as little as 11 chews or as many as 260.

4. Amazon Brand – Wag Dog Dental Chews

If your dog loves chewing then why not put it to good use? These Wag dental chews will satisfy your pup’s chewing habits while also maintaining their oral hygiene. With the use of top-quality ingredients, these dental chews help reduce plaque. The rosemary extract and mint flavor added to these treats help freshen breath, and the distinctive design helps clean every tooth easily. Only one treat a day is needed to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and clean. Whether your dog is 5 pounds or 100 pounds, there’s a size that can cater to their needs.

5. Blue Buffalo Dental Bones

Also available at Petco

These dental bones by Blue Buffalo are the perfect treat for dogs of all sizes. All the quality ingredients are ideal for your pet’s dental hygiene. They give your dog fresh breath while also cleaning their teeth as they chew. Many dogs love the flavor, and the texture is great for removing tartar. These dental chews are free from artificial flavors and preservatives, and they only contain healthy and natural ingredients, making them highly digestible for pets. Plus, they’re great for dogs with allergies because they never include poultry by-products, soy, corn, or wheat.

6. Vetality Brush Free Daily Dental Care Chews

The Vetality dental chews have a potent blend of all the right ingredients to maintain healthy teeth and gums. These chews work for all sizes and weights of dogs and are safe to digest. While chewing, these treats will clean your dog’s teeth by removing the build-up of tartar. As a result, your dog will have fresh breath, making them extra kissable. Also, these dental chews are vet-approved and proven to help brighten dull teeth. These chews are smaller than their competitors, but they can do just as much dental care in a compact size.

7. Nylabone Nutri Dent Natural Dental Chews for Dogs

Also available at Petco

Nylabone Nutri Dent dental chews are a great choice if you’re trying to get rid of your dog’s stinky breath. These are delicious treats that contain natural ingredients to maintain healthy oral hygiene by cleaning every tooth properly. They’re textured on every side to scrape off plaque and tartar as your dog chews. There’s a classic fresh and a filet mignon flavor, so you can choose which one is most appealing to your pup. You can offer these chews to your dog daily because they’re easy to digest. Plus, there are five sizes so all dog breeds can enjoy them.

8. Purina DentaLife Dog Dental Chews

Also available at Petco

Purina Dentalife has made these uniquely shaped dental chews so they can reach where ordinary toothbrushes can’t. The inside of the chews are porous to scrape off plaque as your dog chews. With a firm yet chewy texture, these dental chews are ideal for cleaning your pet’s teeth and providing them with safe and healthy gums. These chews are scientifically proven to have a 57% average tartar reduction. They’re also chicken-flavored to make them irresistible to most dogs. They’re most suitable for small and medium dogs, and they’re free from artificial colors and flavors.

9. Ark Naturals Soft Shield Protection Dog Dental Chews

Also available at Petco

Rather than being something your dog has to gnaw on for a while, these are smaller treats that act as brushless toothpaste. They’re chicken and cinnamon flavored with toothpaste in the center. So, they can be part of a teeth brushing routine without needing the brushing part. With these dental chews, your dog will have healthier gums, cleaner teeth, and fresher breath. These vet-recommended treats can form a protective barrier around the teeth to prevent plaque and tartar before they form. They’re one of the best dental chews for small dogs or senior dogs with delicate teeth.

10. Dingo Tartar And Breath Dental Sticks

These tasty and wholesome treats for your dog are great not just for light snacking but also for their oral health. They contain ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and parsley, which are known for giving healthier, fresher, and brighter teeth. They can clean your dog’s teeth, maintain healthy gums, and remove the buildup of tartar and plaque all while appearing as a delicious chicken-flavored snack. The real chicken in the center will be impossible for most dogs to resist. The only downside is that they contain rawhide, so they may be difficult for some dogs to digest.

11. Fruitables Bioactive Fresh Mouth Dental Chews

If you want a healthy treat for your pup that they enjoy while simultaneously improving their dental hygiene, then Fruitables Bioactive is a great choice. They include green tea and parsley to fight bad breath and sweet potatoes as a source of fiber that benefits gut health. With a distinctive design, they have a firm yet chewy texture that’s ideal for your pup. These dental chews will deeply clean and polish your dog’s teeth, removing tartar and resulting in exhilarating fresh breath. If your dog is picky, you can use the treat pockets on the chews to add your dog’s favorite snacks.

What To Look For in the Best Dental Chew for Dogs

Ingredients

Dental chews should not contain any harmful ingredients and shouldn’t be high in calories. Make sure your dog isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients listed. Also, it’s always a plus if it’s approved by the VOHC because it will ensure that the chew is safe and effective.

Size

Dental chews come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Make sure you pick the correct size for your dog by choosing one that’s small enough for them to enjoy but not so small that they could choke on it.

Texture

The texture of the dental chew should be firm but not too hard. Otherwise, your dog may struggle to chew and digest it. Also, it shouldn’t be so soft that it breaks easily before your dog has even started chewing.

Vet’s Recommendation

Always consult your vet before you introduce something new to your pet’s diet. They can suggest the most effective product based on your dog’s medical history. If your dog is having serious oral health issues and even dental chews or regular brushing isn’t helping, your vet may suggest professional cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dental Chews for Dogs Work?

While brushing is the most effective method to keep your dog’s oral hygiene in check, dental chews are efficient if your dog dislikes brushing. Good quality dental chews are proven to get rid of the buildup of tartar and plaque in your dog’s teeth while also freshening their breath.

Can I Give My Dog Dental Chews Every Day?

Yes, it’s safe for a dog to have a dental chew daily. Even though dental chews are healthy and safe for dogs, you should not give more than one stick per day. It’s also important to visit your vet regularly to keep your dog’s oral health in check.

Can Dogs Eat Dental Chews?

Yes, dental chews are meant to be consumed. So, find options that are easy to chew and digest.

Are Dental Chews Better Than Brushing?

No, brushing is the best way to maintain your dog’s dental health. While dental chews are almost as effective, you should still brush your dog’s teeth as much as you can.

What are Dog Dental Chews Made of?

The ingredients of dog dental chews vary based on the product. They often include gelatin to make them chewy and ingredients like parsley to freshen breath. Some also include ingredients like chicken to add flavor for picky eaters.

How Long Do Dog Dental Chews Last?

Dental chews can expire, but they typically have a long shelf life of over a year. Check the expiration date before giving them to your dog because they may not be fully effective past that date.

Can Puppies Use Dental Chews for Dogs?

Generally, dental chews should only be given to puppies over the age of 6 months. Always check the product label as some chews may be designed specifically for adult dogs. When in doubt, consult your vet.

Takeaway

Maintaining good oral hygiene in pets is as important as it is for humans. If you don’t take care of your dog’s dental health, then it can cause a variety of problems such as toothaches, bad breath, and periodontal disease. Untreated dental disease can eventually lead to serious medical problems like infections and organ damage.

Dog dental chews are an effective method for cleaning your pup’s teeth while removing plaque and giving them fresh breath. If your dog dislikes brushing, then these treats can help improve their dental health. Plus, most dogs love the flavors.

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