The Best Dental Chews for Dogs

Dogs should have something to chew on for at least 30 minutes daily. It’s better to chew on something good for their teeth, like a dental chew. Dogs have been chewing on things since their ancestors in the wild. Wolves would chew on the bones from their hunt to help clean their teeth.

Bones can lead to tooth breakage in dogs, so most veterinarians do not recommend them. Suppose you notice a lot of plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth. In that case, it is better to leave the cleaning to a professional, followed by a daily dental routine.

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OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews Small
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Tartar Control Chews
Kirkland Signature Dental Chews 72 Dog Treats
Purina DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Dog Dental Chews

Why are Dental Chews for Dogs Important

Many people do not focus on their dog’s dental health. It can be harmful because dogs need their teeth to eat. You cannot replace your dog’s teeth with dentures, so you must ensure that you care for them.

Dogs with dental problems feel pain just like we do. If the situation worsens and they can’t eat, they may become malnourished and lose weight.

Dental chews for dogs can help care for your dog’s oral hygiene. It is an excellent way to avoid picking up a toothbrush.

Advantages of Dental Chews for Dogs

The most significant advantage of dog treats is that all dogs love them. You don’t have to brush your dog’s teeth as often if you regularly give them these chewy sticks.

If a dog hasn’t been brushed, it may get aggressive or stressed when you try to brush its teeth. In this case, you should use chewing sticks and give them a little distance.

Giving your new dog dental chews is an excellent way to keep their teeth healthy. They will love getting the chews, but it is essential that you also help them learn to brush their teeth. It will keep their teeth healthy for a long time.

See your veterinarian if you can’t clean your dog’s teeth. You should know that these treatments can be expensive, but they are very much worth it.

Risks of Using Dental Chews for Dogs

When giving your dog dental chews, it is important to keep an eye on them. Sometimes dogs get too excited and try to swallow them whole. That can lead to choking, stomach aches, and other problems.

It is important to give your dog safe and digestible treats. You don’t want to provide them with anything sharp or too big. Make sure you look at the labels and get the appropriate dental chews for your dog’s size.

If you notice a dental chew is too big for your dog, you can hand feed it to them. Let it nibble on one end while you hold the other.

There is a risk that your dog will get stomach problems from dental chews. Sometimes, these treats don’t sit well in your dog’s stomach.

Try a different brand if your dog becomes ill after a particular treat.

Some stomach issues can occur from cheaper brands. It includes diarrhea, stool changes, and vomiting.

Bloody stools are one of the worst possible things to your dog after eating a bad treat. You should only give your dog treats from reputable brands that you know to be safe.

What to Look for in Dental Chews for Dogs

Make sure to pay attention to the quality of each product you buy. The safest dog treats are usually made in the US because manufacturers have to follow strict rules and regulations.

Look for a brand of dental chews tested by veterinarians before release.

Make sure to avoid any chews that have artificial flavoring or coloring. The safest chews have all-natural ingredients.

If you can, buy dental treats from brands with many satisfied users and positive reviews.

The shape of dental chews matters, too. Try to get chews with an intelligent design so your dog can hold them and chew on them for extended periods. The chew should also be able to reach all the crevices between teeth.

Five of the Best Dental Chews for Dogs

The OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews Small has 30 treats per package. These chews help with bad breath and prevent plaque.

The chews also limit the number of unhealthy bacteria that stick to your dog’s teeth. Every chew has delmopinol HIC which coats your dog’s teeth and tongue with a barrier.

This barrier helps to repel bacteria, which can cause disease and bad breath. These chews can also break down plaque that is already there.

It is essential not to leave your dog alone while consuming OraVet dental chews. The chews are designed for dogs aged over six months.

The chews contain parsley flakes, alfalfa, and Chlorophyll. It can cause your dog’s bowel movements to change a bit.

Before administering dental chews, it is essential to consult a veterinarian. You should also consider the OraVet dental hygiene chew, an excellent value for your money.

Pros

  • Bargain price
  • Effective at keeping bacteria at bay
  • Helpful in plaque removal
  • 30-piece package
  • All-natural

Cons

  • Some dogs can get stomach problems.

The Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Tartar Control Chews Small is a package of 30 chews that helps to control tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. The ingredients include corn cobs, glycerin, corn starch, and other health-beneficial ingredients that keep your pet’s teeth healthy and clean.

These treats help clean your dog’s teeth and make their breath smell good. The treats are in the shape of Z’s, so they can easily reach all parts of your dog’s mouth.

The manufacturer changes the packaging for this product sometimes, but don’t worry – it’s still the same product.

These chews are a good value because they are inexpensive and safe. They are easy to digest because they don’t have wheat gluten or animal protein.

It is best to give your dog one Virbac VeggieDent daily to prevent plaque buildup.

Pros

  • Solid value for money
  • No gluten or animal protein
  • Reduces plaque and tartar
  • Smart Z shape
  • Freshens the breath

Cons

  • Some dogs may get sick.

The Kirkland Signature Dental Chews have 72 treats in each package. They are a good value because you get a lot of treats for your money.

One of the main appeals of these chews is that they are very safe because they are free of gluten and grain. They also don’t have any artificial preservatives, flavoring, or coloring.

There are two sides to these natural chews. One side has a lot of nubs and ridges. This side aids in the cleaning of your dog’s mouth.

They can remove tartar and plaque from many places on a dog’s body and keep the dog’s mouth clean.

The Kirkland Signature chews boast a smart design, with a paw grip that fits a dog’s paw.

These dog chews are good for your dog. They will help your dog’s teeth stay healthy. The package has five pounds of chews, so you should give your dog at least one chew per day.

Pros

  • Very budget-friendly
  • Made from safe, natural ingredients
  • Smart shape with a paw grip
  • Removes tartar and plaque

Cons

  • Some dogs may have an upset stomach.

The Purina DentaLife dog dental chews have been scientifically tested to decrease tartar buildup.

You get 30 treats in one package. These treats are small and suitable for smaller dogs.

This manufacturer also makes treats for medium and large dog breeds. The ingredients in these treats are all-natural and do not have any additives for flavoring or color. The DentaLife treats also have an innovative design. Each treat is a twisted triple-ridge chew that will keep your dog busy for a while.

These chews are approximately three times more durable than other chews. They help reduce tartar buildup and also improve your dog’s breath. They taste like chicken and have a chewy structure and porous texture.

Pros

  • Remarkable value for its price
  • Innovative design for prolonged chewing
  • Scientifically tested tartar reduction
  • 100% natural
  • Breath freshening

Cons

  • Too big for some dogs

Greenies dental treats are vet-approved and have been accepted by the VOHC (veterinary oral health council). They are shaped like toothbrushes, with a tapered shaft and a contoured knuckle.

Their texture is very chewy, which helps with your beloved canine’s dental hygiene. These snacks are also full of protein and have very little fat. There are also vitamins and minerals to help your dog’s nutrition.

There are five different sizes of Greenies treats, depending on the size of your dog. It would help if you gave your pet at least one Greenies treat daily for good dental hygiene, health, and fresh breath.

Pros

  • Vet Recommended and accepted by the VOHC
  • Options for all dog sizes
  • Effective design
  • Improves dental health and breath
  • The chewy texture reaches down to the gumline
  • Easy to digest

Cons

  • Price may fluctuate
  • Not appropriate for dogs that are allergic to wheat

The Best Dental Chews for Dogs Reviews

There are many different dental chews for dogs on the market. They come in different shapes, sizes, and flavors. Dental chews help keep your dog’s teeth healthy and strong by scraping away plaque and tartar as they chew. In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth and bringing them to the veterinarian once a year for a cleaning, dental chews can help avoid infections and maintain their fresh breath. Choosing the right chew for your dog’s teeth is difficult. With so many choices available, it can be difficult to select the best one. But with so many benefits to dental chews, it is worth considering them.

Finding the right chew for your dog is essential because each dog needs a different size. Additionally, some canines have distinct dental needs from others.

To aid in the selection process, we have compiled the nine top dental chews currently available on the market. Peruse our reviews to find the product your dog requires today.

The Best Dental Chews for Dogs

These are for huge breeds of dogs. As they chew, they help clean your dog’s teeth to the gumline. These chews are clinically shown to reduce plaque and tartar when used consistently.

The chews are nutritionally helpful due to their vitamin, calcium, and potassium content. Adding poultry and smoky scents makes the chews tasty and encourage dogs to consume more.

Fresher breath is an additional advantage of removing foul tooth deposits. The most prevalent issue with these chews is that they stink. While dogs appear to enjoy the scent, most owners find it offensive. Additionally, the outside box is difficult to open.

Pros

  • Effectively cleans plaque and tartar
  • Freshens breath
  • Enticing flavor

Cons

  • Frustrating outer packaging
  • Unpleasant smell

Milk-Bone Original Brushing Chews are an excellent dental chew for dogs because they help clean your dog’s teeth. They are available in different sizes for different breeds of dogs. You should not give these to any dog under six months old.

Daily chews from Greenies and other brands have the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance. They’re just as effective as tooth cleaning twice a week if your dog consumes them. The grooves, ridges, and bumps function as toothbrush bristles. Because they bend while your dog chews on them, they can clean hard-to-reach places. When your dog chews on them, they scrape plaque and tartar from the gum line to the tooth surface.

These chicken-flavored treats are healthy for your dog and help keep their mouth clean. Some dogs have been consuming these treats so quickly that their owners could not watch their teeth being cleaned.

Pros

  • VOHC Acceptance Seal
  • 12 vitamins and minerals
  • Cleans inaccessible places

Cons

  • Some dogs may consume them too rapidly.

The medium-sized dogs between 25 and 50 pounds are the ideal fit for the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones Dental Treats. They do not have grain, byproducts, or gluten, which is great if your dog has allergies or food sensitivities. In addition, they don’t contain chicken or poultry byproducts. Since potatoes and potato starch make up most of the ingredients, each chew contains 121 calories, more than some other chews.

Bone-shaped treats encourage dogs to chew, which is good for their teeth and breath. However, many people find that there are not enough treats in each package, and the smell is unpleasant.

Pros

  • No poultry, grain, or byproducts
  • Freshens breath

Cons

  • A high number of calories
  • Foul smell
  • A small number of treats per package

Dogs will love the chicken-flavored and chewy texture of the DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dental Dog Treats. These treats help to clean teeth by scrubbing them and getting rid of bacteria. They also help to freshen breath.

These chews have a chicken flavor and are made with rice. They might not be suitable for dogs allergic to poultry or grains. The chews will dry up and turn stale if the bag isn’t kept sealed in storage. Some dogs don’t appear to enjoy their smell. They can be difficult to break, so ensure you get the right size to chew for your dog.

Pros

  • Chicken flavor
  • Cleans teeth down to the gums
  • Chewy texture

Cons

  • Must be kept in an airtight bag
  • Made with grain

Puppies over six months old and weighing between 5 and 15 pounds are the best candidates for the Greenies Puppy Teenie Dental Dog Treats. They are more accessible for pups to digest since they have a texture that is 50% softer than the original Greenies. They contain DHA for healthy brain development and calcium for strong teeth and bones.

These chews are designed to get puppies to chew. They have poultry and chicken flavoring, making your puppy want to keep chewing. They also come in the classic Greenie shape of toothbrushes, which will help clean your puppy’s teeth.

Instead of chewing them, some puppies prefer to play with them. The major criticism of these chews is that, while being advertised as being for puppies, they are only safe for dogs after six months of age. At roughly three months, puppy teeth start to fall out; by six months, all adult teeth should have erupted. To ensure the health of your dog’s permanent teeth, start dental hygiene procedures now.

Pros

  • A canine version of the beloved Greenies snacks
  • Accepted is soft texture VOHC.

Cons

  • Some puppies play with them.
  • Not advised for puppies younger than six months old.

Choosing the Best Dog Dental Chew: A Buyer’s Guide

Whichever dental chew you decide to give your dog will be a part of their diet. So, before you buy, consider the following points.

Dental Chew Nutrition

You should provide your dog with high-quality, low-fat dental chews. Another crucial factor to take into account is calories. Increased calorie intake can result in unneeded weight gain in dogs. If the dental chews are high in calories, you might want to cut back on their food and other treats throughout the day to compensate for the addition.

Even overweight dogs can enjoy dental chews, as long as you know the number of calories in each chew. This number is listed on the package under the ingredients. By knowing this, you can factor that number into their daily diet.

Dental Chew Size

Dental chews come in a variety of shapes and textures. The reason for this is so that the owner can clean their dog’s teeth while the dog is eating. Some chews are in the shape of an X, and some chews are rough and bumpy. Some are soft and flexible, while others are hard and inflexible.

Keep your dog’s size in mind when choosing dental chews. A large chew might work well for a medium-sized breed, but it might be too big for a small dog.

The problem is that dental chews are made for different dog breeds for a reason. The abundance of available alternatives makes choosing the ideal dental chew for your dog difficult. A little dog won’t be able to thoroughly clean its teeth with a substantial dental chew if it is given one.

The chew toy’s texture won’t fit in their mouths to reach their rear teeth, scrape along their gumlines, or fit in between their teeth. Giving a little chew to a large dog can be risky since it might not clean its teeth and could present a choking threat if the dog tries to swallow it whole.

Dental Chew Feeding Frequency

There are suggestions on how often your dog should chew on the package. Most of the time, this happens once or twice a day. If you have any doubt, ask your veterinarian how many chews your dog should have and how often they should have them.

Do Dog Dental Chews Work?

Dental chews help clean dogs’ teeth, just like brushing does for humans. They can also prevent the buildup of bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Find a product that has been proven to remove plaque and tartar or one that the VOHC accepts. The longer a dog chews, the greater the teeth-cleaning effect. If the chew is swallowed in a few minutes, it is less effective than if it is consumed in around 10 minutes. The appropriate chew relies on your dog’s capacity to chew.

Maintaining Good Dog Dental Health

Dental plaque and tartar can cause periodontal disease in dogs. Suppose you give your dog dental chews regularly. In that case, you should also look for any signs of dental diseases and take your dog to the vet for a dental check if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent bad breath
  • Swollen gums
  • Bloody gums
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Receding gumline
  • Shying away from having their face touched
  • Excessive tartar buildup
  • Changes in chewing or food falling from the mouth
  • Reduced appetite
  • Behavioral changes

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Dental Chews for Dogs

Which Is Better, Dentastix or Greenies?

The Greenies Dental Dog Chew is an excellent choice to clean your dog’s teeth. They help to reduce tartar and plaque and also make your dog’s breath smell better.

Is Dental Sticks Good for Dogs?

Pedigree Dentastix is a healthy treat for your dog. They are low in fat and sugar-free, so they’re an excellent way to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.

How Often Should Dogs Have Dental Chews?

Your dog should have something to chew on for 30 minutes daily. It prevents plaque from accumulating and transforming into tartar.

Do Minties Work for Dogs?

This dental chew uses natural ingredients to help freshen your pet’s breath. It turns bad breath into good breath. The bones have a harsh smell, but they effectively clean your dog’s teeth and gums. Minties are an overall good oral hygiene solution for your pet.

What Happens if a Dog Eats Too Many Dentastix?

If your dog overeats Dentastix, it might get an upset stomach and diarrhea. Eating so much food at once might make the dog vomit and not want to eat for a while.

How Effective Are Dental Chews for Dogs?

Claudine Sievert, a registered veterinary doctor, and consultant, says that dental chews effectively reduce the number of oral bacteria in dogs by 60-70%.

Does Dentastix Work?

Pedigree Dentastix is a safe and healthy treat for your dog. They are low in fat and sugar, which means they help keep your dog’s teeth clean and their gums healthy.

Can Dental Chews Replace Brushing?

Recently, a new product called Milk-Bone Brushing Chews dental treats appeared on shelves. Representatives for this product say that feeding your dog these treats will be as effective as brushing your dog’s teeth twice a week to reduce tartar and bad breath.

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