It is recommended that dogs have something to gnaw on for at least 30 minutes each day. Better a dental chew than your favorite shoes.
Chewing is an instinctive behavior from their ancestors in the wild. Wolves chewed on the bones from their hunt which helped clean their teeth.
Bones can lead to tooth breakage, so few veterinarians recommend them. If you notice a lot of plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth, it’s better to leave the cleaning to a professional, followed by a daily dental routine.
Why are Dental Chews for Dogs Important
Many people neglect their dog’s dental health, focusing on their skin and fur.
Doggy dentures aren’t a viable option, so you can’t replace your dog’s teeth.
A dog with dental issues feels pain just like us. If the situation gets worse, and they are unable to eat, they may become malnourished and start to lose weight.
Dental chews for dogs are a great tool at your disposal. They let you take care of your dog’s oral hygiene without 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 treat them to these chewy sticks regularly.
An adopted dog that hasn’t had anybody brush their teeth might get aggressive or stressed when you go close to their face or teeth.
In such cases, it’s better to use chewing sticks and give them space.
They will appreciate the treat, but more importantly, their teeth and gums will stay healthy, until they have learned to trust their new family and brushing is a fun thing to do.
Dental chews won’t entirely remove the necessity for cleaning the teeth.
If you can’t clean your dog’s teeth, then see your veterinarian about it.
You should know that these treatments aren’t cheap, but they are very much worth it.
Risks of Using Dental Chews for Dogs
You should always monitor your dog when giving them dental chews. Sometimes, dogs get overly excited over a treat, and they can try to swallow it whole.
That can lead to choking, stomach aches, and other problems.
Always make sure that the treats you give your dog are safe, chewable, and digestible.
You don’t want to give them anything sharp or too big. Always look at the labels and get the dental chews appropriate for your dog’s size.
If you notice a dental chew is too big for your dog, you can hand feed it, letting it nibble on one end while you hold the other.
There is always the risk of your dog getting stomach problems from dental chews; sometimes, these treats don’t sit well.
If you notice that your dog got sick from one particular treat, go for a different brand.
Some stomach issues can occur from cheaper brands. Including diarrhea, stool changes, and vomiting.
Bloody stools are possibly the worst kind of effect a bad treat can have on your dog. Use a proven brand instead.
What to Look for in Dental Chews for Dogs
You should pay extra attention to the quality of each product. The safest dog treats are usually made in the US because manufacturers here have to follow strict rules and regulations.
Look for a dental chew brand that has been scientifically tested by veterinarians before it’s released.
Also, avoid any chews that have artificial flavoring, or coloring. The safest chews have all-natural ingredients.
If you can, buy dental treats from trusted brands with many positive reviews and satisfied users.
The shape of dental chews matters, too. Try to get chews that have a smart design that allows your dog to hold it and chew on it 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 halitosis (bad breath) and plaque prevention.
They also limit unhealthy bacteria sticking to your dog’s teeth. Every chew has delmopinol HIC which coats the dog’s teeth and tongue with a barrier.
This barrier repels bacteria, which cause disease and bad breath. These chews can also break down the plaque that already exists.
Don’t let your dog consume the OraVet dental hygiene chews in your absence. These chews are suitable for dogs over six months of age.
The chews contain parsley flakes, alfalfa, and Chlorophyll, which can slightly affect the bowel movements of your dog.
Always consult with a veterinarian before starting to use dental chews.
Last but not least, the OraVet dental hygiene chews offer great value for 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.
The ingredients include corn cobs, glycerin, corn starch, and other health beneficial ingredients.
When your dog chews on these treats, they remove tartar and plaque from its teeth while freshening its breath.
The chews are Z-shaped to reach all the parts of your dog’s mouth easily.
Don’t worry if you notice the packaging is different for this product because the manufacturer updates it every so often.
These chews are pretty inexpensive, and they provide great value for the money.
These chews are safe and easy to digest since they don’t have any wheat gluten or animal protein.
You should give your dog at least one Virbac VeggieDent a day to keep the plaque at bay.
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 very budget-friendly and provide excellent value.
The main appeal of these chews is that they are very safe since they are free of gluten and grain.
Also, they don’t have any artificial preservatives, flavoring, or coloring.
These natural chews have two sides, with many nubs and ridges that help clean the entirety of your dog’s mouth.
They can remove tartar and plaque from pretty much all places and keep the dog’s mouth clean.
The Kirkland Signature chews boast smart design, with a paw grip that fits a dog’s paw.
Your dog should have no problem chewing on these dog treats. The package weighs five pounds. You should give your dog at least one chew a day for optimal results.
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 are scientifically tested and proven to decrease tartar build-up.
You get 30 treats in a single package. These are small-sized treats that are best suited for smaller dogs.
This manufacturer also offers options for medium and large dog breeds. The ingredients in this treat all-natural, without 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.
That also makes chewing more engaging and exciting for the dog. As a result, these chews can last up to three times longer than some other chews.
Besides reducing tartar buildup, these treats also help improve your dog’s breath.
They taste like chicken, have a chewy structure, and a 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 recommended and accepted by the VOHC (veterinary oral health council).
They sport the toothbrush shape, with a tapered shaft and a contoured knuckle.
Their texture is very chewy, which helps a lot 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 with the nutrition of your dog.
These treats are available in five different sizes, depending on the size of your dog.
You should give at least one of Greenies treats to your pet each day for excellent dental hygiene and health, as well as a fresh breath.
Pros
- Vet Recommended and accepted by the VOHC
- Options for all dog sizes
- Effective design
- Improves dental health and breath
- Chewy texture reaches down to the gumline
- Easy to digest
Cons
- Price may fluctuate
- May not be suitable for dogs that are sensitive to wheat
Our pick is the Kirkland Signature Dental Chews.
The unique design is effective at removing plaque and reducing its buildup.
Having no artificial colors, flavoring or preservatives makes these chews a great choice for your dog.
With 72 treats in each package, they provide excellent value.
These dental chews are natural and safe to use, though you should make sure your pooch is six months or older before you start with any dental treats.
