Finding the best dog dental chews to safeguard your dog’s oral health is critical. This guide zeroes in on vet-approved options that excel at plaque prevention and breath freshness, backed by VOHC approval. Without sidetracking into fluff, we outline picks focused on efficacy and safety, setting your pet up for a healthier, happier smile.
Key Takeaways
- The VOHC seal on dog dental chews signifies proven effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar, with specific standards ensuring at least 20% reduction in dental accumulation.
- Size and texture of dental chews should match the dog’s physical attributes and chewing behavior to maximize safety and oral cleaning efficiency.
- Dental chews’ ingredients, natural composition and caloric content need to be considered for overall health benefits and dietary balance.
The Seal of Approval: Understanding VOHC Standards
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal is a significant consideration when selecting dental chews. This seal is a testament to the effectiveness of dental chews in reducing plaque and tartar accumulation in dogs. A product bearing this seal has undergone rigorous clinical trials and has been verified to decrease plaque and tartar by at least 20 percent.
Although the VOHC seal guarantees a certain level of efficacy, keep in mind that effectiveness may vary among different VOHC-sealed products.
The Role of AVDC
The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), a leading institution in veterinary dentistry, endorses the use of VOHC-approved dental products for maintaining canine oral health. This endorsement emphasizes the importance of evidence-based products in oral health and acknowledges the crucial role of the VOHC in evaluating these products.
Criteria for VOHC Recognition
A dental chew must meet the following criteria to qualify for the VOHC seal:
- Show at least a 15% reduction in plaque or tartar in either trial
- Have an average reduction of 20% across two trials
- The trials must last for a minimum of 28 days
- Follow rigorous protocols to ensure the results reflect the product’s effectiveness.
This stringent process underscores the contribution of VOHC recognition to oral health.
Sizing Up the Chew: Matching Dental Treats to Your Dog
When choosing a dental chew for your dog, size is a significant consideration. A dental chew that’s proportionate to your pet’s size ensures its effectiveness and safety, preventing choking hazards and providing comfort during chewing. The correct size should neither be quickly consumed nor cause jaw strain, promoting sufficient dental surface abrasion for proper teeth cleaning.
Furthermore, your dog’s chewing style and age are critical considerations. For instance, a vigorous chewer might need a more durable dental chew, while a puppy or senior dog may require a softer version. Making these considerations reduces the risk of cracked teeth or digestive obstructions while supporting dental health.
Size Matters
Selecting a dental chew that is too small for your dog poses a significant risk. Your dog could accidentally swallow the chew, leading to potential choking hazards. Therefore, dog owners should select appropriately-sized chews that the dog can’t swallow whole to ensure their pet’s safety.
When to Upsize
A dental chew gradually reduces in size as your dog engages with it. Once it has significantly shrunk during use, replacing it with a larger one is necessary to prevent choking hazards.
Upsizing the chew is also important when the existing one becomes too small, as this could lead to rapid consumption that doesn’t effectively clean your dog’s teeth.
Composition and Caloric Content: Ingredients Matter
Another important aspect to keep in mind is the composition of dental chews. Grain-free ingredients such as sweet potato flour, tapioca starch, and pea protein are known to support healthy digestion and can be beneficial for dogs with grain sensitivities. Dental chews like Natural Farm are popular for being odor-free, grain-free, and made with natural ingredients, catering to dogs with specific dietary needs.
Dental chews, enriched with vitamins and minerals and made with 100% natural ingredients, offer health benefits that extend beyond oral care. Nonetheless, the caloric content of dental chews is also an important factor to consider. Incorporating edible dental sticks into a dog’s diet requires accounting for the additional calories to avoid overfeeding.
Natural Ingredients
Natural ingredients are increasingly used in dog dental chews and are important for dogs’ oral health due to their digestibility and nutrient content. Products like Bocce’s Bakery Dailies, BIXBI Brushers, and Ark Naturals Soft Shield Protection+ Brushless Toothpaste chews use natural components to target oral hygiene. Ingredients such as parsley, spearmint, and kelp not only freshen breath but also help in removing plaque and supporting gum health.
These recommended dental chews for dogs are not only natural dog dental chews, free from artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, but also serve as natural dental treats, ensuring a more natural approach to dental care.
Calorie Consideration
You need to factor in the additional calories when adding dental chews into your dog’s diet. The calories obtained from dog dental chews should be limited to no more than 10% of the dog’s total daily caloric intake. To maintain a balanced diet, the amount of regular food provided should be reduced when giving treats such as dental chews.
Feeding instructions for treats like BioActive Medium Dental Dog Treats can be adjusted to a daily routine considering their caloric content, rather than the recommended every three days feeding schedule, for better oral health results.
Consistency and Texture: Finding the Right Fit for Your Furry Friend
A dental chew’s consistency and texture can greatly affect its ability to clean teeth and freshen breath. Your dog’s chewing style should be taken into account when selecting a dental chew. More durable chews are suited for vigorous chewers, while softer chews are ideal for leisurely chewers.
Dental chews with a certain degree of hardness and abrasiveness can effectively reduce plaque and calculus build-up in dogs. Natural zeolites in soft chewy supplements assist in the physical removal of plaque and tartar. Fiber sources in dental chews, like oat fiber or powdered cellulose, contribute to a scrubbing effect during mastication, aiding in cleaning the teeth. The effectiveness of dental chews in cleaning teeth and freshening breath can vary based on their formulation, shape, and hardness, which influence the mechanical action during chewing.
Tough on Plaque
Dental chews designed with specific shapes can massage gum lines and remove plaque, functioning similarly to dental floss for humans. Clenz-A-Dent Dental Sticks, for example, are formulated to reduce dental plaque by scraping teeth clean and contain R-2 to reduce biofilm. Materials that provide some give, such as certain soft chews, are safer and are likely to prevent dental damage.
Avoid non-edible chews, like antlers, which can break teeth or cause cuts - splintered shards from these materials could necessitate emergency surgery.
Chewy vs. Crunchy
Chewy dental chews offer resistance that aids in mechanical teeth cleaning and are effective in grabbing food residue to decrease buildup. On the other hand, crunchy or ridged dental chews are particularly effective in removing plaque and tartar more effectively because of their texture. The physical properties of dental chews, such as their density and hardness, impact their interaction with teeth and influence their plaque-cleaning capabilities.
Choosing between chewy and crunchy dental chews depends on your dog’s chewing habits. Softer chews may be better for gentle chewers, while harder textures suit aggressive chewers.
Flavorful Freshness: Making Dental Care Enjoyable
Flavor is a key factor in making dental care enjoyable for dogs. A delicious dental chew enhances their willingness to engage in oral hygiene routinely. Dental chews such as Pedigree Dentastix, Toothsticks Chicken Dental Sticks, and Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews come in a variety of flavors, including mint, chicken, and bacon, which can motivate dogs to chew for their oral health.
Moreover, chewable dental products not only offer pleasant aromas but also act as tasty toothbrushes, aiding in plaque and tartar removal and keeping breath fresh between tooth brushing sessions.
Processes like slow oven-baking aid in locking in the freshness and sustaining the natural beef flavor of dental chews, ensuring they remain enticing to dogs.
Taste Test
Dental chews can include ingredients like:
- parsley
- peppermint
- apple
- coconut oil
- cranberries
These ingredients freshen breath and eliminate bacteria. Chews like Greenies, Caledon Farms Plaque Busters, and Arm & Hammer Treadz come in flavors such as bacon and peanut butter, which are enjoyed by dogs and enhance the dental cleaning experience.
In addition to improving oral health, dental chews can offer nutritional value through ingredients such as:
- Sunflower seed oil
- Calcium carbonate
- Lecithin
- Coconut oil
These ingredients contribute to overall palatability and health.
Minty Fresh
Mint is a common ingredient in dental chews due to its breath-freshening properties. Ingredients like:
- zinc propionate
- decaffeinated green tea extract
- parsley
- mint
- chlorophyll
The best dental chews not only freshen breath but also contribute to healthier teeth and gums.
Minties dental chews, for example, offer a mint-flavored formula that freshens breath without artificial preservatives or colors.
Durability and Safety: Ensuring Long-Lasting Dental Sessions
When choosing a dental chew for your furry friend, durability and safety should be your primary considerations. When introducing a new dental chew, supervising your dog is essential for their safety and to determine when the chew needs replacing.
Durable non-edible dental chews must be chosen to withstand a dog’s gnawing while being free of sharp edges or small pieces to prevent swallowing and potential intestinal blockages.
Edible vs. Non-Edible
There are both edible and non-edible dental chews available in the market. Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Dental Chews are an example of edible dental treats designed with a gummy toothpaste center for polishing teeth and a chewy exterior with ridges to clean hard-to-reach areas.
For dogs that rapidly consume edible treats, non-edible chew toys might be a superior choice for dental health due to their harder consistency.
Quality Materials
Quality materials are important for non-edible dental chews. They should be made from materials that do not splinter or create choking hazards, with natural rubber being a preferred material due to its safe level of hardness and durability.
Aggressive chewers may benefit from the combination of durable non-toxic natural chews and enrichment toys, which provide mental stimulation and reduce the risk of material splintering.
The Benefits of Regular Use: Promoting Optimal Dental Health
Regular use of dental chews can lead to a significant reduction in plaque buildup, with some types being able to reduce plaque by nearly 70% through their mechanical action. The size and texture of dental treats contribute to their effectiveness, where increasing the diameter of kibble by 50% resulted in a 42% reduction in tartar.
Dental chews prevent the hardening of plaque into tartar, which is a contributing factor in gum disease and other serious dental issues, thereby promoting healthier gums. While dental chews are beneficial for oral health, they are not as effective as daily brushing in maintaining dental hygiene.
For optimal benefits, it is advised to provide your dogs with dental chews regularly, ideally daily or a few times per week. This routine can help maintain their dental health and hygiene.
Plaque Control
Dental chews prove to be highly effective in regulating plaque buildup. Chewing on dental chews disrupts the accumulation of saliva, bacteria, and food on teeth, which helps control plaque formation. Crunchy dental chews contribute to plaque reduction in dogs through mechanical action during chewing.
Dental chews with harder textures and abrasiveness can effectively reduce plaque by 12-17%.
Gum Disease Prevention
Regular use of dental chews can reduce plaque coverage by up to 12.3% and plaque thickness by up to 17.4%, which are significant factors in preventing gum disease. Dental treats and diets formulated to prevent bacteria build-up and reduce plaque significantly contribute to healthier gums by mitigating the development of tartar.
Many dental chews are designed with specific shapes that:
- Massage the gum lines during chewing
- Help in stimulating the gums
- Remove plaque
- Reduce the risk of inflammation and gum disease.
Top Dental Chews of 2024 Available on Amazon
We hope you find your next awesome thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — AnnesAnalytics may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding your next awesome thing.
Now that you’re armed with a wealth of knowledge on what to look for in dental chews, here are some of the top dental chews of 2024 available on Amazon. You’ll find a variety of options, from Himalayan Dog Chew’s Happy Teeth Yak Cheese Dog Chews, known for being 100% natural and long-lasting, to PEDIGREE DENTASTIX’s value pack of Original Flavor Dental Bones, ideal for small/medium dogs focusing on plaque and tartar control.
Whether your furry friend prefers mint-flavored Minties or the Greenies Original Large Natural Dental Care Dog Treats, there’s a dog dental treats option in the form of a dental chew out there for every preference and need.
Roll over image to zoom in6 VIDEOSEcoKind Pet Treats Premium Gold Himalayan Yak Cheese Dog Chew
Gluten Free, Lactose Free, All Natural Chews for Small to Large Dogs, Keeps Dogs Busy & Enjoying, 3 lb. Bag, (Large - 12 Pack)
Welcome to EcoKind Pet Treats, where our family's passion for pets translates into the purest, most delectable treats for your furry family members. As a dedicated family-owned and operated business, we are committed to delivering only the finest, 100% all-natural pet treats that your dogs will absolutely adore.
Our selection process is meticulous, ensuring that each treat is hand-picked and meets our high standards of quality. At EcoKind, we believe that your pet deserves treats that are as wholesome as they are tasty. That's why our treats are free from additives, preservatives, and chemicals – because nothing but the best will do for your pooch.
Every bite of an EcoKind Treat is not just a burst of flavor but also a step towards optimal health. Our treats are naturally rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, supporting your dog's daily wellness and vitality. With EcoKind, you can be confident that you're not just satisfying your dog's taste buds but also nourishing their well-being.
Choose EcoKind Pet Treats for a healthier, happier pet. Because when it comes to your dog's treats, natural is not just a choice – it's a promise.
Encouraging Review
"We have 2 dogs around 1 year and both can be aggressive chewers. These chews are well worth the extra $ as they last a good long time, no mess or smell and the dogs love them. When they get too small and to prevent choking or swallowing the remainder of the chew I put it in a Kong and they continue to enjoy." Amazon Review by Slipe
PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Dual Flavor Small Dog Dental Treats
Bacon & Chicken Flavors Dental Bones, 18.24 oz. Pack (84 Treats)
Enhance your furry friend's dental care routine with the irresistible taste of DENTASTIX Dual Flavor Treats for Dogs. Just like us, dogs crave variety, and our innovative treats deliver just that by combining the savory goodness of bacon with the wholesome taste of real chicken. Why settle for one flavor when your dog can savor two?
Specially crafted for small breed dogs, these treats are more than just delicious. Their chewy texture and distinctive X-shape are not only appealing but also clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. This means that every bite not only satisfies your dog's taste buds but also contributes to their oral health and hygiene.
By choosing DENTASTIX Dual Flavor Treats, you're not just giving your dog a tasty snack; you're also ensuring they receive the same teeth-cleaning benefits that DENTASTIX treats are known for, now with an added flavor twist. Treat your beloved canine to a dual-flavor experience that supports better dental care with every chew!
Encouraging Review
"My dog loves these dental sticks, and they really do help control tarter. Good price, shipped quickly and a good treat to help keep my dog’s teeth cleaner as well as her breath." Amazon Review by Kenneth H Helman
Minties Dental Chews for Dogs
Vet-Recommended Mint-Flavored Dental Treats for Tiny/Small Dogs 5-39 lbs, Dental Bones Clean Teeth, Fight Bad Breath, and Removes Plaque and Tartar, 120 Count
MINTIES offers an economical solution to your dog's dental care needs. Crafted with high-quality ingredients that dogs adore, our dental chews are free from common allergens and harmful additives such as wheat, soy, and corn. Moreover, you won't find any artificial flavors or animal by-products in our treats.
The innovative design of MINTIES dental chews is not just to entice your furry friend but also to promote active chewing. This action is crucial as it aids in the removal of plaque and tartar, tackling the root cause of bad breath. Ensure your dog's oral health is in top condition with a chew they will eagerly look forward to.
Encouraging Review
"My feedback is really positive because these dog dental treats hit the mark on all fronts. The packaging caught my eye, and the price was reasonable. The quantity was more than sufficient and the size was perfect for my medium dog. They have a pleasant smell and my dog seemed to love them. Not only were they easy for my dog to chew, but they also improved my dog's breath and helped with dental hygiene. A total win in my book!" Amazon Review by BG Hamrick
Greenies TEENIE Natural Dental Care Dog Treats Mint Fresh Flavor
12 oz. Pack (43 Treats)
Ensure your dog's teeth stay clean, their breath stays fresh, and their tails keep wagging with Greenies Fresh Dental Treats. These dental chews for dogs are not just tasty; they're a powerful tool in maintaining your dog's oral hygiene. Infused with a burst of breath-freshening mint flavor, Greenies dental treats offer a chewy texture that's designed to combat plaque and tartar buildup.
Veterinarians recommend Greenies as a top choice for at-home dental care for dogs. They're more than just a treat; they're a crucial part of your furry friend's health regimen. Crafted with natural ingredients, these treats are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
Small breed dogs will find Greenies easy to digest due to their highly soluble composition, making them a safe option for your pet's dietary needs. By choosing Greenies Dog Treats, you're not just giving your dog a mouth-watering treat; you're investing in their overall well-being.
Encouraging Review
The more you buy, the cheaper they get. These greenies are something healthy and the dog likes it. Not cheap but worth it compared to store bought." Amazon Review by Mark DelloRusso
ORAVET Dental Chews for Dogs, Oral Care and Hygiene Chews
(Small Dogs, 10-24 lbs.) Blue Pouch, 30 Count
ORAVET® Dental Chews leverage your dog's natural chewing action to help remove plaque, significantly reducing the build-up of tartar and promoting overall oral health. Clinical studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in maintaining a clean and healthy mouth for your canine companion.
Encouraging Review
"Tried these from the vet; dogs liked them. Less expensive here, of course. Individually wrapped for freshness. Good for dog's teeth and breath. Medium hard, but Pugs handle with ease. I give them a soft treat every other day and one of these on alternate days." Amazon Review by John O
Caring for Your Canine's Canines: Additional Dental Care Tips
Although dental chews are a useful tool for your dog’s oral hygiene, they shouldn’t replace regular teeth cleaning practices. Many vets recommend daily teeth cleaning for dogs to maintain optimal dental health, which cannot be achieved with dental chews alone.
Dogs should also undergo professional dental cleanings as advised by veterinarians, typically at least once a year, to help keep their dog’s teeth healthy and prevent dental diseases. A well-rounded dental care routine for a dog’s oral health includes daily toothbrushing, annual professional cleanings, and the use of dental chews for ongoing oral maintenance.
The Importance of Daily Brushing
Consistent toothbrushing is crucial in reducing plaque accumulation and preventing tartar formation. This, in combination with the cleaning action of VOHC Seal awarded dental chews, leads to comprehensive oral health.
Starting a regular dental care regimen for dogs early in their lives can establish habits that contribute significantly to sustained oral well-being. To help your dog adapt to regular teeth cleaning, begin toothbrushing with a progressive and gentle approach, allowing dogs to first become comfortable with the toothpaste and brush.
Professional Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings form an integral part of a comprehensive pet’s oral health care routine for your dog. The VOHC recommends periodic veterinary evaluations of a pet’s mouth and teeth, and notes that professional scaling is often necessary for middle-aged and older cats and dogs as part of an effective plaque control strategy.
To keep your pet’s teeth, especially your dog’s teeth, functioning painlessly, a professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia is recommended for maintaining your dog’s teeth health.
Summary
In conclusion, dental chews play a significant role in maintaining your pet’s oral health. From controlling plaque buildup to preventing gum disease, they offer numerous benefits. However, they should be used in combination with regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings for optimal results. When selecting a dental chew, consider factors such as the VOHC seal, size, composition, consistency, texture, flavor, durability, and safety. Additionally, remember to monitor your pet while they’re enjoying their dental chew to ensure safety. Now, with a plethora of options available, you’re well-equipped to choose the best dental chew that suits your furry friend’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing for dogs to chew on to clean their teeth?
The best thing for dogs to chew on to clean their teeth is Greenies, which are popular dental treats that maintain gum health and freshen breath.
Why is the VOHC seal important?
The VOHC seal is important because it guarantees that the dental chew has been clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar by at least 20 percent, showing its effectiveness in maintaining oral health.
How often should I replace my dog's dental chew?
It's important to replace your dog's dental chew with a larger one once it has significantly reduced in size during use to prevent choking hazards. Make sure to monitor the size of the chew regularly to ensure your dog's safety.
What are the benefits of using natural ingredients in dental chews?
Using natural ingredients in dental chews provides digestible nutrients and meets the dietary needs of dogs, especially those with grain sensitivities.
Are dental chews a substitute for tooth brushing?
No, dental chews can contribute to dental hygiene, but they should not replace regular brushing, which is essential for preventing tartar and plaque buildup.