The Best Dental Chews for Dogs
Anyone who's received a sloppy kiss on the nose from their dog knows that canines can stink. And unlike human beings, dogs don't really grasp the whole concept of brushing and flossing their teeth on the daily. That's why doggy dental chews were invented. Due to their non-crumbling composition, these chewy treats create a scrubbing action that helps break down bacteria and plaque buildup. They're a popular way to freshen up dog breath and there are likewise tons of different options on the market. Thus, we've whittled down the list to the best of the best. Read on to discover our absolute favorites, from inexpensive options to premium picks.
What to Look For
As we sniffed around the market for the best dental chews, we made sure to pick out options with high-quality ingredients, effective formulas for fighting stinky breath, and flavors that dogs love. Our favorite was Greenie’s Teenies since these battled bad breath with ease and proved irresistible to smaller dogs. But for those with big canine companions, you can’t go wrong with Pedigree’s Dentastix for its plaque-busting texture and long-lasting formula. For more of our in-depth reviews, read on.
Greenies Original Teenie Natural Dental Dog Treats
Grinning from ear to ear
If you’ve never heard of Greenies, you’re in for a treat. Greenies was one of the first pioneers in developing doggy dental chews and have even been recommended by veterinarians for fighting plaque and tartar. Their Teenie pack strikes the perfect balance between effectiveness, price, and taste. No, we didn’t try them ourselves, though it was tempting. The list of all-natural, easy-to-digest ingredients contains vitamins, minerals, and nutrients essential in combating stinky breath. Better yet, the texture provides the perfect amount of chewiness for cleaning the full length of your canine’s teeth. It makes for a delicious taste that dogs can’t resist and leaves their breath smelling fresh as a daisy.
Pros:
- We trust this vet-recommended formula that’s been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
- Dogs love the taste, so they won’t even know the treat they’re enjoying is good for them.
Cons:
- These chews are a bit pricier than some other options, but we think the quality is worth a few extra bucks.
Pedigree Dentastix for Large Dogs
Breathe easy
Big dogs cost more to take care of. Their plus-sized beds, bags of food, and toys usually have higher price tags. Fortunately, affordable dental chews do exist. That’s why we were delighted to discover that Pedigree Dentistix are both inexpensive and effective. Plus, the chewy texture and shape of the treat can scrape down plaque and tartar build-up on those extra-large chompers. That being said, we find that dogs consume these treats just a little faster than the more expensive options. Nonetheless, the cleaning action is significant and Dentastix is a quick fix for a dog’s stinky licks.
Pros:
- These chews are marketed to larger dogs, but you can buy these for a smaller dog and cut them in half to get even more bang for your buck.
- Four different flavor options are available, including chicken, bacon, beef, and more. No matter which one is your dog’s favorite, they’ll reap all the benefits of this chew’s effective cleaning action.
Cons:
- Dogs gobble them down fast, so they might end up begging for more.
Virbac CET Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs
A chewie a day keeps the vet away
We brush our teeth every day, so why shouldn’t we clean our dogs’ teeth every day, too? These daily dental chews from Virbac are formulated to maintain and rejuvenate the health of your dog’s oral hygiene. And even though some of us humans brush our teeth begrudgingly, dogs love the poultry flavor of these enzymatic chews. Available in several different sizes to match the needs of your dog, these packages can provide up to a month of daily oral hygiene, so you don’t have to smell any more doggy breath.
Pros:
- Though the shape is simple, the texture is effectively abrasive when chewed to remove plaque and tartar.
- At this price, we can afford to stock up for a while. Not only can we make sure our home supply is solid, but we like to keep some in the car for impromptu trips.
Cons:
- We wish these came in bulk packages.
OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews for Small Dogs
Good things, small packages
Puppies and petite dogs can still get stinky breath. As a matter of fact, dental hygiene issues are more easily overlooked when the canine in question has a small set of teeth. For those with small dogs, we recommend treating them to the OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews. While they do function as a tasty snack, these chews are focused primarily on bolstering the oral hygiene of your furry friend’s mouth. And although these small green treats might not look like much, they sport the ideal texture for petite teeth to sink in and chew on.
Pros:
- OraVet takes dental chews a step further by including a special ingredient called Delmopinol that protects teeth from malodorous bacteria and the buildup of plaque.
- These chews feature a poultry flavor and vanilla aroma designed to appeal to dogs.
Cons:
- Each treat is individually wrapped, which maintains freshness but creates more waste than we’d like.
Purina DentaLife Large Breed Dental Dog Chew Treats
The purest ingredients
Even when it comes to their treats, we want to make sure our furry friends are getting quality foods free of artificial ingredients. The Purina DentaLife chews have no artificial colors or flavors. When you open up the package, you’ll be met with the smell of chicken that your dogs won’t be able to resist. In fact, all of the ingredients are straightforward and familiar. Better yet, this option comes at a bargain price, so it’s another great bang-for-your-buck choice.
Pros:
- Available in a range of sizes and quantities to meet the needs of any dog-loving household.
- Their effective texture demonstrably reduces tartar buildup, making this pick as effective as it is economical.
Cons:
- The price might be low, but dogs eat them fast and will quickly want more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dental chews improve a dog’s oral hygiene?
Through numerous clinical studies, dental chews have been shown to reduce tartar and plaque. This is due to the texture of the chews. By gnawing and chewing on these firm treats, dogs rub off the plaque, tartar, and food bits that get stuck between their teeth. The action of chewing also stimulates saliva production which further helps clear the mouth of malodorous bacteria. Thus, the most effective dental chews are tasty enough that your dog will eat them, textured enough to work down to the gum line, and firm enough that they won’t just swallow it whole.
Will dental chews work for my dog’s horrible breath?
All of the options on our list are a fantastic way to improve your dog’s breath and hygiene. However, if your dog has really awful-smelling breath, you should bring your furry friend to a veterinarian. Rancid breath can often be a symptom of tooth decay or infection, so it’s best to check with a professional. If everything checks out with the vet and it is determined that Fido just has stinky breath, we recommend a daily minty dental chew.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.