The Best Dog Dental Treats
Caring for a pet isn't just snuggles and playtime — it also requires a good amount of responsibility. And believe it or not, neglecting their dental hygiene is one of the biggest ways we may unknowingly let our fur babies down. Thankfully, you don't have to go to the extreme of inviting Fido into the bathroom every morning and night to make sure his teeth stay healthy as he ages. Dental chews are a great way to give your pal an activity while also helping him fight plaque and tartar and even freshening his breath. That's why we've done the research to give you our favorite doggie dental treats.
Greenies Original Regular Dental Dog Treats
Keep them happy and healthy
If you’re a new pet owner, finding the right brands for your best bud can be a difficult task. Thankfully, when it comes to doggie dental care, Greenies is a household name. And that is no wonder since pups go absolutely nuts for these tasty treats. But just because dogs love them doesn’t mean the treats aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do. Recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), these treats are specially designed to fight plaque and tartar with every bite. Every time your pooch sinks his teeth into the tough but bendy chew, he’ll be scraping his teeth against the unique textured surface of the treat.
Pros:
- If you have a mid-sized dog, go with these. They’re the perfect size to keep your canine chewing for longer, which helps reduce the tartar and, ultimately, their stinky breath.
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs usually love these, since the ingredients are easy to digest.
- A lot of dogs go nuts for these, so it’s a win-win for both pet owners and their furry friends.
Cons:
- Greenies is a premium brand, so the price is pretty high.
Greenies Original Teenie Dental Dog Treats
Petite pucker protection
While a petite pup is easier to care for than a large one in some ways, they still need your help when it comes to keeping their chompers healthy. That’s why we recommend Greenies’ Original Teenie treats. Perfect for toy breeds and little dogs that weigh between 5 and 15 pounds, these treats freshen your pooch’s breath while cleaning the teeth. And best of all, they’re packed to the brim with vitamins and minerals to help your pal stay healthy for longer.
Pros:
- These are available in bulk buys, so it’s the perfect option for those looking for a daily treat for their dogs.
- The size is perfect for small dogs and puppies older than six months since they can gnaw on them without struggling to get a good angle.
Cons:
- Some dogs may devour these really quickly before they can really get the full mouth cleaning benefits.
Kirkland Signature Dental Chews
More clean for less cost
Let’s be honest: caring for our canine companions isn’t cheap. Between food, accessories, and trips to the vet, a dog can make a pretty big dent in anyone’s wallet. And when you factor in the high price of most dental chews on top of that, it can get pretty overwhelming. Thankfully, the folks at Kirkland Signature had your budget in mind when making their beloved dental chew. You’ll get 72 of these natural, vitamin-packed dental treats for a lower price than what most other brands offer. But just because they’re affordable doesn’t mean they’re any less effective: each piece has two differently-shaped sides to work with your dog’s instinctive chew style and to provide the maximum surface area to tackle plaque and tartar from a variety of angles.
Pros:
- The price-per-treat is nearly half that of the name-brand options, so it’s ideal for those looking for a daily treat for their dog.
- Although these are “budget options”, they’re still surprisingly effective.
Cons:
- They get stale fast if the bag is left open, so you have to be diligent.
Whimzees Variety Container Natural Dental Dog Treats
Vegetables only
Maintaining an all-natural diet isn’t just trendy, it’s also healthy in the long run. And our fur babies should be included in this logic. While your dog may love the taste of any treat you give him, you could be hurting his digestive system by feeding him chemicals or other additives. Fortunately, with this variety pack of natural treats by Whimzees, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for freshness. Each chew is made with only six non-GMO ingredients with no extra flavors, colors, or preservatives. But despite their healthy composition, these great-tasting treats are anything but boring thanks to the variety of different shapes and colors like the classic green alligator.
Pros:
- If your dog has a negative reaction to standard dental chews, try these. It’s gluten- and meat-free, so it may be easier on the stomach and less prone to causing diarrhea.
- The jumbo size and textures mean dogs can gnaw and chew on these for longer, which increases the dental cleaning.
Cons:
- Made out of premium ingredients, these are definitely on the pricier side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I give my pup a dental chew?
Doggie dentists recommend cleaning your pooch’s teeth every day, which means you can give them a treat every morning or evening. To help you remember, you might include your dog in your own dental routine by throwing them a dental treat when you get your brush out in the morning.
Can dental chews replace toothbrushing for my dog?
We know: brushing your pup’s chompers every morning is a hard and unpleasant task for the both of you. That’s why dental chews are so popular among pet owners. Unfortunately, though, this doesn’t mean you can completely forsake more extensive dental care for them. We recommend yearly dental cleans and check-ups for them just like you would for yourself.
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