Six Dog Dental Treats to Ponder Over, analyzes Paula Fitzsimmons; Review conducted by Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH, on 01/06/2025, and published on the same day.
Maintaining a dog's dental health is crucial for their overall wellbeing, and vets agree that daily tooth brushing is the most effective action in preventing periodontal disease. However, for pet owners who find brushing challenging, dental treats can be a simple and effective alternative. Here are some top-recommended dental treats for dogs and why they are a favourite among vets.
**Greenies Dental Chews**
Greenies Dental Chews have gained popularity due to their effectiveness in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. These chews reduce tartar and plaque buildup, thanks to their chewy texture that helps scrape plaque off the dog's teeth. They are VOHC-approved, indicating they meet veterinary standards for dental health.
**Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Chews**
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Chews stand out for their unique porous texture, which cleans hard-to-reach teeth down to the gumline. Scientific studies have shown that these chews can reduce tartar buildup by 57%. Like Greenies, they are also VOHC-approved.
**Vetality Brush Free Daily Dental Chews**
Vetality Brush Free Daily Dental Chews are designed for daily use without the need for brushing. They contain botanicals, EDTA, and TSPP, which help remove plaque and tartar, whiten teeth, and freshen breath. These chews are also VOHC-approved, making them a reliable choice for maintaining oral health.
**Natural Treats (e.g., Dehydrated Beef Tendons)**
Tough, natural treats like dehydrated beef tendons can help reduce plaque and tartar by providing a natural chewing action that cleans teeth. These treats promote dental health without the additives found in some commercial treats.
These dental treats are effective because they reduce plaque and tartar, encourage chewing, maintain oral health, and are often VOHC-approved. Many of these treats are designed to be chewy on the inside and firm on the outside, encouraging your dog to bite on the treat multiple times, which helps scrape plaque and tartar from their teeth.
When shopping for dental treats and chews, choose options that fit your dog's size and avoid treats containing ingredients that may trigger an allergic response or cause other health problems. It's also essential to remember that dental treats are not a replacement for regular brushing and professional cleaning but can play a role in your dog's dental care.
Some other notable dental treats include Purina DentaLife Dog Dental Chews, which have a deeply grooved, X-shaped design to clean hard-to-reach places in a dog's mouth. There are also treats like ProDen Dental Care Dental Bites, formulated with an antioxidant-rich form of kelp that's been studied for its effectiveness in removing plaque and tartar.
Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews contain delmopinol hydrochloride, a chemical compound used in human dentistry. These chews have earned the VOHC Seal of Acceptance, like many other dental treats on the market.
In addition to dental care, some pet food brands, such as Purina, support animal shelters and help facilitate adoptions through foundations like the Purina + Petfinder Foundation.
In conclusion, dental treats can be a valuable addition to your dog's dental care routine. By choosing the right treats and following your vet's advice, you can help maintain your dog's dental health effectively.
Science shows that dental treats like Greenies Dental Chews, Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Chews, Vetality Brush Free Daily Dental Chews, and dehydrated beef tendons can contribute to a dog's health-and-wellness by reducing plaque and tartar, encouraging chewing, and maintaining oral health. These treatments are often VOHC-approved, ensuring they meet veterinary standards for dental health.
