Did you know that by age three, over 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease? Regular dental care is crucial for your dog's overall health, and dental chews are one of the most convenient and effective tools for maintaining oral hygiene between professional cleanings.
In this comprehensive review, we've tested and analyzed the top dental chews on the market to help you choose the best option for your furry friend. For a complete guide to dog dental care, check out our complete guide to dog dental care.
Table of Contents
Why Dental Chews Matter for Your Dog's Health
Dental chews serve multiple important functions in your dog's oral care routine. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dental disease is the most common health problem in dogs, and regular dental care can prevent serious health issues.
Plaque and Tartar Control
The mechanical action of chewing helps scrape away plaque before it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed professionally.
Benefits:
- Reduces plaque buildup by up to 70%
- Prevents tartar formation
- Extends time between professional cleanings
Fresh Breath
Many dental chews contain ingredients that neutralize odor-causing bacteria, keeping your dog's breath fresher.
Benefits:
- Reduces bad breath
- Contains natural deodorizers
- Makes close interactions more pleasant
Mental Stimulation
Chewing is a natural behavior that provides mental enrichment and can reduce anxiety and destructive behaviors.
Benefits:
- Reduces boredom and anxiety
- Provides natural stress relief
- Prevents destructive chewing
Gum Health
Chewing increases blood flow to the gums, promoting healthier gum tissue and reducing inflammation.
Benefits:
- Strengthens gum tissue
- Reduces gum inflammation
- Prevents gingivitis
Pro Tip
Dental chews are not a substitute for regular brushing but work best as part of a comprehensive dental care routine. For maximum effectiveness, combine dental chews with regular tooth brushing and annual veterinary dental checkups. Learn more in our complete dog dental care guide.
What to Look for in a Dental Chew
Not all dental chews are created equal. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing the right dental chew for your dog:
Key Features to Consider
What to Look For
- VOHC Seal: Veterinary Oral Health Council approval indicates proven effectiveness
- Appropriate Size: Correct size for your dog's weight and chewing style
- Natural Ingredients: Limited, recognizable ingredients without artificial additives
- Texture: Firm enough to provide cleaning action but not too hard to damage teeth
- Digestibility: Easily digestible to prevent gastrointestinal issues
What to Avoid
- Artificial Colors/Flavors: Can cause allergies and offer no nutritional benefit
- Excessive Calories: High-calorie chews that contribute to weight gain
- Too Hard: Chews that are harder than your dog's teeth can cause fractures
- Choking Hazards: Poorly sized chews or those that break into sharp pieces
- Questionable Ingredients: Fillers, by-products, or unspecified meat sources
Top Dental Chew Brands Reviewed
We tested 12 popular dental chew brands over three months with dogs of different sizes, ages, and chewing styles. Here's our detailed review of the top performers:
| Brand | Rating | Best For | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies Dental Treats | Daily maintenance, all sizes | VOHC accepted, highly digestible, multiple sizes | $$ | |
| Whimzees Natural Dental Chews | Vegetarian options, variety seekers | Vegetable-based, unique shapes, grain-free | $$ | |
| Purina DentaLife Chews | Budget-conscious, effective cleaning | Porous texture, 8 cleaning surfaces, affordable | $ | |
| Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Chews | Heavy chewers, serious plaque control | VOHC accepted, z-shaped design, long-lasting | $$$ | |
| Milk-Bone Brushing Chews | Beginner chewers, mild cleaning | Familiar brand, softer texture, widely available | $ |
Detailed Brand Analysis
Greenies Dental Treats
Our Top Pick: Greenies earned the highest rating for their balance of effectiveness, palatability, and safety. The unique texture provides excellent plaque scraping action while being fully digestible. Available in multiple sizes (Teenie, Petite, Regular, Large, and Jumbo) to suit every dog.
Editor's Choice
Greenies are the only dental chew that received perfect scores in all categories: effectiveness, safety, palatability, and digestibility. They're worth the investment for dogs who need serious dental maintenance.
Whimzees Natural Dental Chews
These vegetable-based chews are perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or owners preferring vegetarian options. The unique shapes (alligators, toothbrushes, etc.) provide varied chewing angles that reach different tooth surfaces. They're also completely grain-free and potato-free.
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Chews
For heavy chewers with significant plaque buildup, Virbac offers exceptional cleaning power. The Z-shaped design forces dogs to chew with their molars, targeting the back teeth where plaque often accumulates most. These chews last longer than most alternatives, providing extended chewing time.
Safety Tips for Using Dental Chews
While dental chews offer numerous benefits, they must be used safely. The FDA provides guidelines for safe treat and chew consumption.
Important Safety Guidelines
Always supervise your dog when they're enjoying a dental chew, especially with new products. Choose the appropriate size for your dog's weight and chewing style, and discard small pieces that could pose a choking hazard. If your dog gulps treats without chewing, consider alternative dental care options.
Essential Safety Practices
- Supervise Always: Never leave your dog unattended with any chew
- Choose the Right Size: Follow manufacturer size recommendations based on your dog's weight
- Monitor Consumption: Adjust your dog's regular meals to account for treat calories
- Check for Allergies: Introduce new chews gradually and watch for adverse reactions
- Regular Dental Checkups: Continue with annual veterinary dental exams
How to Choose the Right Dental Chew for Your Dog
Selecting the perfect dental chew depends on several factors specific to your dog:
For Small Dogs
Small breeds need appropriately sized chews to prevent choking. Look for "Teenie" or "Petite" sizes that are soft enough for small jaws but firm enough to provide cleaning action.
Recommended:
- Greenies Teenie
- Whimzees Small
- Virbac Small/Medium
For Large Dogs
Large breeds need durable chews that last longer. Choose "Large" or "Jumbo" sizes with firm textures that withstand powerful chewing without being so hard they risk tooth fractures.
Recommended:
- Greenies Jumbo
- Virbac Large
- Whimzees Large
For Senior Dogs
Older dogs may have dental sensitivity or missing teeth. Opt for softer chews that are easier to consume while still providing cleaning benefits. Consider chews with joint-supporting supplements.
Recommended:
- Greenies Senior
- Softer texture options
- Smaller, more frequent portions
For Puppies
Start dental care early with puppy-specific chews. These are softer to accommodate developing teeth and often include nutrients supporting dental development. Always choose age-appropriate options.
Recommended:
- Puppy-specific formulas
- Extra soft textures
- Smaller sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I give my dog dental chews?
Most dental chews are designed for daily use, but follow the specific product guidelines. For optimal results, give dental chews once daily as part of your dog's regular routine. Always account for the extra calories in your dog's daily food intake to prevent weight gain. For more information, check our complete dental care guide.
Are dental chews safe for all dogs?
Most dogs can safely enjoy dental chews, but there are exceptions. Dogs with severe dental disease, broken teeth, or those who gulp treats without chewing should use alternatives. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new dental products, especially for dogs with health conditions. The Veterinary Oral Health Council maintains a list of accepted products that have been proven safe and effective.
Can dental chews replace brushing?
No, dental chews should complement, not replace, regular tooth brushing. Brushing is the gold standard for removing plaque from all tooth surfaces. Dental chews work best as part of a comprehensive dental care routine that includes brushing, professional cleanings, and regular checkups. Think of dental chews as a helpful addition to your dental care toolkit.
What does VOHC acceptance mean?
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal indicates that a product has been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar in controlled studies. Products with VOHC acceptance have undergone rigorous testing to demonstrate their effectiveness. This seal is your assurance that the product actually works as claimed for dental health benefits.
My dog finishes chews too quickly. What should I do?
Fast eaters need special consideration. Try larger sizes that take longer to consume, or look for chews specifically designed for extended chewing. You can also use puzzle feeders to slow down consumption. Always supervise fast eaters and consider whether dental chews are appropriate if your dog doesn't actually chew them.
Are there natural alternatives to commercial dental chews?
Yes, some natural options include raw carrots (for small dogs), dehydrated sweet potatoes, and certain raw bones (under supervision). However, these may not provide the same targeted cleaning action as specially designed dental chews. Always research natural alternatives thoroughly and consult your veterinarian, as some natural chews can pose risks like bacterial contamination or tooth damage.
How do I know if a dental chew is working?
Signs of effective dental chews include reduced plaque buildup (visible as less yellow/brown material on teeth), fresher breath, and healthier-looking gums (pink, not red or swollen). Your veterinarian can assess progress during regular checkups. Consistent use over several weeks is needed to see noticeable improvements.
