Vets Agree: The Top 7 Best Dog Dental Chews Are the Champions Of Fresh Breath!

Is it a struggle to brush your dog’s teeth? If so, you aren’t alone. Many pet owners face this dilemma. That’s why veterinarians recommend giving your pet a daily dental treat to help remove plaque and keep their breath smelling fresh, especially if they love to lick your face and give you kisses. Let’s face it – dogs love to chew, and they don’t know the difference between a dental chew and a regular treat. When they chew on these specially designed treats, it provides a massage-like action on the gums. This can help increase blood flow and keep the gums healthy. The best dog dental chews don’t replace brushing but are a valuable addition to your dog’s daily care routine.

Some popular dental treats include rawhide chews, dental sticks, textured bones, and dental-specific kibbles. The very best dog dental chews bear the VOHC Seal of Acceptance. This indicates the Veterinary Oral Hygiene Council has reviewed and tested the chew. But remember, the right treat for your specific dog depends on several things, including the dog’s weight. You should also consider ingredients and flavor. Which doggy dental chews get our seal of approval? We’ve done the research and have found the best of the best that were most recommended across 10 expert sources. Let us know your dog’s favorite in the comments below.

The List: Best Dog Dental Chews, Per Canine Specialists

1. Greenies Original Regular Dental Dog Treats

Looking for a tasty and effective way to keep your dog’s teeth clean? Look no further than Greenies! This is one of the most well-known brands of dental chews for dogs, and they top Canine Weekly’s list. Why? They like their combination of safe, delicious ingredients and significant dental benefits. While they may not be the longest-lasting chew for power chewers, they offer a safe and constructive outlet for natural chewing instincts.

The Spruce Pets describes the unique toothbrush-shaped treats made with globally sourced ingredients, vitamins, minerals, and a poultry flavor that most dogs love. Greenies are veterinarian-recommended, VOHC-accepted, and come in a variety of sizes and formulas to suit different dog needs, including puppies, seniors, weight management, and even grain-free or spearmint for extra fresh breath.

2. Pedigree Dentastix

Pedigree Dentastix offers a budget-friendly option for keeping your dog’s teeth clean. Kimberly at Canine Journal shares their experience with Dentastix. Their dog, Sally, suffers from bad breath, but Dentastix have significantly reduced the odor. They particularly prefer the Fresh flavor for its minty scent. However, they note that Sally devours any flavor option with gusto!

Dentastix are both gentle on teeth and your wallet! K9 Of Mine says they are a budget-friendly solution for dental care. Unlike some harder chews, Dentastix have a softer texture, making them suitable for dogs with dental problems or those who prefer softer treats.

Smart Bark emphasizes the scientifically proven benefits of Dentastix. They claim to reduce tartar buildup by up to 80 percent. They also offer both daily and fresh daily options, some containing ingredients to freshen breath.

3. Oravet Dental Care Hygiene Chews

The Spruce Pets says these chews are great for dogs of all sizes as they come in small, medium, and large varieties. OraVet Dental Care Hygiene Chews take a science-based approach to promoting your dog’s dental health. The key ingredient in OraVet chews is delmopinol, commonly found in human dental rinses. It works by coating your dog’s teeth, creating a shield against plaque, tartar formation, and bad breath. The initial chewing action helps loosen and remove existing plaque, while the delmopinol continues to fight the bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup and bad breath.

Dr. Mary Altomare, a veterinarian interviewed by Daily Paws, particularly recommends OraVet chews for smaller dogs. She highlights the ingredient delmopinol for its antimicrobial properties that help prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis. Plus, they are so gentle Veterinarians.org says these chews are highly digestible and easy on a dog’s stomach, despite lacking a strong flavor.

4. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dental Chews

These are considered the “Best Rawhide” chews by The Spruce Pets. They are made with all-beef rawhide, free of chemicals and adhesives often found in other similar products. They are high in protein and designed for longer chewing compared to other dental treats. The textured surface and enzymes work together to scrub away plaque and tartar buildup.

A reviewer on Huff Post shares a positive experience: Their small dog, who disliked having her teeth brushed, showed improvement in plaque buildup after just one chew. The reviewer found this product more effective than other options they had tried.

Rawhide chews are a popular choice for dog dental care, but there are some things to consider. While rawhide chews can be effective, it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Some dogs may digest rawhide with difficulty, and they can pose a choking hazard if large pieces are broken off.

5. Whimzees Brushzees

Whimzees are on the pricier end of the scale, but Smart Bark loves them because of the limited ingredient list, allowing you to feel confident about what you’re giving your dog. There are only six primary ingredients, so you can be sure there are no hidden nasties.

The Spruce Pets provides more details about the ingredients. They confirm that Whimzees chews are free from artificial ingredients, flavors, and additives. They come in a variety of sizes to suit different dog breeds, ranging from tiny pups to large dogs over 60 pounds.

Michelle from Canine Journal shares her experience with Whimzees chews. Her dog’s dentist recommended them after a dental cleaning, and they’ve been a hit ever since! Unlike other chews that disappear in minutes, Whimzees chews keep her dog Barley occupied for a solid four to five minutes, offering a more substantial chewing experience.

6. Blue Buffalo Dental Bones All Natural Regular Dog Treats

Blue Buffalo Dental Bones offer a natural solution for promoting your dog’s dental health, particularly for those with sensitivities. The Spruce Pets loves the use of natural ingredients. Made with potatoes, blueberries, and pea protein, they are packed with natural goodness. They are free of artificial additives, preservatives, and common allergens like poultry byproducts, grains, corn, soy, and wheat. The textured chews help remove plaque and tartar while freshening breath.

Unlike some other popular options, Canine Journal says Blue Buffalo Dental Bones are gluten-free, making them a suitable alternative for dogs with wheat sensitivities. The textured surface also provides gentle relief for sore gums, which can be helpful during teething. Plus, K9 Of Mine notes that they are made right in the U.S.

7. Purina Dentalife

Purina DentaLife chews offer a budget-friendly and effective solution for your dog’s dental care. What makes them a smart buy? The Spruce Pets highlights the affordability of these treats. At an average of 40 cents per chew for small/medium dogs, they are significantly cheaper than many other brands that can cost a dollar or more per treat. Despite the lower price point, they are still VOHC-accepted and generally well-liked by dogs.

Aside from their price point, Veterinarians.org recognizes these chews as a great choice for cleaning a dog’s hard-to-reach teeth. The chicken-flavored treats feature ridges specifically designed to reach the back teeth, promoting a more thorough cleaning of your dog’s entire mouth.

Sources:

• The Spruce Pets
• NBC News
• Mind Body Green
• Daily Paws
• Veterinarians.org
• Huff Post
• Canine Journal
• Smart Bark
• K9 Of Mine
• Better Pet

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.