Ensuring dental health is as essential to humans as it is to animals. However, unlike with us, it can be difficult to achieve optimal dental health with our furry canine friends because we have to be careful to avoid being accidentally bitten. Although outright brushing is still the best, there are other less risky ways to ensure your dog has the best teeth and gums possible.
One such way would be giving them dog dental chews, and we have prepared a guide reviewing the best dog dental chews and what makes each one notable.
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How to Choose the Best Dog Dental Chews?
Giving your pet dog dental chews is the best way to ensure that he or she has healthy teeth and gums without the risk of getting accidentally bitten. Giving them dog treats is also a good way to strengthen your bond with your beloved pet. However, choosing the best dog dental chews is like choosing their food; one must take into consideration important factors such as the ingredients and the like.
Inspect the ingredients
Inspecting the ingredients is the most important part of choosing the right dental chews for your beloved canine friend. The ingredients must have a clear definition, so you need to avoid vague phrases like “contains meat”. Edible dental chews that specify what meat is included (such as beef, lamb, or chicken) are better because you have a clearer idea of what your pet is consuming.
Furthermore, most dental chews are flavored if they are edible to make them more appealing to your pet. Edible dental chews that contain Vitamin E or C are better because both are considered as natural preservatives, making them healthier alternatives to chemical preservatives.
See what kind your dog likes
There are many ways to ensure your dog’s dental health such as using a dog toothbrush with special dog toothpaste and giving them dog treats or dog chew toys. Like with us humans, our pet dogs have their own preferences. Some may prefer dog chew toys over dog treats. Some may even like having their teeth brushed by their owners.
It’s important to observe what your dog responds to so that you don’t waste money buying them treats or toys that they won’t use.
The size and durability of their dental chews matter
Although most dental treats are labeled for the specific size and breed of dog, it’s not advisable to merely rely on that as what’s important is that it’s effective in cleaning your dog’s teeth.
Dental chews that are easy to break and consume are basically useless in ensuring your dog’s oral health. The best dog dental chews are ones that allow your dog to take its time chewing them for they clean their teeth more effectively that way.
12 Best Dental Dog Chews on the Market
Greenies Dog Dental Chews Dog Treats
Tasty and Irresistible Treats Your Dog will Surely Love
Greenies Dog Dental Chews Dog Treats is designed with a unique texture that removes plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, giving them fresher breath and overall healthier teeth and gums. Moreover, they are made from all-natural ingredients that are easily digestible, making them a highly nutritious and healthy snack for your beloved furry friend.
Shaped like a small toothbrush, Greenies Dog Dental Chews Dog Treats is something that man’s best friend will enjoy while simultaneously promoting their overall oral health.
Why We Like It:
- It’s made from natural ingredients and has no harmful chemicals.
- It has a unique shape and texture which is specifically designed to remove plaque and tartar build-up in dogs’ teeth.
- It gives them fresher breath.
Pedigree Dentastix Dog Dental Treats Original Flavor
Triple-Action Treats that will Thoroughly Clean their Teeth
Pedigree is known worldwide for its line of quality dog food that our canine friends love. It comes as no surprise that they also have quality dental treats that help protect your dog’s teeth from decay.
Their Dentastix Dog Dental Treats in its original flavor is a favorite among dog owners everywhere for its triple-action capabilities of cleaning, reducing tartar build-up, and freshening breath. Each treat is cross-shaped which makes it easy to reach down to the dog’s gum lines, making it effective in cleaning even those hard-to-reach areas.
Why We Like It:
- It has triple-action capabilities which are effective in cleaning their teeth and gums.
- Its cross shape allows it to reach even the hardest places to reach, making it efficient in cleaning down to the dog’s gum lines.
Zuke’s Z-Bone Dental Chew Dog Treats
An Overall Healthy Snack for Your Canine Friend
The company behind this brand of dental chews prides itself in using all-natural ingredients and removing wheat, soy, gluten, and corn from their formulas. By doing so, this makes Zuke’s Z-Bone Dental Chew Dog Treats an extremely healthy snack for your beloved canine while still being appealing to their palate.
The easily digestible formula of this treat prevents your dog from feeling full. Furthermore, the treat has a unique texture that is designed to gently clean your dog’s teeth and gums, allowing him to take his time enjoying his treat.
Additionally, it freshens your dog’s breath, allowing you to cuddle your pet without being turned off by his bad breath. It is available in three sizes to accommodate dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Why We Like It:
- It’s made from natural ingredients that contain no soy, wheat, gluten, or corn.
- It’s easily digestible, preventing your dog from getting full.
- It gently cleans your dog’s teeth.
- It freshens the breath.
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treats
Effective Like Brushing While Still Tasting Like A Treat
The Milk-Bone Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treat is clinically proven to be as effective at cleaning your dog’s teeth as brushing them without actually doing so. It is made from high-quality ingredients and contains 16 vital vitamins and minerals, all of which help promote not only your dog’s dental health but his overall health as well.
One of the essential vitamins and minerals present in each treat is calcium which helps your dog have strong bones and teeth.
Furthermore, it has the seal of acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council for tartar control, marking it as an excellent way of cleaning your dog’s teeth daily without any hassle.
Why We Like It:
- It is clinically proven to be effective at cleaning the dog’s teeth.
- It has many vitamins and minerals that improve the dog’s overall health, including calcium that promotes strong bones and teeth.
- It is recognized by the Veterinary Oral Health Council as a great way to promote dogs’ oral health.
Merial Oravet Dental Hygiene Chew
Tasty Bacteria-Fighting Dental Chews
The Merial Oravet Dental Chews are not only effective at removing plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, but these treats also prevent them from building up again.
Furthermore, they are effective at fighting the type of bacteria that causes your dog’s bad breath and plaque build-up. It does so by coating their teeth, tongue, and gums with a substance called Delmopinol Hic which acts as a barrier against the bad breath-causing bacteria.
Why We Like It:
- It cleans dogs’ teeth efficiently.
- It not only cleans but also prevents further damage to the teeth by fighting the source: the bacteria.
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH
Uniquely Shaped and Effective
The Virbac VeggieDent Dental Chews are suitable for all dogs, even those who have rawhide sensitivity.
Its unique Z shape enables the dental treats to reach both the front and back of your dog’s teeth, making it effective at reducing your dog’s tartar and plaque build-up. It’s also effective at freshening your dog’s breath because of its ability to reach those hard-to-clean areas.
Moreover, its ingredients don’t include animal protein and wheat gluten, making it easy for your beloved dog to digest.
Why We Like It:
- It has a unique shape that allows the treat to reach those far areas, making it more effective.
- Even canines with rawhide sensitivities can enjoy this treat.
Whimzees Natural Grain Free Dental Dog Treats
All-Natural, Grain-Free, and Vegetarian
Whimzees Natural Grain Free Dental Dog Treats are only made up of six ingredients, and all of which contribute to your beloved canine friend’s overall health. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that ensure your beloved canine friend stays with you for a long time.
As a vegetarian treat, it is meat-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free which is perfect for canines with sensitivities to certain foods. Furthermore, it is high in fiber which improves your dog’s digestive system.
It’s available in different shapes, designed with grooves, hollow spaces, and knobs to reach even those tiny nooks and crannies in your dog’s mouth, giving your dog triple care protection which reduces tartar and plaque build-up while simultaneously freshening his breath.
Why We Like It:
- It’s grain-free and vegetarian.
- It’s high in fiber which improves digestive health.
- It’s available in different shapes and sizes.
- It provides triple care protection.
Blue Buffalo Blue Dental Bones Natural Dog Chews
Long-Lasting and Tasty Edible Dental Treats
These highly digestible dental chews are designed to last longer, allowing them to clean teeth and gums more effectively and maintain dental health.
They contain natural ingredients which are free of grains, preservatives, and artificial food coloring. Furthermore, these dental chews are the only one in their line of dog treats that include vitamins that promote special health benefits.
These vitamins include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, taurine for a healthy heart, and Vitamins A, C, and E to help improve your dog’s immune system.
Why We Like It:
- It contains only natural ingredients.
- It doesn’t contain any chemical preservatives or artificial food coloring.
- It has plenty of special vitamins that improve our dog’s overall health.
Dingo Tartar And Breath Chicken Dental Sticks For All Dogs
Enticing and Delicious Dental Sticks with Real Chicken
The Dingo Tartar and Breath Chicken Dental Stick prides itself for including real chicken in the center of its product, making it incredibly appealing to your pup which will make him look forward to each treat.
An upgraded version of the Original Munchy Stix, this includes baking soda and parsley seed which are effective in eliminating that awful bad doggy breath. Additionally, the natural chewing action coupled with these dog treats gently massages your dog’s gums while thoroughly cleaning his teeth, improving his dental hygiene.
Why We Like It:
- It contains real chicken meat.
- It doesn’t sacrifice taste for functionality.
- Its added ingredients are great at eliminating your dog’s bad breath while thoroughly cleaning his teeth and gums.
Ark Naturals Dental Chews for Dogs
Bacteria-Fighting, Brushless Toothpaste Chews
Since brushing your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste can be extremely difficult, Ark Naturals developed a dental chew made out of special dog toothpaste that guarantees your beloved canine’s oral hygiene.
It’s a digestible treat made with clinically-proven and all-natural ingredients that help remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and fight bad breath-causing bacteria.
Despite its abrasive texture, it’s soft enough that even dogs with sensitive gums and teeth can enjoy this treat.
Why We Like It:
- It’s made of clinically-proven and natural herbal ingredients.
- It’s as effective as brushing.
- It’s suitable for sensitive teeth and gums.
Pawstruck Natural Cow Hooves for Dogs
Real, Organic, and Free-Range Cow Hooves
Pawstruck Natural Cow Hooves are all-natural: no hormones, no chemicals, and no artificial ingredients. They are considered to be a great alternative to rawhide, making them perfect for dogs with rawhide sensitivities.
Their cow hooves are carefully trimmed and cleaned, ensuring that your beloved pet gets only the best quality hooves possible. These hard and natural dental chews help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth.
Furthermore, these cow hooves are built to last longer compared to other types of dental chews, ensuring your dog’s oral hygiene for a longer time.
Why We Like It:
- It’s more long-lasting.
- It’s a natural alternative to rawhide.
- It contains no chemicals and hormones which can be harmful to your canine.
Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew
Made for Heavy-Duty Chewers
The Nylabone Dental Dinosaur Chew is designed for dogs who are heavy-duty chewers. It features rounded and raised bristles that are made to ensure that it reaches every inch of your dog’s teeth, controlling the build-up of tartar and plaque. It comes in a variety of dinosaur shapes.
Why We Like It:
- It’s designed to be heavy-duty, ensuring that it lasts longer.
- Its design allows it to reach every inch of your dog’s teeth.
FAQs
Why is my dog’s dental health important?
It’s important because not only do dogs need their teeth to chew their food, but awful oral hygiene will also lead to gum disease which can lead to more serious problems down the line such as bone loss and tissue destruction.
How often can I give my dog dental treats?
It really depends on what dental treat you have. Usually, one per day is enough.
Are dental chews enough to prevent dental problems with my dog?
Although most dental chews are effective at reducing tartar and plaque in your dog’s teeth by up to 70%, it’s still recommended that they get regularly checked out by a veterinarian to ensure that everything is okay. It’s recommended to take your dog to a vet once annually to guarantee his overall health.
Guaranteeing that your dog has clean teeth all the time is vital to ensure that he lives a long and healthy life. Dog dental chews are a great way to make that possible without the chance of your hand being bitten accidentally.
Nevertheless, it’s still important that your beloved canine friend takes a trip to his vet every year to make sure that he has good oral hygiene.
That said, with the variety of options on the market, you’ll surely find the best dog dental chews that your dog will love. Just make sure you take into account the ingredients, the dog’s preference, and the durability of the product.