Concerned about your dog’s dental health? The good news is that this is the first step towards achieving great oral health for your canine companion. With proactive, consistent routine care, you can reduce the risk of dental problems in dogs.
Dental treats and chews support your dog’s at-home dental care—along with regular toothbrushing. However, it’s always important to also incorporate regular veterinary dental care (e.g. oral exams, teeth cleaning) for maximum preventive benefits.
In this guide by Sploot Vets, we talk about some of the best dental chews and dental treats for dogs—while also looking at the role of these treats in overall canine dental care!
Are Dental Chews Actually Good for Dogs?
Yes! A vet-approved dental chew or dental treat is great for your dog’s oral health. However, these treats do NOT take the place of regular brushing and routine teeth cleaning done by a veterinarian.
To help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, we recommend the following:
- Toothbrushing at least 3 times a week or daily
- Yearly dog teeth cleaning
- Dental treats or dental chews for dogs – check with your veterinarian for the best options.
- Dental water additives for dogs – check with your veterinarian for the best options.
- Dental diet for dogs – may require a vet prescription.
Can I Give My Dog Dental Chews Every Day?
Dental treats or edible dental chews for dogs are different from vet-prescribed dental diets. Dental diets are a type of dog food; therefore, these provide daily nutrition while also helping reduce plaque and/or tartar.
On the other hand, dental treats or chews are given in fewer quantities. Similar to other treats, dental treats should only comprise up to 10 percent of your dog’s daily intake, with the remaining 90 percent coming from their vet-recommended AAFCO-approved pet food.
Note: In addition to quantity moderation, we recommend ruling out possible food sensitivities when choosing the best dental chews or dental treats for your dog. Always consult your veterinarian for the most suitable product for your dog’s individual needs!
7 Best Dental Chews & Treats for Dogs
As a starting point reference, here are some of the best dental chews and dental treats that are top-rated by pet parents and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
1. Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz™ Canine Treats
- Highlights: Long-lasting edible dental chews for dogs, rawhide
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz™ is one of the best dental treats for dogs on the market. Made of beef hide, these dental chews are long-lasting, easily digestible, and appealing to a majority of dogs.
According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, this product has demonstrated efficacy against tartar (i.e. hardened plaque). As a rawhide dental treat, this product helps clean teeth through mechanical abrasion—with fibrous textures scrubbing the tooth’s surface.
As a bonus, these edible dental chews are low in fat and high in protein, making them a healthy and delicious treat for your canine companion!
2. OraVet® Dental Hygiene Chews for Dogs
- Highlights: Edible dental chews for dogs with a dual-action formula
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
Next on this list of the best dental chews for dogs is OraVet®’s Dental Hygiene Chews, offering its special dual-action formula to help keep your dog’s mouth clean and promote fresher breath.
According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, this product is effective against tartar (i.e. hardened plaque). One of its active ingredients is delmopinol, a compound that forms a protective barrier on the dog’s teeth, helping prevent tartar formation. In addition, the product’s chewy texture mechanically scrubs the teeth upon contact, helping to remove plaque-forming bacteria.
3. C.E.T.® VEGGIEDENT® FR3SH® Chews for Dogs
- Highlights: Plant-based edible dental chews for dogs; with a prebiotic for gut health
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
The C.E.T.® VEGGIEDENT® FR3SH® Chews for Dogs is one of the best dental treats out there with its multiple health benefits. It contains healthy, plant-based ingredients that help clean your dog’s mouth and promote fresh breath.
According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, this product is effective against plaque or the sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth—as well as tartar (i.e. hardened plaque). The chews also have a unique Z-shape, maximizing the treat’s reach from the front to the back teeth.
With no animal-derived ingredient, these dental chews have a reduced risk of triggering certain protein allergies in dogs. As a bonus, VEGGIEDENT® FR3SH® contains a prebiotic for promoting a healthier digestive system.
4. Yummy Combs Treats for Dogs
- Highlights: Edible dog chews offering 360° scrubbing ;available in various sizes; chicken flavor
- Available on SplootRX online pet pharmacy & pet supply store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code WELCOME
Yummy Combs Treats for Dogs is one of the best dental treats for dogs—with its innovative honeycomb shape that provides 360° cleaning and its palatable chicken flavor that many dogs love. Deep pockets on the surface of the treat helps remove hardened tartar, as supported by the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s findings.
In addition, the treat’s flat and wide shape discourages swallowing or gulping, maximizing safety and comfort. Available in five sizes, you can easily select a comfortable size to fit your dog’s needs.
5. Canine Greenies® [Blueberry, Freshmint, Pumpkin Spice]
- Highlights: Edible dog chews with various flavors; added nutrients for overall health
Canine Greenies® is one of the best dental treats for dogs, with its irresistible set of flavors and a pleasantly chewy texture that many dogs favor. According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, this product is effective against both plaque and tartar, making it a great addition to routine dental care.
These treats are made with easy-to-digest ingredients and packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and niacin to support your dog’s overall health.
6. WHIMZEES BRUSHZEES Dental Dog Treats [All Sizes]
- Highlights: Long-lasting edible dog chews; freshens breath
WHIMZEES BRUSHZEES is one of the most popular dental chews for dogs, with its unique design and efficacy against both plaque and tartar—as supported by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
These long-lasting dental treats for dogs have a special ribbed texture that cleans your dog’s teeth while providing them with hours of enjoyment. Pet parents also attest that this product helps promote fresher breath.
7. Pedigree Dentastix Advanced
- Highlights: Long-lasting edible dog chews; deep clean; chicken flavored
Developed by experts at The Waltham Centre, Pedigree Dentastix Advanced is a sought-after dental treat for dogs with an innovative texture. These treats flex around the teeth to provide a deep clean along the dog’s gum line.
According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, this product is effective against both plaque and tartar, making it an excellent addition to your dog’s dental care routine. Last but not least, these dental chews come with an irresistible chicken flavor, making them popular among many dogs.
Final Thoughts on the Best Dental Chews & Dental Treats for Dogs
As a final reminder, dental treats and dental chews for dogs are NOT a replacement for toothbrushing and yearly teeth cleaning by a veterinarian, which are important measures for great dental care.
→ Learn more - Routine Dog Care for Health & Well-Being [Vet-Approved Checklist]
In addition, if you’re getting long-lasting dental chews, it is very important to select the right chew size to maximize the benefits, ensure comfort, and prevent choking. To get personalized recommendations for your dog’s unique needs, consult a trusted veterinarian!
Sploot Vets: All-In-One Vet Care & Dental Care
Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one, top-tier veterinary care, complete with routine dental care & dental treatments. Open 365 days a year, our state-of-the-art vet clinics in Chicago and Denver are here for you when you need us most—whether you have questions about dental products, looking for dog teeth cleaning, or suspecting dental issues in your dog.
Experience next-level vet care at Sploot today! Easily book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app.
