Have you ever caught a whiff of your furry friend’s breath and instantly regretted it? Yeah, me too. Dog breath can be rough, which is why so many of us reach for those dental treats promising fresh breath and healthy teeth. But here’s the million-dollar question – do dental treats for dogs really work? Or are we just throwing money at colorful packaging with empty promises?
At PawsomePooch Blog, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to waste your hard-earned cash on products that don’t deliver. Let’s dive into the world of canine dental chews and separate fact from fiction!
The State of Your Dog’s Mouth: Why Dental Health Matters
Before we jump into dental treats, let’s talk about why your pup’s oral health is super important in the first place.
Just like us humans, dogs can suffer from some serious dental issues, including:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Plaque build-up (that sticky film of bacteria)
- Tartar (that hard yellow or brown gunk)
- Swollen, bleeding, or irritated gums
- Painful teeth and gums
These aren’t just cosmetic problems – dental issues can lead to your dog losing their appetite, breaking teeth, or even developing more serious health complications. According to veterinary experts, bacteria from diseased gums can actually enter the bloodstream and potentially damage other organs! Yikes.
How Dog Dental Treats Claim to Work
So how exactly do these treats claim to keep Fido’s teeth pearly white? The magic supposedly happens in a few different ways:
- Mechanical action – The physical act of chewing helps scrape away plaque
- Special textures – Ridges and bumps designed to reach between teeth
- Active ingredients – Some contain enzymes or other compounds that fight bacteria
- Chemical agents – Ingredients like polyphosphates that can reduce tartar
In one study mentioned on WebMD, increasing kibble diameter by 50% led to a 42% reduction in tartar. When that same kibble was coated with polyphosphate, tartar was reduced by an additional 55%! That’s pretty impressive
Types of Dental Treats for Your Doggo
The pet market is flooded with different dental products. Here are the main ones you’ll encounter:
1. Rawhide Chews
Made from cow or horse hides, these classic chews can help reduce plaque and tartar. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes for different breeds.
2. Dental Chews, Bones, and Biscuits
Products like Greenies, Del Monte Tartar Check Dog Biscuits, Bright Bites, OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews, and Vetradent Dog Chews have all received the seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
3. Specialized Dental Diet Kibble
Some dog food formulations are specifically designed to promote dental health. They might have:
- Larger kibble size that resists crumbling
- Special textures that create a scrubbing action
- Coatings that fight bacteria or prevent plaque
4. Non-Edible Chew Toys
Though not treats per se, products like Kong toys, Plaque Attackers, or Gumabones can help with dental health, especially for dogs who demolish edible treats too quickly.
What the Experts Say: Do They Actually Work?
So what’s the verdict from the pros? According to veterinary experts quoted in our sources, dental chews DO have some benefits, but with important caveats.
Monique Feyrecilde, a licensed veterinary technician specializing in behavior at Mercer Island Veterinary Clinic, acknowledges that while “brushing is the gold standard” for dental care, dental chews can play a supportive role.
“There’s no equivalent substitute for brushing,” she notes. “That being said, the best home dental care is the care that actually happens.”
This is a super important point! If brushing your dog’s teeth is a nightmare (and let’s be honest, for many of us it is), then dental chews might be the next best thing simply because they’ll actually get used.
The Animal Medical Center of Fort Oglethorpe makes a helpful comparison: dental chews are to dogs what sugar-free gum might be to humans. They can help freshen breath and provide some cleaning, but they don’t replace brushing or professional dental cleanings.
The Science Behind the Claims
Let’s get nerdy for a sec. For a dental chew to receive the VOHC seal of approval (basically the gold standard for pet dental products), it must reduce plaque or tartar by at least 10%. If it uses a chemical anti-plaque agent, that number jumps to 20%.
The timing of dental care also matters. Plaque hardens into tartar within about 24-48 hours, which is why frequency is key. Dental chews won’t do much to remove tartar once it’s hardened, but they can help prevent the buildup in the first place by disrupting plaque.
How to Choose the Right Dental Treats
Not all dental treats are created equal! Here’s what to look for:
- VOHC Seal – Check if the product has been certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council
- Ingredients – Make sure your dog can tolerate all ingredients (especially important for allergy-prone pups)
- Consistency – It should be something your dog will actually chew on, not gulp down
- Size – Match the chew to your dog’s size to prevent choking hazards
- Calories – Some treats pack a lot of calories, which can lead to weight gain
- Hardness – Avoid treats that are too hard (like antlers, bones, or hooves) as these can damage teeth
Who Benefits Most from Dental Chews?
Dental chews can be particularly beneficial for:
- Pet parents who find daily brushing stressful
- Dog owners with dexterity issues
- Dogs who enjoy chewing as enrichment
- Pups who need extra help controlling plaque
On the flip side, they may not be ideal for:
- Aggressive chewers who break chews into chunks
- Dogs with serious food allergies
- Pups on weight management programs
- Dogs who need serious dental work
The Truth About Limitations
Let’s be real – dental chews aren’t miracle workers. They have some significant limitations:
- They’re no substitute for brushing – Nothing beats the mechanical action of bristles
- They can’t replace professional cleanings – Your vet still needs to do regular dental check-ups
- They work better preventatively – Once tartar has formed, chews won’t remove it
- Results vary by dog – Some dogs benefit more than others
Small breed dogs or dogs with crowded teeth may still develop dental problems despite using chews, since the treats can’t reach all the nooks and crannies where bacteria hide.
Our Top Picks for Effective Dental Chews
Based on our research and the expert opinions in our sources, these dental chews seem to deliver on their promises:
- Whimzees – These come in fun shapes and textures that tend to last longer than many others on the market
- Purina DentaLife ActivFresh – Contains honey and spirulina to fight bad breath
- Virbac CET Veggiedent Chews – Plant-based option that’s free of animal byproducts and wheat gluten, plus includes prebiotics for digestion
Safety Concerns to Keep in Mind
While most dental chews are designed to be safer than traditional chews, no treat is risk-free. Here are some safety tips:
- Always supervise your dog when they’re enjoying a dental chew
- Remove small end pieces that could become choking hazards
- Consider using bully stick holders for aggressive chewers
- Check with your vet before starting any dental chew regimen
- Discard chews that break into sharp pieces
How to Incorporate Dental Chews Into a Complete Dental Care Routine
For optimal results, here’s how dental chews should fit into your dog’s overall dental care:
- Daily brushing – Still the gold standard (aim for this if possible!)
- Dental chews – Give for about 30 minutes daily as a supplement
- Regular vet check-ups – Professional cleanings as recommended
- Water additives – Can provide additional protection
- Proper diet – Some regular kibbles also help clean teeth
When to Start Using Dental Chews
Puppies should NOT have dental chews until they’re at least six months old. Their mouths and digestive systems aren’t ready for these products until then.
For adult dogs, it’s never too late to start a dental care routine! Even senior dogs can benefit from appropriate dental chews, though you may need softer options for dogs with existing dental issues.
The Bottom Line: Are They Worth Your Money?
So after all this research, what’s the verdict? Do dental treats for dogs actually work?
The answer is: Yes, but with limitations.
Dental chews can be a helpful PART of your dog’s dental care routine, but they shouldn’t be the ONLY part. Think of them as a supplement to brushing and professional care, not a replacement.
For busy pet parents or dogs who hate tooth brushing, dental chews are definitely better than nothing. They can help reduce plaque before it hardens into tartar and may help freshen breath.
But if you really want to keep your pup’s mouth healthy, you’ll still need to schedule those regular dental cleanings with your vet and try to brush those chompers as often as possible.
Disclaimer: While we’ve researched this topic thoroughly, this article is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult with your vet about your dog’s specific dental health needs.
Waste of Money or Good Oral Hygiene?
Many pet owners wonder if dental chews really take the bite out of plaque and tartar in dogs. To some extent, they can help but not enough to rely heavily on them for your dog’s dental care.
There is evidence that certain dental treats can reduce some plaque and tartar buildup. However, the most effective way to keep your pet’s teeth healthy is through regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental exams and cleanings. Unfortunately, many dogs (up to two-thirds) have developed periodontal or dental disease by the time they reach 3-4 years of age.
Your best bet is to use the dental chews in conjunction with a regular dental care routine. Your veterinarian can show you how to brush your furry one’s teeth using the right toothbrush and specially formulated toothpaste for dogs.
Points to Consider About Pet Dental Treats
Before you take the plunge and decide to buy your dog an ample amount of dental treats, understand that not all treats are designed the same. Many of the cheaper brands and those made overseas are not approved by The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which examines and approves of those chews that are proven effective.
Here are some considerations when looking for dog dental chews and considering your pet’s dental health.
- Look for the VOHC seal of approval on any selected dental chews or treats, as they recommend the manufacturers that support their product claims.
- Avoid bones or antlers because these can splinter and cause injury, as well as the possibility of causing broken or worn teeth.
- Limit the number of treats you give out. Extra calories will cause your dog to gain weight.
- Brush your pet’s teeth daily or at least a few times each week.
- Keep your pet’s annual wellness checkup with your veterinarian at East Sacramento. We will also provide a dental examination and offer recommendations.
Vet explains 6 ways to keep your #pet’s teeth healthy | PET CIRCLE
FAQ
How effective are dental treats for dogs?
Yes, properly designed dog dental chews can be effective at reducing plaque and tartar buildup when used as a supplemental tool to regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings. Look for chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance, which signifies proven efficacy in cleaning teeth and improving gum health. While helpful, dental chews are not a substitute for diligent daily brushing or professional veterinary dental care.
Do vets recommend dental chews for dogs?
Dental chews may help keep your dog’s teeth clean and properly designed chews can potentially reduce plaque and tartar buildup. However, dental chews are no substitute for regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings. They are merely a supplementary tool.
How can I get plaque off my dog’s teeth without brushing?
What is the best thing to give dogs to clean their teeth?
The best tools to brush a dog’s teeth are a soft-bristled toothbrush (either a dog-specific one or a child-sized one) and dog-formulated toothpaste in flavors like beef or chicken, as human toothpaste is harmful to dogs. For introduction, a finger brush or even your finger can be used to acclimate the dog before transitioning to a toothbrush.