Most dog owners know that dental health is important for their dogs. It only makes sense that dental treats that encourage chewing can help, and to some extent, they do help prevent dental tartar. But they are also loaded with calories, lots of calories. Dental treats are a large factor contributing to the rising numbers of overweight or obese dogs. So how many calories do dental treats have?
There is a very popular dog treat available for dogs 50 pounds and over. It has 1060 calories for each treat! The total daily calorie need for a 50lb dog is 1000 calories. This treat has over 100% of the dogâs daily calorie needs. Added to the normal regular diet, a 50lb dog getting one dental treat per day is eating twice the calories it needs daily. And how many owners give their dogs more than 1 treat per day? No wonder 60% of pets are overweight or morbidly obese.Â
And it is not just this one treat. Other dental treats can contain anywhere from 15-70% of a dogâs daily caloric needs. If dog owners reduced the amount of dog food to make room for these extra calories, dogs become malnourished. Dog dental treats contain minuscule amounts of the protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals dogs need every day. Dog food does contain the proper amounts of all nutrients but only if fed the recommended amount daily. Cut back on the food and you cut back on the nutrients, a recipe for malnutrition.Â
To some degree, dog dental treats help prevent tarter, especially for teeth near the front of the mouth. No dental treat can prevent tarter on the back teeth because the shape of the dogâs jaw and lips wonât allow a cleaning action to occur. This is also true of dogs that chew bones for dental health. The back teeth just canât be reached chewing on a bone or treat. Back teeth can only be cleaned by the owners using a toothbrush or washcloth.Â
Do dog dental treats seem like a good idea to you? Promote your dogâs health. Feed âno calorieâ vegetable treats and brush their teeth at least 2-3 times per week. They stay in shape and have better dental health.
Also, consider homemade dog food. Dogs fed homemade diets tend to have less dental tartar and gum disease. AuthorKen Tudor DVM
Dr. Ken Tudor is a recognized expert and leader in the field of pet nutrition and fitness. He has developed a pet weight management program and served on the American Animal Hospital Association task force to develop their Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. He is also a frequent guest on the Pet World Insider radio show and a popular guest on the televised Pet Ex Talks-Pet Experts Empowering Pet Parents show.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably wandered down the pet aisle and grabbed those popular Dentastix treats, thinking you’re doing something good for your furry friend’s teeth. I mean, who doesn’t want their dog to have fresh breath and healthy gums? But here’s the million-dollar question that’s been bothering many pet parents lately: are Dentastix fattening for dogs?
The short answer? Yes, they can be! But there’s a lot more to understand about these popular dental treats and how they might impact your dog’s waistline
The Calorie Bomb in Your Dog’s Dental Treats
Let me share something that absolutely floored me when I first learned about it. According to Dr. Ken Tudor, a holistic veterinarian and recognized expert in pet nutrition:
There is a very popular dog treat available for dogs 50 pounds and over. It has 1060 calories for each treat! The total daily calorie need for a 50lb dog is 1000 calories
That’s right – some dental treats contain more than 100% of your dog’s entire daily calorie needs in a single chew!
Even standard Dentastix aren’t exactly diet food. Each regular Dentastix contains approximately 76 calories. While this might not sound like much to us humans, it’s significant for our four-legged friends.
Let’s break this down in a simple table:
| Dog Size | Approximate Daily Calorie Needs | Calories in One Dentastix | % of Daily Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lbs) | 200-275 calories | 76 calories | 28-38% |
| Medium (30 lbs) | 600-700 calories | 76 calories | 11-13% |
| Large (50 lbs) | 1000 calories | 76 calories | 7.6% |
As you can see, especially for smaller dogs, one Dentastix can represent a significant portion of their daily caloric intake!
The Marketing vs. Reality
Pedigree, the maker of Dentastix, markets them as being “low in fat and sugar free.” While technically true, this clever marketing sidesteps the bigger issue – they’re still calorie-dense treats that can contribute to weight gain when given regularly.
Think about it: if you’re giving your dog their regular food PLUS a Dentastix every day (as the company recommends), those extra calories add up fast. And with 60% of pets already being overweight or obese, those additional calories are the last thing most dogs need.
The Dental Health Dilemma
Now I know what you’re thinking – “But they’re good for my dog’s teeth, right?”
Well, yes and no. Dental treats like Dentastix do provide some benefits:
- They can help remove plaque and tartar (especially on front teeth)
- The chewing action can promote gum health
- They can help freshen breath
But here’s the catch – they’re not as effective as many pet parents believe. According to veterinary experts:
- They only clean the front teeth effectively
- Back teeth (where most dental problems occur) aren’t reached
- Owners still need to brush their dog’s teeth regularly
So you’re potentially adding significant calories to your dog’s diet for only partial dental benefits.
The Dangerous Trade-Off: Obesity or Malnutrition
Here’s where things get really concerning. Pet parents face a difficult choice when regularly giving dental treats:
- Option 1: Give Dentastix in addition to regular food = potential weight gain and obesity
- Option 2: Reduce regular food to compensate for Dentastix calories = potential malnutrition
As Dr. Tudor explains:
Dogs would become undernourished if dog owners reduced the amount of dog food to make room for these extra calories. Tiny amounts of the protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that dogs require on a daily basis are present in dog dental treats.
So cutting back on nutritionally balanced dog food to make room for dental treats could leave your pup missing essential nutrients they need to thrive.
Beyond the Calories: Other Concerns With Dentastix
While our main focus is whether Dentastix are fattening, it’s worth noting some other potential concerns:
- Ingredients: They contain wheat starch (high on the glycemic index), which can cause blood sugar spikes
- Texture: They’re quite soft and can break apart easily, potentially causing choking hazards
- Additives: Some contain preservatives and artificial flavors that may cause hyperactivity in certain dogs
- Allergies: Dogs with wheat or corn sensitivities may react poorly to Dentastix
What Do Veterinarians Say?
Veterinary opinions on Dentastix seem to be mixed. While some acknowledge they can help with dental health to a degree, many express concern about their calorie content and limited effectiveness.
Dr. Ken Tudor specifically warns about dental treats:
The risk of obesity or malnutrition is very high
They offer only a limited amount of dental health
Owners still have to brush their dog’s teeth
In essence, many vets feel the calorie cost outweighs the dental benefits, especially when there are healthier alternatives available.
Healthier Alternatives for Your Dog’s Dental Health
So what’s a caring pet parent to do? Here are some lower-calorie alternatives that can help maintain your dog’s dental health:
- Regular tooth brushing – Still the gold standard for canine dental care
- Raw vegetables – Carrots, cucumber, and celery make great low-calorie chews
- Dental toys – Tough rubber toys designed for dental health
- Homemade dog food – Dogs on homemade diets often have less dental tartar
- Natural dental chews – Look for options with fewer calories and cleaner ingredients
My Personal Experience
I used to give my terrier mix a Dentastix every day, thinking I was being a good dog mom. But after a few months, I noticed his harness was getting tighter! When I mentioned this to my vet, she immediately pointed to the dental treats as a likely culprit.
We switched to raw carrots as an occasional treat and started brushing his teeth 3 times a week. Not only did he slim down, but his breath actually improved more than when he was getting the Dentastix!
Bottom Line: Moderation is Key
So, are Dentastix fattening for dogs? The evidence suggests they certainly can be when given regularly. Like most treats, they’re fine as an occasional indulgence, but they shouldn’t be a daily habit for most dogs.
If you do choose to give your dog Dentastix:
- Limit them to 1-2 times per week rather than daily
- Consider breaking them in half, especially for smaller dogs
- Always adjust your dog’s regular food portions on days they get a Dentastix
- Continue with regular teeth brushing (don’t rely solely on the treats)
Remember, our dogs rely on us to make good choices for their health. A treat that contributes to obesity isn’t really a treat at all when you consider the health problems that extra weight can cause.
Have you noticed weight gain in your dog from dental treats? Or found a great low-calorie alternative? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
A health information resource for the dog parent
Most dog owners know that dental health is important for their dogs. It only makes sense that dental treats that encourage chewing can help, and to some extent, they do help prevent dental tartar. But they are also loaded with calories, lots of calories. Dental treats are a large factor contributing to the rising numbers of overweight or obese dogs. So how many calories do dental treats have?
 How Many Calories Do Dog Dental Treats Have?Â
There is a very popular dog treat available for dogs 50 pounds and over. It has 1060 calories for each treat! The total daily calorie need for a 50lb dog is 1000 calories. This treat has over 100% of the dogâs daily calorie needs. Added to the normal regular diet, a 50lb dog getting one dental treat per day is eating twice the calories it needs daily. And how many owners give their dogs more than 1 treat per day? No wonder 60% of pets are overweight or morbidly obese.Â
And it is not just this one treat. Other dental treats can contain anywhere from 15-70% of a dogâs daily caloric needs. If dog owners reduced the amount of dog food to make room for these extra calories, dogs become malnourished. Dog dental treats contain minuscule amounts of the protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals dogs need every day. Dog food does contain the proper amounts of all nutrients but only if fed the recommended amount daily. Cut back on the food and you cut back on the nutrients, a recipe for malnutrition.Â
But Do Dog Dental Treats Work?Â
To some degree, dog dental treats help prevent tarter, especially for teeth near the front of the mouth. No dental treat can prevent tarter on the back teeth because the shape of the dogâs jaw and lips wonât allow a cleaning action to occur. This is also true of dogs that chew bones for dental health. The back teeth just canât be reached chewing on a bone or treat. Back teeth can only be cleaned by the owners using a toothbrush or washcloth.Â
So hereâs what we know about dental treats:Â
- The risk of obesity or malnutrition is very high
- They offer only a limited amount of dental health
- Owners still have to brush their dogâs teethÂ
Do dog dental treats seem like a good idea to you? Promote your dogâs health. Feed âno calorieâ vegetable treats and brush their teeth at least 2-3 times per week. They stay in shape and have better dental health.
Also, consider homemade dog food. Dogs fed homemade diets tend to have less dental tartar and gum disease. AuthorKen Tudor DVM
Dr. Ken Tudor is a recognized expert and leader in the field of pet nutrition and fitness. He has developed a pet weight management program and served on the American Animal Hospital Association task force to develop their Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. He is also a frequent guest on the Pet World Insider radio show and a popular guest on the televised Pet Ex Talks-Pet Experts Empowering Pet Parents show.
The TRUTH About Pedigree DentaStix
FAQ
Is Dentastix safe for dogs?
Dentastix, a popular dental treat for dogs, claims to clean teeth and promote oral health. However, many pet owners have raised concerns about the ingredients used in Dentastix and the potential risks they may pose to our beloved pets. In this article, we will delve into the topic of Dentastix and explore whether they are truly safe for dogs.
Does Dentastix clean a dog’s teeth?
In conclusion, while Dentastix may claim to clean a dog’s teeth, the safety and quality of their ingredients are questionable. Pet owners concerned about their dog’s dental health should consider exploring healthier alternatives that have named ingredients and are made with natural, clean sources.
How many Dentastix can a dog have a day?
The shape has also been proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. How Many Dentastix Can A Dog Have Each Day? The recommendation on the packaging says a dog should only have one Dentastix a day. It’s important to know that while these treats are low in fat, they are high in calories.
How does Dentastix work for dogs?
It works by binding with calcium in a dog’s saliva, which helps to reduce the hardness of the dental plaque, making it easier to remove. This can be beneficial for dogs with poor oral hygiene or those prone to dental issues. However, it is important to note that Sodium Tripolyphosphate is not the main ingredient in Dentastix.
Does Dentastix remove tartar from dogs teeth?
But in reality, while Dentastix can help scrape some soft tartar off your dog’s teeth, they won’t remove the hardened plaque that causes gum disease and cavities which is why veterinarians still recommend comprehensive oral care like teeth brushing at home and regular checkups with a professional veterinarian. Conclusion:
What happens if a dog eats too much Dentastix?
However, if your dog eats too many Dentastix, he will probably have a good case of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Overindulging in any treats could cause tummy troubles. Very rarely, eating an excessive amount of Dentastix could cause bloating or even an intestinal blockage.
Can dogs eat Dentastix every day?
Thank you for your question regarding your girl Goldie! Thankfully the Dentastix aren’t toxic (unlike the chocolate in the choc chip cookies she ate the other time). The recommendation for 1 Dentastix per day is to try and prevent excess weight gain. Was it only the 5 Dentastix your girl ate? Nothing else?
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What are the side effects of Dentastix for dogs?
Giving a large Dentastix to a small dog under 30 lbs can cause choking or gastrointestinal blockage. Symptoms include gagging, vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Monitor closely for distress. If symptoms appear, seek veterinary care immediately.
Do vets recommend using Dentastix?
Denastix are a widely known dog treat that are recommended to be fed daily to help clean a dogs teeth. They are sold in most supermarkets and pet stores and are labelled as ‘vet approved’ and an all-round healthy treat.