Best Dental Treats for dogs.

by

The Best Dental Treats for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Chompers

I. Introduction: Why Your Dog’s Dental Health Matters

Every dog owner loves to give their furry friend a treat, and dental treats offer a dual purpose: they serve as a fun snack that also contributes to positive oral health. It’s crucial to understand that harmful bacteria in a dog’s mouth can lead to serious problems, including gingivitis, periodontitis, tartar and plaque buildup, infections, or abscesses. These conditions can become costly to treat if professional veterinary intervention is needed. Given that dogs have 42 teeth, routine care is important to keep their chompers healthy throughout their lives.

This article will guide you through understanding how dental treats work, the benefits they offer, the critical factors to consider when selecting the Best Dental Treats for Dogs, and how to integrate them into a holistic dental care routine for your canine companion.

Best Dental Treats for Dogs

II. How Dog Dental Treats Work and Their Benefits

Dog dental treats are designed to go beyond just being a tasty snack; they actively contribute to your dog’s oral hygiene.

  • The Mechanical Action:
    The primary mechanism by which dental treats help is through the abrasive act of chewing. As dogs chew, the treat’s texture and shape physically scrape away plaque and/or tartar buildup from the tooth surfaces. Many dental chews feature specific textures, shapes, and grooves—for instance, the unique Z-shape of Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh chews—which are engineered to enhance this cleaning action by facilitating better grip and maximizing surface contact for scraping away buildup.
  • Active Ingredients for Oral Health: Beyond mechanical action, certain ingredients in dental treats actively support oral health. Look for chews that include:
    • Enzymes that help break down plaque and tartar. The Logic Prozym Dental Chews, for example, combine active chewing with carefully selected enzymes for plaque removal.
    • Baking soda or calcium to help maintain tooth enamel and prevent plaque buildup.
    • Natural additives like parsley, peppermint, or chlorophyll for freshening breath. Products like Forthglade Natural Dental Sticks or Wainwright’s Dental Sticks with Mint & Parsley often incorporate these.
    • Seaweed products or kelp powder (e.g., ProDen PlaqueOff) are alternative additives that can be sprinkled on food or found in treat form for plaque and tartar control.
  • Beyond Just Cleaning: Additional Benefits of Dental Chews Dental chews offer several advantages beyond just cleaning teeth:
    • Promote Jaw Exercise: Chewing on these treats keeps your pet’s jaw muscles strong and engaged.
    • Mental Stimulation & Stress Reduction: Long-lasting dental chews can provide hours of enjoyment and mental stimulation, helping to alleviate boredom and reduce stress or anxiety in dogs, especially during challenging situations or when left alone.
    • Behavioral Benefits: Providing appropriate dental chews can redirect destructive chewing habits away from household items, furniture, or shoes.
    • Nutritional Value: Many natural dental sticks are formulated with wholesome, easily digestible ingredients and can offer additional nutritional benefits such as vitamins, minerals, or Omega-3 fatty acids, supporting overall well-being.
    • Gum Health: The chewing action can also massage a dog’s gums, promoting healthy gum tissue, which is essential for maintaining strong teeth and preventing oral discomfort or disease.

III. Crucial Factors When Choosing the Best Dental Treats for Dogs

Selecting the right dental treat is paramount for your dog’s safety and oral health.

  • The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance: The Gold Standard
    • What it is: The VOHC is a critical resource. It awards its Seal of Acceptance to products that have been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar (and therefore gingivitis) through strict trials.
    • Why it’s essential: Many dental chews on the market do not actually work as claimed. The VOHC seal provides a crucial indicator of a product’s safety and effectiveness.
    • Examples of VOHC-Accepted Edible Chew Treats: The VOHC lists numerous accepted products. Notable examples frequently recommended by vets and appearing in best-seller lists include:
      • Greenies (available in Regular, Weight Management, Hip and Joint Care, Grain-Free, Aging Care, and Puppy varieties).
      • Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh chews, which Dr. Melissa Guillory, a board-certified veterinary dentist, considers among the best due to their unique Z-shape for cleaning and easy digestibility.
      • Purina DentaLife (Daily Oral Care, ActivFresh, and Plus Digestive Support options).
      • Hill’s Science Diet Canine Oral Care Chews.
      • Pedigree Dentastix (including Advanced and Daily versions).
      • OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews.
      • WHIMZEES (including BRUSHZEES, Toothbrush Dental Dog Treats, Stix, Rice Bone, Alligator, and Puppy Stix).
      • ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bites.
      • Yummy Combs Treats for Dogs.
  • Safety First: Hardness, Size, and Shape
    • Appropriate Size & Shape: Always choose a chew appropriate for your dog’s size to ensure maximum effectiveness and prevent potential choking hazards. Chews with ridges or grooves are often more effective at cleaning by scraping away plaque.
    • CRITICAL WARNING: Avoid Hard Chews: Dr. Melissa Guillory, a board-certified veterinary dentist, strongly advises AVOIDING HARD CHEW OBJECTS such as bones (especially cooked bones), bully sticks, antlers, and nyla bones. These commonly lead to cracked or broken teeth, which necessitate costly endodontic or extraction therapy. Even raw bones can cause dental damage or intestinal blockages. While products like Himalayan Yak Chews and antlers are marketed for their durability, the sources warn that if considering them, supervision is paramount, and the chew should be removed if it breaks into small or hard pieces.
    • Supervision: Always supervise your dog while they are chewing dental treats to prevent choking or injury. If a treat breaks into small or hard pieces, remove it immediately.
  • Ingredients and Dietary Considerations:
    • Allergies and Sensitivities: If your dog has known food allergies or sensitivities, meticulously check the ingredients list to avoid any trigger ingredients. Many natural dental sticks are less likely to contain common allergens.
    • Natural vs. Processed: Prioritize natural dental sticks made from wholesome, easily digestible ingredients that avoid artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers. These options are often described as having “no additives, no preservatives, just natural goodness”.
    • Caloric Content: Dental chews contribute calories to your dog’s daily intake. Be mindful of caloric content and adjust regular meals accordingly to prevent weight gain. As a general guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Look for low-calorie options if weight is a concern.
  • Dog’s Personal Preference: The most effective dental chew is one your dog will actually enjoy and want to chew on consistently. You may need to experiment with different sizes, shapes, textures, and flavors to find your dog’s favorite.

IV. Dental Chews as Part of a Comprehensive Oral Care Routine

It’s vital to understand that while dental chews are a “fantastic addition” to your dog’s oral care routine, they are NOT a replacement for annual dental checkups, professional cleanings, and daily tooth brushing at home.

  • The “Gold Standard” of Home Care: Daily tooth brushing is widely considered the “gold standard” for optimal oral home care. Tools like an ultrasonic toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste are highly recommended for effective brushing, even for hard-to-reach back molars.
  • Professional Intervention: If existing tartar (calculus) is present on your dog’s teeth, a Comprehensive Oral Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) is recommended. This procedure involves a detailed oral evaluation performed under anesthesia, full mouth dental imaging, charting, and thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces.
  • Frequency and Supervision: Most dog dental chews should be given once a day as part of a dog’s optimal daily calorie intake. Always check the specific packaging instructions for serving recommendations and consult with your veterinarian for tailored advice that considers your dog’s unique dental and caloric needs.
  • Other VOHC-Accepted Dental Care Products: Beyond edible chews, the VOHC also provides seals of acceptance for other types of dental care products, indicating their effectiveness. These include:
    • Dental diets.
    • Water additives.
    • Oral gels, oral sprays, and toothpastes.
    • Toothbrushes and wipes.
    • Non-edible chews made from durable materials like rubber or nylon, which help scrape away plaque and tartar without adding calories.

V. Special Considerations for Specific Dog Needs

When choosing the best dental treats for dogs, it’s important to tailor your selection to your dog’s individual characteristics.

  • Puppies:
    Puppy-specific dental sticks can be particularly beneficial during their teething phase, which typically occurs between 3 and 7 months of age. These chews can help soothe discomfort from erupting teeth, massage gums, redirect destructive chewing behaviour away from household items, and aid in the removal of loose baby teeth. It’s crucial to choose age-appropriate and gentle options designed specifically for developing teeth and gums.
  • Dogs with Sensitivities/Allergies: For dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, prioritize hypoallergenic options that do not contain known trigger ingredients. Natural dental sticks are generally less likely to contain common allergens.
  • Weight Management: If your dog is on a calorie-controlled diet or needs to lose weight, opt for low-calorie dental chews to support their weight management goals without adding excess calories.

VI. Addressing Common Questions and Misconceptions about the Best Dental Treats for Dogs:

  • “Do all dog dental chews actually work?”
    No, absolutely not. Only products that have earned the VOHC Seal of Acceptance are scientifically proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar. Many commercial dental sticks available on the market may contain artificial additives and fillers and do not provide effective dental benefits.
  • “Can dental treats replace daily brushing?”
    No, absolutely not. While dental treats are a beneficial supplement to your dog’s oral hygiene routine, they are NOT a substitute for daily toothbrushing. Daily toothbrushing with an appropriate enzymatic toothpaste is considered the “gold standard” for optimal oral home care. They also do not replace professional veterinary cleanings.
  • “Are super hard chews like antlers safe for my dog’s teeth?”
    According to veterinary experts, extremely hard chews, such as bones (cooked or raw), antlers, bully sticks, and nylon bones, pose a significant risk of cracked or broken teeth, which can be very painful and necessitate costly veterinary dental procedures. Safer alternatives exist that offer effective abrasion without the inherent danger of dental damage.

VII. Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Canine Oral Health

In summary, dental treats are a valuable tool in maintaining your dog’s oral health, offering benefits like plaque and tartar reduction, freshening breath, jaw exercise, and mental stimulation. However, they are just one component of a comprehensive approach to canine dental health.

The most effective strategy combines VOHC-accepted dental treats with the “gold standard” of daily brushing and regular veterinary dental check-ups and professional cleanings. Always prioritize products with the VOHC seal for proven effectiveness and choose treats appropriate for your dog’s size, age, and dietary needs. Be wary of extremely hard chews to avoid potential tooth damage.

Ultimately, always consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance on your dog’s unique dental condition, size, age, and overall oral hygiene needs.

Analogy: Think of dental treats for dogs like using mouthwash for humans. Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath, serving as a helpful addition to your daily routine. However, it doesn’t replace brushing your teeth twice a day or going to the dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. Similarly, dental treats support your dog’s dental health but are a complement to, not a substitute for, consistent brushing and comprehensive veterinary dental care.

Leave a Comment