Choosing the right dental chews for your dog can feel overwhelming when every product on the shelf claims to fight plaque and freshen breath. The truth is, not all chews are created equal — and picking the wrong one can waste money or even pose a safety risk. This guide breaks down what makes the best dental chews worth buying so you can shop with confidence.
Why Dental Chews Matter for Dogs
Periodontal disease affects the majority of dogs by age three. Left unchecked, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to gum inflammation, tooth loss, and potential systemic health issues affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Daily brushing is the gold standard, but let's be honest — most dogs aren't thrilled about a toothbrush. That's where dental chews come in. They provide a mechanical scrubbing action as your dog gnaws, helping to reduce plaque buildup between professional cleanings.
Think of dental chews as one layer in a broader oral health routine, not a complete replacement for other care. Combined with appropriate chew toys that encourage gnawing, they can make a real difference in your dog's mouth over time.
What to Look for in the Best Dental Chews
Not every treat marketed for teeth actually delivers results. Here's what separates effective products from glorified snacks:
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal: This independent organization tests products against strict plaque and tartar reduction standards. A VOHC-accepted label is the closest thing to a guarantee that the chew works.
- Texture and shape: Look for ridges, grooves, or a flexible-yet-firm texture. These features create friction against the tooth surface, which is the whole point.
- Digestibility: The chew should break down safely in your dog's stomach. Avoid anything that splinters or stays rock-hard when bitten.
- Limited fillers: Fewer artificial colors, sugars, and by-products mean a healthier chew overall. Check the ingredient list just as you would for any dog food or treat.
Calorie count matters too. Some dental chews pack 70–100+ calories each, which adds up fast for smaller breeds. Factor them into your dog's daily intake to avoid unwanted weight gain.
Types of Dental Chews for Dogs
Dental chews for dogs come in several formats, each with pros and cons. Understanding the differences helps you match the right product to your pet's chewing style.
Enzymatic chews contain ingredients that chemically inhibit bacteria in the mouth. They work even if your dog swallows pieces relatively quickly, making them a solid option for fast eaters.
Textured sticks and twists rely primarily on mechanical abrasion. These tend to be the most affordable and widely available, but they only work if your dog actually chews them thoroughly rather than gulping them down.
Raw or natural chews — such as bully sticks or tendons — offer long-lasting chew sessions. They're highly palatable but can vary in quality and calorie density. Always supervise your dog with natural chews to prevent choking.
Quick tip: Rotate between two or three types of dental chews to keep your dog interested. A bored dog chews less enthusiastically, which reduces the plaque-fighting benefit.
Safety and Sizing Tips
The single biggest safety rule: match the chew to your dog's size. A chew that's too small becomes a choking hazard. One that's too large may frustrate a small dog into giving up entirely.
Most reputable brands list weight-based sizing on the packaging. Follow those guidelines, and when in doubt, size up. A slightly oversized chew is always safer than one your dog can swallow whole.
Avoid chews that are harder than your dog's teeth. A good rule of thumb: if you can't indent the surface with your thumbnail, it's too hard. Excessively hard products — like antlers or solid bones — can fracture teeth, creating an expensive dental problem rather than solving one.
Always supervise chew time, especially the first few sessions with a new product. Once you know how your dog handles a particular chew, you can relax — but never leave a dog unattended with a small or nearly finished piece.
How to Use Dental Chews Effectively
Consistency beats intensity. One dental chew per day is the standard recommendation for most products, and daily use is what the clinical studies behind VOHC acceptance are typically based on.
Timing can help too. Offering a chew after meals mimics the post-meal brushing routine dentists recommend for humans. It clears food debris while your dog is already in "eating mode."
Pair dental chews with other oral-health-friendly habits. Durable dog toys with textured surfaces encourage recreational chewing that also benefits the gums. And browsing our full range of dog health products can help you build a comprehensive care routine that covers teeth, parasites, and everything in between.
Keep an eye on your dog's teeth and gums. Signs like persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, broken teeth, or reluctance to eat may indicate a dental issue that chews alone can't address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I give my dog a dental chew?
Most products are designed for once-daily use. Check the packaging for specific guidance and always account for the extra calories in your dog's daily food allowance. Consistency matters more than quantity — one chew each day outperforms a handful given sporadically.
Can dental chews replace brushing my dog's teeth?
They're a helpful supplement but not a complete substitute. Brushing remains the most effective way to remove plaque along the gum line. If your dog won't tolerate a toothbrush, daily dental chews are the next-best option and far better than doing nothing at all.
Are dental chews safe for puppies?
Many dental chews are formulated for adult dogs and may be too hard or too large for puppies. Look for products specifically labeled for puppies, and choose softer textures that won't damage developing teeth. When puppies are teething, gentle rubber chew toys are often a better choice.
Ready to upgrade your dog's oral care routine? Browse our full selection of dog health products to find dental chews, parasite prevention, and more — all at prices that make daily care easy to maintain. If your dog has existing dental concerns, a quick chat with your vet can help you choose the right starting point.