Do Dental Treats for Dogs work? Essential Tips

Why are dog dental chews popular?

As pup parents, we know that good oral health is critical to our dogs’ long-term health, and we’re always looking for new tips to save time. Though tooth brushing is one of the most effective methods to keep our furry friends from getting periodontal disease (or an ugly buildup of plaque, tartar and inflamed gums), they don’t usually appreciate our efforts to keep their mouths healthy.

That’s why dog dental chews, along with treats and sticks, have been growing in popularity in recent years. There are a lot of choices out there for products that purport to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. But before you get overwhelmed, let’s review some of these oral healthcare products to identify whether they are actually worth the cost.

Types of Dog Dental Treats and Diets

A wide variety of dog dental treats and diets make claims of reducing plaque and tartar or improving breath. Some have voluntarily been tested and received the VOHC seal of approval. Most are available in stores, but some you can only purchase through veterinarians. Here are the main types:

Rawhide chews. Made from the hides of cows or horses, rawhide chews can reduce plaque and tartar. They come in different sizes and shapes.

Dental chews, bones, and biscuits. Greenies®, Del Monte Tartar Check® Dog Biscuits, Bright Bites, OraVet® Dental Hygiene Chews, and Vetradent Dog Chews are examples of edible products approved by the VOHC.

Dog dental diets. Some dog food formulations help reduce plaque and tartar. They do this in a variety of ways. Some are made into larger kibble or a texture that resists crumbling, which creates a scrubbing action. Others have a special coating that helps prevent bacteria, reduce plaque, or discourage the formation of tartar. Ask your vet about these and special dental diets available only through the veterinary market.

Dog chew toys. Although not edible, chew toys such as Kong® toys, Plaque Attackers®, or Gumabones® may be a good choice, especially for dogs that chew through edible treats too quickly.

Do pet dental chews work? That is a little bit of a tricky question because the answer is yes… and no.

Dental treats and chews, if properly designed, do have the potential to help keep plaque and tartar buildup to a minimum. They are not, however, a substitute for regular dental cleanings. After all, you wouldn’t consider eating a few crunchy chips a day a good replacement for visiting your dentist, would you?

Despite our best efforts, most dogs and cats are not very appreciative of our attempts to brush their teeth. Tooth brushing is one of the most effective things that pet owners can do to maintain their pet’s oral health, but if it isn’t getting done, it is not helping.

The over-the-counter pet supply market is big business. Pet owners spend millions of dollars every year on toys, accessories, and health care products for their beloved furry family friends.

We have all heard how important dental care is for our pets, so it is no wonder that the market is flooded with pet dental chews, treats, rinses, and foods. But before you get lost in this plethora of oral care products for pets, take a step back and learn about if they are really worth the cost.

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