Our canine pal deserves to receive only the best treatment, and an individual’s oral health impacts his/her entire body immensely. Dental Treats A great fun way to help maintain dental hygiene for your dog is with these carnivore-inspired and easily digestible chews. The specific shapes and textures of these premium dog treats fulfill the dog’s desire to eat something delicious while including teeth-cleaning action in every bite.
This comprehensive guide explores the best dental treats for dogs, delving into their benefits, ingredients, and effectiveness. By understanding what constitutes the best dental treats for dogs, you can make informed decisions to ensure your furry friend maintains a healthy, happy smile for years to come.
Understanding Canine Dental Health
Before we get into the treats themselves, we must know why dog dental health is so important and how dental treats can help keep dogs in good shape.
The Importance of Canine Dental Health
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of dental issues, including:
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth decay
- Bad breath (halitosis)
You should know that these problems can hurt your dog’s mouth and cause more severe health issues. When you get a dental infection, bacteria can enter your system and break your heart, brain, and kidneys.
How Dental Treats Work
Dental treats work through several mechanisms to promote oral health:
- Mechanical Cleaning: The texture and shape of dental treats are designed to scrape against the teeth as the dog chews, helping to remove plaque and tartar.
- Enzymatic Action: Some dental treats contain enzymes that help break down plaque and tartar.
- Antimicrobial Ingredients: Certain treats include ingredients with antimicrobial properties that can help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
- Breath Freshening: Many dental treats contain ingredients that help neutralize odours and freshen your breath.
Key Features of Effective Dental Treats
When looking for the best dental treats for dogs, consider the following features:
- VOHC Approval: The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards its Seal of Acceptance to products that meet its standards for plaque and tartar control.
- Appropriate Size and Texture: The treat should be the right size for your dog and have a texture that promotes chewing and dental abrasion.
- Safe Ingredients: Look for natural ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
- Low in calories: Dental treats should not contribute significantly to weight gain.
- Palatable: The treat should appeal to your dog to ensure they’ll eat it.
- Digestible: The treatment should be easily digestible to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Top 10 Best Dental Treats for Dogs
Here’s a list of ten of the best dental treats for dogs based on effectiveness, popularity, and veterinary recommendations:
1. Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats
- VOHC approved
- Available in different sizes for various dog breeds
- Contains natural ingredients and added vitamins
2. Pedigree Dentastix
- X-shape design helps clean hard-to-reach teeth
- Available in various flavors
- Clinically proven to reduce tartar buildup
3. Purina Dental Life Adult Dental Dog Treats
- Porous texture helps clean teeth to the gum line
- No artificial flavours or colors
- Scientifically tested to reduce tartar buildup
4. Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
- Twisted design helps clean like a toothbrush
- VOHC approved for tartar control
- Fortified with calcium and minerals
5. Whimzees Natural Dental Dog Treats
- Made with limited, natural ingredients
- Unique shapes promote blood flow through the gums
- VOHC approved for plaque and tartar reduction
6. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews
- It contains delmopinol, which forms a protective barrier against bacterial attachment
- Helps freshen breath
- Demonstrates a significant reduction in plaque and calculus
7. Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fresh Tartar Control Dog Chews
- Plant-based ingredients
- VOHC approved for plaque and tartar control
- Helps freshen breath with a patented Fr3sh technology
8. Blue Buffalo Dental Bones
- All-natural ingredients
- No chicken or poultry by-product meals
- It is specially shaped to clean teeth and freshen breath
9. Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste
- Combines a dental chew with toothpaste ingredients
- The outer layer helps clean teeth, while the inner layer freshens breath
- All-natural ingredients
10. Merrick Fresh Kisses Dental Dog Treats
- Double-brush design for effective cleaning
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Available in various flavors and sizes
Comparison Table of Dental Treats for Dogs
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a comparison table of the top dental treats for dogs:
| Product Name | VOHC Approved | Main Ingredients | Size Options | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies Original | Yes | Wheat flour, glycerin, gelatin, natural flavors | Teenie to Large | Bendable texture for thorough chewing |
| Pedigree Dentastix | No | Rice flour, wheat starch, glycerin, gelatin | Small to Large | X-shape design for cleaning |
| Purina DentaLife | No | Rice, corn gluten meal, wheat flour, glycerin | Small/Medium, Large | Porous texture for deep cleaning |
| Milk-Bone Brushing Chews | Yes | Rice, powdered cellulose, chicken by-product meal | Mini, Small/Medium, Large | Twisted design mimics toothbrush |
| Whimzees Natural | Yes | Potato starch, glycerin, powdered cellulose | XX-Small to X-Large | Unique shapes for gum stimulation |
| OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews | No | Corn syrup, pork protein, glycerin | Extra Small to Large | Contains delmopinol for bacterial barrier |
| Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh | Yes | Corn starch, glycerin, soy protein isolate | Extra Small to Large | Plant-based with Fr3sh technology |
| Blue Buffalo Dental Bones | No | Potato, vegetable glycerin, flaxseed | Mini, Small, Regular | All-natural ingredients, no by-products |
| Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste | No | Rice flour, oat fiber, honey, vanilla | Mini to Large | Combines chew with toothpaste |
| Merrick Fresh Kisses | No | Potato starch, pea protein, gelatin | Extra Small to Large | Double-brush design, all-natural |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Dental Treats
When selecting the best dental treats for your dog, consider the following factors:
- Size of Your Dog: Choose treats that are appropriate for your dog’s size to prevent choking hazards and ensure effective cleaning.
- Dietary Restrictions: Check the ingredient list carefully if your dog has any allergies or sensitivities.
- Calorie Content: Be aware of the calorie content in dental treats and adjust your dog’s regular food intake to prevent weight gain.
- Texture and Hardness: The treat should be hard enough to provide cleaning action but not so hard that it could damage your dog’s teeth.
- Frequency of Use: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often to give the treats.
- Your Dog’s Preferences: Some dogs may prefer certain flavors or textures over others.
- Cost: Consider the long-term cost of using the treats as part of your dog’s regular dental care routine.
- Veterinary Recommendations: Consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has existing dental issues.
Incorporating Dental Treats into Your Dog’s Oral Care Routine
While dental treats can be an effective tool for maintaining your dog’s oral health, they should be part of a comprehensive dental care routine:
- Regular Brushing: Aim to brush your dog’s teeth daily or at least several times weekly.
- Professional Cleanings: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your veterinarian.
- Dental Toys: Provide dental toys that can help clean teeth through chewing action.
- Water Additives: Consider using dental water additives to help fight plaque and freshen your breath.
- Balanced Diet: Feed a balanced diet that supports overall dental health.
- Regular Inspections: Check your dog’s mouth regularly for signs of dental issues, such as bad breath, red or swollen gums, or discolored teeth.
Potential Risks and Precautions
While dental treats are generally safe, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
- Choking Hazard: Always supervise your dog when giving them dental treats, especially if it’s a new type.
- Digestive Issues: Some dogs may experience digestive upset if they consume too many treats or if the treats don’t agree with them.
- Calorie Intake: Be mindful of the calories in dental treats to prevent weight gain.
- Allergic Reactions: Watch for any signs of allergic reactions, especially when introducing a new treat.
- Dental Damage: Tough treats could damage teeth, especially in dogs with dental issues.
- False Sense of Security: Dental treats should not replace regular dental care practices like brushing and professional cleanings.
Best dental treats for dogs FAQ
How often should I give my dog dental treats?
How often you give it to your dog depends on the treat and what it needs. Many tooth treats are meant to be given daily, but you should always follow the directions on the package and talk to your doctor first.
Can dental treats replace brushing my dog’s teeth?
Dental treats can support dental health but shouldn’t replace brushing entirely. Brushing regularly may still be the most effective way to avoid plaque and tartar accumulation.
Are dental treats safe for puppies?
Some dental treats are specifically formulated for puppies, but many are designed for adult dogs. Always check the packaging for age recommendations and consult with your veterinarian.
What should I do if my dog doesn’t like dental treats?
Try a different brand or type of tooth treat if your dog doesn’t like the ones you give them. You can also look into other ways to care for your teeth, such as adding oral toys or wipes to your water.
Can dental treats help with bad breath?
Many tooth treats are made to help your breath smell better. However, persistent bad breath could indicate that your pet needs a vet checkup for dental or health issues.
Dental treats can be an excellent addition to your dog’s oral care routine, offering a fun and tasty way to support their dental health. The best dental treats for dogs combine effective cleaning action with safe, palatable ingredients that dogs enjoy. Choosing high-quality dental treats and incorporating them into a comprehensive dental care plan can help maintain your dog’s oral health, potentially reducing the risk of serious dental and associated health problems.
Here are a couple of reminders that dental treats should not be all you do with your dog’s teeth, They are an easy and helpful part of their care but will never replace home brushing or professional cleaning. Always consult your veterinarian to tailor your dog’s best dental care plan based on age, breed, and general health.
If you get quality dental treats and a controlled oral care tootsie roll, your fur baby will have a wonderful shiner for years. After all, a healthy mouth leads to a healthier dog and a happier best friend for you.
